Why is The Devil Wears Prada still so iconic?

Even if you’ve never watched The Devil Wears Prada, chances are that you’ve quoted it. Nearly two decades later, this 2006 classic continues to shape conversations about ambition, fashion, feminism, and workplace power; all while giving us a masterclass in sass.

So what makes The Devil Wears Prada still so iconic?

The devil wears power, and we’re still obsessed

Miranda Priestly, played by the incomparable Meryl Streep, wasn’t just a character; she was a phenomenon. Cold, commanding, and devastatingly elegant, she redefined what authority could look like for women in power. Even today, her subtle “that’s all” has more bite than most corporate emails.

Behind her icy façade lies the mirror of modern ambition: the price of success, the loneliness behind perfection, and the silent sacrifices women still make to be taken seriously in male-dominated spaces.

That’s why “The Devil Wears” more than Prada- it wears the weight of power itself.

Still of Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada

Fashion was never just clothes

The movie didn’t just showcase couture, it weaponized it. Each outfit was a statement. The transition of Andy, played by Anne Hathaway, from oversized sweaters to runway-ready chic symbolized growth, confidence, and the duality between staying authentic and fitting in.

Even in 2025, Instagram and TikTok creators still recreate Andy’s iconic makeover scene to trending audios. It’s proof that her transformation has become fashion gospel.

Still of Andy's makeover scene from The Devil Wears Prada

A story of dreams, trade-offs, and timeless chaos

At its core, The Devil Wears Prada isn’t about fashion; it’s about choice.

Do you chase your dreams, even if it costs you your peace?

Do you conform to survive, or rebel to stay true to yourself?

These questions still hit hard today, especially for Gen Z professionals entering “hustle culture” jobs. The movie’s emotional relatability, more than its fashion, is what keeps it relevant on streaming lists and social media nostalgia reels.

Memes, moments, and modern parallels

There’s a reason every second meme about toxic workplaces, boss energy, or fashion faux pas somehow traces back to The Devil Wears Prada. Miranda’s expressions, Nigel’s one-liners, and Andy’s glow-up have become timeless reaction templates.

Instagram and X are flooded with edits comparing Miranda Priestly to real-life “girlboss” icons, while quotes like “everyone wants to be us” resurface whenever luxury or hustle culture comes under fire.

More than a movie: it’s a moodboard for modern feminism

Despite being made in 2006, the movie subtly discussed themes that feel ahead of its time, like boundaries, burnout, and the illusion of empowerment. Andy’s realization that “success” isn’t one-size-fits-all resonates deeply with today’s audience seeking balance between career and authenticity.

Nearly twenty years later, The Devil Wears Prada still defines pop-culture conversations about success and identity. It’s a film that grew up with us, and maybe, it still teaches us something every time we rewatch it:

That sometimes, the real luxury isn’t the Prada. It’s peace.

For more deep dives into iconic films that never go out of style, stay tuned with The ScreenLight, where cinema meets culture.