Only Someone Who Grew Up In The 90s Can Name All These Teen Movies
- by Johnny Reynolds
- – on
- in Movies and TV
It seems as if kids who grew up in the 1990s hold that decade in much higher regard than people who grew up in a different time hold theirs. Every bit of pop culture seems to hold a special place in their hearts. But with the rise of 3D gaming, world-altering technology, fantastic grunge, hip hop, and pop music it's easy to see why so many think fondly of that decade.
But one of the aspects that everyone seems to love to look back on the most are the films of the decade, the teen ones in particular. Unlike most other movies of the decade, these fully encapsulate the 90s vibe. One can watch movies like "Pulp Fiction," "Titanic," or "Goodfellas" at any time as those are now considered classics. But to really get the 90s nostalgia flowing, there's no better movie to watch than one with teens as they tapped into the latest trends, music, and fashion.
Not only that, but it meant that these movies were incredibly relatable to anyone growing up at the time. Teens could see themselves in these characters, regardless of the situation they were put in. Which is why only someone who grew up in this period can name all these teen movies.
What is the name of this iconic teen comedy?
There are a plethora of teen comedies that haven't quite stood the test of time. But the few that have are remembered fondly as classics. The movie these three characters are from is one of those particular movies. It focused on a wealthy and popular high school student who tried to help a new student become just as popular. But she also had to deal with typical teenage issues like boys and learning how to drive. What gave the movie its lasting impression was how the lead character went through a reevaluation of what's important in life to her. And it doesn't hurt that the movie is hilarious and full of fantastic quotes. Which movie is this?
What 90s teen comedy is based on a Shakespeare play?
The works of Shakespeare have been adapted into a variety of different forms, including several movies. But this one was unique for turning one of his plays into a modern-day teen rom-com. Based on "The Taming of the Shrew," it followed the popularity-craving Bianca whose father forbade her from dating until her ill-tempered older sister, Katarina, did. Seeking the opportunity to meet Bianca, Cameron and his best friend devised a plan to make it happen. It featured many actors that would become big stars like Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Julia Stiles. What is the name of this teen comedy?
What Disney movie are these two teens from?
While this Disney classic is set in a period far removed from the 90s, it was still one of the most popular movies the studio released that decade and featured a loving story about two teens at its core. Seeking to make Princess Jasmine fall in love with him, a young kid living on the street enlisted the help of a wish-granting Genie to turn him into a prince and win her affection. Unfortunately for him, there was a villainous sorcerer vying for her hand in marriage as well. A live action remake of this movie is coming out in 2019. What is it called?
What is the name of this teen slasher movie?
Throughout the 1980s, slasher movies began to become a bit stale, with once-promising franchises like "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th" churning out mediocre sequels. But in 1996, a new type of slasher movie would be released. Directed by famed director Wes Craven, this movie followed a group of teens whose town was being terrorized by a masked madman. He liked to call his victims and quiz them on spooky movies. The film was well-received due to turning many tropes of the genre on their head with characters making references about how to survive in these types of movies. What is this movie called?
What is the name of this rom-com?
One of the quintessential romantic comedies of the 1990s, this movie followed a popular guy who made a bet with his friends that he could turn a geeky girl into the school's prom queen. Only when she started to go through her make over, and he got to know her for who she really was, he began to fall in love with her. But the plan hit a hitch when she found out about the bet. The movie turned Freddy Prinze, Jr. and Rachel Leigh Cook into 90s icons, but it also starred Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker, Usher, Lil' Kim, and Anna Paquin. What is the name of this movie?
What teen comedy takes place inside a record store?
Record stores may be almost entirely extinct in 2019, but in the mid 1990s they were everywhere. And it must have been every teen's dream to work in one. This 90s comedy shows a day in the life of the employees of one particular record store as they deal with issues like acceptance, addiction, and the threat of a major chain buying out their second home. It featured a stellar cast like Liv Tyler, Renee Zellwegger, Ethan Embry, and Rory Cochrane. Also, it naturally had a dynamite soundtrack of some of the best alt rock groups around. What is the name of this comedy?
What is the name of this dramatic teen movie?
While many of the most famous teen focused movies of the 90s were comedies, that certainly doesn't mean they all were. Some, like this one, were rather dark. It focused on two step siblings who made a bet about who could take the virginity of the daughter of the headmaster at their elite private school. The cast included Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe, and Selma Blair. It was popular enough for two sequels to be greenlit, but they went straight to video and didn't feature any of the original cast members. What is the name of this teen movie?
What teen movie takes place at a party after graduation?
One of the consistent themes running through most teen movies in the 1990s is transition. Whether it be transitioning to a new part of life or transitioning to a new level of relationship, as this comedy shows. It takes place in one night at a party after graduation and follows a handful of characters as they prepare to move on to something new. The main character is a dorky guy who has been in love with the same girl all throughout high school, but has never spoken to her. But this one night is his last chance. What is the name of this teen comedy?
What 90s teen action comedy was turned into a popular TV series?
While this 1992 action comedy may not have been the most successful at the box office, it would eventually be turned into one of the most popular TV shows of that decade. Written by Joss Whedon, who would be the show runner for the series, it followed a teenage girl who found out she was destined to put an end to all vampires. The series continued her hunt for the creatures, but also had her face off against other supernatural forces. The movie featured Kristy Swanson as the hero and Donald Sutherland, Luke Perry, and Hilary Swank in supporting roles. What is the name of this movie?
What 90s movie focuses on kids trying to stop three witches?
The 1990s were another strong decade for Disney, with them releasing several animated features that are considered classics today but also several successful live-action films. This particular movie has turned into a tradition as many fans still watch it around Halloween. It took place in Salem and followed the new kid in town who, while trick 'r' treating with his crush and her younger sister, accidentally awakens a trio of witches and must stop them from wreaking havoc on the town. The witches were played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. What is the name of this movie?
What is this teen movie based on the Shakespeare tragedy?
While "10 Things I Hate About You" was set in modern day, it didn't utilize the language of the time period the original play was written in. This movie, which is also set in modern day, did. It followed two star-crossed teens from warring families who fell in love with each other, but had to hide their relationship. It is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays with one of his most tragic endings. The film starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes and was directed by Baz Luhrmann, who would go on to direct "Moulin Rouge!" and "The Great Gatsby." What is the name of this Shakespeare movie?
What is this 90s teen comedy that takes place in the 1970s?
There were several teen movies released in the 1990s that were set in different eras but still spoke to the youth of the time. This particular comedy took place on the last day of school for several high school students and future Freshmen in 1976. While the older students were still working on figuring their lives out, the younger were learning what their new lives would be like. It was future Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey's first film appearance but also starred Milla Jovovich and Ben Affleck. The soundtrack compiled many popular bands of the period like Aerosmith, KISS, and Black Sabbath. What is the name of this movie?
What teen movie focuses on a group of witches?
Practicing witchcraft is obviously a dangerous thing to meddle with and this movie shows just how wrong it can go. The teen thriller follows a new girl at a Catholic high school who becomes friends with a trio of girls who practice the dark arts. And after they each cast spells either against those who have wronged them or to simply better their lives, things start to take a turn for the dangerous. The cast featured Neve Campbell, Fairuza Balk, Robin Tunney, and Rachel True as the four leads. This film was recently announced to be getting a reboot at Blumhouse. What is the name of this movie?
What movie follows two teens who are transported into a TV show?
This heartwarming comedy, which focused on two siblings that get transported into the world of an old sitcom, had a style unlike any other movie around. When the two teens were transported to this place, the way they acted started to have an effect on the traditional 1950s characters. And with their insertion into this world, several things started to change from black and white to brightly colored. The two siblings were played by Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire, but other actors featured were William H. Macy, Jeff Daniels, and Joan Allen. What is the name of this teen movie?
What is the name of this Tim Burton movie?
Of all the directors in the world, there are few that have as distinct a style as Tim Burton. After making it big with "Beetlejuice" and "Batman," he wrote and directed a very different type of movie. It told the story of a young man who was created by an inventor that passed away before he good give him real hands. And after coming down from the hilltop the inventor lived on, he found a new family but struggled to fit in with the suburban neighborhood. It was the first of Burton's long collaboration with Johnny Depp. What is it called?
What teen comedy follows a reporter that goes undercover in a high school?
Drew Barrymore is one of the most recognizable actresses working in Hollywood today. From her breakout role in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" all the way up to her starring role in Netflix's dark comedy "Santa Clarita Diet," she's shown she has quite the range in projects she chooses to work on. In 1999, she starred and produced a movie about a news reporter who enrolls in high school in order to research her latest story. Though the main character was not a teen, the fun came from seeing her try to fit in and relive her high school years, where she was ridiculed for being a nerd. What is the name of this comedy?
Which 90s teen movie focuses on an alien invasion?
Part of the mentality that came from teen culture in the 1990s was the feeling of being misunderstood by adults and those in power. This thriller, which follows a group of teens rebelling against the aliens who have body-snatched their teachers, heavily featured that theme. With every adult around them turning into aliens, the teens had to rely on each other to survive. It was directed by Robert Rodriguez, the same director behind "Sin City," "Alita: Battle Angel," and "Desperado." The cast included Josh Hartnett, Elijah Wood, Jordana Brewster, Salma Hayek, and Robert Patrick. What is the name of this thriller?
What is this dramatic movie that focuses on a football team?
There are a few key actors who are synonymous with the 1990s. James Van Der Beek, because of his starring role in "Dawson's Creek," is one of them. One of his other ventures in that decade was this 1999 drama movie about a back-up quarterback who has to lead the team when the star quarterback is injured and can't play. Having to deal with an angry coach and a town that expects the world from him brings a lot of strain. The rest of the cast included Paul Walker, Jon Voight, Scott Caan, and Ali Larter. What is the name of this drama?
What is this 90s teen movie based on a memoir?
Leonardo DiCaprio, with roles like "Titanic" and "Romeo and Juliet," quickly became one of the biggest stars of the 1990s. Little did the world know that he was just getting started. Another movie the actor released in that decade was this harrowing story about a star basketball player at a Catholic school who develops a heroin addiction. In what was definitely not a feel-good movie, the young athlete had to get clean or see his dream fade away. The film also featured Mark Wahlberg in one of his earliest roles. It was based on Jim Carroll's memoir, but what was it called?
What is the name of this slasher movie?
While "Scream" was the definitive slasher movie of the 1990s, there were still a few other solid entries in the genre. This particular one starred some of the biggest up-and-coming actors of the time like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddy Prinze, Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Ryan Phillippe. It told the story of four friends who had accidentally taken the life of a pedestrian one night and decided to keep it a secret. A year later, they began to be haunted by a man with a hook for a hand. It received one theatrical sequel and another straight to video one. What is the name of this teen slasher movie?
What teen movie focuses on a pirate radio station?
Along with feeling misunderstood, rebellion was another key theme running throughout teen pop culture in the 1990s. This comedy/drama movie focused on a shy teen who had moved to a new town and helped stir this rebellious feeling in others through the only way he could: radio. By using a short-wave radio, Mark created a pirate radio station that captured the minds of his peers much to the chagrin of the high school principal. The film starred Christian Slater in the lead role and was directed by Allan Moyle, the same director of "Empire Records." What is the name of this movie?
What 90s teen comedy follows two friends that thaw out a caveman?
The 1990s were certainly a weird time as it's hard to imagine the premise behind this comedy being greenlit today. It focused on two high school friends who found a frozen caveman in the back yard, choosing to thaw him out and helping him experience a new world. Though it was actually the inclusion of their new friend, named Link, that made them enjoy life in new ways. It starred Sean Astin and Pauly Shore as the two best friends and Brendan Fraser as the caveman. The director, Les Mayfield, would go on to direct more family-friendly movies like "Flubber" and the "Miracle on 34th Street" remake. What is the name of this comedy?
What is the name of this teen rom-com?
Before Adrian Grenier became popular for starring as Vincent Chase on "Entourage" and after Melissa Joan Hart had become famous for starring in "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," they both starred in this 90s teen rom-com. It followed Nicole and Chase, who used to be best friends, after they were both dumped and decided to fake a relationship in order to get back at their exes. And as one would assume, they began to develop real feelings for one another. It was based on the novel "How I Created My Perfect Prom Date" by Todd Strasser, but what is the name of this movie?
What 90s comedy is this overzealous student from?
Reese Witherspoon appeared in a multitude of great 90s movies starring teen characters, as evidenced by this quiz. But it's a testament to her talent that each character felt vastly different from each other. In this comedy, she played Tracy Flick, an overachiever running for school treasurer whose nature got under the skin of one of her teachers. She annoyed him so much, in fact, that he conspired to get any other student elected but her. The movie also starred Matthew Broderick as the teacher and was directed by Alexander Payne, the director of "Sideways" and "The Descendants." What is the name of this comedy?
What 90s comedy focuses on teens that work in a burger shop?
"Saturday Night Live" has seen many of their popular skits be turned into movies like "Wayne's World" and "The Blues Brothers." And in 1997, Nickelodeon decided to do the same with one of their skits from the teen sketch comedy show, "All That." This movie focused on a group of employees at a burger shop who struggled to keep business up after a new competitor opened up across the street. It was a true underdog tale, just with a bunch of silly humor thrown in. It starred Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, two of Nickelodeon's biggest stars of the time. What is this comedy called?
What is the name of this 90s coming of age movie?
Filmmakers making teen movies in the 90s mostly chose to have their movies be set in public schools as that made the characters more relatable. But this 1998 coming of age comedy, which was set in a private school, seemingly didn't want to be like any of the rest. It focused on a student falling in love with one of the teachers at the school and trying to win her affection. It was one of Wes Anderson's earliest movies, the director behind "Isle of Dogs," "The Royal Tenenbaums," and "Fantastic Mr. Fox." Even early on, he showed his distinct style. What is the name of this coming of age movie?
What is the name of this untraditional 90s teen rom-com?
While most teen rom-coms had their characters finding love within the halls of their schools, this one told a different type of love story. When her parents suspected the reasoning behind their daughter's disinterest in boys, Megan was sent to a sort of rehabilitation center with others like her. Much to the dismay of her parents, however, it was here that Megan would fall for the much more self-assured Graham. The movie starred Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall as the two girls and RuPaul, Dante Basco, and Kip Pardue in supporting roles. What is the name of this teen rom-com?
What comedy follows kids that make up a summer camp?
A dream of any kid, regardless of the time period, would be a summer vacation without any adults around. The creators of this 1994 family comedy took that idea and ran with it. In an attempt to dissuade his parents from sending him to the same boring summer camp, one teen gathered his friends to create a fake camp in order to get a parent-free vacation. They even blackmailed their former drama teacher, played by Christopher Lloyd, to help them fool the parents. The kids had to persuade their parents the place was real without letting them come visit. What is the name of this movie?
Which movie follows four close friends reuniting after 20 years?
While the majority of teen movies focus on a group of friends just in the moment, this particular one focused on characters from the 1970s and their present-day selves in the 1990s. After not seeing each other for 20 years, these four friends reunite and relive one of the most important and transformative summers of their adolescence, which helped them all to reconnect. Even after all their time apart, they would always keep their promise to one another. The movie starred Christina Ricci, Demi Moore, Rosie O'Donnell, Bonnie Hunt, Devon Sawa, and Thora Birch. What is the name of this movie?
What is the name of this spooky comedy?
If ever there was a movie rallying against being lazy, it's this one. It focuses on a slacker whose right hand suddenly takes on a mind of its own. And unfortunately for him, all the hand wants to do is take as many lives as possible. Seemingly nothing can put an end to the hand, as the protagonist finds out when he decides to be bold and chop it off. This only sets it free to do what it wants more quickly. This spooky comedy starred Devon Sawa, Seth Green, Jessica Alba, Vivica A. Fox, and Elden Henson. What is it called?
What 90s comedy follows four teens trying to sneak into a KISS concert?
This comedy is another teen-focused movie released in the 1990s that doesn't take place in the decade. One night in 1978, four best friends decide they won't be missing one of their favorite bands perform and decide to sneak into the KISS concert. This is far easier said than done as mishap after mishap sees the friends separated and getting desperate. But as these are the musicians that inspired them to form their own band, they'll stop at nothing. The movie starred Edward Furlong, Sam Huntington, Natasha Lyonne, and Emmanuelle Chriqui. What is the name of this teen comedy then?
What is this 90s dark comedy?
A perfect basis for a classic dark comedy will always be a prank that goes wrong. In this 1999 teen movie, three friends decide to capture another and shove a jawbreaker in her mouth to keep her from yelling. Unfortunately for them (though it wouldn't take a genius to see this coming) their friend chokes on the candy. Julie, Marcie, and Courtney then have to scramble and hide the crime, which is complicated even more when another student finds them out. The movie starred Rose McGowan, Judy Greer, Rebecca Gayheart, and a cameo by Marilyn Manson. What is the name of this dark comedy?
Which 90s comedy follow two sisters that swap bodies?
Swapping bodies has been a time-honored tradition since the dawn of comedy. There have been several movies made with this premise, and one particular comedy focused on two sisters. While idolizing her popular sister, Alexia, the younger Haley desperately wishes to switch places when Haley's crush shows interest in her sister. And, as luck would have it, this comes true. Both sisters begin to sabotage each other's lives before realizing the strong qualities the other possesses, which brings them closer together. The film didn't have a well-known cast outside of Katherine Heigl as the popular Alexia, one of her earliest roles. What is this movie called?
What is the name of this movie?
At a college in New England, one student begins to suspect an urban legend has come to life when people begin to mysteriously lose their lives. The legend being that a professor took the lives of six students 25 years previously. Naturally, no one believes her despite the fact that she has ties to each victim. The movie starred Jared Leto, Tara Reid, Joshua Jackson, and Robert Englund of Freddy Krueger fame. While the movie wasn't a huge hit (it holds 19% on Rotten Tomatoes), it still received a slew of direct to video sequels. What is the name of this movie?
What is the name of this teen focused comedy/thriller?
This teen comedy/thriller follows a student who will do whatever it takes to become valedictorian, even if it means taking someone else's life. In order to become valedictorian and get a scholarship to Harvard, Leigh Ann must succeed in History, a class whose teacher despises her. With the help of her friends, the three students keep the teacher prisoner and try to blackmail her into helping Leigh Ann out. The movie starred Katie Holmes, Helen Mirren, Barry Watson, and Marisa Coughlan. It was the directorial debut of Kevin Williamson, the writer of "Scream" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer." What is the name of this movie?