Every woman born in the early-to-mid ’90s shares my obsession with Bend It Like Beckham—but did any of them dedicate a chunk of their memoir to analyzing Keira Knightley’s hipbones in her German nightclub outfit? Doubtful. Now that we’re officially getting a sequel to the iconic 2002 film about soccer (sorry, football), friendship, and on-field flirtation, I can’t help feeling greedy.
Sure, I’m thrilled to catch up with Jules and Jess (and, begrudgingly, Joe the soccer coach—sorry, but he always felt like an obstacle to their totally real, not-at-all-imagined romance). But it’s not just director Gurinder Chadha’s voice I’m craving—I miss all my early-2000s sports-movie besties, and now I’m dreaming of revivals for every single one. Here are five cult-favorite female-athlete films from the era that deserve comebacks:
### Stick It (2006)
Did I sob in the theater when Missy Peregrym’s tear hit the balance beam mid-routine? Absolutely. I need to know what her rebellious gymnast Haley has been up to since pissing off Jeff Bridges and surviving ice baths at Vickerman Gymnastics Academy.
### Blue Crush (2002)
Yes, a Blue Crush sequel technically exists (from 2011, apparently?), but with none of the original cast. Unacceptable. Did Anne Marie conquer the surfing world? Did little sister Penny quit smoking and go to college? Did Lena (Michelle Rodriguez’s character) finally get her own life—or girlfriend? And did that dull football player Matt vanish, taking his credit card with him? Answers, please.
### Whip It (2009)
A sequel to Drew Barrymore’s roller-derby gem would need updates, given Elliot Page’s transition—but imagine a reboot about a trans guy breaking barriers in derby. The sport is famously inclusive, so it’s a perfect fit.
### Love & Basketball (2000)
Gina Prince-Bythewood, give us a modern follow-up! Did Quincy and Monica’s daughter (seen playing ball in the original’s flash-forward) make it to the WNBA like her mom? Big Ellie would be cheering from the stands, and so would I.
### Save the Last Dance (2001)
Was this the sexiest movie of 2001? Arguably. I need to know if Julia Stiles’s grieving ballerina Sara and Sean Patrick Thomas’s principled hip-hop lover Derek actually made it long-term. Pro tip: If you find a straight man who loves dancing and doesn’t care who laughs, hold onto him—tight.