Metascore
68 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. 100
    Effervescent, unflappable, supremely pleased with herself, Cher (delightfully played by the much-publicized Alicia Silverstone) is the comic centerpiece of Clueless, a wickedly funny teen-age farce from writer-director Amy Heckerling that, like its heroine, turns out to have more to it than anyone could anticipate. [19 July 1995]
  2. Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    90
    A fresh, disarmingly bright and at times explosively funny comedy well worth a trip to the mall, even if it eventually runs out of gas.
  3. 88
    A smart and funny movie, and the characters are in on the joke.
  4. Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    80
    Impossible to dislike: It's as good-hearted as its bubbly protagonist.
  5. Even if Clueless runs out of gas before it's over, most of it is as eye-catching and cheery as its star. [19 July 1995]
  6. Reviewed by: John Leland
    80
    The summer's most compelling movie about teenagers.
  7. Reviewed by: Hal Hinson
    80
    Ultimately, [Heckerling's] portrait is affectionate and, in places, even sweet, enabling us to laugh at them and embrace them at the same time.
  8. Reviewed by: Bruce Diones
    80
    With its charming performances, bubble-gum colors, and intentionally funny product placements, the movie is like a kiss in a candy store—silly and sweet.
  9. 75
    Clueless is no "Fast Times" when it comes to character development or the merging of comedy and drama, and it might have worked better if it had been more story-oriented and plot-centered. But thanks to Heckerling's spirited direction and cutting-edge script, it is, "like . . . majorly and furiously golden." [19 July 1995]
  10. Though the dialogue is laced with the colloquial, the film has an inviting tone that even stuffiest of old fogies may find refreshing. Everybody gets put down, but with affection.
  11. 75
    The film bobs along like a designer balloon, pumped with wry observations on Marky Mark and Mentos ads. But none of the other cartoonish characters command like twinkly Silverstone.
  12. 70
    OK, the plot is inane, Val-gal-speak is a clichT, and Heckerling was more incisive covering similar hormonal ground 13 years ago in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." But there's still wicked good fun to be had.
  13. Reviewed by: Richard Corliss
    70
    It's like a restaurant where you go for the food and go back for the atmosphere. Or for the waitress. [13 July 1995]
  14. 63
    The cinematic equivalent of cotton candy: certainly not unpleasant, but not especially satisfying despite the sweet taste.
  15. Though this drifts at times as storytelling, it's mainly lightweight but personable fun.
  16. There are funny bits in Amy Heckerling's high school sat-ire, but the characters are teen-movie zombies with no discernible personality apart from their trendoid obsessions.
  17. For a while, it's like really cool, with lots of energy and stuff, but then it gets like major repetitious, and you wish it was like over, y'know? As if!
  18. 20
    Michael Lehmann's "Heathers" followed the same sort of story line to much better effect in 1989, and Clueless leaves you itching to race over to the video store in search of just that.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. A classic from the 90s, if you've never seen wasting time. Much better than the current teen movies, this movie really portrays so funny, "dramas" of teenagers. Full Review »
  2. 10
    This is clearly one of the best movies ever made. While it probably causes 99% of the population to scratch their heads with curiosity, this movie really does what it is meant to do very well. It's extremely entertaining and thoroughly over the top. One of the best 'blonde' movies ever made. Full Review »
  3. MatthewC
    9
    A funny, astute satire on high school life. The script is fresh, original and speaks to high schoolers in a way most high school movies don't. This movie is great because it gets what high school is all about. Full Review »