Warning: This article discusses extreme violence.
Many still love 90s moviesBut not every pop culture reference works with a modern audience. Some of the all-time great ’90s films are remembered for their jokes and nods to a pastime, but in 2024, those references make little sense.
These references are no longer relevant or have simply been forgotten. While movies always try to keep up with the world, these ’90s titles contain references that just don’t work now.
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“Dionne and I were named after famous singers of the past who now do infomercials.”
Clueless (1995)
Two characters from Uninformed the cast is named after iconic musical artists – Cher and Dionne Warwick. Although both singers are notable names from the 90s, the reference to the duo “now do[ing] infomercials”It’s even funnier. This is a nod to Cher’s commercials for Lori Davis hair products in the 1990s, but Davis is no longer alive, so it’s unlikely that any modern audience knows who she is today.
Warwick was the face of the Psychic Friends Network. The company still exists, but psychic services are no longer prominent, especially in a talk show format.
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“Have you seen this boy?”
Wayne’s World (1992)
When Wayne’s WorldThe titular character is stopped by the police, he is surprised to face Robert Patrick making an appearance as T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The polaroid image he shows is a great reference to the 90s, but the issue of “Have you seen this boy?” is even better.
While the Terminator films are still popular today, audiences are less likely to immediately recognize Patrick’s cameo. Hilariously, Wayne knows who the man is and then panics and screams in fear.
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“Are you looking at me?”
Aladdin (1992)
1992 Aladdin has a lot of brilliant pop culture references, but one that isn’t as recognizable now is the Genie recreating the iconic Robert De Niro film Taxi driver quote. After Aladdin meets Genie for the first time and tries to leave, the large blue figure does his best De Niro impression and asks “Are you looking at me?”
While the Genie’s words aren’t exactly the same as De Niro’s, older viewers quickly pick up on the nod to Taxi driver. The impressions of the late Robin Williams are fantastic and this moment proves his talent, although many children don’t understand why this is so funny.
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“You’re not a postal worker, are you?”
Jumanji (1995)
In the first of Jumanji films, one scene shows Van Pelt purchasing a rifle at a gun store. In a quick but comical line of dialogue, the owner asks Van Pelt if he is a “Postal employee.”
Nowadays, this reference would cross many people’s minds. However, this isn’t the worst thing, as this line is a rather bitter joke about “going to the post office,” a term that describes several incidents in the 70s, 80s, and 90s where USPS employees were killed in shootings. in the workplace.
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“A woman can cut off your penis while you sleep.”
Fight Club (1999)
A brief reference to Lorena Bobbitt appears in Fight Club. While having a drink together, Tyler reassures the narrator by telling him “could be worse,” before reminding him of the fate of John Bobbit in 1993.
’90s audiences remember John and Lorena Bobbitt for one of the wildest arguments of all time. Lorena notably cut off her husband’s penis and threw it out of a car window, although his genitalia are now reattached to his person. Although this was a big topic of discussion in the 90s, younger generations have no idea what this observation means.
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“She’s fucking the guy from Pepperidge Farm.”
Big Daddy (1999)
After Sonny is dumped by his girlfriend for an older man in Big Daddy, he hilariously calls Sid “Pepperidge Farm Guy.” The Pepperidge Farm company is known for selling a variety of snacks and baked goods, but mainly cookies.
While some modern audiences may be familiar with Pepperidge Farm, they are probably not as aware of the company as people were in the 1990s. Pepperidge Farm’s presence has declined in recent decades and its iconic commercials are no longer in circulation.
4
“RC is trying to say something!”
Toy Story (1995)
After Buzz falls out of his bedroom window Toy StoryRC Car excitedly tries to share information with Rex, who announces that the toy is “Trying to say something.” This is a joke about the 1950s TV show Lassiean intelligent Collie dog who was part of a large multimedia franchise.
Kids today may have heard the name Lassie, but they probably don’t know who she is. Lassie’s famous cry could be understood by the humans around her, surprisingly, and Toy Story doesn’t hesitate to make the same joke about RC, who communicates only through sounds.
3
“When? Noon?”
Back to the Future III (1990)
There are several outdated references in the Back to the future films, and one of the subtlest nods happens in a bar in Back to the Future III. When Marty McFly is challenged to a duel, he asks: “When? Midday?” However, few modern viewers know that Midday is a famous Western from the 1950s.
The concept of fighting in “Midday” is also used throughout popular culture. Since its launch in 1952, Midday It has also been referenced in titles such as The Sopranos and Dirty Harryall of which use the premise of a fight to the death taking place at the height of the day.
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“This is my happening and it scares me!”
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
When Austin and Vanessa go to the club opening in Austin Powers: International Man of Mysterythe titular character shouts above the noise”This is my happening and it scares me!“Although there are many film references in the Austin Powers franchise, this homage to the 1970 title Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is less obvious.
In Beyond the Valley of the DollsRonnie “Z-Man” Barzell famously says this same phrase during a party. It is extremely unlikely that current audiences will know Z-Man or Beyond the Valley of the Dollsso it’s easy to think Austin is making a silly comment about the busy nightclub.
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Harry burns his hand
Home Alone (1990)
Although Harry only screams when caught in Kevin’s trap Alone at homethe M that remains on the palm is an outdated reference to the 1931 film M. Modern audiences are likely unfamiliar with this film, which follows a serial killer who marks his victims with the letter M using chalk. Although it’s a very subtle reference, it’s still fascinating.