We’ve all had our ups and downs – especially during our teenage years. Going from adolescence to adulthood isn’t easy, but some films helped us get past the growing pains. Teen movies are full of laughs, sexual tension, and timeless stories that are best enjoyed with friends.
Can you smell the teen spirit? Get ready to see which high school movies can help you get through the best (or worst) times of your life!
There are tons of good teen movies out there, but we’re giving you our top recommendations! Check out our list of the best teen movies of all time.
16. The School for Good and Evil (2022)
Starring Charlize Theron (as acid-tongued Lady Lesso who runs the Evil curriculum), Kerry Washington (who plays kind Professor Dovey and runs the Good stream) and Laurence Fishburne (as the Schoolmaster), alongside young stars Sophia Anne Caruso (Sophie) and Sofia Wylie (Agatha), who play two social misfits and best friends, the film is based on Soman Chainani’s popular book series and touches on poignant teenage and parenting themes.
Synopsis: A fairy tale flipped on its head — with unexpected twists, extravagant costumes, reinvented fantasy characters — the story unfolds when Sophie, a true believer in fairy tales and all that is ‘good’, gets dropped into the Evil school, while Agatha, with her grim aesthetic and the makings of a real witch, lands in the Good school. Expect laughs, action and drama, with a serious dose of heart.
15. Teen Witch (1989)
Starring Robyn Lively as Louise, this is one of those feel-good teen girl movies that you have to see to believe!
Synopsis: Louise had no luck with love – until she learns she’s a witch. She uses her powers to become the most popular girl in school and make her dreams come true!
14. The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015)
When this movie made its debut on Netflix, it was pretty controversial. Despite the taboo storyline, Bel Powley and Kristen Wiig convince you that nothing can get in the way of a mother’s love for her daughter.
Synopsis: Itching to explore her sexuality, Minnie gets in a secret relationship with her mom’s boyfriend. The complicated teen love story unfolds as she records diary tapes about her deepest darkest secrets.
13. Teen Titans Go To The Movies (2013)
Don’t let the childish animation fool you – this funny movie is full of references that will satisfy your inner comic book geek! Not to mention, the cast delivers stellar voice acting performances.
Synopsis: The Teen Titans have solved all the crimes in the world, but they still don’t have their own movie. Together, they use their superpowers to get the Hollywood feature film they all deserve!
12. Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
This film combines every predictable teen movie plot into one hilarious parody! If you’ve ever wanted to see Chris Evans covered in whipped cream with a banana up his butt – this one’s for you.
Synopsis: Jake is your typical jock, who tries to turn the pretty but unpopular Janey into a prom queen. His jealous sister Catherine, along with the top cheerleader Priscilla, do everything they can to stop him!
11. Teen Wolf (1985)
This coming-of-age film is an 80s classic, featuring the iconic wolfmobile surfing scene where Michael J. Fox shows off his groovy dance moves!
Synopsis: Scott is an ordinary teenager until he discovers his family’s hairy secret. Eventually, he accepts himself and uses his werewolf abilities to become popular in school!
10. Scream (1996)
Do you like scary movies? This thrilling film features the iconic Ghostface playing a murderous game with unsuspecting teens. Let’s just say that the movie’s biggest star, Drew Berrymore doesn’t get a lot of screen time.
Synopsis: Casey gets disturbing phone calls from a stranger threatening to murder her and her friends. They all put their knowledge of horror movies to the test to make sure they get out alive.
9. Superstar (1999)
This hilarious film features Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell in an unforgettable cringe-fest! While there are tons of awesome moments, our ultimate fave is her epic dance scene with Sky.
Synopsis: All Mary Katherine Gallagher ever wanted was a kiss – but she was a nobody. She’s convinced that becoming a superstar will help her win the school talent show and the man of her dreams!
8. Juno (2007)
Ellen Page dealing with teen pregnancy is as real as it gets. Starring alongside Michael Cera, their endearing story is both funny and meaningful with some bumps along the way!
Synopsis: Juno is a quirky teenager that gets knocked up by her best friend Paulie Bleeker. Together, they go through some teen drama that teaches them how to grow up and become responsible for their baby.
7. EuroTrip (2004)
Scott Mechlowicz, Jacob Pitts, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Travis Wester have great chemistry as a group of friends. The best scenes involved fighting a mime and accidental BDSM!
Synopsis: Scott gets dumped by his girlfriend on graduation day, so he visits Europe with his friends to meet his German pen pal Mieke. While on the trip, they experience crazy moments from one city to the next!
6. Superbad (2007)
Despite the title, this movie is super good and we’re McLovin’ it! Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse gave us comedy gold, reminding us that we’re all old enough…to party.
Synopsis: Best friends Seth and Evan get invited by girls to a house party. They volunteer to get tons of alcohol so they can get laid, but what starts out as a simple task gets hilariously complicated.
5. Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
This movie is like, totally entertaining, dude! The dumb duo of Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves team up to make the best history report of all time. In the end, they learn how to stay excellent to each other and party on!
Synopsis: Bill and Ted are in a rock band together, but they need to pass their history exams to save their friendship and the rest of humanity. A man from the future named Rufus helps them with a time machine to learn everything first hand!
4. American Pie (1999)
This is the quintessential 90s teen movie! Jason Biggs’ hornballing adventures prove that a warm apple pie can be just as good as sex. But the iconic Stifler played by Sean William Scott is the cherry on top!
Synopsis: In honour of graduation, four friends agree to all lose their virginity by prom night. They try different methods to get laid with comical results and some very awkward moments with their parentals!
3. The Breakfast Club (1985)
This is a classic among 80s teen movies, notably starring Emilio Estevez and Judd Nelson. It turns out that a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal can work together to break traditional stereotypes!
Synopsis: During detention, five students are told to write an essay about who they are. Instead of following Mr Vernon’s instructions, they get to know each other to find common ground despite their differences.
2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
This cult classic won everyone over with Matthew Broderick’s boyish charms and outrageous antics – all for the sake of skipping school. The principal played by Jeffrey Jones adds suspense as he tries to catch the rowdy teen.
Synopsis: The notorious Ferris Bueller plays hooky and goes on adventures in Chicago with his friends. Principal Ed Rooney is furious and does everything he can to catch him, but Bueller is always one step ahead!
1. Mean Girls (2004)
It’s so fetch! This comes out on top as one of the best teen girl movies ever, beating other rom coms with its brilliant dialogue and memorable characters. It’s got a star-studded cast with Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams alongside beloved former SNL members Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, and Amy Poehler.
Synopsis: Homeschooled all her life, Cady Heron finds herself in the jungle that is public school. She joins the popular girl clique called The Plastics but ends up finding romance with Aaron Samuel, the ex-boyfriend of Queen Bee Regina George.
Conclusion
These memorable films prove that highschool never ends! We may not be teenagers for very long, but at least we’ll always have teen movies to make us feel young forever.
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