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Comedy Cult Classic

High school spirit gets a risqué workout when Jeannie joins Amarosa High's notorious cheer squad.

THE CHEERLEADERS

Come and huddle with the cheerleaders.

1973 · 1h 21m · R · Comedy / Sport · IMDB TMDB

A group of high school cheerleaders have sex with the opposing team's players to make them too tired to play football properly, allowing their team to win an unprecedented series of games.

Quick Answer

What is The Cheerleaders about?

The Cheerleaders is a 1973 American comedy and sport film directed by Paul Glickler about a high school student who joins an infamous cheerleading squad, where her virtue becomes the center of attention amid spirited—and often provocative—antics.

Programmer's Pick

A time capsule of 1970s sexploitation, The Cheerleaders doesn’t even try to hide its game plan: it’s all about the antics, the audacity, and the athleticism—though not strictly the kind found on the football field. If you want your high school comedies with a lot less restraint and a lot more skin, this squad delivers.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

At Amarosa High School, Jeannie finds herself at a turning point when she decides to try out for the cheerleading squad, spurred on by her friends Bonnie and Debbie. With a vacancy on the team after a cheerleader lands in the maternity ward, Jeannie’s audition draws attention—not least because of a whispered secret about her innocence. Head cheerleader Claudia sees something special in Jeannie and involves their coach, Isabel, in a plan to see if she might be the missing ingredient for a standout season. As tryouts unfold, the film quickly sets its tone: a cheeky, sexually charged, and irreverent exploration of high school life, where group dynamics and personal reputations are always at play.

Details & Specs

Director
Paul Glickler
Writers
Tad Richards, Ace Baandige, Paul Glickler, Richard Lerner
Release
1973
Runtime
1h 21m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Comedy, Sport
Also Known As
The Cheerleaders, The 18 Year Old Schoolgirls

Cast & Crew

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Director: Paul Glickler Writers: Tad Richards +3 more

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Why Cult

Sexploitation High School

This film leans fully into its 1970s teen sex comedy roots, centering on risqué cheerleader antics and boundary-pushing humor.

Cheerleader Initiation

Newcomer Jeannie faces a unique and provocative rite of passage, making for plenty of awkward and outrageous moments.

Virginity Wager

The head cheerleader and coach make an unusual bet on Jeannie’s innocence, giving the film its central tension and comic thrust.

Sports Sabotage

The plot revolves around using sexual distraction to tire out the opposing football team, blending raunchy comedy with game-day strategy.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was The Cheerleaders released? +

The Cheerleaders was released in 1973.

Who directed The Cheerleaders? +

The Cheerleaders was directed by Paul Glickler.

How long is The Cheerleaders? +

The Cheerleaders has a runtime of 81 minutes.

What genre is The Cheerleaders? +

The Cheerleaders is a comedy and sport film.

Where can I watch The Cheerleaders? +

You can watch The Cheerleaders on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips