13 Reasons Why the 90s Was the Best Decade

The 1990s was a special time in American culture. With new technology and innovative music, this decade was full of memorable pop culture moments and life-changing events. It was a time of rapid change and unique style moments, from grungy plaid to patterned windbreakers and scrunchies. Here are 13 reasons why many consider the 90s to be the best decade.

1. The Rise of the Internet

It’s hard to imagine a world without the Internet, but it wasn’t invented until the 1990s. This decade witnessed the birth and spread of online connectivity, forever changing the way people communicate, work, and entertain themselves. There may not have been TikTok videos just yet, but this decade was marked by the rise of email, early browsers, and the first search engines. Consider it the beginning of the tech boom to come!

2. Iconic TV Shows

Television in the 90s was unparalleled. In fact, many people still stream shows like Friends, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Full House, The X-Files, and all those wonderful 90s Nicktoons to this very day. These shows defined their generation, leaving a lasting legacy in popular culture. You still hear quotes and references to the shows from this decade.

3. The Grunge Movement

Music from all genres hit a renaissance during the 90s, but it was the grunge movement that defined the decade. Emerging from Seattle, bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden were more than just music. These bands were a cultural phenomenon that encapsulated the morose feelings of teenagers. To this day, people still consider “Smells Like Teen Spirit” one of the greatest songs of all time.

4. The Golden Era of Hip Hop

Come along on a Fantastic Voyage to learn more about hip hop from the 90s. Whether it was goofy songs by artists like Digital Underground or the hard-hitting sounds of Tupac Shaker, The Notorious B.I.G., and N.W.A., the 90s was considered the Golden Age of Hip Hop. Their powerful lyrics and unique beats continue to influence music today. Check out lesser-known artists from this decade like Black Sheep and Del the Funkee Homosapien.

5. Advances in Technology

Aside from the Internet, the 1990s saw major technological advancements. The first commercially released DVD was Twister released in 1996. This decade also gave us the first portable MP3 player, perfect for all that grunge and hip hop. These innovations revolutionized how people consumed media and entertained themselves.

6. Memorable Fashion Trends

Whether it was scrunchies, low-rise jeans, flannel shirts, or funky windbreakers, the fashion of the 90s was distinct and diverse. The 90s was so iconic in terms of style that many of these trends have been recycled and are popular once again with modern teenagers. Choker necklaces and crop tops in particular have been on the rise. Fashion designers and influencers look back at this decade fondly when it comes to style inspiration.

7. The Disney Renaissance

With the popularity of streaming services, Disney has been struggling financially and having a tough time making numbers at the box office. Back in the 90s, the studio was a shooting star, with beloved animated films that have stood the test of time. This decade saw the release of classics like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. To this day, these films remain a defining part of Disney’s legacy.

8. The Rise of Supermodels

No other decade was more iconic for supermodels than the 1990s. Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington dominated fashion runways and became household names. These women were splashed across the covers of fashion magazines and ads, and even made appearances in commercials. Fashion changed forever thanks to their influence.

9. Iconic Video Games and Consoles

One of the most beloved video game consoles was released in the 1990s. The Nintendo 64, which came to the market in 1996, gave fans classic games like Mario Kart 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007. The video gaming industry boomed as a result. Nintendo was officially at the top of the leader board when it came to the console wars.

10. The Expansion of Blockbuster Movies

The 90s saw the release of groundbreaking films that pushed the boundaries of special effects and storytelling. Movies like Jurassic Park, Titanic, and The Matrix showcased what was technically possible and set new standards for filmmaking. Many cinephiles look at 1991 in particular as one of the best years for movies, with films like Fight Club and The Silence of the Lambs. We’re still watching sequels, remakes, and spinoff TV shows based on these properties to this very day.

11. The Birth of Reality TV

It’s hard to imagine a time before The Bachelor and American Idol. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that viewers were fully immersed in reality TV. The Real World on MTV was a particular fan favorite, but fans also tuned in each week for Cops, True Life, and America’s Funniest Home Videos. These shows changed the landscape of television by focusing on all the drama found in everyday life.

12. A Time of Economic Prosperity

The 1990s was a peaceful time for most Americans. Because the country experienced significant economic growth, many people were thriving financially in a way that wasn’t possible in previous decades. This newfound wealth gave everyone a sense of optimism and opportunity, a feeling that permeated throughout the culture. As a nation, we haven’t experienced quite the same boom since then.

13. Less Digital Distraction

The Internet was just a baby in the 90s, so the crazy tech boom that was to follow hadn’t happened yet. This was a time before smartphones and social media. People were less digitally distracted and more present in the everyday moment. Some look back at the 90s through a nostalgic lens, remembering the good old days before we were glued to our screens.

Love to 90s Kids

The 1990s were a defining decade for many people. If you were alive at that time, you likely look back at those years fondly. Gen Z and Gen Alpha, meanwhile, turn to the 90s for fashion, music, and movie inspiration . Fingers crossed that we all get the chance to experience such a culturally rich decade again in the future.

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Alyssa Serio

Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.