10 Movies and Shows Like Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (1991)

Description: Another film about teenagers left home alone who get into trouble, though with a more mature tone. Both explore what happens when parental absence leads to unexpected adventures.

Fact: Tom Cruise's breakout role. The famous underwear dance scene was improvised. Originally had a much darker ending.

Description: While more adventure-focused, shares the same spirit of youthful independence and resourcefulness. Both films feature groups of kids/teens solving problems without adult help.

Fact: Written by Chris Columbus from a story by Steven Spielberg. The truffle shuffle was improvised by Jeff Cohen. Shot almost entirely at night.

Description: Shares the theme of teenagers outsmarting adults and enjoying freedom from responsibilities. Both films celebrate youthful rebellion and feature charismatic leads who drive the narrative with their schemes.

Fact: Matthew Broderick's iconic role. Features one of the most famous fourth-wall breaks in cinema. The Ferrari in the film was actually a modified MG.

Description: Similar to 'Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead' in its comedic take on teenage responsibility and adventure. Both films feature young protagonists navigating unexpected challenges when left in charge, blending humor with coming-of-age themes.

Fact: Directed by Chris Columbus, who later directed 'Home Alone' and 'Harry Potter' films. Features a young Elisabeth Shue in one of her breakout roles. Includes a memorable scene at a blues club where the characters must sing to escape.

Description: Shares the coming-of-age theme of teenagers pushing boundaries when adults aren't around. Both films feature disastrous but ultimately educational adventures.

Fact: Stars the Coreys (Haim and Feldman). Features Heather Graham in one of her first roles. The car crash scene used 13 identical Mercedes.

Description: Like 'Don't Tell Mom', features a young protagonist left to fend for themselves when adult supervision disappears. Both blend physical comedy with themes of self-reliance.

Fact: Macaulay Culkin's signature role. John Candy filmed all his scenes in one day. The house exterior is in Chicago but interiors were shot in New York.

Description: Shares the theme of young people taking on adult responsibilities, though in a more wholesome way. Like 'Don't Tell Mom', it explores themes of independence and resourcefulness in teenagers.

Fact: Based on the popular book series by Ann M. Martin. Features a young Larisa Oleynik who later starred in '10 Things I Hate About You'. The film was shot in just 25 days.

Description: While more focused on social dynamics, it shares the same 90s teen comedy vibe and features a protagonist who, like Sue Ellen, undergoes personal growth. Both films showcase fashion-conscious female leads navigating adolescence.

Fact: Loosely based on Jane Austen's 'Emma'. Popularized many slang terms and fashion trends. Paul Rudd's first major film role.

Description: While set in a record store, shares the same 90s aesthetic and themes of youthful independence. Both films feature young characters taking charge of their situations in unconventional ways.

Fact: Originally titled 'Empire'. The cast lived together during filming. Was a box office flop but became a cult classic.

Description: Captures the same 90s teen comedy energy, focusing on youthful misadventures and self-discovery. Like 'Don't Tell Mom', it features an ensemble cast navigating pivotal life moments.

Fact: Features early appearances by many future stars. The script was written in just three weeks. Jennifer Love Hewitt's character was originally much smaller.