On April 9, 1999, audiences were charmed by the release of "Never Been Kissed," a romantic comedy that became a defining film of its era. Starring and produced by Drew Barrymore, the movie premiered at the height of the teen film revival of the late 1990s, a period that also saw hits like "She's All That" and "10 Things I Hate About You." "Never Been Kissed" stood out with its uniquely endearing premise of a socially awkward copy editor who gets a second chance at high school, this time as an undercover reporter. Its release on this date cemented Barrymore's status as a rom-com queen and provided a sweet, funny, and heartfelt story that resonated deeply with anyone who ever felt like an outsider.
What it is
"Never Been Kissed" is a romantic comedy centered on Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore), a 25-year-old junior copy editor for the Chicago Sun-Times who was a hopeless nerd in high school. To get her big break as a reporter, she's assigned to go undercover as a student at a local high school to report on teen culture. Forced to relive her traumatic adolescent years, "Josie Grossie" struggles to fit in until her cool, popular brother Rob (David Arquette) enrolls as well to help her navigate the social minefield. The film follows her hilarious and often touching journey of self-discovery, finding friendship, and falling in love with her handsome English teacher, Sam Coulson (Michael Vartan), leading to an iconic, grand romantic gesture at the film's climax.
How it came to be
The film was a significant project for Drew Barrymore and her producing partner Nancy Juvonen's then-new production company, Flower Films. It was their first feature film production. Barrymore was drawn to the script by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein because it explored the universal feelings of insecurity and the desire for a second chance. She enlisted director Raja Gosnell, with whom she had worked on "Home Fries." Barrymore was deeply involved in all aspects of production, from casting to the film's optimistic tone. The story was crafted to be both a crowd-pleasing comedy and a sincere exploration of the lingering effects of high school trauma, a combination that proved to be a recipe for success.
How many it sold
"Never Been Kissed" was a significant box office success. Produced on a budget of around $25 million, the film went on to gross over $55.4 million in North America and a total of $84.6 million worldwide. It opened at number two at the U.S. box office, right behind "The Matrix," which was in its second week. The film's strong performance confirmed the public's appetite for well-made romantic comedies and teen-centric stories. Its success was crucial for establishing the credibility of Barrymore's production company, Flower Films, which would go on to produce other major hits like "Charlie's Angels" and "50 First Dates," solidifying its place as a major player in Hollywood.
Why it resonated
The film resonated so powerfully because its protagonist, Josie Geller, was incredibly relatable. Her journey from the insecure "Josie Grossie" to a confident woman who learns to love herself was a heartwarming and inspiring arc. Unlike many teen movie heroines, Josie's transformation wasn't just about a physical makeover; it was about overcoming past trauma and embracing her true self. The film's humor, combined with its genuine sweetness, created a perfect balance. The climactic scene, where Josie waits on a baseball mound for her first real kiss while her editorial is published, became an iconic moment in romantic comedy history, delivering a deeply satisfying and emotionally triumphant payoff that audiences adored.
Impact today
Twenty-five years after its release, "Never Been Kissed" remains a beloved classic of the romantic comedy genre. It's frequently revisited for its charm, humor, and positive message. The film is often cited as a standout of the late-90s teen movie boom and one of Drew Barrymore's signature roles. Its themes of self-acceptance and the possibility of reinvention continue to be relevant. The "I'm not Josie Grossie anymore!" moment is an enduring pop culture reference. The movie helped define the tone and style for many rom-coms that followed in the early 2000s, and its legacy is that of a funny, feel-good film with a surprising amount of heart that continues to win over new generations of fans.
Historical content researched and generated by Gemini 2.5 Pro.