Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Apr 10, 2026 3.5/5

Never Been Kissed is a charming and engaging romantic comedy that holds up in a number of places all these years later, though a few implausible plot points and dated social dynamics keep it from being anywhere close to perfect.

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Joe Lipsett Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast Apr 9, 2024 4/5

While the student/teacher romance never played sat well, Barrymore and Vartan have great chemistry (and it is *slightly* excusable as an adaptation of As You Like It). Otherwise this fish out of water film is totally rufus: sweet and charming.

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David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Oct 16, 2023 2.5/4

...an oddly-paced and perpetually erratic endeavor that never becomes quite as easygoing as one might’ve anticipated...

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Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel Jul 13, 2023 1/5

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Zaki Hasan Zaki's Corner Aug 28, 2019 C-

Attempts to tap into the sense of missed opportunity that one inevitably leaves high school with. Unfortunately, it fails to offer anything other than that same old crop of clichés.

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Chelsea Steiner The Mary Sue Apr 10, 2019

Never Been Kissed remains one of the best teen movies and romcoms of the '90s, and a true ode to nerdy, overly enthusiastic girls of all ages.

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Leah Rozen People Magazine Jan 23, 2019

"This is a very bad idea." Exacta-mundo, sister.

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Anthony Quinn Independent (UK) Jan 23, 2019

Never Been Kissed does very little to distinguish itself from the umpteen other high-school comedies we've seen this year.

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Paul Clinton (CNN.com) CNN.com Jan 23, 2019

This is one of those films that just doesn't know when to end.

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Andrew Pulver Guardian Jan 23, 2019

[B]y and large she generates the kind of charm that, since Scream and Everyone Says I Love You, she's made her trademark.

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Chris Kaltenbach Baltimore Sun Jan 23, 2019

Too bad the film, about a budding journalist assigned to do an expose on the degradations of high school life, simply isn't worthy of [Barrymore].

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Jo Berry Radio Times Jan 23, 2019 3/5

[T]hanks to Barrymore's captivating performance, a fun turn from David Arquette (as her slightly odd older brother) and a minor role for Leelee Sobieski, this is enjoyable fare.

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 26, 2010 4/5

A genuinely sweet and romantic story for teens.

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Jim Lane Sacramento News & Review Aug 7, 2008 2/5

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Lisa Alspector Chicago Reader Aug 7, 2007

Drew Barrymore's virtuoso performance smooths over the plot holes.

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Andrew Sarris Observer Apr 27, 2007

The most exhilarating American movie I have seen this year -- which isn't saying much.

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Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid May 26, 2006 3/4

The material is pretty much the same as She's All That and the other recent high school movies, but Barrymore has the big screen stuff to pull it off.

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Trevor Johnston Time Out Jan 26, 2006

Barrymore again displays her remarkable ability to get the audience rooting for her singular blend of vulnerability and sunny optimism.

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Ron Wells Film Threat Dec 6, 2005 3/5

This is an okay date flick. It's somewhat forgettable, like high school should be, but possessing a few moments it'll be tough to get out of your head.

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Robin Clifford Reeling Reviews Apr 9, 2005 B+

A surprisingly solid and entertaining teen flick

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