10 Bad ‘90s Teen Movies That Are Highly Entertaining

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1990s teen movies stand out as a unique genre. These films may incorporate themes of growing up, humor, or even horror, yet they share similar characteristics. Common elements include the fashion, slang, and an awkward high school vibe that you’ll often find in ’90s teen movies. As with many genres, some of these films are memorable while others might be quickly forgotten.

We chose to reminisce about the past and traverse the era that brought us movies like Scream, Can’t Hardly Wait, and 10 Things I Hate About You. But for this list, we’re focusing on a different category – ’90s teen flicks that might not have been critically acclaimed, but they sure know how to entertain in a peculiar way. We delved into the treasure trove of these films.

10
‘Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead’ (1991)

The movie “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” revolves around Swell Crandell, a 17-year-old who feels capable of managing their household and siblings when their mother goes on a trip with her boyfriend. However, the babysitter hired by Swell’s mother turns out to be more like a boss, until she unexpectedly passes away. Rather than notifying their mom or the authorities, they opt to secretly send the body to the mortuary, and as a result, they have an amazing summer without any restrictions, allowing Swell and her siblings to express themselves freely.

A Ridiculous Yet Appealing Concept

Starring Christina Applegate, this movie marked one of her early acting roles. Despite its outlandish title, the chemistry among the young cast members is compelling and the film becomes surprisingly endearing. It struck a chord with audiences who appreciated Swell’s character development amid challenging situations. Interestingly enough, the same title was used for a remake in 2024.

9
‘Airborne’ (1993)

As a die-hard fan, let me share my take on the movie “Airborne.” In this captivating tale, I find myself in the shoes of Mitchell, a spirited Californian teen whose parents opt for an adventure Down Under, leaving him with relatives in Cincinnati.

Being a whiz at inline skating, I quickly connect with my cousin, make new buddies, and even meet an intriguing girl. However, I step into a world where tension simmers, and the only way to diffuse it is through an epic rollerblading race!

The Craze of Rollerblades Represented in a Terrible Film We Never Missed During Reruns

Airborne” is a poorly crafted movie that primarily serves as a ’90s Rollerblade trend depiction. Similar to how “The Wizard” represented Nintendo and “The Mighty Ducks” showcased hockey, “Airborne” focuses on skating. It’s quite enjoyable, particularly the race, which includes an impressive lineup of stunts. Keep an eye out for performances by Jack Black and Seth Green, who portray charmingly quirky characters.

8
‘Calendar Girl’ (1993)

Calendar Girl” is a humorous teenage film about three pals on an outrageous quest to encounter Marilyn Monroe at the height of her fame. In Los Angeles, our trio – Roy, Ned, and Scott – track down Marilyn, but instead of introducing themselves properly, they resort to… persistently pursuing her. When she agrees to go out with one of them, they find themselves in a dilemma over who will win her heart.

This Was Stalking, Right?

Calendar Girl”

This movie, reminiscent of ’90s comedies featuring immature male leads, offers an unexpected twist at its end. The plot development leading up to it may be standard, but the climactic scene will leave you pondering for a while. The trio, Jason Priestley, Gabriel Olds, and Jerry O’Connell, deliver humorous performances in their respective roles. However, the depiction of stalking in the storyline might make some viewers uncomfortable.

7
‘Encino Man’ (1992)

In the movie “Encino Man“, the main character, Dave, is a teenager experiencing some tough times. He’s got a secret crush on a girl who seems oblivious to his feelings, and his social circle consists of just one buddy, Stoney. One day, while digging in his backyard, Dave stumbles upon a massive chunk of ice. Inside this ice block, there lies a caveman who eventually stirs from his slumber. The duo, Dave and Stoney, then attempt to acclimate this caveman to the hustle and bustle of 1990s Los Angeles.

It Requires No Effort Except for Having to Digest Pauly Shore

The movie “Encino Man” is quite amusing, boasting Brendan Fraser at his best and Ke Huy Quan in what turned out to be his final role before making a comeback in the 2020s. Sean Astin does an impressive job as the main character. However, Pauly Shore’s portrayal of Stoney is problematic. He seems out of place as a comedic element, and unfortunately, doesn’t enhance the film significantly. Despite its success with audiences, it only managed to garner a 17% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

6
‘Class Act’ (1992)

Class Act” is one among several comedies penned by the hip-hop duo Kid ‘n Play. In this particular story, Kid portrays Duncan Pinderhughes, a diligent but academically gifted student who’s struggling to meet his physical education requirements and thus unable to attend his preferred university. Play takes on the role of Blade, a troublemaker whose release from detention hinges upon him completing high school. When their photographs are inadvertently exchanged, leading them to be placed in different corners of the high school world, they will strive to aid each other in their unique predicaments.

A Product of Its Time

Class Act” is a less recognized comedy flick that offers a mix of humor and awkward moments, making it a guilty pleasure for fans of Kid ‘n Play movies. Looking back, it does exhibit some misogynistic tendencies similar to the hip-hop culture of the ’90s. However, the film’s portrayal of urban life is amusing enough to bring a chuckle or two.

5
‘House Arrest’ (1996)

House Arrest revolves around Grover, a troubled teenager who struggles with his parents’ potential separation. In an attempt to resolve their issues, he concocts a scheme to confine them in the basement, hoping it will mend whatever cracks exist. As word spreads among his peers, they persuade their own parents to descend into this gloomy basement, which Grover claims has magical powers to restore marriages – or so it seems.

A Crime Movie Disguised as a Family Feature

Unbelievable, outlandish, far-fetched. House Arrest is a teen comedy featuring Jamie Lee Curtis portraying a mother who finds herself in a predicament where her sons disregard her wellness, ultimately leading her to reassess her marriage. Yet, the character interactions among the youthful actors, the musical elements, and the distinct ’90s aesthetic may resonate with certain viewers.

4
‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’ (1993)

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, let me recap “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” from my perspective. Instead of concealing herself within the confines of a convent, Deloris Van Cartier has transformed into a captivating vocalist in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Eager to reconnect with her former self, a group of my dear nuns embark on a journey to Sin City. Their mission? Track down Deloris and persuade her to return to San Francisco, where she’s needed urgently to support the students at her alma mater. With her exceptional talent for singing lessons, Deloris decides to harness that power and orchestrate a remarkable transformation in their school.

The Best Guilty Pleasure of the ‘90s

In essence, “Sister Act 2” shares just one element with its predecessor – the character of Deloris, played by Whoopi Goldberg. The remainder of the story is a fresh take that lacks much humor. Instead, Deloris finds herself managing a group of troubled teenagers. To sum up, while the final act is enjoyable, the movie as a whole is puzzling and leaves one wondering how they might approach a potential third installment.

3
‘Sidekicks’ (1992)

The tale revolves around Barry Gabrewski, a teen yearning for the role of Chuck Norris’ sidekick while battling bad guys on screen. However, Barry’s physical stature is less formidable, frequently making him a target of schoolyard bullies. His desire to learn karate leads him to excel in martial arts, and when he enters a tournament with Norris in attendance as a guest, the magic of cinema sees him fighting side by side with the action genre’s reigning king.

We Won’t Argue If Chuck Norris Doesn’t

The teenage sports comedy, unfortunately, lacks finesse in its script and strives excessively for humor. However, a commendable acting job by the late Jonathan Brandis, coupled with a climax reminiscent of The Karate Kid, will undoubtedly put a grin on your face. Furthermore, the appearance of Chuck Norris, albeit somewhat contrived, will likely prompt you to cheer for the protagonist who not only encounters his hero but also partners with him in defeating a foolish antagonist.

2
‘Surf Ninjas’ (1993)

As a cinephile immersed in the world of cinema, I find myself drawn to the tale of “Surf Ninjas.” In this narrative, we follow two brothers, Johnny and Adam, who uncover an extraordinary secret: they are heirs to a mythical Asian kingdom known as Patusan. Leaving behind the bustling cityscape of Los Angeles, they embark on a journey to reclaim what rightfully belongs to them. However, their quest is far from simple; Colonel Chi has seized control over Patusani and established himself as its ruler. The siblings must now band together to challenge this tyrant and restore peace to their ancestral land.

A “So Bad It’s Good” Piece That Fully Represents the Decade

Leslie Nielsen plays a merciless antagonist in an Asian setting, while Rob Schneider seems proficient in karate. Ernie Reyes Jr. demonstrates his mastery of kung fu. The movie “Surf Ninjas” is laugh-out-loud hilarious and perfect for those moments when you want to relax and enjoy a less serious, entertaining flick. With a title like surf + ninjas, it’s hard not to expect a good time!

1
‘Idle Hands’ (1999)

The movie titled Idle Hands revolves around a character named Anton, a teenage pothead who unknowingly becomes a murderer due to his constant marijuana use. However, when a pair of his friends suspect him of the crime, Anton’s hands inexplicably take control and commit brutal murders. This sets off a series of events as Anton struggles to regain mastery over his limbs.

A Horror Stoner Comedy Unlike Any Other

As a film enthusiast, I’d say what makes “Idle Hands” a standout is that it offers more than just horror – it’s got a hilarious teen comedy vibe, boasting fantastic visual effects and an exceptional performance from the often underestimated ’90s actor, Devon Sawa. Granted, the movie didn’t quite hit its mark financially, and the narrative could use some polish in parts, but it’s got enough laughs to keep it playing in the background during get-togethers with friends over drinks. If you’re a fan of the recent “Y2K” wave, you’ll find this film incredibly enjoyable.

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2025-01-13 03:32