She’s the Man, starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum, may be a teen rom-com, but its groundbreaking message and witty lines have ensured its cult classic status upon release. The movie follows Viola Hastings, an aspiring soccer player whose girls’ team gets cut, and she decides to prove herself as part of the boys’ team. Unexpectedly, Viola, in disguise, falls for a fellow teammate, Duke, while accidentally earning the affections of the most popular girl in school. This movie is easily one of Amanda Bynes’ most memorable roles, and in part, that is due to plenty of notable quotes.
In She’s the Man, both Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum were older than Viola and Duke, they gave such honest, raw performances that they became one with their characters. Viola and Duke exhibit the quintessential teen behavior, and they are relatable because of the actors’ approach to their roles. She’s the Man is not a movie that is meant to be taken seriously, but it has managed to become a treasure trove of feminist values and guidelines on following dreams. Plus, the film is full of lines that are deeper than they might sound at first, which makes She’s the Man one of the most rewatchable movies of the 2000s.
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10 “When My Eyes Are Closed, I See You For What You Truly Are. Which Is UGLY!”
Viola Hastings
She’s the Man‘s main character, Viola, wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and she could deliver burning insults whenever the occasion called for it. She made this particular comment about Monique, her brother’s needy girlfriend. Monique was never nice to Viola or anyone, for that matter. Just before Viola uttered these words, Monique had brutally turned down Andrew, one of Duke’s friends. She came looking for Sebastian and wouldn’t leave Viola, the fake Sebastian, alone, prompting her to get rid of Monique in this way. The line was particularly hard-hitting because Viola never meant it as a jibe at Monique’s appearance — it was her “ugly” personality that she targeted.
9 “You Stick It Right In, It Absorbs Right Up.”
Viola Hastings
She’s the Man‘s Viola Hastings was an inventor who performed extremely well under pressure. After the tampons fell out of her bag in front of Duke and the others, Viola had to think on her feet and come up with some sort of explanation. She told the guys that she, or, rather, he, used tampons for severe nose bleeds. Funnily enough, not only did the excuse work, but Duke himself also tested this nose bleed remedy and concluded that it was efficient. Viola’s newfound use of tampons went beyond the movie as well, and that really speaks volumes about the legacy of She’s the Man on a more global scale.
8 “Fine. End Of Relationship.”
Viola Hastings
She’s the Man brilliantly illustrated why people should never settle for partners who are beneath them. Viola’s boyfriend, Justin, wasn’t supportive of her when the girls’ team got cut at their school, and he lied to her face about where his loyalties really lay. When Viola called him out on it, Justin tried to shut her up, but she dumped him on the spot with this iconic line. Viola knew her self-worth better than teen girls in rom-coms usually did at the time, and she is still a shining example for all young women out there. Viola deserved a relationship where she would be valued, and she didn’t hesitate to stand up for herself when that wasn’t the case.
7 “Remember, Chew Like You Have A Secret.”
Cheryl Lancaster
Viola’s mother wanted her soccer-loving daughter to be a proper young lady, but Viola didn’t care much about higher society’s expectations for her. In She’s the Man, Viola attended a debutante party while being in a foul mood because of Olivia, and she forgot to watch her table manners. When she was devouring the chicken in the way she deemed appropriate, Cheryl, the hostess, made a suggestion about how a lady was supposed to chew. Although these comments about ladylike behavior are rather sexist, Cheryl’s advice about chewing has stood the test of time — and it is a great tip for loud chewers, too.
6 “Heels Are A Male Invention Designed To Make A Woman’s Butt Look Smaller. And To Make It Harder To Run Away.”
Viola Hastings
Viola was never closer to failure than when she decided to discuss the patriarchy with her mother over the phone, despite being disguised as Sebastian in a public place where anyone could have heard her. While Viola’s choice of a place for this conversation was questionable, the substance of her words couldn’t be more relevant in this day and age. She’s the Man saw right through the male gaze before doing so became mainstream, and Viola’s assessment of heels still rings true. They aren’t for everyone, and they are hardly the most comfortable footwear in the world.
5 “Be Not Afraid Of Greatness, Some Are Born Great, Some Achieve Greatness, And Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them.”
Duke Orsino
In She’s the Man, Viola’s main love interest, Duke, turned out to be so much more than a jock without a thought on his mind. In fact, Duke was kindhearted and sensitive, even though he didn’t like to show it. His toxic masculinity sometimes got in the way, but he had more insightful moments than any other character. Duke’s speech right before he accepted Viola into the team wasn’t very original, but he clearly meant well by quoting his coach, the man Duke held in high esteem. The actor made his character extremely lovable, which is why She’s the Man remains one of Channing Tatum’s best movies to date.
4 “Why, Yes I Do. My Favorite’s Gouda.”
Viola Hastings
The scene where Viola taught Duke how to talk to girls is one of the most underrated moments in She’s the Man. She encouraged him to talk about cheese — the advice that he later followed with Olivia to no avail — and there was something immensely innocent and sweet about it. Viola’s line about her favorite cheese being Gouda might not have been a joke, but Amanda Bynes’ heartfelt delivery made it extremely amusing. The fact that Olivia didn’t appreciate Duke’s question about cheese should have been the wake-up call for him since it meant that they would never work out.
3 “How Come When I Wanted To Ask Eunice Out Everyone Made Fun Of Me, But Then Sebastian Likes Her And Suddenly She’s Cool? Screw You Guys. I Hate High School.”
Toby
Duke’s friends, Andrew and Toby, didn’t contribute a lot to the plot of She’s the Man, but the scene in question was a rare exception. It was evident that Toby liked Eunice, who was deemed a weirdo, from the beginning, but he didn’t act on it. Then, as Sebastian, Viola asked Eunice out, and Andrew immediately commented that there might be more to Eunice than he had noticed. Toby’s retort perfectly summed up the peer pressure that teens experience all the time. This scene was an unexpectedly bittersweet moment, and yet everything Toby said was true. High school is a tough time for everyone.
2 “I Can Do This. I Am A Dude. I Am A Hunky Dude! I Am A Badass Hunky Dude!”
Viola Hastings
She’s the Man would never have become so popular if it hadn’t been for the lead actress’ stellar performance. It is a shame Amanda Bynes’ career came to a halt because of her personal struggles a few years after the release of She’s the Man. Still, Viola’s hilarious pep talk on her way to Sebastian’s dorm was a big moment that became quotable. After suddenly getting cold feet about her plan, Viola, with Paul’s help, got herself together and entered the school proudly. As Viola was walking down the hall, she did her best to convince herself that she could pass for her twin brother, and for the most part, she did.
1 “Nonsense! You Don’t Need A Man To Wear A Beautiful Dress!”
Daphne Hastings
Viola’s mother, Daphne, didn’t seem like much of a feminist throughout She’s the Man, but closer to the end, she surprised everyone with this legendary quote. The debutante ball was about to start, and Viola wasn’t going to attend it because she didn’t think that Duke would show up, and the rules dictated that she needed a male chaperon. Hearing Viola’s reluctance about going to the ball, Daphne commented that her daughter didn’t need an escort to put on a stunning dress and enjoy herself. The revelation that Daphne supported Viola all along was one of the best moments in the film.
