10 Forgotten ’90s Comedies That Still Hold Up Today

10 Forgotten ’90s Comedies That Still Hold Up Today

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There are certain films that practically every movie fan has seen or at least heard of, and that’s never more true than with the comedy movies of the 1990s. Whether they were smash-hit blockbusters that saw a new lease of life on VHS, DVD, and streaming, or critically acclaimed masterpieces whose quality will always attract an audience. This group of pictures will stay relevant for generations to come – even if the comedy movies of the ’90s did have some cringe moments.

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It’s impossible for any ’90s comedy movie to be fully forgotten if it’s been committed to film, because there is always a chance it was somebody’s favorite childhood film, or a huge cinephile found it during their extensive research of movies throughout the ages. The 1990s were a treasure trove of comedy classics, some much more long-lasting than others, from the best romantic comedies of the ’90s to the classic teen comedies of the ’90s. Though many people might have seen them once or twice, they haven’t quite reached the cult status that some other films of the decade have managed to do.

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10

Trading Mom (1994)

Directed by Tia Brelis

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Trading Mom

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Release Date

March 4, 1994

Runtime

82 minutes

Director

Tia Brelis

Producers

Raffaella De Laurentiis

Cast

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Trading Mom (1994) follows the Martin children, who use a magical spell to visit the “mommy market” in search of a more suitable mother. As they experience life with different moms, they realize the complexities of family and strive to reunite with their original mother.

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Times were very different in the 1990s (that’s no surprise) and the market for movies made for younger audiences was rife. Families took trips to the cinemas together, and home video releases were very popular, with kids collecting their favorite tapes to watch whenever they could. Nowadays, a phone with internet access allows for unlimited viewing, and films like Trading Mom are being made less and less. Whether it’s a good or bad thing is up for debate. Some might remember watching this nostalgic gem with their parents or friends, and it’s one of those films that unlocks core memories.

The premise is relatable and follows a group of siblings who feel frustrated with their mom and decide to swap her for a modified model. The alternative title is The Mommy Market, which is where they find these new versions (all played by Sissy Spacek). As expected, it turns out the mom they have is genuinely the best, and it gives them a newfound appreciation for their loving parent. It’s a message that is definitely worth reminding. A post My Girl Anna Chlumsky also stars.

9

Detroit Rock City (1999)

Directed by Adam Rifkin

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Detroit Rock City

Comedy

Release Date

August 13, 1999

Runtime

95 minutes

Director

Adam Rifkin

Cast

  • Headshot Of Melanie Lynskey In The Los Angeles premiere of ‘Lola’ at Regency Bruin Theatre.

    Melanie Lynskey

  • Headshot Of Natasha Lyonne

    Natasha Lyonne

  • Headshot Of Lin Shaye

    Lin Shaye

  • Headshot Of Edward Furlong

    Edward Furlong

Hawk, Lex, Trip and Jam hate disco music and are rock and roll fanatics. The band Kiss is performing in Detroit and they already have tickets. But the mother of one of them suddenly disappears with the tickets. Desperate, they do everything they can not to miss the show.

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Having a quest at the center of the plot allows for some entertaining comedy hijinx, as the viewers journey along with the heroes to get to their chosen destination. In this instance, the place to be is a KISS concert, and the heroes are a group of rebellious teens who escape their overbearing households in hopes of seeing their favorite rock band perform. It’s set in the ’70s and features a lot of music by the legendary band, and even sees them co-star in the film.

Mike-Myers-in-So-I-Married-an-Axe-Murderer-and-Andie-MacDowell-in-Multiplicity

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In addition to the many obstacles the boys have to overcome in order to reach their goal, the movie shows just how important a role music plays in people’s lives. It’s not just a vehicle for rebellion for young people, but it serves as a soundtrack to all the stages of one’s life. Despite a very relatable premise, great score, and celebration of nostalgia, the film failed to set the box office alight, meaning it didn’t necessarily reach as many people as it should have. But, this forgotten gem is genuinely worth a watch.

8

Little Giants (1994)

Directed by Duwayne Dunham

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Little Giants

PG

Comedy

Family

Sport

Release Date

October 14, 1994

Runtime

107 minutes

Director

Duwayne Dunham

Writers

James Ferguson, Robert Shallcross, Tommy Swerdlow, Michael Goldberg

Cast

An American soccer team made up of rejected athletes manages to change their fortunes with the help of professional players.

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Little Giants may have been a film intended for younger children, but it has a message that is important to this very day. Ed O’Neil and Rick Moranis provide the star power to keep the older viewers entertained, as the plot follows rival peewee football teams that compete for the right to represent their district in the official league. The reason that there are two teams is that a talented young girl is not allowed to play alongside the boys on the team.

Bearing in mind this film was made in the early ’90s, there are so many positive messages about inclusivity and giving people a chance, it feels relevant now more than ever.

One team is made up of varsity types who also have the tendency to bully those who are deemed weaker or lesser-than, while the other is formed of scrappy outcasts who just want to be part of something special. Bearing in mind this film was made in the early ’90s, there are so many positive messages about inclusivity and giving people a chance, it feels relevant now more than ever. Devon Sawa’s extreme ’90s curtain haircut encapsulates the era perfectly.

7

Airheads (1994)

Directed by Michael Lehmann

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Airheads

PG-13

Comedy

Crime

Release Date

August 5, 1994

Runtime

92 minutes

Director

Michael Lehmann

Writers

Rich Wilkes

Cast

Three members of a rock band are waiting for a big break. They decide to go to a radio station to play their demo tape and end up holding everyone hostage with plastic guns when the main DJ refuses to play it.

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The 1990s are well-known for leaning into teen counterculture and saw the rise of “slacker” comedies. With strong satirical elements, highlighting the absurdity of the music industry, Airheads manages to make a statement while also making the audience laugh. The dynamic trio of Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, and Adam Sandler forms a heavy metal band called “The Lone Rangers”, who are desperate to make it big on the music scene. After facing a lot of rejection and heartbreak, they decide to take over a radio station in order to get their record played.

It’s not just a metaphorical takeover that involves a run-of-the-mill guest co-hosting spot, but rather a hostage situation. What ensues is a clash of corporate protocols and rebellious anarchy which sums up the sentiment of the movie really well. The band gains media attention, but the cost is very high, and it leads them to question whether such exposure is a negative influence on their artistic vision. With similar issues affecting many musicians today, this nostalgic comedy still holds up.

6

Dick (1999)

Directed by Andrew Fleming

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Dick

PG-13

Comedy

Release Date

August 4, 1999

Director

Andrew Fleming

Writers

Andrew Fleming, Sheryl Longin

Cast

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The Watergate scandal has had many outings in cinema. All the President’s Men and Frost/Nixon looked at it through a serious lens, and Forrest Gump took some liberties, as it did with many other historical events. But, Dick manages to completely reimagine this infamous moment in time. Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams play a couple of sweet but slightly shallow teenagers, who somehow end up being the ones to uncover the cover-up and bring down a powerful president.

Rewriting history through comedy is always fun to watch, as viewers get to enjoy the creative ways of making actual facts fit into the story being told onscreen. The seemingly ditzy girls are ultimately able to outsmart a lot of influential political figures, and the film does a great job of showcasing the pitfalls of a corrupt government. The callbacks to the 1970s are also a treat, with some great music, authentic set decor, and fashion.

5

Jawbreaker (1999)

Directed by Darren Stein

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Jawbreaker

R

Comedy

Crime

Thriller

10/10

Release Date

January 30, 1999

Runtime

86 Minutes

Director

Darren Stein

Writers

Darren Stein

Cast

See All

A high school prank goes wrong when three popular girls accidentally kill their friend with a jawbreaker candy. To cover up the crime, they manipulate an innocent classmate, Fern, into silence by transforming her into one of them. The situation spirals out of control, leading to dark secrets and revelations.

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While this film has certainly built a cult audience, and there are those who would consider it their absolute favorite teen film of all time, it’s important to note that it does not quite have the same name recognition as Clueless or Cruel Intentions. But, this dark comedy dressed up in bright colors is a delicious showcase of what made this daring decade so great. Playing on themes of popularity, and the extremes people would go to achieve it, it tackles some truly heavy themes hidden behind a killer soundtrack.

Rose McGowan is one of the most iconic mean girls in teen movie history, as she delivers some vicious lines with the sweetest fake smile. Judy Greer also does a great job in a very “Judy Greer” type of role, and the costumes are nothing short of award-worthy. While some films of the same genre might try and deliver a hidden message that’s saccharine and cheesy, Jawbreaker does not stoop to those levels. While the villain may get punished, it still has an edge that it shares with its 1980s predecessor, Heathers.

4

Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)

Directed by Andrew Bergman

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Honeymoon In Vegas

PG-13

Comedy

Romance

Thriller

Release Date

August 28, 1992

Director

Andrew Bergman

Writers

Andrew Bergman

Cast

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Before Nicolas Cage got his Academy Award for Leaving Las Vegas, he headed to Sin City to marry his longtime love, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. Neither actor had reached their peak of fame when this underrated gem came out, and the biggest star of the picture was James Caan. The love triangle that occurs between the three fabulous actors is truly fun to watch, as the action takes viewers from Vegas to Hawaii and back again.

Imagery from Mystery Men and East Is East

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There is a dash of typical neuroses and ennui, especially evident in the cynical Jack Singer, who is haunted by a deathbed request that causes a lot of tension in his relationships. When he’s finally a step closer to committing to Betsy, a suave businessman steps in to wreak havoc on their plans to elope. With some laugh-out-loud moments, as well as a smidgen of deception, there is a lot to like about Honeymoon in Vegas. The opening animation, Bruno Mars’ short and sweet cameo, and some skydiving Elvises are only a few of the highlights to look out for.

3

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

Directed by Jamie Babbit

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But I’m A Cheerleader

R

Comedy

Drama

Romance

10/10

Release Date

July 7, 2000

Runtime

85 Minutes

Director

Jamie Babbit

Writers

Brian Peterson, Jamie Babbit

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Natasha Lyonne

    Natasha Lyonne

    Megan

  • Headshot Of Clea DuVall

    Clea DuVall

    Graham

But I’m a Cheerleader follows Megan, an all-American high school cheerleader, who is sent to a conversion therapy camp by her conservative parents after they suspect her of being a lesbian. The film explores her experiences at the camp as she navigates her identity and relationships.

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The humor in this ’90s indie classic is dark and scathing, as it satirizes the idea of forcefully imposing gender norms and conformity on a group of LGBTQ+ youths. Set at a conversion camp, it follows a seemingly bubbly cheerleader who is suspected by her parents of being a lesbian, and in need of being “cured”. But, what actually happens at the camp is her finding a meaningful romantic connection, and more importantly, finding her true self.

It’s a film that holds up to this day, with some witty and moving performances from Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, and Melanie Lynskey.

Satire is certainly at the heart of the film as it uses the stereotypical association of colors like pink and blue to reinforce hetero-normative gender conventions. There is also a focus on the “traditional” behavior expected of the feminine and masculine characters, as they are put in a variety of ridiculous situations in order to help “de-program” them. It’s a film that holds up to this day, with some witty and moving performances from Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, and Melanie Lynskey.

2

Singles (1992)

Directed by Cameron Crowe

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Singles

PG-13

Comedy

Drama

Music

Romance

Release Date

September 18, 1992

Runtime

99 minutes

Director

Cameron Crowe

Writers

Cameron Crowe

Producers

Art Linson

Cast

See All

Singles, released in 1992, follows a group of young adults navigating life and relationships in early-’90s Seattle. Living in the same apartment complex, these twenty-somethings face the complexities of love and adulthood amidst the backdrop of the city’s burgeoning music scene.

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Very much in the vein of Reality Bites and Empire Records, this slightly less well-known project similarly follows a group of young people trying to find their way in the world. Part of Cameron Crowe’s impressive early body of work, it captures the feeling of uncertainty that many twentysomethings feel, but dresses it in plaid and combat boots for a suitably grunge feel. The Seattle setting adds even more credence to the rebellious and anarchic feeling that this movement invoked at the time. This is further fortified by the soundtrack and music moments throughout the film.

Singles has a 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Bridget Fonda’s wide-eyed portrayal feels relatable to this day, and the romantic entanglements also hit close to home despite the very different way the dating scene looked back then. There are some bittersweet laughs, and a lot of food for thought. While it didn’t stand the test of time the way some other similar films of the era did, it has a lot to offer and is definitely worth rediscovering.

1

Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)

Directed by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan

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Can’t Hardly Wait

PG-13

Comedy

Romance

5/10

Release Date

June 12, 1998

Runtime

101 Minutes

Director

Deborah Kaplan, Harry Elfont

Writers

Deborah Kaplan, Harry Elfont

Cast

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School is finally over, and a diverse group of graduating seniors—from athletes and popular students to the academically inclined—converges at a rich classmate’s house for a celebration. At the party, artistic Preston (Ethan Embry) aims to confess his long-held feelings to Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt), the school’s most admired beauty. Meanwhile, geeky William (Charlie Korsmo) plots revenge against jock Mike (Peter Facinelli) for years of torment. In another twist, aspiring rapper Kenny (Seth Green) finds himself accidentally trapped in a room with the sarcastic Denise (Lauren Ambrose).

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Similarly to Jawbreaker, this film is unlikely to have been forgotten by true fans of the genre, and those who grew up being raised by TV and film. But, for the casual viewer, or one who rarely re-watches films of the past, this brilliant teen comedy might have slipped through the net. The cast reads like a who’s who of ’90s stars, and includes Jennifer Love Hewitt, Seth Green, and even the teenage witch herself, Melissa Joan Hart, in an uncredited role, that has more lines than many of the credited ones.

As a group of recent graduates enjoys one last big high school party, the film follows different groups who all have their own storylines, each more fun and entertaining than the other. There is a shy guy pining for the homecoming queen, a very culturally inappropriate group with a goal of losing their virginity, and even a washed-up ex-football captain who provides a much-needed reality check for those who peaked in high school. In addition to being very funny, it’s just so fun to try and spot all the famous faces in the background.

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Category: Entertainment