25 of the Best 90’s Teenage Movies to Watch
For many adults, 90’s teenage movies have a special place in our hearts. Not only do they represent simpler times, but they also offer us an escape from the craziness of the world and take us back to a time when life seemed less complicated.
The casts of these classic films were made up of young actors who portrayed characters that anyone could relate to. The stories often focused on coming-of-age experiences such as first loves and awkward situations, which many viewers found themselves living through alongside their favorite characters.
These narratives allowed people to not just feel understood, but also gave them the opportunity to laugh at their own life’s misadventures, which also related with many audiences.
In this article, we”l be highlighting the best 90s’ teenage movies that will bring you back to better days! We also threw in some Tomatometer and Audience Scores from RottenTomatoes.
10 Things I Hate About You
This 1999 romantic comedy revolves around two seemingly opposite students at Padua High – the popular and beautiful Bianca (Julia Stiles) and her anti-social older sister Kat (Heath Ledger). To date her younger sibling, Kat’s strict father demands that Bianca’s suitor take on the challenge of wooing him first.
Enter Patrick Verona (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a mysterious bad boy with a hidden agenda for wanting to win over Kat. With its snappy dialogue and memorable performances from its leads, 10 Things I Hate About You is a timeless classic that remains just as entertaining today as it did in the 90s!
Clueless
Alicia Silverstone stars in this 1995 cult classic as Cher Horowitz, an affluent and popular high school student in Beverly Hills.
Along with her best friends Dionne (Stacey Dash) and Tai (Brittany Murphy), Cher takes on the task of finding love for two hopelessly mismatched teachers in order to help improve her own love life.
With its sparkling dialogue, spot-on fashion trends, and iconic cast performances, Clueless is a lighthearted take on Jane Austen’s Emma set in the 90s that still resonates with audiences today!
Cruel Intentions
This 1999 psychological thriller follows two teenage step siblings – Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Geller) and Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) – whose passionate and dangerous game of seduction has far-reaching consequences.
When Sebastian sets his sights on a new target, the beautiful Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon), Kathryn plots to ruin his chances out of jealousy. With its mix of dark humor and intense performances from its leads, Cruel Intentions is still remembered as one of the defining films of 90s teenage angst!
She’s All That
This 1999 teen flick follows high school hunk Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.), who makes a bet with his friends that he can turn any girl into the prom queen if given enough time. Enter Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook), an unpopular art student with a good heart.
With the help of his friend and rival (Matthew Lillard), Zack begins to see Laney in a different light, as she gradually transforms into the most beautiful girl in school.
With its lively soundtrack and memorable performances from its leads, She’s All That is an often imitated but never duplicated classic!
Edward Scissorhands
This 1990 fantasy film stars Johnny Depp as Edward, an artificial man created with scissors for hands who is taken in by a kind-hearted suburban family (Dianne Wiest and Alan Arkin). Though Edward yearns to fit in with his new family and be accepted by his neighbors, his strange appearance inevitably leads him down a lonely path of isolation.
With its whimsical take on social acceptance, Edward Scissorhands remains one of Tim Burton’s most beloved films!
Hocus Pocus
This 1993 Halloween classic follows a trio of sister witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy) who are accidentally resurrected by three unsuspecting teens. When the witches set out to claim the souls of all the children in town, it’s up to the kids to save their home from certain doom.
With its campy performances and over-the-top special effects, Hocus Pocus is an unforgettable romp that has become a staple of 90s pop culture!
The Craft
This 1996 supernatural horror film follows four teenage outcasts (Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk and Neve Campbell) who practice witchcraft to exact revenge on the popular kids at their school.
When their spells begin to spiral out of control, they must face the darker side of their newfound power before it consumes them completely. With its hauntingly beautiful visuals and intense performances from its leads, The Craft remains a darkly comic classic!
Scream
This iconic 1996 slasher flick follows high school student Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), whose sleepy hometown is suddenly thrown into chaos when a mysterious killer begins stalking her and her friends.
Along with her boyfriend Billy Loomis (David Arquette) and best friend Tatum Riley (Courteney Cox), Sidney must unravel the truth behind the masked killer before it’s too late. With its sharp meta-commentary on the genre and memorable performances from its leads, Scream is a defining film of 90s teenage horror!
Dazed and Confused
This 1993 cult classic follows several high school seniors (Jason London, Wiley Wiggins and Sasha Jenson) as they traverse the Texas suburbs during their last day of school in 1976.
As they make their way through the movie, they deal with hot summer nights, parties gone wrong, unexpected romance, and other adolescent highs and lows. With its brilliant dialogue and spot-on fashion trends, Dazed and Confused remains a timeless ode to teen life in the 70s!
Jumanji
This 1995 fantasy adventure follows Judy Shepherd (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Shepherd (Bradley Pierce), two siblings who are drawn into a mysterious board game. After rolling the dice, they find themselves thrown into a world of wild animals and adventure with their adult counterparts (Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt).
With its thrilling action sequences and unforgettable performances from its leads, Jumanji is an exciting journey that will have you on the edge of your seat!
American Pie
This 1999 coming-of-age comedy follows four teenage friends (Jason Biggs, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan and Chris Klein) as they set out to lose their virginity before graduating high school.
Through the movie, they experience the highs and lows of young adulthood in all its awkward glory. With its irreverent humor and memorable soundtrack, American Pie is a hilariously honest take on modern teenage life!
Can’t Hardly Wait
This 1998 teen rom-com follows high school senior Preston Myers (Ethan Embry) as he embarks on a wild night of partying with his friends in order to win back the love of his life, Amanda Beckett (Jennifer Love Hewitt).
Along the way, he makes some unexpected new connections and learns that sometimes all it takes is one crazy night for everything to change. With its vibrant characters and infectious energy, Can’t Hardly Wait remains an offbeat classic!
Never Been Kissed
This 1999 romantic comedy stars Drew Barrymore as Josie Geller, an undercover reporter who goes back to high school in order to write a story on teenage life. Along the way, she falls for her English teacher (David Arquette) and reconnects with her high school crush (Michael Vartan).
With its infectious energy and heartfelt performances from its leads, Never Been Kissed is a charming romp through the joys and tribulations of adolescence!
Empire Records
This 1995 classic follows the employees at Empire Records as they fight to keep their beloved independent record store afloat. With Anthony LaPaglia, Rory Cochrane and Johnny Whitworth headlining the cast, these unsuspecting teens take on corporate America while trying to maintain control over their own lives.
With its witty dialogue and memorable performances, Empire Records remains a darkly comic classic!
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
This 1997 rom-com follows two best friends (Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow) as they attend their high school reunion. Desperate to impress everyone with their success, the duo concocts an elaborate lie about running a successful business. Along the way, they learn that sometimes it’s okay to be yourself.
With its sharp humor and spot-on costumes, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion is a hilarious comedy of errors!
Varsity Blues
This 1999 sports drama follows West Canaan High quarterback John Moxon (James Van Der Beek) as he takes the field in a quest for football glory. Along the way, John and his teammates (Paul Walker) battle their overbearing coach (Jon Voight), pressure from experienced cheerleaders, and personal demons that threaten to derail their dreams of victory.
With its electric performances and thrilling action sequences, Varsity Blues is an adrenaline-fueled journey through high school sports!
I Know What You Did Last Summer
This 1997 slasher film follows four friends (Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Freddie Prinze Jr.) who accidentally kill a man while on vacation. Consumed by guilt, they make a pact to never talk about it again. But when they start receiving mysterious notes threatening to expose their secrets, they must face the consequences of their actions.
With its creepy atmosphere and star-studded cast, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Now and Then
This 1995 coming-of-age drama follows four childhood friends (Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffmann and Ashleigh Aston Moore) as they spend one summer in small-town Indiana reflecting on their past experiences. As they deal with issues ranging from first loves to family dynamics, the girls discover that growing up can be both exciting and difficult all at once.
With its heartfelt performances and honest take on the joys and pains of adolescence, Now and Then is an endearing classic!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
This 1992 cult horror classic follows Buffy Summers (Kristy Swanson) as she discovers that she is a vampire slayer destined to protect her hometown from evil forces. With help from her friends (Luke Perry, Donald Sutherland and Paul Reubens), Buffy embarks on an epic journey to save humanity while struggling with typical teenage issues like school, relationships and family dynamics.
With its witty dialogue and irreverent humor, Buffy the Vampire Slayer remains one of the most beloved films of all time!
Pleasantville
This 1998 fantasy drama follows David (Tobey Maguire) and Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon) as they find themselves transported into the black-and-white world of ‘Pleasantville’. As they try to fit in, the siblings discover that the town’s perfect appearance hides a lot of secrets and complications.
With Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen and William H. Macy all delivering strong performances, Pleasantville is an enchanting exploration of reality versus fantasy!
Never Been Kissed
This 1999 romantic comedy follows Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore), an eager but inexperienced journalist sent undercover to infiltrate her high school as a student. With help from her principal (John C. Reilly) and teacher (David Arquette), Josie navigates the tricky waters of teenage life and falls for a fellow student (Michael Vartan).
With its funny characters and sweet romance, Never Been Kissed is a charming take on the joys of first love!
Empire Records
This 1995 cult classic follows the misadventures of Rex Manning (Maxwell Caulfield) and his employees at Empire Records. When Rex comes to town tto impress everyone with their success, the duo concocts an elaborate lie about running a successful business.
Along the way, they learn that sometimes it’s okay to be yourself. With its sharp humor and spot-on costumes, Empire Records is a hilarious comedy of errors!
The Greatest Teenage Movies from the 90’s You Love
Regardless of the decade, teenage movies are always a crowd pleaser. These films capture the spirit and struggles of adolescence with humor, heart, and intelligence.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy these underrated classics!