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The teen movies of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, celebrated for defining a generation, often portrayed stories of friendship, romance, and adventure with iconic characters. However, upon reexamination through a modern lens, some of these beloved films reveal problematic characters, moments, or plotlines that were overlooked in their time. Many movies from these eras have not aged well, as changes in societal expectations and dialogue reveal the inappropriateness of certain behaviors that were once dismissed as banter. What was once considered harmless bullying or casual sexual harassment is now recognized as highly problematic, casting previous love interests as potential dangers and highlighting red flags in romantic storylines. These films often romanticized or sexualized elements that, in hindsight, should have been seen as more dangerous, with characters escaping accountability for their actions.
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10 Classic Teen Movies That Haven’t Aged Well
The Breakfast Club (1985)
A beloved classic among teenagers, this film depicts a diverse group of students forced to spend Saturday Detention together in their high school library. Despite its popularity, the movie has faced criticism for its portrayal of harassment and inappropriate behavior. The romantic subplot between John and Claire, intended for humor and chemistry, is marred by John’s persistent discomforting actions and disregard for Claire’s boundaries. Similarly, the relationship between Andrew and Allison is problematic, relying on Allison’s physical transformation from a goth outcast to a preppy character for a supposedly happy ending. This implies that while Andrew remains unchanged, Allison must alter herself for the relationship to succeed. As a result, the film has been criticized for elements that haven’t aged well in light of evolving social norms.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Sixteen Candles tries to be a coming-of-age story about Samantha Baker, who faces the disappointment and shock of her family forgetting her birthday due to her sister’s wedding. As sad as the central storyline is of Samantha being forgotten by her family, the film’s central romance makes the film age horribly.
Why It Hasn’t Aged WellSamantha’s love interest, Jake, is never actually depicted as a good person. He is horrible to his girlfriend, Caroline, to the point where, after he has lost interest in her, he basically allows and shows no care that Caroline’s sexual harassment occurs. Ted, the film’s geek character, is no better. He sexually assaults Caroline because of Jake’s comment that Caroline would be too out of it to notice anything happening. Even after this, Jake is still considered a love interest and is never held accountable for his actions.
She’s All That (1999)
The film’s premise, where Zack bets he can transform Laney from a shy, unpopular girl into the Prom Queen, hasn’t aged well. The entire romance is built on manipulation and a questionable bet. The idea that a girl is only considered beautiful after a physical transformation, like taking off her glasses, adds to the problematic nature of the film. Moreover, the film doesn’t adequately address the consequences of Zack’s actions, and the imbalance in character development between the male and female leads makes it difficult for the movie to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Big (1988)
When 12-year-old Josh Baskin wishes to be big, he wakes up as an adult but remains mentally and emotionally twelve years old. Tom Hanks puts on an exciting and joyful performance as the physical adult trying to work out what it means to be a grown-up as a tween.
Why It Hasn’t Aged Well
But trying to place a mental and emotional 12-year-old in romantic and sexual situations with actual grown adult women is a step too far. When Big implies that Josh had sex with a woman, the film officially crosses the line. Although he is a physical adult, Josh is still technically a minor, and the woman he slept with is completely unaware of the truth.
Grease (1978)
In one of the most iconic musical love stories, Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson grapple with conflicting interests, attempting to conform to each other’s expectations throughout the film.
However, the story’s age has revealed certain problematic aspects. Firstly, if a relationship requires significant personal transformation, it raises questions about its viability. Moreover, the narrative takes a concerning turn when Danny pressures Sandy into physical intimacy, causing her to hastily retreat. Given these dynamics, the eventual resolution of them ending up together becomes questionable and raises doubts about the overall sensibility of their relationship.
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Clueless (1995)
Clueless, a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, faces criticism for its portrayal of the romance between the main characters, Cher and Josh. The uncomfortable aspects include their previous status as step-siblings and the fact that Cher is depicted as underage while Josh is an adult. Additionally, the relationship dynamic is further complicated by Mel, Cher’s father figure, treating Josh as a son. These elements contribute to the perception that the film has not aged well.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Considered a standout adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” this film revolves around the romance between Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona. The plot thickens when new student Cameron, smitten by Kat’s younger sister Bianca, learns that he can only date Bianca if Kat starts dating. However, despite its acclaim, the movie hasn’t aged well for a couple of reasons.
The primary issue lies in Patrick’s questionable actions. Although his feelings for Kat eventually turn genuine, a significant portion of the film sees him deceiving and accepting payment to date her. Kat understandably feels betrayed and horrified upon discovering this deception. The problematic aspect is that both main love stories in the film involve manipulation, and yet, both Cameron and Patrick face minimal consequences for their actions. Despite their dubious behavior, both girls ultimately forgive them and go on to date them.
American Pie (1999)
A teenage film heavily centered around sexual pursuits faces the risk of being deemed highly problematic. In a particular movie, three adolescent boys, Jim, Chris, and Kevin, set out on a mission to lose their virginity before prom night, deeming failure as a mark of loserhood.
Reasons for its Deterioration in Reception: The problematic notion that equates virginity with being a loser imposes unnecessary societal pressure. The film’s humor relies on instances of sexual harassment by male characters, perpetuates sexism, and overtly disrespects female characters, contributing to its outdated and offensive nature. These issues were apparent even at the time of its release, and over time, the movie has aged poorly due to its problematic content.
Never Been Kissed (1999)
The movie “Never Been Kissed,” featuring adult journalist Josie Geller enrolling in high school to expose teenage behavior, faces criticism for its problematic elements. Josie’s deceptive actions and the portrayal of a romantic relationship between her and teacher Sam Coulson raise concerns. The film trivializes the serious issues of deception and inappropriate relationships, blurring the lines between humor and inappropriate content. The romanticization of a student-teacher relationship is particularly troubling, as it can be perceived as condoning predatory behavior, which is not acceptable.
17 Again (2009)
As an adult, Mike is unsuccessful and has basically become more of a nuisance to his wife and children than a supporting husband and father. But, when he gets another chance to do his life over again as a teenager, it means he can have a new life.
Why It Hasn’t Aged Well
As a teenager, Mike is placed in highly sexual discussions with his teenage daughter and her classmates. Teenage Mike’s growing romance with his adult wife puts her in an uncomfortable position because she believes he is a teenager, and Mike never actually tells her the truth, leading to many uncomfortable meetings between various characters.
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