Everyone wants to feel like they belong, like they’re accepted, and sometimes, the best way to achieve that is to join a club. For example, if you were, say, an older woman interested in Twilight-inspired erotic fan fiction, you might seek out the cast of this week’s Book Club, in which four lifelong friends bond over tea, cucumber sandwiches, and the novel Fifty Shades of Grey. Or, you know, maybe that’s not your thing, and if it isn’t, then we’ve got 24 other clubs from the movies that might interest you. From bad boys to mean girls, musical ensembles to secret societies, check out the full gallery below.
The first rule of Fight Club is… Well, you’ve all heard that line before. If you’re looking for a little nihilism to go with your multiple personality disorder, look for the nearest chapter in the poorly lit basement of a dive bar. And remember: if it’s your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005, 77%)
You know how it’s insanely difficult to find jeans that fit you just right? Join the Sisterhood and that won’t be an issue any more; you’ll have access to a pair of magical jeans that’ll not only give your booty some swagger but also help you solve your relationship problems. Sadly, the pants cannot cure cancer.
The Losers Club IT (2017, 85%)
Some friendships are forged via shared experiences, which are often of the harrowing and traumatic sort. Such is the case with IT‘s Losers Club, comprised of outcast children who have had the misfortune of running into a shapeshifting killer clown. If you’ve had any sewer-related supernatural near-death encounters, take a trip to the town of Derry and link up with other survivors of Pennywise, and keep. Away. From. Red. Balloons.
The Dead Poets Society Dead Poets Society (1989, 86%)
If you’re a privileged, late 1950s teen suffering from first-world problems, there’s no better remedy than to join this rogue literary club. Sure, you might get paddled by the headmaster of your elite prep school, but it’s a small price to pay for the right to stand on your desk and read poetry in caves. Right?
The First Wives Club The First Wives Club (1996, 41%)
There’s only one requirement — albeit a very specific one — to join this small circle of likeminded individuals: you have to be the ex-first wife of a selfish man, ideally (or not) with an affinity for younger women. Your newfound gal pals will then help you exact your preferred method of revenge, whether that’s imprisonment, financial ruin, or forced altruism. Hopefully you opt for the latter, but we understand if you have other ideas.
The Mystery Team Mystery Team (2009, 53%)
Were you inspired by famous sleuths like Encyclopedia Brown, Nancy Drew, and the Scooby-Doo gang? Do you have a burning desire to prove you’re not just a bored teen obsessed with CSI? Are you okay with fishing jewelry out of strip club toilets? Donald Glover’s Mystery Team of detectives may have a spot for you.
The Breakfast Club The Breakfast Club (1985, 88%)
If you’re a good student who follows all the rules, you’ll never enjoy the company of the Breakfast Club, where you’ll get to meet representatives of every high school archetype and realize you’re maybe not so different after all. Note: Dandruff for Arts & Crafts time not provided.
The Barden Bellas The Pitch Perfect Franchise
The membership of the Barden Bellas changes every year with each new incoming Freshman class, and once you’re in, you’re pretty much guaranteed a gang of sisters for life. If that sounds appealing to you, and if you’ve got a habit of singing “Wrecking Ball” in the shower, or you’re an expert at plastic cup percussion, then sign yourself up for an audition.
The Bang-Bang Club The Bang-Bang Club (2011, 49%)
You’re a thrill-seeker with a penchant for hard-hitting news and an eye for gripping imagery. You don’t mind the danger of a bit of gunfire if it offers ample opportunity to see the world. You’ve got a heart for social justice and the will to do whatever it takes to get your story. Congratulations, you’re a part of the Bang-Bang Club. Don’t forget to pack your kevlar.
The Monster Squad The Monster Squad (1987, 56%)
This gang of misfit youths — something of a cross between the Goonies and the Ghosbusters — are drawn together by their love of classic movie monsters… and their mission to vanquish them to save their town. Don’t be afraid of the big green guy in the back of the clubhouse if you join up with them, though. He’s harmless.
The He-Man Woman Haters Club The Little Rascals (1994, 23%)
Particularly in today’s cultural climate, this club might look like some kind of early-education recruitment organization for Red Pillers, but you know what? They’re just kids, and sometimes kids are stupid. So if you can look past that, and you’re into soapbox racing, drag ballet, and a smidge of arson, sign your grade-schooler up and prepare for hijinks.
The Heathers Heathers (1988, 95%)
Honestly, you could probably start your own equivalent of the Heathers if you wanted. All you have to do is find a handful of vile popular kids who have the same first name, then seek the help of a delinquent friend with serial killer tendencies, and let the good times roll! Actually, no. That’s terrible advice. Don’t join the Heathers, or the Vivians, or the Lances, or the Richards.
The Riot Club The Riot Club (2015, 65%)
Speaking of insufferable teens, let’s head over to England’s prestigious Oxford University, where the academic cream of the crop come to earn a first-class education and, you know, indulge in casual debauchery. But with class. Join the Riot Club and you’ll learn how to climb the social ladder and still enjoy a little hedonism on the side… as long as you don’t snitch.
The Witches The Craft (1996, 50%)
What’s a supernaturally gifted girl to do when she moves to a new city? How about joining the local coven of would-be witches? If you’ve ever felt like an outcast, these girls will make you feel like you’re the most important thing in their world… as long as the spells they cast turn out favorably. Otherwise, keep an eye out for the one who asked for “power” — even Bobby Boucher’s mom could tell she was trouble.
The Team The Sandlot (1993, 56%)
Sometimes you have to earn your spot in a club, even if they desperately need you to fill their ranks. And sometimes, earning that spot involves facing down a giant dog that eats children. Buck up and lace on those PF Flyers, though, and you might even befriend that Beast, as well as a group of guys who will stay buddies for life.
The Baby-Sitters Club The Baby-Sitters Club (2015, 65%)
If you’re an ambitious, enterprising young teen whose moral compass isn’t outrageously compromised, you may find yourself right at home in the company of the Baby-Sitters Club, a group of girls united by their expertise in supervising even younger children and getting paid for it. But it’s not just a moneymaking scheme; these girls support each other through life’s hardships, so their club is exceedingly wholesome.
The Skulls The Skulls (2000, 9%)
Joining a secret society sounds like a neat idea, but if the Skulls extend an invitation, you might want to consider the implications. Sure, you’ll get access to a private island, political connections, and a sweet ride, but you’ll also be expected to engage in “war” and cover up some minor nefarious shenanigans. You know, like murder. Small price to pay for that ’63 Thunderbird, right?
The Order of the Phoenix The Harry Potter Franchise
The Order of the Phoenix is more than just a club, and if you happen to be a wizard, there’s a good chance the Order has been protecting you for a long time. Founded by Dumbledore himself to defend against Lord Voldemort, the Order is notable for its powerful, upstanding members. If you’re looking to join, practice your spells and consider changing your name, because they’re super down with people called Mundungus and Nymphadora.
The Dallas Buyers Club Dallas Buyers Club (2013, 93%)
This might be the only club on this list that could literally save your life. After he was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985, electrician/rodeo cowboy Ron Woodroof took it upon himself to find proper treatment, whether it was FDA-approved or not. Not only did he end up providing aid for others like him, he also helped educate the country about the disease. He also indirectly helped Matthew McConaghey win an Oscar.
The Plastics Mean Girls (2004, 83%)
If joining the Heathers is a bit too murdery for you, but you still want to strut around school like you own it, you might opt to take up with the Plastics. They’re just as mean-spirited, but decidedly more innocuous — if no less stuck-up — and the worst thing that’ll happen to you is a friendly schoolwide brawl. Just make sure you don’t end up in the Burn Book.
The Pink Ladies Grease (1978, 76%), Grease 2 (1982, 34%)
Unlike the other high school girls on this list, the Pink Ladies are a friendly bunch. They might smoke and drink a little bit and hang out with greasers, but if you’re the new girl in town, they’ll take you under their wing and even try to score you a date. Plus, who doesn’t want one of those jackets?
The Buena Vista Social Club Buena Vista Social Club (1999, 91%)
Unless you were born decades ago in Cuba with godlike musical talent, odds are you won’t qualify for this club. It’s comprised of a number of retired musicians who were brought together to revive an era of classic Cuban music and who succeeded fantastically. But, you know, Ry Cooder performed with them, so just get as good as he is.
The Goonies The Goonies (1985, 70%)
Goonies never say die. This ragtag group of neighborhood friends are a multitalented bunch who you’ll want at your side if you ever find yourself embarking on the odd treasure hunt. They’re clever, spirited, inventive, and loyal. Plus, they’ve got a muscle-bound protector named Sloth, and one of them plays a mean bone piano. No, literally.
The Jelly of the Month Club National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, 64%)
If you ask us, a Jelly of the Month Club doesn’t sound so bad. And if he hadn’t been expecting a Christmas bonus in its place, Clark Griswold probably would have enjoyed a little boysenberry spread on his toast too, instead of unleashing an epic rant that would shake the very foundations of the National Lampoon offices.
