🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Darren Stein
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Teen
- Release year: 2013
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 5.9/10 (12K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A nerdy gay teen gets accidentally outed and suddenly becomes the hottest accessory for popularity-obsessed high school girls, resulting in a bizarre popularity contest that involves glitter bombs and awkward prom moments.
🍿 G.B.F.: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction of Tanner and Brent
Tanner Daniels, a comic book enthusiast, and his flamboyant best friend Brent Van Camp navigate their high school experience. Brent yearns to be a trendy ‘Gay Best Friend’ (GBF), while Tanner remains closeted. Their contrasting desires set the stage for the film’s central conflict as they navigate their identities and social circles.

The Accidental Outing
Brent installs a gay dating app on Tanner’s phone, leading to Tanner’s accidental outing. This event catapults Tanner into the spotlight as three popular clique queens—Fawcett, ‘Shley, and Caprice—vie for his attention, each wanting him as their GBF. Tanner’s life is turned upside down as he’s thrust into a world of popularity and superficiality.

Navigating Popularity and Friendship
As Tanner navigates his newfound popularity, he finds himself drifting away from his true friends, including Brent. The clique queens makeover Tanner, but his transformation impacts his original relationships. He must decide between embracing his new role as the ‘hottest teen-girl accessory’ and staying true to himself.

Prom and Climax
The prom becomes a pivotal point in the film. Tanner initially seeks to attend with a new interest, Christian, but faces resistance. This prompts Fawcett to organize an alternative prom. The tensions escalate, leading to a series of revelations and decisions that redefine the characters’ relationships and identities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Tanner Daniels (Michael J. Willett): A comic book-loving teenager who is unexpectedly outed and becomes a sought-after ‘Gay Best Friend’ by the school’s popular girls.
- Brent Van Camp (Paul Iacono): Tanner’s flamboyant best friend who initially dreams of becoming the ‘Gay Best Friend’ but struggles with his own identity and desires.
- Fawcett Brooks (Sasha Pieterse): One of the popular clique queens who seeks Tanner’s friendship to boost her social status but ultimately reveals a more genuine side.
- ‘Shley Osgoode (Andrea Bowen): A seemingly innocent Mormon princess who competes for Tanner’s attention while grappling with her own internal conflicts.
- Caprice Winters (Xosha Roquemore): A drama diva and another queen bee who views Tanner as a means to elevate her own popularity and influence.
- Mrs. Van Camp (Megan Mullally): Brent’s supportive and understanding mother who tries to help him navigate his identity and feelings.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Brent: “I want to be a G.B.F. It’s the hottest new teen-girl accessory.” – Brent expresses his desire to become the coveted ‘Gay Best Friend’ to gain popularity.
- Caprice: “What kind of gay person are you?” – Caprice questions Tanner’s lack of stereotypical gay interests after he doesn’t fit her expectations.
- ‘Shley: “I’ve always wanted a gay best friend.” – ‘Shley expresses her desire to have a GBF to become more popular.
- Tanner: “I’m just Tanner, I like comic books, and I happen to like guys.” – Tanner defines himself beyond the ‘gay’ label, emphasizing his individuality.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $200,000 (estimated)
- Domestic Gross: $74,505
- Worldwide Gross: $99,661
💥 G.B.F. Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but G.B.F. was surprisingly fun! I loved the over-the-top characters and the whole ‘gay best friend as a trend’ concept was hilarious. The prom scene with the glitter bomb was classic! I felt myself relating to the main character, Tanner. It was really heartwarming seeing him navigate high school drama while staying true to himself. I think the movie is a must-watch!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of teen comedies”
- “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ themes”
- “Audiences who enjoy satire”
- “Those looking for a light-hearted movie”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Suggestive content”
- “Stereotypical portrayals”
- “Some thematic elements may be offensive to certain viewers”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “G.B.F. is a spirited, if somewhat uneven, satire on high school social dynamics and the commodification of identity. While it occasionally relies on stereotypes, the film’s energetic performances and sharp dialogue make for an entertaining viewing experience. The movie experience provides fun and entertainment for viewers.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “The film tackles relevant social issues with a light touch, but it struggles to find a balance between satire and genuine emotional depth. The core story is great and delivers entertainment, but the script lacks nuance and complexity. Watch the movie to explore high school dynamics and gay teenagers.
- AV Club: “GBF is surprisingly heartfelt and humorous coming-of-age movies. The movie provides good character arcs. Despite some predictable plot points, the film is still a fun watch. The movie delivers a modern take of gay teenager and a high school settings. Recommended to watch.
Audience Reactions
The witty dialogue and clever satire had me laughing out loud throughout the entire movie.: Viewers consistently praised the film’s humor and lighthearted approach to serious themes.
I really enjoyed Megan Mullally’s role as Brent’s mom, she delivered a tender-hearted performance.: The casting was great, with particular appreciation for the supporting roles and Megan Mullally’s standout performance.
Overall Consensus: G.B.F. is a fun and entertaining teen comedy that offers a lighthearted take on high school social dynamics and coming-of-age themes. While it may rely on stereotypes, its humor, energetic performances, and heartfelt moments make it an enjoyable watch.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Darren Stein publicly criticized the MPAA for giving the film an R rating, believing it was PG-13 material and the R rating was due to the film’s gay themes.”
- “The film satirizes the ‘Gay Best Friend’ trope, exploring the complexities of identity, acceptance, and the commodification of LGBTQ+ individuals in popular culture.”
- “Megan Mullally’s character, Mrs. Van Camp, is a nod to her role as Karen Walker on “Will & Grace,” known for its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters on television.”
🖥️ How to Watch G.B.F.?
G.B.F. is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can also rent or purchase the movie through these services. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed G.B.F., you might like these similar films:
- Mean Girls (2004): Explores the dynamics of high school cliques and social warfare with sharp wit and satire.
- But I’m a Cheerleader (1999): Satirical comedy that challenges stereotypes and explores self-discovery within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Love, Simon (2018): Modern coming-of-age story that deals with self-acceptance, identity, and the challenges of coming out in high school.
- Clueless (1995): Classic teen comedy that satirizes high school culture, popularity, and the quest for social status.
🛒 G.B.F. Related Products
- G.B.F. [Blu-ray]: Own the movie on Blu-ray and relive the hilarious moments again and again. The Blu-ray edition features bonus content.
- The Mean Girls Musical: The Official Musical Adaptation of the popular Mean Girls movie comes to Amazon Prime Video.
- Funko Pop! Movies: Mean Girls – Regina George: Vinyl figure of Regina George from Mean Girls, a must-have for collectors and fans of teen comedies.
- Love, Simon [Blu-ray]: Another notable coming-of-age LGBT film that explores similar themes with sincerity and humor.
🎧 Soundtrack
G.B.F. features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
G.B.F. is available on streaming platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and rental options.
G.B.F. is a teen comedy about a high school student who is accidentally outed and becomes the coveted ‘Gay Best Friend’ of three popular girls, forcing him to choose between popularity and his true friends.
The main actors in G.B.F. include Michael J. Willett, Paul Iacono, Sasha Pieterse, and Andrea Bowen.
G.B.F. is rated R, primarily due to language and some suggestive content. Parents should review content warnings to determine appropriateness for younger teens.
🔥 Bonus Content
Sasha Pieterse “G.B.F. Is Not Just Some TEEN Movie” – G.B.F. LA Premiere Red Carpet Interview
Ever wonder what the cast *really* thinks about the movies they’re in? Sasha Pieterse gives a compelling reason why G.B.F. is more than just a teen flick, and honestly, it makes you see the film in a whole new light. Check it out!
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