7 Incredible 90s Teen Films You Might Have Overlooked

      Casey Chong presents seven overlooked teen films from the 1990s…

      The 1990s produced a variety of teen movies spanning multiple genres, including comedies, horrors, and thrillers. While commercially successful titles like Clueless, American Pie, and Scream became genre classics, many other films went unnoticed and were undervalued upon release. Here are seven underrated teen films from the 90s that you should consider watching if you haven't already…

      **Pump Up the Volume (1990)**

      “Ever get the feeling that everything in America is totally messed up?”

      This line is delivered compellingly by Hard Harry, a character portrayed by Christian Slater in a performance that defined his career, even though the film itself didn't see massive success at the time. He is a nighttime pirate radio host running the one-man show "Happy Harry Hard-On," discussing subjects that resonate deeply with teenagers, from expressing discontent with the school system to urging youth to speak out and forge their own paths.

      Though the story may feel dated with its analog style from before the internet age, the themes of freedom of expression are still highly relevant today, with current platforms like podcasts and social media taking center stage. Slater adeptly navigates dual roles, showcasing the difference between the outspoken pirate radio host and the shy high school student Mark Hunter. Writer-director Allan Moyle, known for his coming-of-age dramas like 1980's Times Square, addresses complex and sensitive topics, including a poignant moment involving a suicidal caller portrayed by Anthony Lucero.

      **Empire Records (1995)**

      Another hidden gem from Allan Moyle, Empire Records didn't make much of a splash upon its theatrical release in 1995. Like Pump Up the Volume before it, this film has since garnered a cult following, partly revitalized by Gin Blossoms’ hit single “Til I Hear It From You.” Centered mainly in an indie record store, the film chronicles the trials and tribulations of young employees as they navigate personal relationships, self-discovery, and teenage angst.

      The cast includes rising stars such as Liv Tyler, Renee Zellweger, Robin Tunney, and Ethan Embry, with each character possessing a unique personality—especially Tyler’s thoughtful Corey Mason and Zellweger’s rebellious Gina. The film also features an excellent soundtrack, featuring tracks from Dire Straits, The Cranberries, Dishwalla, and Toad the Wet Sprocket.

      **The Doom Generation (1995)**

      The Doom Generation is the middle installment of Gregg Araki’s Teenage Apocalypse trilogy, following Totally F***ed Up and leading into Nowhere. This independently produced teen drama, which infuses dark comedy and thriller elements, struggled at the box office but has become a cult favorite, largely due to Araki’s provocative direction and his raw portrayal of promiscuity and the disillusionment of 1990s youth.

      Much of the film's success stems from its outstanding young cast, including Rose McGowan, James Duval, and Johnathon Schaech. Araki isn't shy about depicting graphic violence, oscillating between disturbingly humorous moments and starkly intense scenes. The Doom Generation is also recognized for its unique visual style, characterized by vibrant colors (particularly red) and neon lighting that mirror the chaotic lives of its three troubled protagonists and their tumultuous experiences.

      **Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990)**

      Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael is an unusual entry from Jim Abrahams, who is best known for his parody films like Airplane! and The Naked Gun. However, in this teen dramedy starring the then-popular Winona Ryder, he showcases a different dimension of his filmmaking. Ryder plays an introverted teenager named Dinky Bossetti, who is more inclined to care for homeless animals than to socialize.

      Abrahams explores themes of celebrity obsession through Dinky, who becomes increasingly preoccupied with the town's famous resident, Roxy Carmichael, who is rumored to be returning home. Dinky begins to suspect that Roxy might be her long-lost mother. Ryder is well-suited for the quirky role, supported by a strong cast, including Jeff Daniels as someone who briefly dated Roxy.

      **Idle Hands (1999)**

      In the year preceding Devon Sawa's leading role in the first Final Destination film, he impressively takes on the character Anton in Idle Hands, a lethargic teen who spends most of his time lounging around, watching TV and smoking weed. So detached that he doesn't even notice his parents have died, the plot centers around his possessed hand, which begins to wreak havoc. It combines slasher horror with dark humor, akin to The Hand or Evil Dead 2, and Rodman Flender's direction makes effective use of comedic elements.

      Idle Hands is a comedy that transforms an unmotivated character like Anton into an unexpected hero, albeit with chaotic results. The film features Sawa