Most Iconic Ugly Duckling Transformations in Movies

It is always interesting to look at the stunning actresses from the other side: without the usual makeup, luxurious hairstyles, and incredibly gorgeous dresses and accessories that make them shine at red carpet events. Of course, makeup artists and stylists deliberately make actresses “unattractive” in movies about “ugly ducklings.” However, such manipulations always end with their amazing transformations.

1. Never Been Kissed (1999)

High school years are a very polarizing experience. Some love it; others hate it, but none of us feel like going through it ever again. Unfortunately, sometimes your boss sends you on a covert mission to a high school. That’s pretty much the premise of Never Been Kissed: a reporter named Josie, who had her fair share of struggles going through high school her first time, has to blend in with the teens by donning her old geek persona with a bad perm. As the story unfolds, Josie, once deemed ugly, gains confidence and even wins the title of Prom Queen, marking the culmination of her transformation.

2. She’s All That (1999)

Can a popular high schooler turn even the most hopeless girl into a prom queen? Well, a bet is a bet, and Zack’s target is a socially awkward girl named Laney Boggs. After a captivating makeover scene, Zack comes to the realization that Laney might be the one, as she slowly descends the stairs. Then, of course, she nearly falls on her face. The whole movie is full of iconic, quintessential 90s rom-com moments like that.

3. Pretty Woman (1990)

Does it seem plausible that Pretty Woman was attempting to convey the notion that Julia Roberts has an unattractive variation? To be fair, they did a pretty bang-up job with the wig and the skanky outfit, so she definitely doesn’t look her best.