Classic '90s films have an unparalleled charm that continues to captivate us, even in 2024. As someone with way too many university degrees and a borderline obsession with movie marathons, I can vouch for this firsthand. Seriously, pop in a VHS (or hit play on a digital stream if your VCR is as defunct as mine) and you're instantly whisked away to a time when Denim overalls were a fashion statement, not a Halloween costume.
When we look back at our favorite films from the '90s, it’s like taking a nostalgic walk down memory lane—minus the awkward puberty years. These movies were packed with memorable characters, timeless themes, and quotable dialogues that we can still recite verbatim because, hey, who doesn't enjoy throwing in a "You can't handle the truth!" during a heated debate?
One aspect we can’t overlook is the portrayal of friendships. In fact, one of the key lessons we can learn is how dynamic these relationships were. Whether it's the loyal quartet in "Stand by Me" or the quirky group in "Clueless," friendships in '90s films taught us the value of having a solid support system. Heck, wasn't every group of friends secretly envious of the "Friends" crew hanging out in Central Perk? If you weren't secretly wishing Ross would wax poetic about dinosaurs while Monica whipped up her latest culinary masterpiece, you were probably too busy trying to decide if you were more of a Chandler, a Joey, or a Rachel.
Moreover, '90s films taught us about perseverance and resilience. Remember “The Mighty Ducks”? The ragtag hockey team that embodied the phrase "never give up"? Whether they were rallying for one more goal or just trying to make it through life without tripping over their own skates, they showed that determination (and a catchy chant like "quack, quack, quack, quack") could move mountains. Speaking of mountains, who can forget the epic training montages in "Mulan," reminding us that pushing our boundaries and stepping out of comfort zones can lead to personal transformation.
Equally important are the lessons in humility and growth. Let’s not forget how characters like Forrest Gump showed us the power of a simple yet determined heart. Which reminds me, life is indeed like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get, especially when diving into unexpected lessons from drama comedies.
As we explore these 17 life lessons, you’ll see that classic '90s films are far more than just childhood memories; they’re a valuable source of wisdom wrapped in a flannel shirt and rollerblades. So grab your popcorn and your closest movie-loving pals, because the trip down this cinematic memory lane is not just educational but also a whole lot of fun.
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1. Sometimes Our Biggest Fears Aren't Actually Scary
Sometimes, in fact, you can worry and wonder about something so long, you build it up to be something so much bigger than it really is. You see a monster in your mind, but in reality, you're afraid of a big, friendly, drooling dog. Nothing is ever as scary as it seems in your mind.
2. Post-college Life is Pretty Much Horrible
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Until you hit your 30s, anyway. I dreaded my 30s all through my 20s, but so far, my 30s are seventy-seven thousand times better than my post-college fall into adulthood.
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3. You'll Probably Fall in Love with Your Bestie
And it probably – probably – won't end well. I mean, you may end up together forever, that's entirely possible, but there's no guarantee. Well, except for the fact that you'll at least harbor a crush on your bestie at some point.
4. After High School, the Nerds All Thrive and the Popular Kids All Flounder
Okay, that's probably a gross exaggeration, but on the average? Totally true. Facebook tells me as much every day. I shamefully admit that I laugh with glee every time. I am probably a bad person – but I'm thriving, baby!
5. Never Share Your High School Nickname with Anyone
Don't. They won't understand. These days, no one can understand how or why all my friends call me Beavis in high school. (Hint: it's because I liked Beavis and Butthead. A lot. Like a shameful lot.)
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6. Making Sacrifices Can Set You Free
Especially when you make a sacrifice for someone you love. I think that's the true measure of how much you care about someone, actually – how much you're willing to sacrifice for them.
7. When Things Seem Really Hopeless, You Are Stronger than You Think
You can get through the hardest things. You won't feel that way when you're going through them, but you are so much stronger than you think.
8. The Jaded Can Learn to Be Happy
Even the cynical can discover something that gives them a reason to open up. Now excuse me. I need … I need to go watch Can't Hardly Wait again … because '90s Seth Green is my husband.
9. Sometimes, Our Own Creations Will Destroy Us
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So follow your passions, always, but be realistic about them.
10. When Things Are Falling Apart, It's to Make Room for Something Better
You can always find a solution to your problems … even if it's a little slapstick. Just rely on your strength. The world may be falling apart around you, but you don't have to.
11. You Should Always, Always Follow Your Heart
It won't always end well, but that's okay. You can't learn to trust your instincts without making a mistake every so often.
12. No Matter How Weird You Are, Someone out There Understands You
Sadly, it probably won't be Johnny Depp, but somewhere out there, someone whose weirdness matches your weirdness is waiting for you.
13. Never Lose Your Self Respect, No Matter What
You are wonderful. Beautiful. Magnificent. Don't give anyone the power to tear you down. You're worth so much more than that.
14. You'll Always Be Able to Find Friends in the Most Unexpected Places
They really do pop up in places you'd never imagine. I met one of my best friends at a funeral.
15. The Best Way to Succeed is to Be Yourself, Always
Even if you're weird. Especially if you're weird, actually. Who else can be you if you're not you?
16. Rules Were Made to Be Broken
But there's still no crying in baseball, okay?
17. No Matter How Old You Are, It's Never Too Late to Find True Love
Love is ageless. You might fall in love again when you're 80 years old.
Did you learn any life lessons from your favorite '90s movies?
