A lively period in cinema, the 1990s produced a number of exciting movies that have had a lasting impact on popular culture. These films, which range from uplifting comedies to challenging tragedies, frequently appear on our top rewatch lists. But as time has gone on and society’s values have changed, some of these cherished classics have revealed troubling aspects that call for re-analysis.
1. Never Been Kissed (1999)
While Never Been Kissed is a lighthearted romantic comedy, it contains a problematic element in its premise. The film revolves around a journalist who goes undercover as a high school student to gather information.
In today’s context, the concept raises ethical concerns due to the potential to misrepresent and exploit minors. The film’s portrayal of a grown adult infiltrating a school environment could be seen as inappropriate and troubling. The relationship with the teacher being accepted after discovering she is an adult is even worse.
2. American Beauty (1999)
American Beauty explores the complexities of suburban life but delves into sensitive themes such as lust, infidelity, and obsession. The character of Lester, played by Kevin Spacey, pursues an inappropriate and disturbing infatuation with his daughter’s friend.
Additionally, the film’s treatment of LGBTQ+ characters and issues may be viewed as problematic, as it relies on stereotypes and contributes to the lack of positive representation.
3. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
This movie is known for its humor but includes a highly problematic scene involving transphobia. The film uses the reveal of a character being transgender as a punchline, making light of a serious and sensitive topic. This portrayal reinforces harmful stereotypes and contributes to a culture of mockery and disrespect toward transgender individuals.
4. The Waterboy (1998)
While The Waterboy is a comedy centered around college football, it features stereotypes and offensive portrayals. The character of Bobby Boucher, played by Adam Sandler, is depicted as having a developmental disability and is subjected to ridicule and exploitation. Such representation perpetuates harmful stereotypes about individuals with disabilities and lacks sensitivity and respect.
5. American Pie (1999)
Coming-of-age comedy American Pie features strong sexual humor and the objectification of women. A sexist culture is supported by the movie’s depiction of its female characters, which frequently reduces them to sexual objects. Furthermore, sequences in the film encourage non-consensual activity, which contributes to the worrying normalizing of boundary violations.
6. Dances With Wolves (1990)
The portrayal of Native American culture in Dances With Wolves is frequently appreciated. However, it conforms to the White Savior stereotype. It perpetuates a narrative that undervalues the agency and skills of Indigenous people by focusing on a white protagonist who is seen as the one who knows and supports Native Americans.
7. Forrest Gump (1994)
While Forrest Gump is a beloved film, it has faced criticism for its portrayal of Jenny, the female lead. The character’s narrative is marred by trauma, substance abuse, and exploitation, contributing to a troubling pattern of victimization of women in storytelling. Additionally, the film’s depiction of historical events may oversimplify complex issues.
8. Rush Hour (1998)
Popular buddy comedy Rush Hour features racial humor that now can be viewed as offensive. For humorous effect, the movie draws on racial stereotypes and caricatures, which could promote negative prejudices and biases against other cultures.
9. Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
This is a lighthearted comedy, but it includes problematic elements related to body shaming and unrealistic beauty standards. The film pokes fun at the appearance and choices of its characters, reinforcing harmful societal expectations around appearance and self-worth.
10. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
A crude comedy called There’s Something About Mary features jokes about inappropriate sexual behavior, mental illness, and disabilities. The movie’s lighthearted presentation of important subjects could be insulting and upsetting, especially considering how it treats people with physical and mental health difficulties.
11. She’s All That (1999)
Teen love comedy She’s All That reinforces negative preconceptions about transformation and beauty. The movie’s central idea is a makeover that turns a seemingly undesirable girl into an attractive woman. This reinforces the idea that someone’s worth is determined by how they look and conveys a distressing message about self-esteem.
12. Pretty Woman (1990)
Pretty Woman is a classic romantic comedy, yet it glamorizes sex work and presents an unrealistic and problematic depiction of prostitution. The film’s portrayal of a wealthy businessman rescuing a sex worker and providing her with a lavish lifestyle obscures the complexities and realities of sex work, contributing to a skewed perception of the profession.
13. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
While Mrs. Doubtfire is a beloved family comedy, it includes troubling elements related to gender identity and deception. The film’s central premise involves a father cross-dressing as a woman to spend time with his children. While played for laughs, this portrayal may be seen as disrespectful and perpetuates stereotypes about cross-dressing and transgender individuals.
14. Cruel Intentions (1999)
Teen drama Cruel Intentions is renowned for its manipulative and gloomy themes, but it also contains troubling aspects of sexualization and predatory conduct among young characters. The movie’s depiction of familial overtones and extramarital behavior might be uncomfortable and lead to a worrying normalization of unhealthy relationships.
15. Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)
Teen comedy Can’t Hardly Wait has aspects of bullying, sexism, and homophobia. The film’s portrayal of female characters frequently reduces them to stereotypes and objectification, and its humor frequently uses offensive language and insensitive jokes that may reinforce harmful preconceptions.
Top 12 Most Racist Disney Classics That Are Better Left in the Vault
Exploring film history often exposes tales of awe, imagination, and cultural shifts. Did you know that there are racist undertones in many Disney classics? It makes sense as progress evolves throughout the decades, but it’s cringe-watching it now. Here is a look at the most racist Disney films.
12 Worst Movies From the 70s According To IMDb — Do You Agree?
Return to the revolutionary cinema of the 1970s, where risk-taking experimentation and bold concepts frequently produced unforgettable and forgettable moments. Here is a look at the not-so-great 70s films that didn’t garner high ratings on IMDb.
15 Forgotten Movies From the 90s to Tickle Your Nostalgia Bone
Are you searching for a little 90s nostalgia that is not on every list? Then, we got you covered. These are several of my favorite forgotten films from the 90s. Do you remember?
22 Popular Films That Completely Traumatized 80s Children, What About You?
Was there a film(s) that completely traumatized you as a child? I’ll go first, Cujo. I have no idea what my mother was thinking, allowing that film to play in the background of her chores, but I watched it and had nightmares for months. After someone polled an entertainment forum for other traumatic experiences, here is what scared the youth.
12 Most Racist Movies of All Time According to IMDb
Both entertaining and thought-provoking, cinema frequently reflects the ideals and ideologies of its day. The representation of racism and stereotypes in some films, however, has sparked debate in the past. These movies have drawn criticism for their problematic representations and cultural sensitivity — igniting crucial conversations about racial representation.