In 2020, Danielle Harris (Melissa) said this is the only movie she's made that she'll actually watch if it's on TV.
Production nearly stopped towards the end of shooting when Christopher Pettiet's drug addiction was getting out of control. The producers cut a few of his scenes to keep the film on schedule.
The original script was written with Winona Ryder in mind for the role of Sue Ellen Crandell. But she turned it down as she was working on both Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Mermaids (1990). Justine Bateman was later cast as Sue Ellen but left the project. Christina Applegate was cast after her Married... with Children (1987) costar Ed O'Neill, who was friends with a producer of the film, gave her the script.
Keith Coogan was told he was too old to play 15-year-old Kenny. He was 20, which was 22 months older than his co-star Christina Applegate. He came back to the audition in "stoner apparel" and a wig, and got the part.
This movie was slammed by the critics (mostly for the dark comedy title) but has amassed a cult following over the years.