The 90s are back in a big way. From the resurgence of Tamagotchis to the return of high-waisted trousers and bucket hats, the decade’s influence continues to shape pop culture and fashion. But while some trends from the era have thankfully faded into oblivion, there are plenty of things from the 90s that we’d love to see return.
Let’s face it, no one misses dial-up internet, jelly sandals, or those godawful thick tinted sunglasses. But beyond the cringe-worthy fashion faux pas, there are plenty of 90s throwbacks that deserve a space in today’s world. Not just for the sake of nostalgia, but because these bygone trends made life feel a little bit better.
Take rollerblades, for instance. Remember the scene in *Hackers* (1995) where Jonny Lee Miller and Angelina Jolie zipped by on their inline skates, evading the law with a mix of computer savvy and sheer coolness? While inline skates never truly went away, they were undeniably the epitome of cool in the 90s. It’s time they had a proper comeback, as they’re the perfect way to reconnect with the great outdoors and get some exercise.
Then there are Ring Pops, those delightfully retro lollipops without a stick. These wearable candies rose to fame in the late 80s and during the 90s, leaving behind a trail of sticky fingers and childhood memories. They’re perfect for an impromptu proposal, if you’re feeling bold.
And who could forget Pogs? These circular cardboard discs were the rage in the 90s, stemming from the milk cap game that originated in Hawaii during the 1930s. You’d stack your Pogs and players would take turns to drop a heavier “slammer” onto the pile, keeping any face-up caps. The player with the most Pogs at the end won. While the game itself might have gotten old quickly, Pogs were essentially playground currency – innocent, tactile valuables that could represent a worthy alternative to today’s high-tech toys and screen-based gaming.
Landlines are becoming a thing of the past, and everyone gets a jolt of existential despair when their phone rings these days. But wouldn’t it be fun to receive calls on a giant novelty landline? Imagine a flip-burger phone, an old-timey retro one with an ornate spout for the mouthpiece, or even a classic red phone that makes you feel like you’re getting an urgent call during the height of the Cold War.
And let’s not forget about the humble flannel shirt. This grungy staple was a cornerstone of 90s style, and it’s time to embrace its comeback. A few spins of Nirvana’s *Nevermind* or a couple of *Saved By The Bell* rewatches should convince you that flannel is ripe for a revival.
Speaking of 90s delights, Viennetta ice cream deserves a return to our plates. This frozen dessert, with its rippled layers of ice cream and frozen chocolate, was the epitome of sophistication for 90s kids. The crackling noise that was made when a slice was cut was heavenly. The delicious treat was discontinued, and the absence of pudding decadence is no longer acceptable.
In today’s digital world, communication may be instantaneous, but it often feels fleeting and lacking in heart. So why not bring back writing – specifically handwritten letters and postcards? It’ll slow things down, and the effort will be doubly appreciated.
Physical media may be getting a boost these days, with vinyls enjoying a resurgence, but how great were CD and cassette compilations? Curating and gifting a compilation felt like a big deal. Time and effort had to go into the artform, which has been lost to streaming services and online playlists. Plus, the format meant that it was less common to skip tracks, meaning that you’d actually give new music a decent go before deciding whether it was for you or not.
Same goes for having a Walkman or a CD player (with that all-important anti-skip feature). You had to pick the albums that went with you on a trip, leading the listener to properly delve into the artist’s full output, as opposed to hyperactively hopping from one track to the next.
Love them or hate them, frosted tips were everywhere in the 90s, a reminder of the era’s bold fashion choices. And as proven by one of the members of the Euronews Culture team, this hairstyle throwback can work wonders and isn’t the stylistic nightmare many think it is.
There’s no denying it – the 90s were the golden age of romantic comedies. We’re talking *When Harry Met Sally*, *Sleepless in Seattle*, *You’ve Got Mail*… all absolute classics. While there’s always been an audience for a decent romcom, they seem to have fallen by the wayside recently. This year’s *Ticket to Paradise* shows that Gen Z is yearning for a revival of the careless, swoontastic, and immensely rewatchable will-they-won’t-they flicks. Let’s make it happen, Hollywood.
And while we’re at it, let’s bring back Pizza Hut’s cheese-stuffed crust pizza. This 90s innovation, with its stringy cheese goodness coming out of the outer layer, was a glorious thing. Sure, it was very salty, and those ads encouraging you to eat the pizza slices crust-first were a bit psychotic, but let’s not pretend that the mere mention of this cheesy delicacy doesn’t make your tummy pine.
The original run of *The X-Files* lasted from 1993 to 2002, and while it had a revival in 2016 and 2018, seasons 10 and 11 weren’t great and failed to capture the true spirit of the original. A new version of the show is in the works, and we’re hoping that it does the original run justice.
Technically launched at the end of the 80s, the Game Boy was without a doubt a 90s staple – and the greatest portable console ever. You could even get a bum bag to carry around your game cartridges, with Tetris, Super Mario Land, and that brilliant yellow coloured Donkey Kong Land 2 being must-haves. Let’s keep the legacy going.
May 1998. Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell leaves the Spice Girls, citing creative differences. And nothing was ever the same again. Granted, the band reunited for two concert tours in 2007 and 2019, but isn’t it about time that differences were put aside and a new album was in the works? They could even switch it up and deliver a Hole-like rock odyssey. Whatever they want. Just get it done already.
Yes, streaming has simplified things, but who could forget making the trip to Blockbuster or the back of the newsagents to browse the aisles of VHS tapes and DVDs, searching for the new release for the ideal movie night? The nostalgia of this is unmatched for many, and while some stores still offer this rental service, they’ve essentially gone from dying breed to ultra-rare curio.
Much like making the trip to HMV, Fnac, or whichever entertainment retailer you used to go to in order to purchase the latest physical copy of your favourite artist’s album, there was something uniquely thrilling about having to wait, build up the excitement, and actually owning an edition of the media. Even if it was for a couple of evenings. As easy as it is to scroll through a menu on the screen, something joyous in the way we consume films (and music) has been lost since the 90s.
