17+ Girly 1990s Movies (List)

The 1990s was a decade that witnessed a surge in the popularity of “girly” movies, particularly those targeted at teenage girls.

These films not only entertained audiences but also played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the time.

From heartwarming coming-of-age stories to empowering tales of female friendship, the girly movies of the 1990s left an indelible mark on a generation.

Girly 1990s Movies

The 1990s was a decade filled with a variety of films that many would consider “girly,” often featuring strong female leads, romantic storylines, and themes of friendship and personal growth. Here are some beloved girly movies from the 1990s:

  1. “Clueless” (1995)
    • Director: Amy Heckerling
    • A modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma,” following the life of wealthy and fashionable Cher Horowitz.
  2. “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
    • Director: Gil Junger
    • A teen romantic comedy inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”
  3. “Pretty Woman” (1990)
    • Director: Garry Marshall
    • A romantic comedy about a wealthy businessman who falls in love with a prostitute he hires to accompany him to social events.
  4. “Never Been Kissed” (1999)
    • Director: Raja Gosnell
    • A romantic comedy about a newspaper reporter who goes undercover as a high school student.
  5. “Notting Hill” (1999)
    • Director: Roger Michell
    • A British romantic comedy about the love affair between a famous actress and a bookstore owner.
  6. “Little Women” (1994)
    • Director: Gillian Armstrong
    • An adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel, following the lives of the March sisters.
  7. “A League of Their Own” (1992)
    • Director: Penny Marshall
    • A sports comedy-drama about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II.
  8. “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997)
    • Director: P.J. Hogan
    • A romantic comedy about a woman who realizes she is in love with her best friend as he is about to get married.
  9. “She’s All That” (1999)
    • Director: Robert Iscove
    • A teen romantic comedy about a high school jock who makes a bet that he can turn a nerdy girl into prom queen.
  10. “Now and Then” (1995)
    • Director: Lesli Linka Glatter
    • A coming-of-age film about four childhood friends who reunite and reflect on their past.
  11. “The Parent Trap” (1998)
    • Director: Nancy Meyers
    • Twin sisters, separated at birth, meet at a summer camp and scheme to reunite their divorced parents.
  12. “Ever After” (1998)
    • Director: Andy Tennant
    • A historical romantic drama and a reimagining of the Cinderella story.
  13. “Cruel Intentions” (1999)
    • Director: Roger Kumble
    • A teen romantic drama based on the French novel “Les Liaisons dangereuses.”
  14. “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” (1997)
    • Director: David Mirkin
    • A comedy about two friends who pretend to be successful at their high school reunion.
  15. “Matilda” (1996)
    • Director: Danny DeVito
    • A fantasy comedy about a young girl with telekinetic powers.
  16. “The Princess Diaries” (2001)
    • Director: Garry Marshall
    • A teen comedy about a girl who learns she is the heir to the throne of a European principality.
    • Not a 90s movie based on release date, but very much 90s in theme and the project was developed in the late-90s.
  17. “Runaway Bride” (1999)
    • Director: Garry Marshall
    • A romantic comedy about a woman notorious for leaving her fiancés at the altar.

Each of these films from the 1990s offers a unique blend of romance, comedy, and drama, often with a focus on female characters and their personal journeys.

Below we look more into the impact and enduring appeal of these films, examining their themes, characters, and cultural significance.

The Rise of Girly Movies in the 1990s

The 1990s marked a turning point in Hollywood’s approach to movies targeted at teenage girls.

Prior to this decade, films aimed at young female audiences were often dismissed as frivolous and lacking substance.

However, the success of movies like “Clueless” (1995) and “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) challenged these preconceptions and paved the way for a new wave of girly movies.

One of the key factors behind the rise of girly movies in the 1990s was the increasing influence of female filmmakers and writers.

Directors like Amy Heckerling and writers like Diablo Cody brought fresh perspectives to the genre, creating films that resonated with young women and offered authentic portrayals of their experiences.

Examples:

  • “Clueless” (1995) – Directed by Amy Heckerling, this modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma” became an instant classic, capturing the essence of teenage life in Beverly Hills.
  • “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) – Inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” this film starred Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, and showcased the power of love and self-discovery.

The Themes and Messages of Girly 1990s Movies

Girly movies of the 1990s tackled a wide range of themes, often exploring the complexities of teenage life, friendship, and romance.

These films provided a platform for young women to see themselves represented on screen and offered valuable life lessons along the way.

1. Coming-of-Age and Self-Discovery

Many girly movies of the 1990s revolved around the journey of self-discovery that comes with adolescence.

These films portrayed the challenges and triumphs of growing up, capturing the universal experiences of teenage girls.

For example, in “Now and Then” (1995), a group of four friends navigates the ups and downs of their teenage years, learning about love, loss, and the importance of friendship.

This film resonated with audiences by addressing issues such as body image, family dynamics, and the search for identity.

2. Female Empowerment and Friendship

Girly movies of the 1990s celebrated the power of female friendship and emphasized the importance of supporting one another.

These films often featured strong female protagonists who defied societal expectations and pursued their dreams.

In “The Craft” (1996), a group of teenage girls discovers their supernatural abilities and forms a coven.

This film explored themes of empowerment, identity, and the consequences of using power irresponsibly.

It resonated with audiences by challenging traditional gender roles and highlighting the strength that comes from unity.

The Cultural Impact of Girly 1990s Movies

Girly movies of the 1990s not only entertained audiences but also had a lasting impact on popular culture.

These films influenced fashion trends, introduced iconic catchphrases, and inspired a generation of young women to embrace their individuality.

1. Fashion and Style

The fashion choices of the characters in girly movies of the 1990s became iconic and influenced trends of the time.

Films like “Clueless” popularized plaid skirts, knee-high socks, and preppy outfits, while “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” (1997) showcased bold and colorful fashion choices.

2. Catchphrases and Pop Culture References

Girly movies of the 1990s introduced memorable catchphrases and pop culture references that became part of the lexicon of the time.

Lines like “As if!” from “Clueless” and “I’m the Mary, and you’re the Rhoda” from “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” became instantly recognizable and were quoted by fans for years to come.

FAQs – Girly 1990s Movies

Some other popular girly movies from the 1990s include “She’s All That” (1999), “Never Been Kissed” (1999), and “Cruel Intentions” (1999).

2. Did these movies only appeal to teenage girls?

No, while the target audience was primarily teenage girls, these movies had a broad appeal and attracted viewers of all ages and genders.

3. How did girly movies of the 1990s differ from earlier films targeted at young women?

Girly movies of the 1990s broke away from traditional stereotypes and offered more nuanced portrayals of female characters.

They tackled complex themes and provided a platform for young women to see themselves represented on screen.

4. Did these movies have any impact on the film industry?

Yes, the success of girly movies in the 1990s paved the way for more diverse storytelling and increased representation of female voices in Hollywood.

5. Are there any modern movies that can be considered successors to the girly movies of the 1990s?

Yes, movies like “Mean Girls” (2004) and “Easy A” (2010) have been hailed as modern successors to the girly movies of the 1990s, offering similar themes and empowering messages.

6. Did these movies receive critical acclaim?

While some girly movies of the 1990s were commercially successful, they were not always embraced by critics.

However, over time, many of these films have gained a cult following and are now recognized for their cultural impact.

7. Did these movies address social issues?

Yes, many girly movies of the 1990s touched on social issues such as body image, sexuality, and gender roles, providing a platform for discussions and raising awareness among young audiences.

8. Were there any notable actresses who rose to fame through these movies?

Yes, actresses like Alicia Silverstone, Julia Stiles, and Reese Witherspoon gained prominence through their roles in girly movies of the 1990s and went on to have successful careers in Hollywood.

9. Are there any remakes or reboots of these movies in the works?

As Hollywood continues to revisit popular franchises and stories, there have been talks of remakes or reboots of some girly movies from the 1990s.

However, no official announcements have been made as of now.

10. Can these movies still resonate with audiences today?

The themes explored in girly movies of the 1990s are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.

These films offer relatable stories and empowering messages that transcend time.

Summary – Girly 1990s Movies

The girly movies of the 1990s left an indelible mark on popular culture, offering teenage girls relatable stories, empowering messages, and memorable characters.

These films celebrated the complexities of adolescence, the power of female friendship, and the importance of self-discovery.

Through their themes, fashion choices, and catchphrases, girly movies of the 1990s continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the enduring impact of these nostalgic cinematic gems.

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