The 1990s brought us some of the most iconic films of all time, filled with edgy humor and bold storytelling. But as society has evolved, so have our cultural norms, leaving many moments from these movies feeling out of step with today’s more inclusive and sensitive values. Let’s revisit some 90s movie scenes that would spark serious backlash if released now.
Jim Carrey’s outrageous antics made Ace Ventura a comedy hit, but the scene where Ace reacts with horror after discovering he kissed a trans woman lands very differently today. Played entirely for laughs, this moment perpetuates harmful stereotypes about transgender individuals. What was once considered a punchline is now widely recognized as disrespectful and offensive.
On the surface, this Drew Barrymore rom-com is a sweet story about second chances, but its central romance raises some serious ethical eyebrows. Josie, an undercover reporter posing as a high school student, falls for her teacher, Sam. Even though he doesn’t act on his feelings until after learning the truth, the teacher-student dynamic is uncomfortable and wouldn’t fly in today’s media landscape.
While American Pie was all about pushing boundaries, the scene where Jim secretly films Nadia undressing crosses the line. The invasion of her privacy, framed as comedic, feels downright creepy now. With modern conversations around consent and digital privacy, this moment would be viewed as not just unacceptable but highly problematic.
Kevin Smith’s indie cult classic is no stranger to shock value, but even fans might agree the scene where Caitlin unwittingly hooks up with a dead body goes too far. While Clerks thrives on edgy humor, this particular moment toes a line that most modern audiences wouldn’t be willing to cross.
This critically acclaimed drama hasn’t aged as well as its Oscar wins might suggest. Lester’s obsession with his daughter’s underage friend, Angela, feels deeply predatory by today’s standards. What was once framed as a character’s midlife crisis now reads as a troubling portrayal of inappropriate behavior and a lack of boundaries.
This dark comedy’s premise—two students trying to exploit a suicide clause to secure good grades—is a glaring example of how differently mental health was treated in the 90s. Joking about suicide feels reckless and harmful in today’s climate, where conversations about mental health are handled with far greater care and responsibility.
This beloved action-drama includes a deeply unsettling scene where young Mathilda dresses provocatively and performs suggestive acts for Léon. While the film doesn’t condone the behavior, the scene itself would never make the cut today, as audiences are far more sensitive to the depiction of inappropriate adult-child dynamics.
No one expected South Park to hold back, and it certainly didn’t. However, some of the film’s humor, particularly at the expense of LGBTQ+ individuals, would no longer be seen as subversive. In today’s more inclusive entertainment landscape, such jokes would likely be met with significant criticism.
Eddie Murphy’s comedic genius shone in The Nutty Professor, but the reliance on fat suits and body-shaming humor has aged poorly. Today, such portrayals would be called out for perpetuating fatphobia and mocking individuals based on their appearance rather than creating meaningful humor.
This family comedy includes a jaw-dropping moment where a sex worker exposes herself to a group of boys. Framed as cheeky and harmless in the 90s, the scene now feels wildly inappropriate and raises serious questions about boundaries and consent.