Midwest Teens LOVE ‘90s Rom-Coms

There’s something magical happening in the Midwest — and it’s not just another trip to Starbucks before football games or cute fall photo dumps at the local pumpkin patch. Teens from all over the middle of America are obsessed with '90s romantic comedies. And honestly, who can blame them?

From VHS nostalgia to iconic outfits and heartfelt plots, these films are having a serious moment on TikTok, Letterboxd, and group sleepover movie nights. But what’s behind the trend — and which movies are topping the list?

Let’s dig in.

✨ The Appeal of '90s Rom-Coms

Teens today are turning to '90s rom-coms for a break from the overly digital, fast-paced world they’ve grown up in. These films offer:

• Relatable love stories without the pressure of constant texting or TikTok drama.

• Iconic fashion — slip dresses, crop tops, and mom jeans? Yes please - bring it on!

• Feel-good endings that never get old + we want it over and over again.

• A slower pace that feels refreshing compared to modern teen dramas. 

And for teens in the midwest where community vibes and a little bit of nostalgia go a long way, these stories hit just right and make our hearts so happy! 

💖 Most-Loved '90s Rom-Coms by Midwest Teens

Here are the films today’s teens in the Heartland just can’t stop watching, quoting, and falling for:

1. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

• Why they love it: Kat Stratford’s unapologetic independence. Heath Ledger’s bleacher serenade. Plus, that Seattle grunge-meets-prep school vibe is pure aesthetic goals.

• TikTok moments: “I love you, baby…” is the audio for dreamy edits.

2. Clueless (1995)

• Why they love it: It’s like scrolling Pinterest in movie form. Cher’s closet, her confidence, and her barely-legal romance with Josh? It’s complicated, but they’re hooked.

• Fashion inspo: Plaid skirts, tiny backpacks, and platform shoes are showing up at school dances from Louisville to Evansville. We all know you are lying if you don’t want Cher's closet… 

3. She’s All That (1999)

• Why they love it: Classic glow-up transformation + prom scene = cinematic gold. It gives Cinderella vibes with a 2000s twist.

• Midwest moment: Teens in small towns relate to the artsy girl-next-door thing hard.

4. Notting Hill (1999)

• Why they love it: It’s the slow burn they didn’t know they needed. Julia Roberts' line — “I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy…” — hits every time.

• Fun fact: It’s made quiet bookstore dates cool again - lets make this a HUGEEEE trend, ok! Thanks 

5. Never Been Kissed (1999)

• Why they love it: The undercover teen twist is just the right mix of awkward and adorable. And who hasn’t dreamed of a second chance to rule high school?

• High school themes: Homecoming drama, school newspaper gossip, and the magic of prom. All our favorite things rolled into one :-) 

6. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

• Why they love it: The not-so-happy ending is a curveball teens truly appreciate these days. Plus, the karaoke scene is forever iconic. ICONIC! 

• Real talk: Sometimes you don’t get the guy, and that’s okay — a rare but refreshing message in teen romance. Julia is stronger on the other side for this lesson - trust us! 

🎞️ Where They’re Watching

• Streaming faves: Max, Prime Video, and Netflix rotate these classics often.

• Movie nights: Teens are throwing themed watch parties — popcorn, face masks, and all-pink dress codes included.

• TikTok edits: Fan videos are keeping the magic alive, especially for lesser-known moments and dreamy 90s soundtracks.

🛍️ Rom-Com Inspired Everything

From Claire’s earrings to thrifted cardigans, '90s rom-com style is showing up in:

• School dance outfits

• Insta photo shoot looks

• Everyday fits (hello butterfly clips and platform sneakers)

Some teens are even writing their own versions of these love stories on Wattpad or creating TikTok mini-series.

💬 Final Thoughts

There’s a reason '90s rom-coms are the go-to comfort content for teens in Indiana and Kentucky. They’re sweet, stylish, and full of the kind of honest charm that’s hard to find today. Whether you're watching for the fashion, the slow-dance scenes, or the unforgettable one-liners, these movies are the ultimate throwback escape. 

So the next time you hear Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer playing in someone’s car, just know — it’s not a coincidence. It’s a movement.