Warning: This article discusses extreme violence.
Many still love ‘90s movies, but not every pop culture reference works with a modern audience. Some of the best movies of all time from the ‘90s are remembered for their gags and nods to a pastime, but in 2024, these references make little sense.
These references are either no longer relevant or have simply been forgotten about. While movies will always try and stay up-to-date with the world, these ‘90s titles contain references that just don’t work now.
10 “Dionne And I Were Both Named After Famous Singers Of The Past, Who Now Do Infomercials.”
Clueless (1995)
Two characters in the Clueless cast are named after iconic music artists – Cher and Dionne Warwick. While both of the singers are notable ‘90s names, the reference to the pair “now do[ing] infomercials” is 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 audiences know who she is today.
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Warwick was the face of Psychic Friends Network. The company still exists, but psychic services are no longer prominent, especially in a talk-show format.
9 “Have You Seen This Boy?”
Wayne’s World (1992)
When Wayne’s World’s titular character is pulled over by the police, he is stunned to face Robert Patrick making an appearance as T-1000 from Terminator 2: Judgement Day. The polaroid image he shows is a great ‘90s reference, but the robotic-voiced question of “Have you seen this boy?” is even better.
While the Terminator movies are still popular today, audiences are less likely to immediately recognize Patrick’s cameo. Hilariously, Wayne knows who the man is, and so he panics and screams in fear.
8 “Are You Lookin’ At Me?”
Aladdin (1992)
1992’s Aladdin has plenty of brilliant pop culture references, but one that isn’t as recognizable now is the Genie recreating Robert De Niro’s iconic Taxi Driver quote. After Aladdin first meets the Genie and tries to leave, the large blue figure breaks out his best De Niro impression and asks “Are you lookin’ at me?”
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While the Genie’s words aren’t the exact same as De Niro’s, older viewers are quick to spot the nod to Taxi Driver. The late Robin Williams’ impressions are fantastic and this moment proves his talents, although a lot of children wouldn’t understand why this is so funny.
7 “You’re Not A Postal Worker, Are You?”
Jumanji (1995)
In the first of the Jumanji movies, one scene shows Van Pelt purchasing a rifle from a gun store. In one quick, yet comical, line of dialogue, the owner asks Van Pelt if he’s a “Postal worker.”
Nowadays, this reference would go over many peoples’ heads. However, this isn’t the worst thing, as this line is a rather sour joke about “going postal,” a term describing several incidents in the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s where USPS workers were killed in workplace shootings.
6 “A Woman Could Cut Off Your Penis While You’re Sleeping.”
Fight Club (1999)
A very short reference to Lorena Bobbitt crops up in Fight Club. While sharing a drink together, Tyler reassures the narrator by telling him “it could be worse,” before reminding him of John Bobbit’s fate in 1993.
‘90s audiences remember John and Lorena Bobbitt for one of the wildest arguments of all time. Lorena notably cut her husband’s penis off and threw it from a car window, although his genitalia is now reattached to his person. While this was a massive topic of discussion in the ‘90s, younger generations have no idea what this remark means.
5 “She’s Banging The Pepperidge Farm Guy.”
Big Daddy (1999)
After Sonny is dumped by his girlfriend for an older man in Big Daddy, he hilariously calls Sid the “Pepperidge Farm Guy.” The Pepperidge Farm company is known for selling a variety of snacks and baked goods, but especially cookies.
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While some modern audiences may be familiar with Pepperidge Farm, they’re probably not as aware of the company as people were in the ‘90s. Pepperidge Farm’s presence has dwindled in recent decades, and its iconic commercials are no longer in circulation.
4 “RC’s Trying To Say Something!”
Toy Story (1995)
After Buzz falls from the bedroom window in Toy Story, RC 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 Lassie, an intelligent Collie dog who was a part of a huge multi-media franchise.
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The children of today may have heard the name Lassie, but they probably don’t know who she is. Lassie’s famous whining could be understood by the humans around her, amazingly, and Toy Story doesn’t hesitate to make the same gag about RC, who communicates only through sounds.
3 “When? High Noon?”
Back To The Future III (1990)
There are multiple outdated references in the Back to the Future movies, and one of the subtler nods happens in a bar in Back to the Future III. When Marty McFly is challenged to a duel, he asks, “When? High Noon?” However, few modern viewers know that High Noon is a famous Western from the 1950s.
The concept of fighting at “High Noon” is used all across popular culture, too. Since its release in 1952, High Noon has also been referenced in titles such as The Sopranos and Dirty Harry, all of which use the premise of a deadly fight occurring at the peak of the day.
2 “This Is My Happening And It Freaks Me Out!”
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)
When Austin and Vanessa attend the nightclub opening in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, the titular character shouts over the noise “This is my happening and it freaks me out!” While there are loads of movie references in the Austin Powers franchise, this nod to the 1970 title Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is a less obvious one.
In Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, Ronnie “Z-Man” Barzell famously says this same line during a party. It’s extremely unlikely that current audiences are aware of Z-Man or Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, so it’s easy to think that Austin is making a silly remark about the bustling nightclub.
1 Harry Burns His Hand
Home Alone (1990)
Although Harry only screams when he is caught by Kevin’s trap in Home Alone, the M that is left on his palm is an outdated reference to the 1931 movie M. Modern audiences probably aren’t familiar with this film, which follows a serial killer who marks his victims with the letter M by using chalk. While it’s a very subtle reference, it’s still a fascinating one.