Top 10 Teen Movies From The 90s

For many teenagers, summer means weekend nights spent hanging out at the movie theater, trying to sneak into the latest R-rated flick. The 90s were no exception to this, and producers churned out plenty of hit teen movies throughout the decade. Plenty of these films are now considered classics, including these top 10 teen movies:

I Know What You Did Last Summer

I Know What You Did Last Summer hit theatres in 1997, and featured a host of future stars like Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Although it was hardly a critically-acclaimed move, teens flocked to see this slasher film. After accidentally killing a pedestrian on their way home from a party, a group of teens vow to keep the tragedy a secret. When they return to town next summer, however, a mysterious killer makes sure they don’t forget what they did. This flick was perfect for teens, as long as they didn’t mind having nightmares afterwards.

Election

Election follows the troubles and triumphs of Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) as she runs for class president of her suburban Nebraska high school. A young Matthew Broderick plays her teacher, Jim McAllister, who tries to stop her at all costs. It’s hard to decide who to root for in this movie, but ultimately, Tracy is the one who comes out on top. Witherspoon does an excellent job of portraying someone with a little too much ambition.

Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead

Everyone who grew up in the 90s has seen Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead at least once, either accidentally on late night television or on purpose. The Crandell kids must learn to fend for themselves after their grouchy babysitter as a fatal heart attack soon after their mother departs for a summer in Australia. Sue Ellen does what everyone dreams of – forges her resume and lands her dream job with a fashion company. Although there are ups and downs, the funny and charming story of the Crandells’ summer was a hit in the 90s.

Never Been Kissed

When Josie Geller gets her chance to become a reporter, she takes it – even though that means heading back to high school. Josie, played by Drew Barrymore, leaves her quiet, nerdy past behind when she goes undercover as a popular student. Anyone who spent high school on the lower levels of the social ladder immediately wished they could have a “do-over” like Josie’s, especially once she falls for her teacher. Does she blow her cover or blow her chance at a relationship? This teen chick flick had every girl swooning.

Cruel Intentions

Cruel Intentions was a complex movie for older teens, but it was still one of the most popular films in the 90s. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe starred as scheming step-siblings, Kathryn and Sebastian, in this dramatic and sexually-charged film. The innocent headmaster’s daughter, Annette, is their desired target, and they make a bet over whether Sebastian will be able to seduce her before the end of the semester. Honestly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer was barely a dark role for Gellar compared to this.

Dazed and Confused

It’s hard to say what made Dazed and Confused so appealing to 90s teens, given that it was set in 1976. Regardless of the difference in decades, this movie is a cult classic – and it also brought us the career of Matthew McConaughey. From hazing to smoking marijuana, this movie features students doing just about everything possible to get into trouble. It’s a feel-good comedy about friendship, partying, and living life in the moment, which makes it a timeless flick.

Clueless

Amy Heckerling’s Clueless is a favorite for any teenage girl who grew up in the 90s. Alicia Silverstone starred as Cher, a wealthy and popular LA teen navigating the rough waters of high school and love. Alongside her best friend Dionne, Cher takes Tai Fraiser (Brittany Murphy) under her wing for a major makeover. Clueless, which was based on Jane Austen’s Emma, is a classic coming-of-age movie. Cher and Dionne’s stylish wardrobes only made us more envious of their glamorous-yet-relatable lives.

10 Things I Hate About You

The 90s was a time for sweet romantic comedies in which the antihero stole the show. 10 Things I Hate About You was no exception. Heath Ledger shined as Patrick, the gorgeous, rebellious outcast. Julia Stiles portrayed Kat, a snarky feminist determined to abstain from high school social life. Based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You even had a compelling subplot: Kat’s younger sister Bianca had to choose between the sweet, nerdy new guy and the most popular guy in school – who also happened to be Kat’s ex-boyfriend. And who didn’t swoon when Patrick disrupted soccer practice to sing to Kat (in Heath Ledger’s gorgeous accent!)?

The Craft

If you attended a high school slumber party anytime after 1996, chances are good that you’ve seen – and loved – The Craft. This cult favorite features Neve Cambell, Fairuza Balk, Robin Tunney and Rachel True as four teen friends who form a coven in Los Angeles. After initial success with their spells, they find that being a coven isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In the 90s, this horror film was the perfect sleepover lead-up to a night of trying to figure how to use that old Ouija board you found in your best friend’s attic.

American Pie

American Pie defined the summer of 1999 for many teenagers. Four friends – Jim, Oz, Finch and Kevin, made a pact to lose their virginity before graduation, and hilarity ensues. The infamous pie scene is just one of many memorable moments in this film, and who could forget Jim’s dad? This movie is not for the faint of heart, and many parents surely banned their kids from seeing it. Its quotable nature means that even those who haven’t seen it definitely know at least one line from the movie. For those with a good sense of humor or a love of band camp, though, American Pie is a 90s classic.