Does Legally Blonde Pass the Bechdel Test? A Surprising Look at Feminist Film Analysis
What is the Bechdel Test, Anyway?
Before diving into Elle Woods and her fabulous pink outfits, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what the Bechdel test actually is.
To pass the Bechdel test, a film must meet three criteria:
It has to have at least two named women
Who talk to each other
About something other than a man
That’s it. Seems easy, right? But wow—so many films still don’t make the cut. The test, originally a comic strip joke by Alison Bechdel, has since become a widely used litmus test for basic female representation in media. Key word: basic. It doesn’t tell you if a movie is feminist, deep, or good—just that women exist in it meaningfully (sort of).
So... Does Legally Blonde Pass the Bechdel Test?
Short answer: YES, and kind of gloriously
Legally Blonde absolutely passes the Bechdel test, and not just in a check-the-box kind of way—it smashes it in heels. Elle Woods may start out chasing a guy to Harvard Law, but that storyline is only a sliver of what this movie becomes.
You’ve got multiple named women: Elle, Vivian, Paulette, Enid, Brooke, Professor Stromwell... the list goes on.
They talk about fashion, school, internships, haircare (the iconic perm alibi scene, anyone?), and—importantly—they support each other in unexpected and often empowering ways. That scene where Elle helps Paulette get her dog back? Zero male-centered convo. Just hype and friendship.
A few key moments
Elle and Vivian bonding in the dorm room about Brooke's case, not Warner
Elle and Professor Stromwell, where Stromwell encourages Elle to rise up—goosebumps moment
Elle and Brooke, where Brooke trusts Elle with her alibi (because of their shared experience as women, not because of men)
This isn’t just “let's mention cupcakes instead of boys.” These scenes carry plot weight and character development.
Beyond the Test: Is Legally Blonde Actually Feminist?
Okay, here’s where it gets juicy. Passing the Bechdel test isn’t a gold medal, it’s a minimum entry requirement. But Legally Blonde goes further.
Femme, fashionable... and fiercely independent
Elle doesn’t abandon her femininity to succeed in a “man's world.” She brings her whole self—including her pink suit, her fluffy pen, and her deep empathy—and uses it as strength, not weakness. She redefines what power can look like.
She doesn’t “win” by getting the guy (she ditches Warner, remember?). She wins by owning her ambition, standing up for herself, and bringing other women with her. There’s something super radical about that, even if it’s dressed in pastel.
But Wait—Some Critics Disagree
Hold up. Not everyone agrees that Legally Blonde is a feminist triumph.
Some argue it still falls into tropes—beauty = success, white privilege, unrealistic law school fantasies. And yeah, fair points. Elle’s world isn’t exactly diverse, and her rise is, well, kinda magical.
But even if it’s not a perfect film (which movie is?), its portrayal of women supporting women, challenging stereotypes, and owning intelligence and identity—deserves major credit.
Final Thoughts: The Bechdel Test is Just the Start
So yes, Legally Blonde passes the Bechdel test. But more importantly, it builds on it with substance, sass, and sincerity. It’s not just a girl-power fluff piece—it’s a story about reclaiming space, respecting differences, and embracing unexpected strength.
And honestly? That’s way cooler than just ticking three boxes.
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.