Legally Blonde is a movie that most Millennials, the so-called Oregon Trail mini-generation, and Gen X genuinely adore. It came out in 2001, right as I was starting high school, so part of my fascination came from looking up to the college-age world as a teenage boy and being genuinely dazzled by the whole environment the movie portrayed, even though I’d imagine it’s far more exaggerated than actual college life. But over two decades later, this film remains culturally relevant, which is a massive testament to everyone involved.

The main character, Elle Woods, is played by Reese Witherspoon. She’s your classic popular, pretty blonde with a handsome boyfriend, until he unexpectedly breaks up with her, sending her spiraling into genuine heartbreak she never saw coming. Understandable, honestly. The last time I went through a bad breakup, I didn’t handle it particularly gracefully either.

She learns her ex is headed to Harvard Law in Massachusetts and hatches the idea that if she enrolls at arguably the most prestigious law school in the country, he’s bound to notice her again, they’ll inevitably get back together, and everything will wrap up in a happy, rainbow-colored ending. It’s all so sweetly optimistic and hopelessly unrealistic.

Miraculously, she actually gets accepted into Harvard Law. But she quickly realizes this is nowhere close to a party school. This isn’t some lax state school in a random red state. This is Harvard Law, the institution that nearly every renowned lawyer passes through to earn their degree. And it doesn’t take long for her personality to clash with the sea of hyper-intelligent students around her.

True to the title, she’s not exactly academically sharp, or rather, she was never given the tools to be. So the film delivers plenty of classic fish-out-of-water moments as she navigates Harvard Law while unapologetically being herself. Naturally, the movie is packed with quotable lines, not just from Elle but from the supporting cast, too, including a particularly famous hot dog-related moment courtesy of Jennifer Coolidge.

It was never my favorite film growing up, but I’ll happily admit it’s a genuinely wonderful movie. Even back when I identified strictly as a straight guy, I still found myself enjoying it, pink aesthetic and all. That said, I’ve never actually watched the sequel, since I assumed it couldn’t possibly live up to the original and felt more like a quick cash grab. And I certainly have zero interest in the direct-to-video third installment, Legally Blondes, starring a pair of twins who were apparently Disney Channel famous at some point.