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Romantic movies for teens are the perfect way to enjoy a sleepover or some alone time with yourself. However, scrolling through thousands of movies and searching for what to watch next can be a long, tiring, and tedious task. In that case, we are here to help you and save your valuable time from the neverending search. Delve into this post for a specially curated list of movies spanning diverse genres, like comedy, romance, and fantasy, that your teen can sit and enjoy watching with a bucket of popcorn.
Key Pointers
- The Princess Diaries, where a 15-year-old is expected to be the princess of a small country, is one of the favorite movies of all time for many.
- She’s the man who tells the story of a girl passionate about soccer and attends school herself as her brother to play.
- The Notebook is the story of Allie and Noah, whose fate separates them, and the plot is centered on the duke reading this story to a dementia patient.
35+ Best Romance Films For Teens
1. The Princess Diaries
Anne Hathaway stars in this movie as a 15-year-old girl who is expected to be the princess of a small country, The Princess Diaries is an all-time favorite of many. This enchanting film will make you swoon and leave you yearning for more.
You can watch this film on Disney+.
2. The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars tells the journey and experiences of young love, two teenagers with chronic cancer. An emotional movie, it is sure to fill your heart with immense love and your eyes with tears. The movie stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort in the main roles.
Blogger Melissa Chin’s review of the film may give the teens a unique perception of the movie, which can help them acknowledge and accept their imperfections. She writes, “I love how flawed the characters are. It is nice to see something real that did not remind me of plastic or overly Photoshopped cosmetics ads. You can see the freckles, moles, wrinkles, and so on clearly on the actor’s faces and bodies, which is actually beautiful. Somehow, I believe the movie taught us to be comfortable in our own skin, no matter how flawed it might be (i).”
You can stream this film on Disney+.
3. A Cinderella Story
A Cinderella Story sees Lizzie McGuire, played by Hilary Duff, as a modern-day Cinderella whose dream is to attend Princeton but is harassed and tormented by her stepmother and stepsisters after her father’s death. Chad Michael Murray as the ‘prince’ will make you feel all giddy, since he is every girl’s teenage crush.
You can rent or buy this film on Amazon.
4. She’s the Man
Viola Hastings, based on the protagonist of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” is passionate about soccer, but when her school axes her team, she disguises herself as her brother and attends his school so she can continue to play. Check out the chemistry of Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum in the movie.
The film is available for streaming on Prime Video.
5. Clueless
One of the famous high school drama movies, this 1995 coming-of-age comedy stars Alicia Silverstone as the rich high school student. Cher navigates adolescence while discovering her true feelings for someone unexpected. The movie is an adaptation of the Jane Austen novel Emma.
You can Netflix this film and chill.
6. Mean Girls
This 2004 classic is a hot favorite with teens and is subject to a whole lot of memes. Lindsay Lohan stars as a new school student Cady Heron who infiltrates a clique monikered ’The Plastics’ to bring them down at the behest of her new friends Janis and Damian. This movie is bound to keep you on your toes wondering if Cady Heron will get her happily ever after or not.
You can watch the drama unfold on Netflix.
7. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
The enchantment hasn’t worn off and in this sequel to the Princess Diaries, this movie takes us through Princess Mia’s trials in the form of Nicholas Deveraux and his devious uncle as she prepares to ascend to the throne of Genovia as a queen. It stars Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, and Chris Pine.
You can watch this movie on Disney+.
8. Legally Blonde
Reese Witherspoon stars as the blonde bombshell Elle who bags a seat at her ex-boyfriend’s law college to teach him a lesson after he breaks up with her. Also starring in the movie are Luke Wilson, Jennifer Coolidge, and Selma Blair.
You can stream this film on Netflix.
9. The Notebook
Starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, The Notebook follows the story of Allie and Noah, whose fate separates them. Duke reads out their story every day to Ms. Hamilton, a dementia patient, from his notebook. This movie will leave you longing to see more of these two sweethearts.
This movie is available for streaming on Netflix.
Trivia10. Ella Enchanted
This 2004 rom-com stars Anne Hathaway as Ella, who is cursed to obey everyone. Tired of the difficult life, she embarks on a journey to find Lucinda, the fairy who cast the curse, and persuade her to reverse it.
You can enjoy this film on Netflix.
11. She’s All That
Freddie Prinz Jr plays the high school class president Zack Siler, who dumps his popular queen bee girlfriend and bet his friends that he’ll turn a geeky girl, Laney Boggs, played by Rachel Leigh Cook, into a prom queen.
You can Netflix this film and chill.
12. Ice Princess
Casey’s stuck in a tug-of-war with her mother when she expresses her desire to take up ice skating as a profession. Her mother, on the other hand, wants her to focus on studies. The movie stars Michelle Trachtenberg, Joan Cusack, and Hayden Panettiere. This movie is sure to warm your hearts.
You can watch this film on Disney+.
13. Grease
The classic 1978 love story sees John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, a passionate affair between their characters Danny and Sandy while on vacation in Australia. While they believe they won’t meet again, fate has other plans in store for the couple.
Grease is available for streaming on Prime Video.
14. Easy A
High school and peer pressure can make you do stupid things, just like Olive who lies about losing her virginity to a college boy. When a schoolmate overhears this, the ’news’ spreads like wildfire. The movie stars Emma Stone as Olive, Amanda Bynes as Marianne, and Penn Badgley as ’Woodchuck’ Todd.
Watch Easy A on Netflix.
15. Love, Simon
The first film by a major Hollywood studio that focuses on gay romance, Love, Simon stars Nick Robinson as Simon, a closeted gay high school student. When a classmate discovers his secret and threatens to go public, Simon tries and make peace with his sexuality and considers coming out to his friends and family.
Love, Simon is available on Disney+.
16. Step Up
Step Up stars Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan as Tyler and Nora, two people with starkly different personas and backgrounds who fall in love with each other. The story revolves around how love brews between them when they work closely on a routine for the senior showcase.
You can rent or buy this movie on Amazon.
17. The Last Song
Starring Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, and Greg Kinnear, The Last Song focuses on Ronnie, who was sent along with her brother to her estranged father in Australia. The story revolves around how she and her father get a chance to reconnect.
You can stream this movie on Disney+.
18. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
First of the trilogy, this movie stars Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, and Anna Cathcart. Lara Jean writes sappy, secret love letters to her five crushes. But when these letters are somehow mailed to the guys, Lara Jean’s life is turned upside down.
19. High School Musical
Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron star as Gabriella and Troy in this evergreen teen musical. The two high school students, who are complete opposites, break the barrier and audition for their high school’s musical. Their musical talent threatens Sharpay Evans, the co-president of the school’s drama department.
Watch this movie on Disney+.
20. 10 things I Hate About You
Based on William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You focuses on Bianca, played by Larissa Oleynik, who wants to date Cameron, played by Joseph Gordon-Lewitt, but can’t till her older sister Kat, played by Julia Stiles, has a boyfriend. Bianca then sets out to set up Kat with the mysterious Patrick, played by Heath Ledger.
Watch this movie on Disney+.
Did you know?21. A Walk to Remember
After getting in trouble for underage drinking on school grounds, Landon is sentenced to community service. Part of his punishment includes participating in the spring play. Here, he meets the reverend’s daughter, Jaime, and falls for her. The film stars Mandy Moore and Shane West in the lead roles.
You can rent or purchase this movie on Amazon.
22. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
This movie is about four friends who come across a mysterious set of pants that perfectly fits the wearer. The group decides to share these pants to stay connected and strengthen their bond.
You can watch The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants on Amazon.
23. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Struggling with PTSD after his friend’s suicide, Charlie, an introvert, played by Logan Lerman, navigates high school as he learns to cope with the trauma. Also starring in the movie are Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, and Mae Whitman.
You can watch The Perks of Being a Wallflower on YouTube.
24. LOL
This rom-com stars Miley Cyrus as Lola, who juggles the usual teen drama of romance, friendship, and overprotective parents in the world of social media. However, she realizes that true love may have been right in front of her when she was looking elsewhere for it after her boyfriend broke up with her.
Watch LOL on Prime Video.
25. Dirty Dancing
This classic starring Patrick Stewart and Jennifer Grey sees Frances, aka Baby, who falls in love with the dance instructor at the resort where she’s holidaying with her family. And their love faces opposition from her father. What happens next is for you to find out!
Watch Dirty Dancing on Prime Video.
26. Pitch Perfect
It’s a battle of the sexes in this musical where Beca, a college freshman, joins an all-girls acapella group that competes with the all-boys group in a quest for musical glory. The star cast includes Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, and Brittany Snow.
You can stream Pitch Perfect on Netflix.
27. What a Girl Wants
America meets the Brits in this 2003 teen comedy starring Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Oliver James, and Kelly Preston. American teen Daphne travels to London in search of her estranged father and tries to bond with him while navigating through British high society.
You can Netflix and chill this movie.
28. Camp Rock
Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, Nick, Kevin, and Joe, star in this Disney musical. Mitchie, who comes from a humble background, lies about who she is so she can fit in at Camp Rock.
You can stream Camp Rock on YouTube, iTunes, or Google Play.
Did you know?29. Aquamarine
In this fantasy rom-com, two BFFs discover a stranded mermaid. The movie stars Sara Paxton, Emma Roberts, JoJo, and Jake McDorman.
Watch Aquamarine on Disney+.
30. Crazy, Stupid, Love
Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, and Marisa Tomei, Crazy, Stupid, Love follows Cal, who is heartbroken when his wife wants a divorce. To get over the heartbreak, he starts picking up random women at a bar.
You can watch Crazy, Stupid, Love on
31. Bring It On
This cheerleading movie stars Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union, Eliza Dushku, and Jesse Bradford. The new cheerleading captain Torrance learns that her predecessor has stolen all their moves from the Clovers, an East Compton hip-hop squad.
You can watch the film on Amazon.
32. 17 Again
Travel back in time with Mike, who wakes up one day to find his dream of becoming 17 again fulfilled. The cast includes Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann, and Thomas Lennon.
You can watch 17 Again on Amazon
Mary, played by Selena Gomez, wants to become a dancer but knows her dreams won’t come true due to her adoptive family. She gets the chance of a lifetime when celebrity pop star Joey Parker comes to her school to host a dance contest where the winner gets to star in his new music video.
Watch this movie on Prime Video.
34. Freaky Friday
This classic 2003 body swap film stars Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis as mother and daughter. This duo swaps bodies to get a taste of each other’s lives.
You can watch the movie on Disney+.
35. Just My Luck
Lindsay Lohan plays Ashley, who meets Jake, played by Chris Pine, and inadvertently switches her good luck with his bad luck.
Watch the movie on Prime Video.
36. The Twilight Saga
The Twilight Saga is a movie series that gained immense popularity across the globe. Based on the novels by Stephenie Meyer, the series portrays the love story of a mortal teenager, Bella Swan, and a vampire, Edward Cullen. Filled with romance and fantasy, the Twilight series is a delightful watch for people of all ages. The series explores themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges of forbidden relationships. With its compelling storyline and breathtaking visuals, Twilight became a cultural phenomenon, fascinating its audiences. The performances of Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and Billy Burke make the Twilight series a compelling watch.
Watch the movie on Prime Video.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a romance movie capture the essence of true love?
Real-life relationships rooted in selfless love and romance are difficult to portray in movies. Therefore, it can be challenging for a romance movie to capture the complexity and depth of true love fully. However, some romantic movies have really done justice in capturing the intense emotions associated with love.
2. How do romance movies affect our expectations of love and relationships?
Some romantic movies can create unrealistic expectations for love. They often portray flawless, idealized, and simple relationships with a perfect partner, leading to disappointment and dissatisfaction in real-life relationships. However, when realistic situations are depicted, they can help teens navigate through real-life romantic relationships.
3. Why do some people find romance movies cheesy and unrealistic, while others can’t get enough of them?
While some movies appeal to a specific audience, others don’t, as it is a personal choice or preference.
4. How do different genres, such as romantic comedies and dramas, approach love and relationships differently?
Romantic comedies often feature humorous situations and quirky characters. Romantic dramas, however, may delve into deeper emotional and psychological issues that can arise in relationships, such as infidelity, loss, tragedy, or trauma.
5. Do romance movies perpetuate harmful stereotypes and gender roles?
Romance movies can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and gender roles, such as associating female characters with beauty and romance, whereas male characters are typically associated with varied themes. Some romantic movies promote the idea that men should be dominant and women should be passive in relationships. Additionally, romantic movies spread the notion that love is the ultimate goal and source of happiness. Some modern romance movies have attempted to challenge these stereotypes and present more diverse and complex portrayals of love and relationships.
6. How do contemporary teen romance movies reflect current societal themes?
Modern teen romance movies often center around or address contemporary issues, such as mental health awareness, representation of people from diverse walks of life, identity, and self-acceptance. They also depict societal issues like bullying, racism, and cybercrime, helping teens become more aware and sensitive to the world around them. These themes are usually highlighted through the characters or implemented as central to the plot, and they are handled depending on the tone of the movie to ensure the message is conveyed without being too forceful.
Romance movies for teens based on classic stories can be an interesting way to spend alone time or time with peers. The princess diaries, The fault in our stars, A cinderella story, and She’s the man are some popular romance movies and can be considered as some of the best movies for teens. These movies may also help the teens understand the value of true love and relationships and help them make life decisions. They may also showcase teenage problems and ways to overcome them wisely.
Infographic: Classic Teen Romance Movies
Since most of us start dating and have crushes in our teens, teenage love and romance has always been a popular movie genre. Check out the infographic below for some timeless films. These films harken back to your first love and get you all nostalgic! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Best Teen Romance Movies Of All Time
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
From classic coming-of-age stories to modern-day rom-com, this video has suggestions for all kinds of teen movies you’d love.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. My very personal opinion on “the fault in our stars;”https://medium.com/@lissaCN/my-very-personal-opinion-on-the-fault-in-our-stars-24bbc0aa15d6
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