The year grunge broke. A Seattle band's second album changed rock and fashion, cable TV got its first Nicktoons, and the 16-bit console war began.
This guide rounds up what was popular in 1991, from what people wore and played with to what they watched and listened to. Use it to settle a nostalgia debate, write trivia for a 90s party, or plan a 1991-themed birthday or reunion.
Quick answer
In 1991, the biggest trends were grunge (flannel, ripped jeans, combat boots), color-changing shirts, the Super Nintendo and Sonic the Hedgehog, the first Nicktoons, Gushers and Fruit by the Foot, and songs like "Smells Like Teen Spirit".
1991 at a glance
| Category | Biggest in 1991 |
|---|---|
| Hit movie | Terminator 2 and Beauty and the Beast |
| TV moment | The first Nicktoons |
| Console | Super Nintendo launches in North America |
| Fad | Color-changing shirts |
| Song everyone knew | "Smells Like Teen Spirit" |
| Snack | Gushers and Fruit by the Foot |
Fashion trends of 1991
Here is what people were wearing in 1991. For the full decade, see 90s fashion trends.
Grunge
Flannel, band tees, ripped jeans and boots went mainstream after September.
Color-changing shirts
Heat-sensitive tees were a huge fad.
Cross Colours
Bright, positive hip hop streetwear.
Bike shorts
Still everywhere.
Overalls
One strap down.
Baseball caps
Backwards, of course.
Popular toys and games in 1991
The toy aisle in 1991 looked like this. More in our list of popular 90s toys.
Super Nintendo
Launched in North America in August 1991.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sega's mascot debuted in June 1991.
Dream Phone
The electronic crush-finding board game.
Water blasters
Rebranded and bigger than ever.
Polly Pocket
Still huge.
Technology in 1991
- The World Wide Web became publicly available in August 1991.
- The Super Nintendo arrived in the US, kicking off the Nintendo vs Sega rivalry.
- Game Gear, Sega's color handheld, launched in North America.
See every gadget of the decade in 90s tech gadgets and every console in 90s video game consoles.
Popular movies of 1991
| Movie | US release |
|---|---|
| Terminator 2: Judgment Day | July |
| Beauty and the Beast | November |
| The Silence of the Lambs | February |
| Hook | December |
| The Addams Family | November |
| Boyz n the Hood | July |
TV shows of 1991
| Show | Premiere / big year |
|---|---|
| Doug | August 1991 |
| Rugrats | August 1991 |
| The Ren & Stimpy Show | August 1991 |
| Home Improvement | September 1991 |
| Clarissa Explains It All | March 1991 |
| Darkwing Duck | September 1991 |
For cartoons specifically, see 90s cartoons.
Popular songs of 1991
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| Smells Like Teen Spirit | Nirvana |
| (Everything I Do) I Do It for You | Bryan Adams |
| Losing My Religion | R.E.M. |
| Gonna Make You Sweat | C+C Music Factory |
| Black or White | Michael Jackson |
| Motownphilly | Boyz II Men |
Build a full playlist with our 90s party songs.
Big moments of 1991
- The Gulf War took place in January and February.
- The World Wide Web opened to the public.
- The Soviet Union dissolved in December.
Fun fact: Doug, Rugrats and The Ren & Stimpy Show all premiered on the same day in August 1991 as the first three Nicktoons.
Throw a 1991 themed party
1991 party checklist
- A playlist of 1991 hits
- Posters from Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Beauty and the Beast
- A dress code inspired by grunge
- Trivia about 1991
- Toys from 1991 as decorations or prizes
- Disposable cameras
The story of 1991
1991 was the year the 90s truly began. In September, a band from the Pacific Northwest released an album that pushed alternative rock into the mainstream almost overnight. Flannel shirts, ripped jeans and combat boots spread from Seattle to suburban malls, and the polished glam of the 80s suddenly looked dated.
Television changed too. On a single Sunday in August, a kids' cable channel premiered three original cartoons that would define childhood for millions: one about a shy boy and his journal, one about a group of adventurous babies and one about a chaotic cat and dog. On prime time, a sitcom about a home-improvement show host became a family favorite.
Gaming entered a new era as the Super Nintendo arrived in North America, setting up a fierce rivalry with Sega, whose new speedy blue mascot debuted the same year. Kids picked sides, and playground debates began. Snack aisles welcomed fruit snacks with liquid centers and fruit tape you could unroll for three feet.
Globally, 1991 saw the end of the Gulf War early in the year and the dissolution of the Soviet Union at the end, while the World Wide Web became publicly available. A 1991-themed party works best with a grunge dress code, early-90s rock and pop, and a few classic snacks.
Conclusion
1991 was the year of Terminator 2 and Beauty and the Beast, The first Nicktoons, Super Nintendo launches in North America. Rewind one more year to what was popular in 1990, or fast-forward to what was popular in 1992.
Frequently asked questions
What was popular in 1991?
In 1991, the biggest trends were grunge (flannel, ripped jeans, combat boots), color-changing shirts, the Super Nintendo and Sonic the Hedgehog, the first Nicktoons, Gushers and Fruit by the Foot, and songs like "Smells Like Teen Spirit".
What was the biggest movie of 1991?
Some of the biggest movies of 1991 were Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Beauty and the Beast, The Silence of the Lambs.
What toys were popular in 1991?
Popular toys and games in 1991 included Super Nintendo, Sonic the Hedgehog, Dream Phone, Water blasters, Polly Pocket.
What songs were popular in 1991?
Popular songs in 1991 included "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Nirvana), "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" (Bryan Adams), "Losing My Religion" (R.E.M.), "Gonna Make You Sweat" (C+C Music Factory), "Black or White" (Michael Jackson).
What TV shows started in 1991?
Shows that premiered or became hits in 1991 include Doug, Rugrats, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Home Improvement, Clarissa Explains It All.
What did people wear in 1991?
Fashion in 1991 included grunge, color-changing shirts, cross colours, bike shorts, overalls. See our 90s fashion trends guide for more.
How do I throw a 1991 themed party?
Use the songs, movies and toys from 1991 on this page: a 1991 playlist, movie posters, era snacks and trivia about the year. Our 90s party ideas guide has a full plan.