Zoolander

Once a fixture on the catwalk, Derek Zoolander is the reigning male model whose simple confidence and signature look have made him famous. When a younger, more free-spirited rival named Hansel steals the spotlight, Derek's world unravels. Behind the glam is a sinister plot, an eccentric fashion mogul manipulates events to turn Derek into an instrument for a violent scheme. With help from a determined journalist, a few friends, and Hansel's unpredictable charm, Derek starts to question his profession, his ego, and what really matters. The film follows his attempts to reclaim dignity and to expose the conspiracy, blending slapstick set pieces and absurdist satire of the fashion industry without revealing how the story ends. It keeps the laughs coming.

Released in 2001, the film was directed by Ben Stiller and built from original material by Drake Sather, John Hamburg, and Narges Takesh. Stiller also stars, leading a cast that includes Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor, Will Ferrell, and Milla Jovovich.

Zoolander opened modestly but found steady audiences, earning enough at the box office to be considered a financial success and to keep interest alive. Its commercial profile helped the film gain wider recognition in the years after release and beyond.

Several lines and images from the film slipped into pop culture, with the exaggerated poses and named looks becoming shorthand for fashion-world parody. It built a loyal fanbase that kept the movie visible through television, internet memes, and conventions, eventually inspiring a sequel and continuing references in comedy and beyond.

Critics were mixed on release, reflected in an average user score around 6.21 out of 10 from thousands of votes. Viewers praised its absurd humor and lampooning of celebrity culture, especially its send-up of vanity, performance, and the odd friendship that grows between Derek and Hansel, with affectionate satire overall.