Image via Complex Original
1.
The first Jem and the Holograms trailer is here and it's...well, truly not outrageous at all. The live-action adaptation of the beloved '80s cartoon (and popular Hasbro doll) gives the story a modern spin, with our titular Jem (played by Audrey Peeples) becoming a viral YouTube sensation. It's a life-changing moment that transforms the unknown Jerrica Benton into her celebrity alter-ego (much like how this cult TV show will get mainstream eyeballs thanks to a big studio release). As unsensational as this trailer is, we're still itching to see how Jem translates to the big screen. The Jon M. Chu-directed film, also starring Juliette Binoche, Molly Ringwald, and Ryan Guzman, hits theaters on Oct. 23, but here are some other outrageously awesome girl-band films you need to see beforehand.
2.Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains (1982)
A few years before Jem debuted her outrageous style on television, a young Diane Lane perfected the red rock star eyeshadow as teen punk rocker Corinne Burns in this cult classic. She and her bandmates can't play music for shit, but that only makes them more punk. Plus, Corinne's got a zero-fucks attitude and screams this perfect quote onstage: "I'm perfect but nobody in this shithole gets me because I don't put out!"
3.The Runaways (2010)
This biopic gave Kristen Stewart the role she was born to play: a young Joan Jett in her early band days in The Runaways. Dakota Fanning plays spunky frontwoman Cherie Currie, who, in real life, truly outraged audiences with her music and "you're too young to be wearing that" stage outfits.
4.We Are the Best! (2010)
This Swedish film (Vi är bäst!) was low-key one of the best movies of 2014. Set in the '80s, the film follows three teen girls who decide to start a punk band—despite everyone telling them punk is dead. They cut their hair and write songs about angsty teen stuff (like about how much they hate gym class). It's super endearing and hilarious. Also there's a great scene where they tell the boys, "Don't call us a girl band." (And with that, I apologize for this list.)
5.Times Square (1980)
Two girls escape a mental institute and explore Times Square, somehow making my number one place to avoid in New York City look cool as hell. With the help of a radio DJ played by Tim Curry, the girls start a rock band that's not only outrageous but also... problematic.
6.Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)
This psychedelic '70s cult flick is soooooo unmistakably '70s. Three gals in a soul band, wearing go-go boots? I mean, yes please. It's raunchy and shocking, even now, thanks to the twisted mind of its screenwriter, Roger Ebert (yes, that Roger Ebert).
7.Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
I'm sorry but this film rules and so does the soundtrack. Please don't try to argue with me.
8.Honorable Mention: God Help the Girl (2014)
Belle & Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch directed and wrote the songs for this movie, which will make its twee level as predictable as a Wes Anderson flick. And okay, there's a boy in the band, but it's fronted by two girls, and of course the songs are really, really good, because Stuart Murdoch is a pop genius.