Kate Spencer, portrayed by Brittany Snow, is a teenager navigating life with her attractive single mother, Lori, played by Jenny McCarthy. Lori's questionable choices in relationships lead to a constant change of scenery as they move frequently. When they settle in a Portland suburb, Kate finds a job as a waitress, and that's where she first lays eyes on the charming local heartthrob, John Tucker, played by Jesse Metcalfe.
As she becomes infatuated with John, Kate discovers that he is secretly dating three girls simultaneously: the ambitious chronic overachiever Carrie, played by Arielle Kebbel, the glamorous head cheerleader Heather, portrayed by Ashanti, and the liberal vegan activist Beth, played by Sophia Bush. Each girl believes she has a special connection with John, who manipulates their feelings by claiming his father prohibits him from dating during basketball season.
Their relationship dynamic unravels during gym class when a volleyball game inadvertently pits the girls against each other. As tensions flare, the four girls discover John's deceit, culminating in their united desire for revenge. They turn to Kate, who has also struck up a friendship with John's brother, Scott, known affectionately as "The Other Tucker."
The girls conjure up various schemes to expose John's antics, including a PSA campaign that inadvertently backfires, earning him accolades instead. Their pranks become increasingly bold, leading to the onset of a plan that involves Kate breaking John's heart. Despite Scott's supportive presence, Kate finds herself slipping into John’s charm and begins to question her motives.
Intent on winning John over, Kate revamps her look and joins the cheerleading squad, catching John's attention immediately. However, she remains indifferent to his charm, igniting John's determination to win her over. With the girls watching closely, John attempts to woo Kate with a beach bonfire date. As they continue their charade, the girls' plans become more elaborate, ultimately leading to embarrassing moments for John that he twists to his advantage.
As Kate grapples with her feelings, she realizes the stakes have changed, questioning whether her desire to wreak havoc on John is worth sacrificing her emerging relationship with him. The situation escalates at John's birthday party, where the culmination of the girls’ plot is revealed, leaving John shattered. Nevertheless, after some tumultuous events, including a hilarious cake fight, Kate and John agree to mend their friendship amidst the chaos.
In the end, Kate finds herself surrounded by newfound friends and a potential romance with Scott as she reflects on her journey. Before the credits roll, she warns viewers of the consequences that come with revenge, leaving them with a humorous visual of male teachers caught in an embarrassing situation, all wearing thongs.
