“The Big Lebowski” (1998), “Empire Records” (1995), “Dazed and Confused” (1993), “Clerks” (1994), “Go” (1999), all different, all classics, all slacker films.

Epitomized by the 1990 film “Slacker”, the slacker film was popularized in the 90’s. These films often feature a lack in traditional plot structure, heavy dialogue, emphasis on counterculture and rejection of societal norms, and highlighting artistic or intellectual pursuits over professional goals.

During the late 80’s, the intense pressure to work, driven by corporate culture and the rise of the yuppie (young urban professional) caused many anti institutional films to be created. These films were powered by the voices of those who did not want to work and supported by an audience who felt the same. Teens and young adults consumed these movies to escape the pressures of society, living vicariously through these slacker characters.

Slacker films mostly depict middle class or close to middle class white people, specifically white men, slacking off. This is because there is much less of a negative connotation for them to “do nothing”.

Some exceptions to these patterns are films like “Friday” (1995), “Up in Smoke” (1978), “Half Baked” (1998) and “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” (2004). Instead of depicting the main characters as relaxed for no reason, they are relaxed because of one of the coolest things in the 90’s, weed. Most of these films are more regarded as stoner comedies due to their intense integration of weed into the plot line, where it wouldn't be the same movie without it.

Many of these films focus on young characters as it is largely more accepted for them to slack off, whether it be at school or at their minimum wage job. These films still garner large support because they focus on the universal, carefree essence of youth.

These films are a breath of fresh air compared to many others coming out at the time due to their lack of traditional plot structure. A plot mostly driven by just hanging out makes them unpredictable, creating a unique energy not utilized by most films. This makes them widely enjoyable because as you watch them you feel like you are hanging out with the characters, not really watching a movie. This can be best exemplified by the film “Dazed and Confused” by Richard Linklater (1993).

The slacker film essence has unfortunately been lost to time. Slacker-esque movies produced more recently have mostly morphed into stoner comedies or the “man as child” trope, featuring men who should have grown up but present characteristics of a slacker who are seemingly going nowhere in life. Ex. They smoke a lot of weed, have teen-like interests, and struggle to function in professional adult societies. Some examples of these tropes are “Knocked up,” “Pineapple Express,” “Role Models,” “Step Brothers,” etc.

Though it doesn't seem like there will be any more slacker-esque films on the rise anytime soon, these gems of the late 80’s and 90’s will continue to carry us through our stressful days at school or work and offer an escape into a “cooler” world.