Youth films of the 80s and 90s were at the peak of fashion and popularity, so many of them got lost against the backdrop of more successful examples of the genre. We recall the most interesting examples of underrated films of that era.

Stories about the coming-of-age period can be both naive and romantic, as well as serious and even tragic, always in demand among audiences because they capture the alluring rebellious spirit of youth. The 'golden' era of youth cinema fell on the 1980s and 1990s, and against the backdrop of genre classics, works that deserve attention have been lost.

Vision Quest (1985)

A determined athlete (Matthew Modine) tortures himself with constant training to win a tournament, and the support of loved ones, as well as the feelings that arise for a beauty (Linda Fiorentino) temporarily staying at his home, allow him to find inexhaustible strength.

The River’s Edge (1986)

A drama that differs from typical 1980s films with its grim depiction of provincial life, starring Crispin Glover and Keanu Reeves, about young rascals who chatter at every corner about a murder committed by their acquaintance, touching on the theme of children's cynicism and parental indifference.

Less Than Zero (1987)

The stylish film adaptation of the work by the author of 'American Psycho,' Bret Easton Ellis, is worth watching primarily for Robert Downey Jr., who convincingly played the role of a drug addict, including because he himself suffered from an addiction that plagued him for many years.

Flirting (1991)

A sweet and touching Australian film about schoolchildren in love (Noah Taylor and Thandiwe Newton), forced to hide their relationship from overly strict teachers, with friends (Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman) helping them in every way.

School Ties (1992)

In the 1950s, a boy from a poor Jewish family (Brendan Fraser) enters a prestigious school, where he faces arrogance from classmates (Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris O'Donnell and others), earning respect through his strong character and mature mind.

Crush (1993)

A teenage version of the then-fashionable erotic thrillers, based on real events, about a sexually underage girl (Alicia Silverstone) who develops an interest in a man renting a place next door (Cary Elwes) and becomes a real nightmare for him.

Empire Records (1995)

A film about employees of a music store (with Liv Tyler, Renée Zellweger and Robin Tunney standing out in the cast), recognized as a cult classic at home and practically unknown here, is deliberately silly (which earned it criticism from reviewers) but possesses a quirky charm.

SubUrbia (1996)

In Richard Linklater's creation, in his signature style, an accurate and vivid portrait of a generation of slackers is recreated thanks to bright characters (most notably the performance of Giovanni Ribisi) and a soundtrack that gives a special atmosphere to the action unfolding over the course of one night.

All I Wanna Do (1998)

A fun and at the same time thoughtful comedy with a charming cast led by Kirsten Dunst about mischievous students of a girls' gymnasium in the 1960s, who decide to prevent the merger of their institution with a boys' academy and throw a surprise party on the occasion of meeting them.

Go (1999)

In that year, which marked the peak of the genre's popularity, a huge number of prominent representatives were released, which left in the shadows the dynamic and crazy film by Doug Liman, where individual plots are connected by characters (Sarah Polley, Katie Holmes and Timothy Olyphant).