Movies About ’80s and ’90s High School That Could Never Be Made Today

Time moves forward, taking values and perceptions with it. What once made us laugh in earlier times may now be seen as offensive. However, this doesn’t imply that all old films and their humor should be discarded entirely. Instead, it seems prudent to avoid reusing those jokes in new productions, whether they are remakes or otherwise.

This compilation focuses on films that were blockbusters back then, cherished by an older demographic, yet their modern equivalents wouldn’t exist. This list may stir debates, but it’s worth noting that we can appreciate their value without longing for the era where casual racism and inappropriate jokes were prevalent in numerous such productions.

This list is about old movies that were hits but wouldn’t be made now. It may cause arguments, but we don’t need to miss the days when many of these films had racist comments and offensive jokes.

The Breakfast Club

In my opinion, “The Breakfast Club” isn’t the most extreme case mentioned here, yet it stands out as remarkably bold, reflecting real-world issues more than contemporary comedies do. It tackles mature themes that aren’t often explored in today’s movies with the same depth, although some argue they should be. However, it seems we’re not quite there yet.

Can’t Buy Me Love

It seems that nowadays, producing a film centering around purchasing a high school girl’s affections to boost popularity would not likely be well-received or funded. In today’s context, a storyline similar to Can’t Buy Me Love might not even make it past the initial pitch stage. However, despite its controversial subject matter, the film remains a classic in some circles.

Cruel Intentions

Let me tell you, diving into this topic is quite intriguing. Firstly, I must say that “Cruel Intentions” is an exceptional film, despite its over-the-top elements. It’s precisely that wildness that makes it so entertaining. However, with the themes of drug use, implied incest, and other contentious aspects, it’s astounding that it was ever produced in any era. In today’s context, it wouldn’t stand a chance. Yet, it will undoubtedly remain treasured in our memories.

Just One Of The Guys

This film, titled “Just One of the Guys,” where a female character disguises herself as a male to gain respect, is a potential landmine from every angle in today’s context. In the ’80s, it served a purpose by highlighting the need for women to be taken seriously, but today, it would likely be perceived quite differently due to its problematic themes. It seems unlikely that this movie could be remade or recreated with similar success.

American Pie

Despite the humor in “American Pie”, it’s unimaginable to create a comedy based on a scenario where someone secretly records another person undressing without their consent. To be honest, such a scene was questionable even in the ’90s. Though the world may not have drastically changed, we’ve certainly gained more awareness over the past 25 years into the internet era about how reprehensible that kind of behavior is. It’s no longer a matter of youthful pranks; it should never have been included in the first place.

Heathers

In today’s world, it’s challenging to envision a film like “Heathers” being produced, as it humorously tackles high school murder and suicide. Given the post-Columbine era, the depiction of violence in schools has significantly changed, and such subjects are no longer considered suitable for lighthearted treatment or jokes. It’s not just that we can’t joke about these topics anymore; it’s essential that we don’t.

Risky Business

A film from 1983 featuring a teenager joining forces with a girl to earn some cash using traditional methods before their parents returned from an extended holiday was incredibly funny. However, creating a movie similar to “Risky Business” today is out of the question. It appears that contemporary high school students are not perceived as adults as frequently as they were in the ’80s, for better or worse.

Clueless

In today’s world, the concept of step-siblings dating holds a significantly different connotation compared to the ’90s, largely due to explicit content on the internet. What was once portrayed as adorable or endearing has unfortunately evolved into something unsettling. The movie “Clueless” may not be the most controversial on the list, but that particular plot point would need a reevaluation for modern sensibilities.

Weird Science

In today’s context, a film like “Weird Science,” where two individuals create a woman using their computer for personal amusement, wouldn’t likely be produced. Despite the protagonist in the movie eventually taking control, the concept of constructing a female being is uncomfortable and outdated.

She’s All That

She’s All That is a timeless ’90s film, much like the others in this collection, yet it seems not to hold up as well today. Of course, there are still plenty of humorous scenes, but let’s be honest, the premise that popularity for a girl relies solely on her beauty is outdated and offensive. Although we may not have completely outgrown such thinking, we’re certainly moving in the right direction, and it’s unnecessary to perpetuate such stereotypes on the silver screen.

Porky’s

The film titled “Porky’s” undeniably harks back to a bygone era, not merely the 1980s when it was produced, but also the 1950s in which it is set. Today, the excessive and unnecessary nudity displayed would be unacceptable, and that’s for the better. This serves as a mere introduction to its outdated nature.

Jawbreaker

At the dawn of the new millennium, Rose McGowan and Rebecca Gayheart were iconic as the “unfriendly duo” on the silver screen. While delving into the questionable aspects of this film is beyond the scope here, it’s safe to say that modern movies wouldn’t depict hazing in a similar manner. Absolutely not.

Sixteen Candles

We’re discussing films that are unique because they likely won’t be remade in the same manner again, such as “Sixteen Candles.” This movie contains elements that may not align with modern sensibilities, including racial stereotypes and situations where consent is questionable. Although it was a favorite for many, parts of its content are better left in history.

10 Things I Hate About You

Let’s avoid getting overly defensive about cancelling Shakespeare. After all, “10 Things I Hate About You” and its source material, “The Taming of the Shrew,” are timeless tales. But it’s also fair to say that their perspectives might feel a bit outdated to us today, wouldn’t you agree?

Never Been Kissed

In Never Been Kissed, Drew Barrymore convincingly portrays an adult pretending to be a high school student, which effectively immerses viewers in the story. However, it’s important to note that she’s not actually a journalist disguised as a student. Despite the fact that her love interest remains unaware of her true age, there are questionable aspects to their relationship. The film doesn’t require humor to address such complex themes.

Dirty Dancing

In the film “Dirty Dancing” from 1987 (or 1963), Johnny, portrayed by Patrick Swayze, was 25 years old while Baby, played by Jennifer Grey, was only 17. Back then, their romantic tale went unchallenged, but today, the significant age gap would undoubtedly be met with criticism and scorn. The movie remains a timeless classic, yet it’s not a narrative that we would see depicted in modern times.

Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead

The movie “Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead” falls into a gray area on this list. It’s not the poorest quality ’90s film, yet it isn’t entirely innocent either. While Christina Applegate may be pleased with the film’s lasting appeal nowadays, some of its content raises eyebrows at best.

Hiding Out

Similar to several other films on this list, “Hiding Out” presents a scenario where an older individual disguises themselves as a high school student and develops a romantic involvement with a genuine student. It’s puzzling why such situations were prevalent, given that the world wasn’t significantly distinct back then, wasn’t it?

Wild Things

In modern times, a scenario involving two teenagers involved with a teacher is generally considered inappropriate or unacceptable, unlike back in 1998 as portrayed in the movie “Wild Things”. The relationship between Kevin Dillon, Denise Richards, and Neve Campbell, which was depicted as steamy in the nineties, would not be viewed favorably today.

Pump Up the Volume

In today’s context, Christian Slater’s character, Happy Harry, might face strong opposition and be perceived as too contentious to be considered a hero due to his questionable actions and language. Modern schools, particularly those concerned about school shootings, might struggle to accommodate such a figure without causing undue distress among students and staff. Although he doesn’t explicitly advocate for violence, the tone of his rhetoric could still prove too intense for current societal norms.

Can’t Hardly Wait

In the lighter side of the movie collection, “Can’t Hardly Wait” doesn’t show much regard for its female characters, a common occurrence in this teenage favorite. Regrettably, it seems that many of the girls lack personal autonomy within the film.

Ladybugs

In modern times, a story about a boy disguising himself as a girl to deceive a soccer team, such as in the film “Ladybugs“, would likely not be produced. Despite not being the most egregious example on this list in many aspects, it’s highly unlikely that a scriptwriter could successfully pitch this concept today. It’s simply an idea that wouldn’t fly in contemporary storytelling. Regarding the film itself, its annoying nature is beside the point in this discussion.

Secret Admirer

The timeless theme of unrequited love isn’t exactly novel, but “Secret Admirer” doesn’t quite capture the essence of telling such a story. To put it bluntly, the way C. Thomas Howell’s character chases Kelly Preston’s in this film is downright unsettling. Fortunately, Lori Loughlin’s character seems relatively normal amidst all the chaos. She appears to be the only sane character in this bizarre tale of miscommunication.

License To Drive

A film with a central theme involving a unconscious girl in a car trunk will likely cause issues in most time periods. What may have been written off as teenage pranks in the 1980s isn’t as readily accepted in modern times.

Zapped!

This one is quite straightforward. The movie titled “Zapped!” showcases Scott Baio’s character as a high school student who gains extraordinary abilities, including making people’s clothing disappear comically – often targeting females. To put it simply, it might be best to leave this film in the past due to its questionable content and lack of appeal today.

Class

In the ’80s, promiscuity was often glamorized in teen comedies more than it is now, and the movie “Class,” featuring Rob Lowe along with several emerging stars like Andrew McCarthy and John Cusack in their debut roles (this was Lowe’s second film), is a prime example of this trend. However, there’s a somewhat insensitive scene about suicide that wouldn’t be handled so casually in modern times due to valid concerns.

Blame It On Rio

Here’s another film on this list featuring a mature adult engaging in a relationship with a high school student, reminiscent of the storyline in “Lolita.” However, such tales are better left behind, and indeed they have been. Michael Caine gives an impressive performance, while Demi Moore makes her big-screen debut as the friend of the girl involved with Caine’s character. Nonetheless, it’s a narrative that feels outdated and unlikely in today’s context.

Private School

1983’s “Private School” stands out among other films here by being predominantly about the glorification of teenage sexuality, which was a popular theme in that era but is less celebrated today. Phoebe Cates delivers another stellar performance, following her role in another potential list inclusion, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Loverboy

Prior to playing Dr. McDreamy on Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey portrayed Pizza Delivery Boy McDreamy in the movie Loverboy. In this film, he transforms from a pizza delivery boy into an escort, which is indeed quite unusual. Essentially, it’s about a high school student offering his services, in a comedic context, to older women.

Poison Ivy

1992’s “Poison Ivy” shares similarities with the modern retelling of “Lolita,” though such a film is rarely produced nowadays. It served as a stepping stone for Drew Barrymore in transitioning to more mature roles, but perhaps it pushed boundaries a bit excessively.

2025-06-01 06:41