After the wild decade of the '80s, the '90s teen movie took experimentation down a notch and told romantic, comedic stories about the teenager. These teen protagonists just want their happy ending, and that's what the creators gave to them - for better and for worse.
Looking back, there is a charm to these films, but also a great deal is lacking. The young teens and adults growing up in this era of film might have enjoyed watching them then, but today may realize some unsavory details that just haven't aged well.
10 Aged Well: '90s Nostalgia
The '90s has its own charm as it ages and '90s nostalgia is becoming the new craze in this decade. It used to be all about the '80s, but gradually, '90s fashions and trends are coming back to light. That being said, people who grew up with these films might have a hard time seeing their faults.
Clueless is a quotable film, with decade-appropriate outfits and a very '90s soundtrack. Arguably, no film is quite as nostalgic to the 1990s like Clueless. Main character Cher is an endearing and capable character, despite appearing ditzy and spoiled, and won over the hearts of many. Some '90s films were focused on entertaining the audience with subtle messages rather than making bold statements.
9 Haven't Aged Well: The Same Romantic Story Told Repeatedly
While '80s teen movies had a little more intrigue in their general ideas and plots, the '90s frequently entertained the same tired love story. Boy meets girl, the two have great chemistry but are clueless about their potential for romance, but the sparks begin to fly. Then the girl's heart is broken and they have to make amends, which they inevitably do.
Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead is about a lot more than romantic relationships. The plot focuses on their struggle for independence, balancing adulthood with her fun teen years, and preparing for the future. Most '90s teen movies like She's All That are more about relationships and looks, and less about other important aspects of teenage life.
8 Aged Well: Better Treatment Of Female Characters
For the longest time, films were led by male protagonists. Although '90s teen movies didn't historically change the trend, they did support it with a variety of female leads. Many female characters have their own looks, interests, and control over their own lives, even if their decision-making might not be the best. The over-sexualization of teenage girls is put to a halt in many of these films.
7 Haven't Aged Well: Terrible Side Characters
Though the actors performed well, the main focus lies with the protagonist and their love interest. Whether it's a lack of character development or just really awful choices, the side characters are not always likable. In 10 Things I Hate About You, Kat and her younger sister, Bianca, aren't allowed to date according to their worried father.
When their father realizes that Kat isn't interested in dating, he changed the rule so Bianca can date, but only if her older sister Kat starts to. Bianca and her crush pay the bad boy of their high school to seduce Kat, who winds up breaking her heart. It'd be interesting if their father had more screen-time, which would allow for his change in morals.
6 Aged Well: The Fashion In These Films Is Sought After
'90s teen movies had an obsession with the fashion. The decade itself was influential in the fashion industry, as clothes were quickly becoming genderless and more casual. Perhaps because the leads were female, marketers believed characters with a good fashion sense would interest their demographic. Nonetheless, the wardrobe department did a great job. Jawbreaker is a notable mention alongside Clueless.
Not only did each outfit perfectly fit and illustrate the characters, but the fashion and style presented still stand today. '90s fashion saw grunge, chic and catwalk looks. The fashion revival is still present - branded sportswear, tiny handbags, checked skirts, slip dresses, scrunchies, flared jeans and all things velvet.
5 Haven't Aged Well: A Step Back In Representing The Real Teen Experience
While the teen featured films of the '80s took strides in sharing the voices of struggling teenagers, the '90s seemed to fantasise the high school experience. Plenty of '90s coming-of-age films like Boyz N The Hood and Kids touched upon the issues of growing into adulthood. But most only seem to scratch the surface. Though they entertain, they don't always resonate with teens who are really struggling with becoming adults.
Not all teens have a whirlwind romance that's on and off in high school, or at the very least they have a multitude of other issues going on. They're fun to watch, but at the end of the day, the relatability is not there.
4 Aged Well: The Comedy Still Makes Audiences Laugh Today
One thing that the '90s teen movies excelled in was comedy. The famed apple pie scene from American Pie still leaves viewers crying with laughter, and even Cher's naive and obtuse ways in Clueless still carries its humor. The scene where Cher hesitates to drop to the floor when threatened by a gun because she's wearing an expensive dress brings humor that's lasted the ages.
These films were designed to entertain. Even if viewers don't fall for the cheesy romance, there's still a good laugh waiting around the corner. It's important to note that some jokes didn't age well, but the brunt of the comedy in these films still stands today for those who enjoyed it back in the '90s.
3 Haven't Aged Well: Main Characters Have To Pay Little Consequences For Their Terrible Actions
Whether it's about finding love or surviving high school, the rebellious protagonists of '90s teen movies always find themselves in the worst situations. Most of the time, having only themselves to blame. In Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead, the five siblings are ecstatic that their single mother is going away for vacation. However, they are watched over by the tyrannical babysitter Mrs. Sturak, until she dies in her sleep.
Rather than calling the cops, believing they would somehow be blamed for her death, the siblings decide that it's a smarter idea to just leave the dead body stuffed in a trunk outside a funeral home. Viewers may think a little prison time would come with the rolling credits, but alas, she's instead praised for the good work she's done and is helped to attend the college of her choice.
2 Aged Well: The Best Chemistry In Romance
Though the lines and the romance itself may be cheesy, the actors did a fantastic job in their performances in these films. On top of their individual performances, '90s cast ensembles tended to have great chemistry. Many of these teen films bounce from one character problem to the next and have a huge emphasis on the relationships between the characters, and especially the love interests.
It's because the cast worked so well together that the films could be taken seriously to a degree. The friendships were genuine, heartbreaks painful, and in the end, the true love burst with sparks.
1 Haven't Aged Well: Shoddy Representation For Minority Groups
'90s teen films lacked representation, with all-white casts and little to no diversity. Alongside Dionne, the only other person of color in Clueless is the Hispanic maid, who serves Cher's rich family.  There's also an issue with representation of Drag Queens in Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead. One of the few times Drag Queens are portrayed on screen, they were cast as criminals. The writers tried to make it funny, but today it definitely wouldn't bring in as many laughs.
If viewers want to check out more diverse '90s films: Juice, Boyz N The Hood and Friday are notable mentions.