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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 you valuable time from the neverending search. Delve into this post for a specially curated list of romance movies for teens 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
Summary: Mia Thermopolis, a shy 15-year-old girl, discovers that she is heir to the throne of Genovia. Under the guidance of her grandmother Queen Clarisse, she trains to be a queen while managing high school struggles.
Themes: Self-discovery, family, duty, and friendship.
What makes it stand out: The Princess Diaries is an all-time favorite of many. Anne Hathaway’s charming performance and the heartwarming coming-of-age storyline make this film a classic. This enchanting film will make teens swoon and leave them yearning for more.
You can watch this film on Disney+.
2. The Fault in Our Stars
Summary: Hazel and Gus, two teenagers battling chronic cancer, set out on a heartwarming, life-changing journey filled with love, humor, and heartbreak.
Themes: Love, loss, and finding meaning in life.
What makes it stand out: It is an emotional movie that 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, who have portrayed their characters to perfection.
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).”
Awards: The film won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Drama.
You can stream this film on Disney+.
3. A Cinderella Story
Summary: Sam is an ambitious young girl dreaming of going to the prestigious Princeton University. After the death of her father, she has been living with her stepmother and stepsisters who mistreat her. With the help of an online romance, she finds the courage to stand up for herself.
Themes: Perseverance, self-worth, and ambition.
What makes it stand out: Cinderella Story sees Lizzie McGuire, played by Hilary Duff, and teen heartthrob Chad Michael Murray as the ‘prince.’ Their sweet chemistry makes this rom-com a teen favorite.
Awards: Hilary Duff bagged the Kids Choice Awards for Favorite Movie Actress for her role as Sam Montgomery.
You can rent or buy this film on Amazon.
4. She’s the Man
Summary: Based on the protagonist of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” Viola Hastings is a girl passionate about soccer. However, when her school axes her team, she disguises herself as her brother and attends his school so she can continue to play.
Themes: Gender roles, breaking stereotypes, determination, and love.
What makes it stand out: Packed with comedy and the beautiful chemistry of Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum the movie is a memorable affair.
The film is available for streaming on Prime Video.
5. Clueless
Summary: Cher is a wealthy and fashionable girl. She wants to do something good in life and takes on a matchmaking project that unexpectedly leads her to realize her romantic feelings.
Themes: Self-awareness, personal growth, love, and friendship.
What makes it stand out: One of the famous high school drama movies, this 1995 coming-of-age comedy starring Alicia Silverstone is a cool adaptation of the Jane Austen novel Emma.
Awards: Clueless received the Best Screenplay award at the National Society of Film Critics Awards. Actress Alicia Silverstone bagged the Breakthrough Performance award from the National Board of Review.
You can Netflix this film and chill.
6. Mean Girls
Summary: Cady Heron, a new student at her school, joins a popular high school clique called ’The Plastics’ to bring them down at the behest of her new friends Janis and Damian.
Themes: Peer pressure, high school politics, female friendships, and betrayals
What makes it stand out: This 2004 classic is a hot favorite with teens and is subject to a whole lot of memes. Watch it for its sharp humor, relatable high school drama, and endless quotable lines.
You can watch the drama unfold on Netflix.
7. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Summary: 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.
Themes: Leadership, responsibility, love, and duty
What makes it stand out: The enchantment hasn’t worn off and in this sequel to the Princess Diaries, this movie takes us through. It stars Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, and Chris Pine.
You can watch this movie on Disney+.
8. Legally Blonde
Summary: Blonde bombshell Elle bags a seat at her ex-boyfriend’s law college to teach him a lesson after he breaks up with her. However, in this process, she ends up discovering her true potential.
Themes: Self-empowerment, ambition, challenging stereotypes, and confidence.
What makes it stand out: Reese Witherspoon shines as the cute and intelligent Elle. Her iconic transformation from a fashion-obsessed girl to a confident lawyer makes this an inspiring and hilarious film.
You can stream this film on Netflix.
9. The Notebook
Summary: 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.
Themes: Eternal love, devotion, memory, and time
What makes it stand out: Starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, this movie will leave you longing to see more of these two sweethearts.
This movie is available for streaming on Netflix.
Trivia10. Ella Enchanted
Summary: Ella 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.
Themes: Free will vs. destiny, strength, love, and independence
What makes it stand out: Anne Hathaway shines in this movie full of fantasy, romance, and humor.
You can enjoy this film on Netflix.
11. She’s All That
Summary: High school class president Zack Siler dumps his popular queen bee girlfriend and bets his friends that he’ll turn a geeky girl, Laney Boggs into a prom queen. However, as Zack spends more time with Laney, he starts to develop genuine feelings for her.
Themes: Transformation, social status, and high school romance
What makes it stand out: The film beautifully captures the high school experience, addressing peer pressure and self-worth while offering a feel-good romance. The chemistry between Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook is simply adorable, making it a classic favorite.
You can Netflix this film and chill.
12. Ice Princess
Summary: 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. Casey must navigate her own dreams and her mother’s expectations to follow her heart.
Themes: Pursuing dreams, parental expectations, personal growth, and resilience
What makes it stand out: Teens who struggle to balance their ambitions with family expectations might find this film relatable. Michelle Trachtenberg delivers a compelling performance as a young girl discovering her passion.
You can watch this film on Disney+.
13. Grease
Summary: Danny and Sandy, share a summer romance while on vacation in Australia. While they believe they won’t meet again, fate has other plans in store as they unexpectedly reunite at high school, only to find their social groups and reputations in the way of their love story.
Themes: Young love, peer pressure, self-identity, and rebellion
What makes it stand out: Capturing the excitement and drama of high school relationships, the movie offers a nostalgic and relatable storyline. With unforgettable songs and iconic dance sequences, Grease remains one of the most beloved teen musicals.
Grease is available for streaming on Prime Video.
14. Easy A
Summary: 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.
Themes: Gossip, self-identity, and high school social politics
What makes it stand out: The movie critiques high school culture while maintaining a fun and relatable storyline with a strong female lead. Emma Stone’s witty and charismatic performance makes the movie a must watch.
Watch Easy A on Netflix.
15. Love, Simon
Summary: Simon Spier is a closeted gay high school student whose secret is at risk when an anonymous classmate threatens to out him.
Themes: LGBTQ+ identity, self-acceptance, coming out, and the importance of friendship
What makes it stand out: The movie is about LGBTQ+ representation and explores the emotional journey of coming out in a way that is both poignant and uplifting. It is a heartfelt story with a powerful message of love and acceptance.
Love, Simon is available on Disney+.
16. Step Up
Summary: 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.
Themes: Passion, perseverance, class differences, and following dreams
What makes it stand out: Step Up stars Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan as This is one of those romance movies for teens that are perfect for a weekend binge. Teens love the inspiring underdog story combined with breathtaking dance moves and an engaging romance.
You can rent or buy this movie on Amazon.
17. The Last Song
Summary: Ronnie Miller, a rebellious teenager, spends the summer with her estranged father, rekindles her love for music, and falls for a local boy, Will.
Themes: Family reconciliation, grief, young love, and personal growth
What makes it stand out: This movie is about love and loss, which might touch every teen’s heart. A Nicholas Sparks adaptation, this movie is also remembered for the heartfelt performances by Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth.
You can stream this movie on Disney+.
18. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Summary: 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.
Themes: Young love, self-discovery, cultural identity, and family bonds
What makes it stand out: High-school romance is always special for teens. With a fresh take on the fake-dating trope, this movie delivers charm, humor, and a lovable protagonist.
19. High School Musical
Summary: Gabriella and Troy are the two high school students, who are complete opposites but somehow manage to 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.
Themes: Breaking societal expectations, self-expression, and teamwork
What makes it stand out: The relatable characters and uplifting musical numbers make it a fun and inspiring watch. The catchy songs and engaging story make this your classic Disney watch. Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron star in this evergreen teen musical.
Watch this movie on Disney+.
20. 10 things I Hate About You
Summary: 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.
Themes: Feminism, love, independence, and family relationships
What makes it stand out: The strong female lead and an unlikely hero make it a beautiful teen romance. With a sharp script and standout performances by Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, this film remains a fan favorite.
Watch this movie on Disney+.
Did you know?21. A Walk to Remember
Summary: 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.
Themes: Love, redemption, personal growth, and the power of faith
What makes it stand out: It heartfelt romance and themes of self-improvement appeals to teens. Its emotional depth and strong character development make it a complete tearjerker.
You can rent or purchase this movie on Amazon.
22. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Summary: 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.
Themes: Friendship, self-discovery, growing up, and independence
What makes it stand out: The film is about the challenges of growing up and maintaining friendships despite distance. Teens love this movie because of its strong female friendships and relatable coming-of-age experiences.
You can watch The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants on Amazon.
23. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Summary: 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.
Themes: Mental health, trauma, friendship, love, and self-acceptance.
What makes it stand out: The movie tackles sensitive topics in a deeply emotional manner, which may appeal to teens. Its raw and realistic portrayal of high school struggles and personal growth can move your heart.
You can watch The Perks of Being a Wallflower on YouTube.
24. LOL
Summary: Lola is a regular teen who juggles the usual 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.
Themes: Love, coming-of-age, teenage rebellion, and family relationships
What makes it stand out: The movie is about the kind of impact social media has on teenage life and relationships. Teens relate to Lola’s struggle to balance independence with family expectations.
Watch LOL on Prime Video.
25. Dirty Dancing
Summary: Frances, aka Baby, falls in love with the dance instructor at the resort where she’s holidaying with her family. Their love faces opposition from her father, leading to a dramatic showdown.
Themes: Forbidden love, class differences, self-discovery, and passion for dance
What makes it stand out: Challenging societal norms for love is a favorite teen theme. The iconic dance sequences and powerful love story make this a must-watch.
Awards: Won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life (1).”
Watch Dirty Dancing on Prime Video.
26. Pitch Perfect
Summary: 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.
Themes: Friendship, teamwork, rivalry, and self-acceptance
What makes it stand out: Catchy performances and witty dialogue appeal the most to teens. Do not miss the humor, music, and dynamic female friendships that make the movie shine.
Awards: Won a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Comedy.
You can stream Pitch Perfect on Netflix.
27. What a Girl Wants
Summary: American teen Daphne travels to London in search of her estranged father and tries to bond with him while navigating through British high society.
Themes: Family, identity, and belonging
What makes it stand out: The culture clash and heartwarming father-daughter relationship appeal to teens.
You can Netflix and chill this movie.
28. Camp Rock
Summary: Mitchie, who comes from a humble background, lies about who she is so she can fit in at Camp Rock, where she discovers her true voice.
Themes: Self-acceptance, honesty, and pursuing dreams
What makes it stand out: Watch the movies for its peppy music, relatable struggles, and the typical Disney feel.
You can stream Camp Rock on YouTube, iTunes, or Google Play.
Did you know?29. Aquamarine
Summary: In this fantasy rom-com, two BFFs discover a stranded mermaid, leading to a magical summer adventure.
Themes: Friendship, adventure, and believing in the impossible
What makes it stand out: It is a blend of fantasy and friendship that appeals to younger teen audiences.
Watch Aquamarine on Disney+.
30. Crazy, Stupid, Love
Summary: Cal is heartbroken when his wife wants a divorce. To get over the heartbreak, he starts picking up random women at a bar with help from a suave stranger.
Themes: Love, heartbreak, and self-improvement
What makes it stand out: A mix of comedy and deep emotional moments make this movie a treat for teens.
You can watch Crazy, Stupid, Love on Amazon Prime.
31. Bring It On
Summary: The new cheerleading captain, Torrance, learns that her predecessor has stolen all their moves from the Clovers, an East Compton hip-hop squad, leading to a competitive showdown.
Themes: Competition, teamwork, and cultural appreciation
What makes it stand out: The movie’s high energy is palpable. Teens love it for its female-led story.
You can watch the film on Amazon.
32. 17 Again
Summary: Travel back in time with Mike, who wakes up one day to find his dream of becoming 17 again fulfilled.
Themes: Redemption, youth, and family
What makes it stand out: Living a teen’s life from an adult’s perspective is a fun way to learn life’s lessons.
You can watch 17 Again on Amazon
33. Another Cinderella Story
Summary: 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.
Themes: Dreams, perseverance, and romance
What makes it stand out: This modern take on the Cinderella story is refreshing and lovable. Teens love it for its beautiful dance sequences.
Watch this movie on Prime Video.
34. Freaky Friday
Summary: 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.
Themes: Family, understanding, and personal growth
What makes it stand out: This funny body-swap drama has tons of heartfelt moments that make it relatable. Teens love it for its interesting concept.
You can watch the movie on Disney+.
35. Just My Luck
Summary: Ashley meets Jake and inadvertently switches her good luck with his bad luck, leading to chaos and romance.
Themes: Luck, fate, and love
What makes it stand out: The playful plot and cute romance make it a memorable watch. Starring Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine, this movie is a classic rom-com for teens.
Watch the movie on Prime Video.
36. The Twilight Saga
Summary: Based on the novels by Stephenie Meyer, this 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.
Themes: Love, loyalty, and the challenges of forbidden relationships
What makes it stand out: With its compelling storyline, unique characters, and breathtaking visuals, Twilight became a cultural phenomenon. Teens love the movie for its fascinating story and characters. The performances of Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner make the Twilight series a compelling watch.
Even a decade after the movie’s release, its fans have continued to be loyal to it. One such fan is blogger Gabby Parker Capes, who shares why she found the female protagonist so relatable despite the movie receiving much hate from the opposite gender. She says, “The character of Bella spoke to my teenage insecurities, allowed me a safe space to tread lightly into the world of romance, and made me feel seen by Hollywood. Ultimately, there is validity in the films that teenage girls enjoy. So men who are clearly not the intended target demographic need to quit weighing on how much they hate it. As a woman, it’s exhausting constantly having to defend the value of my own entertainment (ii).”
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
ii. 10 Years On, I Still Love Twilight;
https://gabbyparkercapes.medium.com/why-i-love-twilight-and-you-need-to-shut-up-about-it-e08b032a918a
References
- The 60th Academy Awards | 1988.
https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1988
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