1985 Cult Classic Inspired by Goldie Hawn Launched 3 Icons Into Stardom
In 1983, Cyndi Lauper dropped "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," a fun, rebellious anthem that celebrated female freedom and friendship. A couple years later, that same spirit hit the big screen with Girls Just WAnt to Have Fun, an '80s cult classic quietly launched three future stars.
Inspired by the era's dance craze and carefree "Goldie Hawn Girl" archetype, the film cast Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, and Shannen Doherty - all on the brink of stardom.
Parker stars as Janie Glenn, a Catholic schoolgirl chasing her dream of dancing on her favorite TV show, despite her strict military father. Hunt plays her quirky, loyal best friend, Lynne Stone, and Doherty rounds out the trio as little sisterMaggie Malene.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the authentic take on female friendship was already in the works before the cameras even started rolling.
"‘Sarah would kill to work with you,'" Hunt, who was 23 at the time, recalled. The moment set the tone for the supportive dynamic behind the scenes. "It was really cool. Because I knew she wanted me to do the role, I felt I had the support to overcome my Sarah Lawrence looks."
As for Parker, who was 20 at the time of filming, she was drawn to the script because of its rare portrayal of female friendships that weren't competitive. "I was impressed with [the writer's] fondness for two best friends who aren't competitive," she told the Times.
The film became an early stepping stone for all three actors. Doherty would go on to Heathers and Beverly Hills 90210. Hunt built a career spanning Twister, As Good as It Gets, and Mad About You. And Parker became a household name with Hocus Pocus and Sex and the City.
Ironically, Lauper wanted no part of the movie, so an alternate version of the eponymous song appears in the movie. Still, the film has endured as a nostalgic favorite - and now, it's getting a second life.
A remake is in the works, with Elizabeth Banks attached to direct, aiming to preserve the humor, hear, and celebration of female friendship that made the original a cult hit.
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 11:34 AM.