Teen movies have a unique way of staying with us. Whether they’re hilariously awkward or heartbreakingly real, these films reflect the drama, confusion, freedom, and beauty of growing up. They’ve introduced us to unforgettable characters, iconic soundtracks. These teen-centered stories transcend the years in which they were made.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
IMDb
Teenage romance has never been more charming and electric than in this classic rom-com based on William Shakespeare’s comedy The Taming of the Shrew. The film, directed by Gil Junger, also served as a breakthrough for Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
The story follows Cameron (Gordon-Levitt) who has a crush on Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). To get around Bianca’s dad’s strict dating rules, he tries to convince the rebellious Patrick (Ledger) to date Bianca’s not-so-social sister, Kat (Stiles).
Grease (1978)
IMDb
This musical romantic comedy is not only an iconic teen film, but also an iconic musical. Directed by Randal Kleiser, the story is set in a 1950s high school, exuding a nostalgic, innocent feeling captured by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
While the plot is as simple as it gets, bad boy Danny (Travolta) is too ashamed to date good girl Sandy (Newton), thanks to its electric (pun intended) “Grease” has had a significant impact on pop culture.
Twilight (2008)
IMDb
Love it or hate it, 2008’s “Twilight,” directed by Catherine Hardwick, marked a before and after in entertainment. Not only did it start its own multi-million dollar franchise, but also catapulted the careers of Oscar-nominated Kristen Stewart and critical darling Robert Pattinson. On the other hand, the movie once again demonstrated the lucrative market potential of teenage girls, paving the way for the success of other sagas, such as ‘The Hunger Games’.
Now the film is not only embraced by the millennials who grew up watching it, but also by Gen-Z.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
IMDb
While almost all of Spider-Man film iterations start with Peter Parker in high school, the one live-action that captured his teenage side the best was “Homecoming,” directed by Jon Watts. Actually, it isn’t surprising, as the director took John Hughes’ films as inspiration.
Starring Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, this Peter not only struggles with his anxious desire of becoming an Avenger, he also deals with very teen problems such as classes and his crushes. Another thing is that we have a refreshing take on the classic characters, as the bully isn’t a joke but a rich preppy kid, and MJ isn’t the typical love interest.
Clueless (1995)
IMDb
“Clueless” can be many things: the best adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma,’ the greatest teen movie, and one of the best comedies. Written and directed by Amy Heckerling, this timeless classic still holds up well, even 30 years later, and continues to influence other filmmakers.
Starring Alicia Silverstone as Cher, the rich-well-intentioned-but-meddling girl that tries to intervene in all the romantic relationships of his friends (and teachers). The rest of the cast also includes an ever-charming Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer, and Wallace Shawn.
Booksmart (2018)
IMDb
Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut instantly became one of the best and funniest teen movies ever. Starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, “Booksmart” follows two overachievers best friends who want to live their last night of high school the way they never did before: having fun, going to parties and getting in trouble.
What makes “Booksmart” so good? For one, the electric soundtrack features artists like Lizzo or LCD Soundsystem, as well as Wilde’s electric direction. Also, the lead performances are a must, and, in the true spirit of Gen Z, the movie is also inclusive, reverting the classic stereotypes of other teen movies.
American Pie (1999)
IMDb
Directed by Paul Weitz, is a raunchy teen comedy that follows a group of friends on a quest to lose their virginity before graduation. The film’s ensemble cast, including Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan, contributed to its success.
Despite the initially testosterone-driven setup, the resolution turns out to be surprisingly heartwarming, although it doesn’t shy away from plenty of comedic and gross-out moments. Either way, it’s undeniable that this might be the most iconic raunchy teen comedy.
Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
IMDb
Nicholas Ray’s “Rebel Without a Cause” is considered a touchstone in the portrayal of adolescence on screen and has influenced countless films depicting the challenges of youth, including teenage angst and, of course, rebellion.
The film follows James Dean as troubled teenager Jim Stark who is drawn to Natalie Wood’s Judy, an attraction that ultimately leads to tragedy. Besides the fights, with peers and parents, another fascinating thing is the queer subtext in the relationship between Stark and Sal Mineo’s Plato.
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
IMDb
Hailee Steinfeld shines bright in this coming-of-age dramedy written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, in her directorial debut. The story follows Nadine (Steinfield), a smart, sarcastic and depressed teenage girl whose life turns around when she finds out her best friend (Haley Lu Richardson) is dating her older brother (Blake Jenner).
As she must find how to navigate school on her own, she will learn more about herself and her family. Finding the laughs in a depressing scenario is hard enough, but the movie hit the right spots thanks to the smart script and Steinfeld’s solid performance. It doesn’t hurt that Woody Harrelson nails his role as Nadine’s high school teacher and, surprisingly, only confidant.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
IMDb
Written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on his 1999 novel of the same name, few teen movies capture all the mess, heartbreak, pain and loss of those young years. However, this one does it, and it does it with openness and honesty tackling hard subjects such as depression, abuse, and more.
Logan Lerman stars as Charlie, who starts his freshman years of high school and becomes friends with two older kids, portrayed by Emma Watson and Ezra Miller. The rest of the cast also includes Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Joan Cusack, Nina Dobrev and Paul Rudd.
Love, Simon (2018)
IMDb
Both a coming-of-age and a coming-out story, “Love, Simon” is funny, warming rom-com following the titular character, portrayed by Nick Robinson, a closeted high-schooler who starts exchanging emails with another gay student from school, keeping it anonymous. But when the emails get out, Simon has to deal with the aftermath.
In the same vein of Netflix’s “Heartstopper,” the movie is somewhat revolutionary for portraying a queer love in the same mainstream terms of other rom-coms. Also, Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel appear as the loving parents every kid needs.
Lady Bird (2017)
IMDb
Greta Gerwig’s solo directorial debut is considered one of the best teenage movies of all time. The film, starring Saoirse Ronan in an Oscar-nominated role, follows Christine ‘Lady Bird’ McPherson, who wants to leave Sacramento to study in New York City.
While Lady Bird is full of snarky remarks from the main character, the film’s heart is the mother-daughter relationship, as well as homage to Gerwig’s own home city. Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein complete the cast of this funny, heartwarming coming of age story.
Carrie (1976)
IMDb
Not all teen movies have to be fun rom-coms and comedies. There’s space in this list for some horror, and with that in mind, what better choice than Brian De Palma’s classic adaptation of Stephen King’s novel?
Starring Sissy Spacek in the titular role, the movie explores the tragic life of Carrie White, a high school student with telekinetic powers. “Carrie” not only influenced the horror genre but it’s also a great exploration of bullying and the challenges of adolescence.
Superbad (2007)
IMDb
Produced by Judd Appatow (who definitely loves a good coming-of-age film), written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, and directed by Greg Mottola, “Superbad” has become a classic of the genre due to its iconic dialogues and the chemistry displayed by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera.
The movie follows the two boys, named after Rogen and Goldberg, as they try to get booze to go to a party and get girls. However, their plan proves harder than expected. While not all the jokes would land today, this film is undeniably one of the definitive movies for millennials.
Mean Girls (2004)
IMDb
Tina Fey’s teen comedy is still a great reflection of the 2000s teen culture, but it has transcended its time and it’s considered a classic flick about friendship, but also bullying. What’s truly remarkable is that the film is still funny and relevant in many ways.
With a star-studded cast including Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, Lizzy Caplan and more, the film follows Cady (Lohan), formerly home-schooled normal kid who joins a high school when her parents move the family back from Africa, and quickly discovers the absurd world of high school hierarchies.
Heathers (1988)
IMDb
The anti-John Hughes movie of them all, this dark teen comedy isn’t for the ones wanting a happy ending. The film, directed by Michael Lehmann, stars Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker, and Penelope Milford.
The story follows four teenage girls—three of whom are named Heather—in a clique at an Ohio high school. Daniel Waters wrote the film as a way to contrast with Hughes’ optimistic teen movies that were very popular at the time.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Directed by John Hughes, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a defining teen comedy that follows Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick, as he skips school for a day of fun and mischief around Chicago with his friends. The film’s playful atmosphere and unforgettable moments, like Ferris performing “Twist and Shout” on a parade float, have cemented it as a cultural icon.
As a timeless classic, the movie continues to be loved by fans for its humor and its relatable depiction of teenage rebellion. Its influence on later teen productions is undeniable, setting the standard for movies that capture the spirit of youth and the desire for freedom.
Say Anything (1989)
IMDb
Cameron Crowe’s romantic comedy starring John Cusack and Ione Skye couldn’t not be in this list. The film might be cheesy, but it’s the perfect ode and a sincere portrayal of young love. And, yes, this is the one with the iconic scene of Cusack holding a boombox under the rain.
The movie follows the love story between Skye’s Diane Court, the ultimate valedictorian dream girl, and Cusack’s Lloyd Dobler, the charming (and kickboxing) oddball who’s completely smitten with her.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
IMDb
Let’s say that it is true that some things of this John Hughes’ cult classic haven’t aged precisely well, but nobody can deny the huge influence that this movie has had in the genre or in the generation that grew up with it. However, the message still remains: at the end, teens (or people, actually) aren’t so different from each other.
The movie follows Bender (Judd Nelson), Claire (Molly Ringwald), Andrew (Emilio Estevez), Brian (Anthony Michael Hall), and Allison (Ally Sheedy), who all represent distinct high school cliques—the rebel, popular girl, athlete, brain, and outsider—united by an unexpected Saturday morning detention. After spending the days together, they will bond in unexpected ways.
Easy A (2010)
IMDb
Emma Stone and Penn Badgley star in this rom-com which was the definitive teen movie of the 2010s. Loosely inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” Will Gluck created a feel-good comedy that is impossible not to fall for. Especially thanks to Stone’s comedic timing.
The film follows Olive (Stone), who becomes an outcast when a series of rumors about her intimate life start circulating out of control. The film has several John Hughes’ references, and Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson are a must-watch as the best, coolest parents ever.
