🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David Mirkin
- Genre: Comedy
- Release year: 1997
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (56K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two totally awesome yet clueless best friends invent a fake career to impress high school bullies, only to discover that being themselves is way more fashionable than inventing sticky notes, like, duh!
🍿 Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Los Angeles Dreamin’
Romy and Michele, two best friends, live a carefree life in Los Angeles. Romy works at a Jaguar dealership, while Michele is unemployed, and they spend their days clubbing and enjoying their friendship. Their seemingly simple existence is disrupted when they receive news of their upcoming 10-year high school reunion in Tucson, Arizona.

The Reunion Plan
Realizing their lives might not be as impressive as their former classmates expect, Romy and Michele decide to concoct a plan. They aim to present themselves as successful businesswomen, hoping to impress the ‘A-Group’ who used to make their lives miserable. Their plan involves borrowing a fancy car, acquiring business suits, and inventing a story about how they invented Post-it notes.

Road Trip Rumble
As Romy and Michele embark on their road trip to Tucson, tensions rise. An argument ensues over who contributed more to the ‘invention’ of Post-its, leading to a rift in their friendship. This conflict threatens to derail their entire plan and their relationship as they approach the reunion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Romy White (Mira Sorvino): One of the two best friends, Romy is a Jaguar dealership cashier who seeks to impress her former classmates at their high school reunion.
- Michele Weinberger (Lisa Kudrow): The other half of the inseparable duo, Michele is an unemployed and naive woman who supports Romy’s plan to create a fake successful image for the reunion.
- Heather Mooney (Janeane Garofalo): A cynical and chain-smoking former classmate who provides Romy and Michele with the information about their upcoming high school reunion.
- Sandy Frink (Alan Cumming): A former nerdy classmate who was in love with Michele and returns to the reunion as a wealthy and successful businessman.
- Christie Masters (Julia Campbell): The former head of the popular clique and a mean-spirited woman who represents the superficiality Romy and Michele are trying to overcome.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Michele: “I’m the Mary, you’re the Rhoda.” – Michele says this during an argument with Romy while they’re deciding who is cuter, referencing the characters from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
- Michele: “Oh, okay. Um, I invented Post-Its.” – Michele blurts this out when asked what she’s been up to, as part of their elaborate lie for the high school reunion.
- Romy: “And I thought of them completely by myself. I mean, all Michele did was say: ‘What about making them yellow?’” – Romy attempts to take full credit for the Post-it invention, minimizing Michele’s contribution to the fake story.
- Heather: “Why don’t you go wed a sheep?” – Heather says this iconic line when she is annoyed by Clarence.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $20M
- Domestic Gross: $29.2M
- Worldwide Gross: $29.2M
💥 Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I absolutely adore this movie! It’s like a warm hug of 90s nostalgia. Romy and Michele are just the best – so unapologetically themselves! When they show up in those homemade outfits? Iconic! I love how they stick together, even when they’re trying to be something they’re not. It’s a reminder that being yourself is way cooler than trying to impress anyone, and that message always makes me smile. Plus, the dance scene at the end? Pure gold!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 90s comedies”
- “Viewers who enjoy stories about friendship and self-acceptance”
- “People who appreciate movies with strong female leads”
- “Those nostalgic for 80s music and fashion”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Some suggestive humor”
- “Thematic elements of high school bullying”
Professional Reviews
- Rolling Stone: “Sorvino and Kudrow are comedically brilliant, capturing the essence of lovable, if slightly dim, dreamers. The film smartly satirizes high school hierarchies while celebrating the power of female friendship. A feel-good movie that’s smarter than it looks.
- The New York Times: “The film’s strength lies in its willingness to embrace absurdity and silliness. Kudrow and Sorvino’s performances are key to its success, creating memorable characters who are both endearing and hilariously clueless. It’s a sweet and surprisingly insightful comedy.
- Variety: “While the film benefits from the chemistry between Sorvino and Kudrow, the plot feels somewhat predictable. However, the witty dialogue and memorable moments make it an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, comedy. Garofalo’s cynical character adds a welcome edge.
Audience Reactions
The ‘Time After Time’ interpretive dance scene is legendary and always gets a laugh!: Viewers consistently praise the film’s humor, heart, and the incredible chemistry between Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow.
The fashion is totally over-the-top and so 90s, I’m obsessed!: Many appreciate the movie’s celebration of individuality and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of social pressure.
Overall Consensus: A cult classic 90s comedy, ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’ is cherished for its humor, heart, and the enduring friendship between its quirky main characters. While the plot may be simple, the film’s celebration of individuality and self-acceptance resonates with audiences.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The characters of Romy and Michele originated in a stage play called “Ladies Room,” written by Robin Schiff, who also wrote the screenplay for the movie.”
- “Lisa Kudrow reprised her role as Michele from the stage play.”
- “The film’s soundtrack features many popular 80s songs, contributing to the nostalgic feel and highlighting the characters’ enduring connection to their high school era.”
🖥️ How to Watch Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion?
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion is currently available for rent or purchase on several platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) may also be available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, you might like these similar films:
- Clueless (1995): Both films feature fashionable, somewhat clueless female protagonists navigating social situations with humor and heart.
- Mean Girls (2004): Explores the dynamics of high school cliques and the desire for acceptance, with a comedic and satirical approach.
- Muriel’s Wedding (1994): Deals with themes of reinvention and self-discovery as a socially awkward woman tries to create a better life for herself.
- Booksmart (2019): A modern comedy about two academic overachievers who decide to let loose and experience high school life to the fullest before graduation.
🛒 Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion Related Products
- Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion [Blu-ray]: Own this 90s classic in high-definition! Perfect for movie nights with your best friend.
- Romy and Michele Inspired ‘Businesswoman Special’ T-shirt: Show your love for Romy and Michele with this funny T-shirt, perfect for casual outings. Available in various sizes and colors.
- Post-it Super Sticky Notes, 3×3: Even if they didn’t invent them, relive the claim to fame of Romy & Michele. Super sticky, great for home or office
- Funko Pop! Movies: Romy and Michele – Romy: Add to your Funko collection with vinyl Romy. A collector’s dream!
🎧 Soundtrack
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Just a Girl” – performed by No Doubt
- “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” – performed by Belinda Carlisle
- “Time After Time” – performed by Cyndi Lauper
- “Blood and Roses” – performed by The Smithereens
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The movie was primarily filmed in Tucson, Arizona, which served as the setting for the high school reunion. Some scenes were also filmed in Los Angeles, California, to depict Romy and Michele’s lives.
Yes, there is a prequel TV movie called ‘Romy and Michele: In the Beginning’. It explores their earlier years and how their friendship began, but it does not feature the original cast.
In the movie, Romy and Michele falsely claim to have invented Post-it notes to impress their classmates. In reality, Post-it notes were invented by Spencer Silver and Art Fry at 3M.
🔥 Bonus Content
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion – Featurette
Ever wondered what it was like making this hilarious classic? This featurette takes you behind the scenes with the cast and crew, and it’s super insightful! I especially loved hearing about the inspiration behind some of the most iconic scenes.
Romy And Michele’: Lisa Kudrow & Mira Sorvino Reenact Favorite Scene | PEN | People
OMG, you HAVE to see this! Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino reenact one of their most iconic scenes from Romy and Michele. It’s so fun to see them together again, and honestly, it makes me want to watch the movie all over again!
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