9 Stereotypes in Movies About California That May or May Not Be True

2. Or, the Golden State is Full of Retired and Fading Actors: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

For each Mia and Sebastian—ambitious artists with a bright future ahead—there is a Rick Dalton, played by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. He’s seen driving around Los Angeles, his heyday and an impressive string of western/action movies behind him, fading away as others (Margot Robbie’s Sharon Tate and Rafał Zawierucha’s Roman Polanski) rise to the top. 

Even Rick’s line to his stuntman-best-friend Cliff Booth (portrayed by Brad Pitt)—“It’s official old buddy, I’m a has-been”—shows that this L.A. stereotype plagues many of its residents. But if we choose to stay true to Tarantino’s narrative, then Rick and a lot of his contemporaries shouldn’t worry too much; their life might just turn upside down.

3. Californians LOVE vegan food: Legally Blonde 

Meatless, cruelty-free, and glowing—this is the image most people have about those who hail from the Golden State. And the flaxen-haired Californian Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon) is a prime example. She introduces herself to her coursemates by saying “Hi, I’m Elle Woods and this is Bruiser Woods. We’re both Gemini vegetarians.” And while this line will forever be immortalized in the iconic line hall of fame, it also highlights California’s herbivorous stereotypes in film.

4. California is Nothing but Surfer Dudes: Point Break

A film that tells the tale of a roving SoCal band of big wave surfers who rob banks might be to blame for this one. The fact that the characters in Point Break committed these crimes to pay for their surf equipment and travel expenses can paint the picture that everyone in California is obsessed with surfing, so much so that they’re willing to risk jail. Additionally, the casting of surfer pro Matt “Archy” Archbold definitely added to the authenticity of the scenes, making this stereotype even more believable.

5. Every Californian has a Vocal Fry: The Bling Ring 

In Sofia Coppola's The Bling Ring, Emma Watson plays a spoiled teenager from Calabasas who, with the help of her adolescent pals, robs the empty houses of Hollywood celebrities. While all of this happened in real life, many Angelenos watching this movie decided to focus on something else—the character’s upspeak. You know, that speech pattern that makes every statement sound as if it's ending in a question. Since an overwhelming amount of characters spoke like that in the movie, we can see where this affluent L.A. neighborhood stereotype stems from.

 6. Everyone in Silicon Valley is a Tech Genius: Silicon Valley

When traveling from Southern California to NorCal, one of the most popular switches (except for the change in slang) is how different the stereotypes become. You leave the sunny, surf-loving, celebrity-filled SoCal and suddenly enter the world of techy masterminds. This San Francisco stereotype is explored in the whip-smart satire Silicon Valley, which shows just how ridiculous and over-the-top the tech industry can be at times.

7. Californians are obsessed with In-N-Out: The Big Lebowski

Jeff Bridges as 'The Dude'—the iconic, stereotypical, and ever-so-surprising Venice Beach hippie—proves time and time again that he doesn't care about much at all; except for bowling and In-N-Out. The latter is not unique to him, however, as this stereotype plagues Californians wherever they go. And honestly, we don't mind this one much, because In-N-Out is delicious. But, it’s not the only eatery California is famous for, so half-truth on this one.

8. California is the Best Place to Fall In Love: 500 Days of Summer

We might actually agree with this one—although we wouldn’t be so exclusive, there’s plenty of places to fall in love in the world. But 500 Days of Summer makes the Golden State specifically a romance epicenter; except for, you know, we won’t spoil the ending. The whole scene where Joseph Gordon Levitt’s Tom is prancing along the sidewalk while Hall and Oates’ You Make My Dreams blasts makes us swoon; it also makes us want a flash mob every time we reach a romantic milestone. 

9. All Baristas in California are Having a Bad Day: Promising Young Woman

If you’ve seen Promising Young Woman—and if you haven’t, then what are you doing with your life—then you know what we’re referring to. Carrey Mulligan’s Cassie can be seen on multiple occasions displaying disdain for her job, being dismissive to customers, and even spitting in a cup of coffee. Cassie, as you come to find out, has her reasons for acting like this; but you should know that this stereotypical character only exists in movies.