15 Magazines From the 1990s That Disappeared With the Internet

These magazines once defined 1990s pop culture before the digital age took over how people read, shared, and stayed in the loop.

Daisy Montero
November 14, 2025
5 min read

15 Magazines From the 1990s That Disappeared With the Internet — Ivan Samkov on Pexels

The 1990s were filled with glossy magazines that kept readers hooked on music, fashion, celebrity gossip, and world news. They shaped opinions, created icons, and gave readers something to look forward to every month. As the Internet grew, many of these publications could not keep up with the instant world of online content.

1. 1. YM (Young & Modern)

YM was every teenage girl’s go-to for fashion, crush advice, and embarrassing stories before social media existed. It had a friendly tone that felt like chatting with a big sister. The magazine helped shape the teen voice of the 90s and early 2000s. When digital content became easier to access, YM folded in 2004, leaving many readers nostalgic.

2. 2. Sassy

Sassy stood out for being bold, honest, and unapologetically real in a sea of glossy perfection. It tackled topics other teen magazines avoided and spoke to girls who felt different from the mainstream crowd. Its mix of feminism, humor, and indie culture made it ahead of its time. Sadly, its niche voice could not survive corporate buyouts and digital competition.

3. 3. Jane

Created by the founder of Sassy, Jane magazine targeted a slightly older audience that grew up with that same edgy honesty. It balanced celebrity interviews with sharp essays and unfiltered commentary on real issues. Readers loved its mix of rebellion and relatability. By 2007, print costs and web culture made its tone harder to sustain in a digital-first world.

4. 4. Details

Details gave men’s magazines a modern attitude that was smart, stylish, and confident. It focused on more than just fashion, diving into culture, music, and identity. Readers loved its sharp design and creative writing. Even with its loyal audience, Details closed in 2015 as men’s lifestyle brands went digital.

5. 5. Teen People

Teen People made celebrity life feel personal to young readers. It balanced pop culture gossip with real teen stories about identity, family, and school life. Many fans loved its “Teen of the Year” features that celebrated everyday achievers. It ended in 2006 after facing tough competition from faster, free online sites.

6. 6. Mademoiselle

Mademoiselle was where young women turned for fashion advice, career tips, and fresh ideas. It mixed high-end style with articles that felt smart and independent. Many saw it as their stepping stone between Seventeen and Vogue. It ended in 2001 when print costs and online competition made it hard to sustain.

7. 7. George

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George was founded by John F. Kennedy Jr. and mixed politics with pop culture in a fun way. It showed that serious issues could be discussed through celebrity stories and bold photography. The magazine had a clear personality and creative edge. After Kennedy’s tragic death, the magazine lost direction and folded in 2001.

8. 8. Blender

™/®Blender Foundation on Wikimedia Commons

Blender was a music lover’s dream, packed with edgy interviews and honest album reviews. It had a wild sense of humor that made it stand out from traditional magazines. The content was bold, and the photography had attitude. It stopped printing in 2009 when online music blogs became the new tastemakers.

9. 9. Seventeen

Seventeen was more than a magazine; it was a rite of passage. Its fashion spreads, quizzes, and advice columns shaped teen life for decades. The 1990s were its golden era, when its mix of style and heart hit just right. Although the brand went digital, its printed version ended in 2018 after 75 years.

10. 10. Spy

Spy magazine turned gossip into clever satire. It mocked the rich and famous with humor that was both biting and smart. Many future writers and comedians looked up to its fearless style. It ended in 1998 but remains a big influence on modern pop culture writing.

11. 11. Vibe

Vibe brought hip-hop and R&B to glossy pages in a way that felt powerful and proud. It celebrated music, culture, and the voices that shaped a generation. The stories felt authentic and gave artists a real platform. The print edition ended in 2014, though its digital legacy continues to inspire.

12. 12. Smash Hits

Smash Hits captured everything fun about 90s pop music. Its colorful pages, cheeky captions, and song lyrics made it the ultimate teen accessory. Fans collected every issue just for the posters alone. As music fandom moved to the Internet, the magazine closed in 2006 after nearly three decades.

13. 13. Entertainment Weekly

Entertainment Weekly was the go-to source for movies, TV, and celebrity news before streaming existed. Its witty tone and reliable reviews made it a household name. Readers loved its annual movie previews and “Best Of” issues. The print version ended in 2022, marking the end of an entertainment era.

14. 14. LIFE

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LIFE magazine was known for its breathtaking photography and stories that touched the heart. Its 1990s revival brought back the same visual storytelling that made it iconic decades before. Readers loved how it captured real human moments, not just headlines. When digital photography took over, LIFE published its final issue in 2007.

15. 15. Movieline

Movieline was made for movie fans who wanted something sharper and more playful than mainstream entertainment magazines. It mixed humor with unfiltered Hollywood gossip that often surprised readers. Its interviews felt real and refreshingly unscripted. By 2009, the Internet made movie buzz faster, and Movieline quietly disappeared.