7 Cult Teen Movies from the 90s You Might Have Overlooked

      Casey Chong presents seven cult teen films from the 1990s that you might have overlooked…

      The 1990s were a vibrant era for teen films, spanning various genres from comedies to horror and thrillers. While box office successes such as Clueless, American Pie, and Scream became genre staples, many other teen films went unnoticed and did not receive the recognition they deserved upon their release. Here are seven cult teen movies from the 90s that are definitely worth checking out if you haven't seen them yet…

      **Pump Up the Volume (1990)**

      “Do you ever get the sense that everything in America is completely messed up?”

      This line opens the film with Hard Harry, convincingly portrayed by Christian Slater in a defining role, even though the movie wasn't a major hit upon release. He plays a nighttime pirate radio DJ, running a one-man show called “Happy Harry Hard-On.” He addresses numerous topics that resonate with teens, from dissatisfaction with the educational system to encouraging youth to voice their opinions and shape their own futures.

      While the story may feel dated due to its analog style from a pre-internet time, its core themes regarding freedom of expression remain very relevant today, with the only notable changes being the rise of podcasts and social media. Slater showcases his range as he shifts between the outspoken Hard Harry and the shy high school student Mark Hunter. Writer-director Allan Moyle, familiar with coming-of-age dramas from his previous work on Times Square (1980), tackles complex and sensitive issues, including a poignant moment featuring a caller, played by Anthony Lucero, discussing suicidal thoughts.

      **Empire Records (1995)**

      Here’s another undervalued gem from Allan Moyle that quietly faded after a limited theatrical run in 1995. Like his earlier film, Pump Up the Volume, Empire Records has gained a cult following over time, partly due to the success of Gin Blossoms’ hit, “Til I Hear It From You.” The film is set mainly in an independent record store and explores the personal lives of its young employees, highlighting their relationships, self-discovery, and teenage struggles.

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

      **The Doom Generation (1995)**

      The Doom Generation serves as the middle entry in Gregg Araki’s Teenage Apocalypse trilogy, following Totally F***ed Up and leading to Nowhere. This independent teen drama, infused with dark comedy and thriller elements, struggled at the box office but has become a beloved cult classic, thanks to Araki’s daring style that explicitly depicts promiscuity and the troubled youth culture of the 1990s.

      The film features a strong young cast, including Rose McGowan, James Duval, and Johnathon Schaech. Araki does not shy away from graphic violence, creating a mix of disturbing humor and stark realism, particularly in its chilling finale. The Doom Generation stands out visually due to Araki’s vibrant color palette, especially red, and neon lighting, which reflect the tumultuous journey of its three troubled characters as they navigate sexual experiences and confront various challenges.

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

      Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael might seem like a departure for Jim Abrahams, known for his parodies like Airplane! and The Naked Gun. However, in this teen dramedy featuring then-It Girl Winona Ryder, he reveals a different aspect of his filmmaking. Ryder, known for her rebellious teenage roles in Beetlejuice and Heathers, does not portray the titular character but rather a socially awkward loner who prefers nurturing homeless animals over socializing.

      Abrahams also explores celebrity obsession through Ryder’s character, Dinky Bossetti, who becomes increasingly obsessed with the town’s popular figure, Roxy Carmichael, who is set to return after a long absence. Dinky suspects Roxy might be her long-lost mother. Ryder fits the role well, supported by a strong cast that includes Jeff Daniels as a former romantic interest of Roxy.

      **Idle Hands (1999)**

      A year before Devon Sawa starred in the first Final Destination, he showcased his talent in Idle Hands as Anton, a lazy teen who prefers lounging, watching TV, and smoking weed with his friends. So apathetic that he is unaware his parents have died at the outset of the film, the highlight is Anton's possessed hand that has a mind of its own. Rodman Flender skillfully blends slasher horror with dark humor in this film.

      Idle Hands is a slacker comedy that unexpectedly turns an unmotivated character like Anton