It’s 2025, and “Clueless” has gone from having a VHS release to being available for purchase on digital platforms. While the movie was released 30 years ago, it’s undoubtedly one of the most timeless comedy films. These days, “Clueless” blends in so seamlessly into pop culture, it’s easy not to question its impact. Cher Horowitz has become synonymous with other rich blonde archetypes like Elle Woods and Regina George, but before “Clueless” was released in 1995, we didn’t see too many “dumb blonde” references to Shakespeare while wearing designer clothes. Despite the movie being a lighthearted 90s comedy, it has cemented itself in the public’s admiration with a dedicated fan base. In order to unpack what has kept “Clueless” relevant over the years, it’s important to reflect on how the movie measures up to the current 2025 film landscape and how audiences’ relationship with entertainment has evolved.
Many of us would consider “Clueless” a “trendy” movie, but it isn’t always acknowledged that it helped pioneer an era where classic literature inspired teen comedies. There are some examples of this prior to Clueless’s release, but the genre really peaked once “Clueless” set by example. One of the main plot points of the film was Cher attempting to set up her friend Tai with her step-brother, Josh. However, as the plot thickens, we discover that the true affections are between Cher and Josh.
This is highly derivative of Jane Austen’s book, “Emma,” where the main character, Emma Woodhouse, plays matchmaker for her friend, Harriet Smith, only to discover the eligible suitor wants Emma instead. The movie character, Elton, even shares a name and plot with the book’s character, Mr. Elton. While this genre is very specific, many movies fall into its theme. “She’s All That” is an adaptation of “Pygmalion,” “10 Things I Hate About You” is an adaptation of “Taming of the Shrew,” and “Easy A” is an adaptation of “The Scarlet Letter.”
While the movie is generally beloved, there are many elements of “Clueless” and the Cher Horowitz character that don’t age well. One of the great things about film is that it captures the evolution of language and cultural norms, giving audiences a better understanding of where and when the movie takes place. There are moments that may throw people off guard, such as Cher casually dropping the r-slur, or the semi-incestuous romance with her and her stepbrother, Josh. But to the movie’s benefit, there are only a few dated examples of what was deemed socially acceptable at the time, and “Clueless” is nowhere near remembered as “out of touch” or “offensive”.
When you contrast these cringy examples with the more positive pieces of nostalgia, these minor critiques start to fade away. Without trying too hard, “Clueless” offers wonderful references to the 90s; from Cher and Dionne holding giant cellphones as big as their heads, or Ren & Stimpy casually playing on the TV. The movie does not call attention to these elements, making it feel more authentic to the time. Clueless’ unique hodgepodge of cultural references and terminology is paired with top-notch casting and acting performances that simply cannot be replicated 30 years later.
Of the main cast, many of the actors are either booked and busy in 2025 or haven’t been in the public eye for a while. Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, and Donald Faison aren’t in too many big roles these days, so when we see them all together from years ago, it’s refreshing. When comparing them to stars like Paul Rudd, who is still currently working, there is still the charm of seeing his younger self and reflecting on his success.
The most notable, however, is Britanny Murphy’s tender performance as Tai. As many know, Murphy passed away in 2009, and as a result, “Clueless” has become part of her acting legacy, accompanied by other classics like “Uptown Girls” and “8 Mile.” Her performance in this movie became a sort of relic where we can see Murphy don red curls and a soft stoner persona. Her character serves as yet another example of how the movie is incredibly specific to 1995.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a “Clueless” discussion if we didn’t reference the fashion. The 90s had a very distinct fashion aesthetic, and in the past 30 years, its clothing has gone in and out of trending. Amongst all the imitations of 90s clothing that fill people’s Pinterest and TikTok feeds, the public seeks out original examples, and “Clueless” is almost always on that moodboard.
The movie is overflowing with 90s fashion. The girls in the movie adorn their hair with so many accessories like colorful bows, clips, and headbands. Plaid prints and flannel were all the rage by 1995, and you can find outfit after outfit using the pattern in the movie. While “Clueless” struck a chord with its ’90s audience through relatable everyday moments, it also relied on costume designer Mona May to curate distinctive pieces that made each character’s wardrobe both iconic and aspirational.
The most recognizable of these is, of course, Dionne and Cher’s plaid outfits they wear to school at the beginning of the movie. The two of them walk around campus wearing miniskirts and blazers; Dionne’s consisting of black and white plaid with pops of red, and Cher’s being consumed by the now iconic yellow plaid print. From Halloween costumes to music videos, this iconic look has been endlessly recreated, and no one has ever mistaken what it’s referencing. The outfits in “Clueless” join the “House Bunny,” “Enchanted,” and “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion” – other films that were graced by May’s costume design.
The charm of “Clueless” can be summarized in one term: nostalgia. Brands have realized very quickly that nostalgia yields a lot of consumers, and in turn, a lot of money. As a result, nostalgia has gone from fun throwbacks revisited every now and then to the new status quo. Originally, nostalgic content relied on its image being a timely occurrence so that when you revisit it, it evokes a feeling you don’t normally have. Nowadays, nostalgia has become synonymous with almost any recent project coming out. We can see this
with the constant live-action Disney remakes and 90s actors recreating sitcom moments for million-dollar commercials. While it’s easy for this content to become repetitive and lackluster, it is important not to abandon the source material in the process. “Clueless” has built an image bigger than itself, and while that image may have been imitated over the past 30 years, it has yet to be replicated.
