From comedies full of teen angst to moving coming-of-age stories, these classics show the highs and lows of being a teenager. From dealing with school bullies to meeting your first love, these films are sure to make you feel something. The famous 1985 John Hughes movie about five high school stereotypes in detention may have been a comedy, but it’s also a true teen classic. Characters and lines from this movie that are easy to remember are timeless.articlelength.com updownews.com livejustnews.com newsalltype.com thenextlaevel.com justplangrow.com blogrowing.com approvedblog.com letshareinfo.com newsdensity.com larablogy.com updatexpert.com
1. The Hangover
From proms to homecomings, teen movies magnify our hopes, dreams and greatest fears onto the big screen. With snappy dialogue, earworm soundtracks and grand romantic gestures, they’re time capsules of teenage culture that capture the teen spirit with panache.
Though this may not be your typical teen repelis movie (no hormone-fueled teens drinking in parking lots), it’s one of the best coming of age films of all time. It stars Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum as two high school kids who find their love for each other despite their different backgrounds. McAdams has gone on to star in other big-budget blockbusters while Tatum has had a variety of film and TV roles since The Hangover. Rachael Harris, who played Stu’s domineering girlfriend in the first movie, went on to have a role in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film series and also judged Fox’s competition series The Masked Singer.
2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This classic Francis Ford Coppola drama about the lives of a group of teens is considered to be one of the greatest coming-of-age films ever made. The incredibly stacked cast features James Dean, Tom Cruise and Patrick Swayze among others. This heartwarming story about a rebellious teenager attempting to run away from home with her newfound friends has remained a teen favorite for decades. The movie has a timeless message and a killer soundtrack.
Adapted from the Stephen Chbosky novel, this film is an intimate look into the world of high school life. Socially awkward Charlie writes letters to an unnamed friend and chronicles the trials and tribulations of his teenage years. Sex, drugs and The Rocky Horror Picture Show are just some of the things he experiences. Logan Lerman and Emma Watson star in this harrowing and touching modern classic.
3. The Other Side of the Wind
In an era where teen movies were generally fluffy, this movie broke the mold with its cynical tone and frank discussion of sex. A nerdy high schooler bribes a cheerleader to pretend to be his girlfriend, but the two wind up falling for each other in the process. For any shy queer teen, this film is the ultimate coming-of-age story. It may not have the scope of some of its peers, but it’s a great way to learn how to be yourself.
It’s hard to talk about teen drama without mentioning this epic love triangle. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but it has a sweet message and relatable characters that will have you feeling all the emotions. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cry? This is a must-see for everyone.
4. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
Whether you’re pining over a crush in high school or still dreaming about that house party you missed out on, everyone can relate to the teen drama. Snappy dialogue and earworm soundtracks make these movies time capsules of youth culture, magnifying our hopes, dreams and greatest fears on celluloid with grace and dignity (and fart jokes).
The first installment in the Twilight Saga follows Bella Swan’s romance with Edward Cullen, who turns her into a vampire in order to save her life after she gives birth to their half-vampire/half-human daughter Renesmee. Kristen Stewart gives an impressive performance, though her portrayal of insipid teen Bella is somewhat marred by cold, droning Edward. This film also features one of the most shocking birth scenes ever put on screen.
5. Lady Bird
In a time when teen movies can often feel cheesy and overdone, Lady Bird really hits home. Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal of a high school senior with a passion for thrift-store aesthetics and a love for her family is both moving and funny. A major plot point involves her attempts to lose her virginity, and it’s refreshing to see a film that doesn’t shy away from sex. But it also shows how a teen can struggle with relationships and responsibilities.
Unlike the Twilight Saga, this movie doesn’t get too sappy or sentimental. It still packs a punch as one of the best teen dramas ever made.
