Get ready to feel old…..
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the cult teen film Clueless. You may remember a time, back in the mid-90s, when Cher Horowitz and Dionne Davenport ruled as queens of the fashion scene. You may remember envying Cher’s plaid skirts and Dionne’s endless supply of hats. You may remember answering every question with an “As if!” and a hair flip. And Cher’s virtual closet computer program? I’m still waiting for that technology to this day.
20 years is plenty of time for something to go out of style (think brick “car phones” and 
Celine Dion), and yet this fate has somehow eluded Clueless. One could argue that the resurgence of all things 90s is responsible for the film’s lovefest, but that would be ignoring the steady cultural influence the film has enjoyed since its release in 1995. While certainly not the first film about high schoolers (hello Rebel Without a Cause, Grease, and every John Hughes film ever made), I’m hard-pressed to remember such a hit film that put the “popular girls” in a sympathetic, fun light. The late 90s and 2000s saw a bunch of teen movies following the same cheeky vein as Clueless. And its influence continues today, even beyond the comeback of the sweater-tied-around-the-waist. Iggy Azalea’s music video for her hit song “Fancy” (before her subsequent fall from grace) was a direct homage to the film, yellow plaid suit and all. And in a bizarre anachronism, there was that time the Dowager Countess said “as if!” on Downton Abbey.
Below are some excellent teen titles that owe at least some of their awesomeness to Clueless. And you definitely don’t need to be in high school to enjoy them. If you haven’t already, take some time out of your day to check them out.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
In the same way that Clueless is a modernized Emma by Jane Austen, 10 Things is a modernized The Taming of the Shrew by one William Shakespeare. Set in high school, it’s the story of two sisters; one who wants to date and one who abhors the idea. In a genius moment, their dad decides the younger girl can only date once her older, misanthropic sister does. The film focuses on both girls—one popular and one rebellious—and their prospective love interests. Bonus: the film stars a young Joseph Gordon Levitt, Heath Ledger, and late 90s It Girl Julia Stiles.
Bring It On (2000)
A movie about cheerleaders that’s hilarious and clever, who would have thought? Kirsten Dunst stars as peppy cheer captain Torrance tasked with bringing her squad up to par for regionals. Along the way she initiates tough girl Missy and squares off against the Clovers, the team’s super talented cheer rivals. Bonus: the cheers in this movie are tons of fun.
Mean Girls (2004)
A cult classic in its own right. What this movie shares with Clueless is its distinct, insanely quotable dialogue. Where Clueless gave us “You’re a virgin who can’t drive” and “surfin’ the crimson wave”, Mean Girls gives us “On Wednesdays we wear pink” and “that is so fetch” (also “stop trying to make fetch happen”). Bonus: Lindsay Lohan just before the end of her prime.
The DUFF (2015)
The newest sister in this sorority, but a worthy one. Schlumpy (but cool) high school senior Bianca finds out she is the DUFF in her friend group. Unfortunately, DUFF is an acronym for Designated Ugly Fat Friend (as Cher would say, that is “way harsh”). She enlists the help of her jock neighbor to shake this title. This is truly a 2015 movie, as much of the plot revolves around the chaos that is social media. Bonus: Mae Whitman (of Arrested Development and Parenthood) is a gem.
All of these titles are available at your local VPL branch!