SheThePeople Picks: Best ’90s Movies To Watch If You're Having A Bad Day

The 90s gave us more than just grunge, boy bands, and baggy jeans—it gave us some of the most unforgettable teen movies ever made. These weren’t just stories about high school crushes or prom night drama. They explored everything from identity crises and rebellion to grief, self-expression, and the bittersweet chaos of growing up. Whether you're drawn to edgy thrillers, heartfelt dramas, or feel-good coming-of-age tales, these films captured what it meant to be young in a changing world—and they still resonate today. So grab your Walkman (or just your popcorn) and take a trip back to the teen flicks that defined a generation.

 Essential ’90s Teen Films That Got It Right

1. Clueless (1995)  

Set in Beverly Hills, this coming-of-age teen comedy follows Cher, a wealthy and popular high schooler who sees herself as a do-gooder. She gives a makeover to a shy new girl, sets up her teachers, and navigates teenage life with charm and confidence. But as her plans unfold, she begins to reflect on her own choices. A stylish and witty reimagining of Jane Austen’s Emma. 

2.10 Things I Hate About You (1999) 

A quintessential ‘90s high school rom-com that gave teen angst a poetic twist. Centred around sisters with very different rules for dating, the film blends sharp humour, iconic love declarations, and just the right amount of rebellion. With hallway standoffs, paintball dates, and that rooftop serenade, it’s the kind of teen movie that still makes you smile (and maybe cry) years later. 

3. Before sunrise (1995) 

Two strangers meet on a train and decide to spend one evening walking through Vienna, talking about everything and nothing. What follows is quiet, tender, and deeply human. Before Sunrise is a film that captures the magic of connection, the thrill of possibility, and the ache of knowing time is limited. A slower, more thoughtful kind of teen romance that still lingers years later. 

4. Cruel Intentions (1999) 

Set in the elite circles of Manhattan, this provocative drama reimagines French drama Les Liaisons dangereuses with designer clothes and razor-sharp dialogue. It follows two manipulative stepsiblings who treat love like a game, pulling others into their web of lies and seduction. Bold, scandalous, and dripping with ‘90s edge, the film became a cult classic for how unapologetically dark teen drama could get and how dangerously good it looked doing it. 

5. Dazed and Confused (1993) 

Set over the course of one day in 1976, this coming-of-age film follows a group of Texas high school students on the last day of school. As rising freshmen face hazing rituals and seniors drift through parties, football practice, and late-night drives, the film weaves together small, plot-light moments that feel deeply real. With no single protagonist, it captures the spirit of teenage boredom, rebellion, and fleeting freedom all backed by a classic rock soundtrack and a cast of soon-to-be stars. 

6. Rushmore (1998) 

A quirky, offbeat comedy that follows Max Fischer, an ambitious but eccentric teen at a prestigious prep school, whose life spirals into chaos when he falls for a teacher only to find himself in a rivalry with his much older friend. Wes Anderson’s distinct visual style and dry humour shine through, backed by a British Invasion soundtrack and sharp performances. It’s a story about obsession, friendship, and growing up with just the right mix of awkwardness and heart. 

7. Election (1999)

Set in the halls of a suburban high school, this razor-sharp satire turns a simple student body election into a full-blown political drama. When a determined overachiever, Tracy Flick, decides to run unopposed, a bitter teacher steps in to sabotage her campaign by backing a clueless football player. What unfolds is a clever, darkly funny look at ambition, resentment, and power all through the lens of teen politics. With standout performances and biting commentary, Election turns high school into a battlefield of egos and agendas. 

8. Heathers (1988) 

Long before Mean Girls, there was Heathers, a pitch-black teen comedy that blew up the rules of the high school clique movie (literally). Veronica is stuck in a ruthless friend group run by three girls named Heather, until a mysterious new student, J.D., turns teenage rebellion into full-blown chaos. With murder disguised as suicide and popularity taken to deadly extremes, this cult classic mixes sharp satire with a disturbingly stylish look at teen pressure, power, and identity. Not your typical high school movie, and that’s exactly the point. 

9. Empire Records (1995) 

It’s Rex Manning Day, and the most chaotic shift in record store history is about to begin. A bunch of quirky misfit employees scramble to save their beloved indie shop from being swallowed by a corporate chain, all while navigating teen angst, crushes, confessions, and existential breakdowns in the break room. Flopping at the box office but thriving as a cult favourite, Empire Records is pure 90s rebellion: messy, musical, and full of heart. Damn the man, save the Empire. 

10. The Virgin Suicides (1999)