The 1990s was a decade of influence from American culture on British youth. Blockbuster films from the US became hugely popular and portrayed teenagers in specific ways. American sitcoms and animated shows challenged comedy norms. Music in the UK shifted from grunge to Britpop and rave culture. Fashion trends like flannel shirts and curtained haircuts rose to popularity, along with the iconic hairstyle of Jennifer Aniston's character on Friends. While American influence remained strong, underground scenes in Britain began to find prominence through genres like acid raves.

1. 1990’s British Youth

2. Film
• The 1990s was an eventful decade for Film. Huge Blockbusters such
as Titanic, Armageddon and Independence Day reigned.
• American movies influenced British Youth massively. Teen films like
Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You and American Pie portrayed
teenagers in a particular light which related to the Youth of the UK.

3. Television
• American culture and television influenced the British Youth. Sitcoms
such as Friends and Will and Grace began an increase in adoration of
coffee and sarcastic humour. The Simpsons, Beavis and Butthead and
South Park also challenged comedy ideals by including clever jokes
and adult humour.
• Other favourites at the time were Home and Away, Beverly Hills
90210, The Crystal Maze and TFI Friday.

4. Music
• The 1990’s was culturally characterized by the rise of multiculturalism and
alternative media which carried on into the 2000s. The grunge movement
erupted in the early 90’s and died down following the explosion of Britpop
and rave culture in the mid 1990’s.

5. Fashion
• The grunge hype at the beginning of the decade caused flannel shirts
to become popular between both sexes.
• The curtained haircut increased in popularity in fashion and culture
amongst teenage boys after it was popularised in Terminator 2 by the
actor Edward Furlong.
• Jennifer Aniston’s hairstyle on the hit show Friends became a
phenomenon as millions of women copied it worldwide. Bleach
blonde hair also became popular in the late 90’s too.
• Additional fashion trends of the 1990s include Dr. Martens and
Rollerblades.

6. • The 1990’s promoted individuality through its fashion trends, music
and movies. America still influenced the UK greatly, however
underground scenes in Britain began to find prominence through acid
raves and warehouse parties which the US did not participate in.
• Homosexuality became more accepted than ever before thanks to its
inclusion in mainstream media. More and more celebrities “came
out” during this time – Elton John, George Michael - and the media
reacted accordingly by featuring gay themes and characters in its
television shows.