Image: MomJunction Design Team
Teenage and high school may seem challenging, but this phase is filled with hope and anticipation for what lies ahead. Watching some of the best movies for teens can ease the stress and help you cope with this phase of life. Teenage brings once-in-a-lifetime events elaborated in books and various films.
We find everything in a teenage movie, from romance, thrill, adventure, entertainment and crazy action. Here is a compiled list of some of the finest cinemas for teenagers.
Key Pointers
- Teen movies are often centered around love, friendship, adventure, and self-discovery.
- These movies have relatable characters that resonate with viewers of every age.
- The Breakfast Club, Dead Poets Society, and 10 Things I Hate About You are timeless classics.
- Clueless, Mean Girls, and 13 Going On 30 are some captivating movies for girls.
- Boys may resonate with movies like The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and 21 Jump Street.
Best Movies For Teens
1. Eighth Grade
Kayla is a shy, socially anxious girl trying to get by the last few weeks of middle school. She earns the “most quiet” girl title in school, but at home, she posts online self-help and motivational videos that not many people watch. Kayla is raised by her single father Mark, who tries to disconnect Kayla from social media.
The movie portrays typical middle school life of a not so popular kid: an awkward encounter with her crush, a forced invitation to a queen bee’s pool party for the would-be ninth graders and so on. One day, Kayla and her father find and watch an old time capsule (a video) Kayla made in the sixth grade. As they watch it, her father tells her how she fills him with pride. She makes a new time-capsule for her later life, and together, they bury it in their backyard.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 8.8/10
Age: 14+
Director: Bo Burnham
Actors: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, Emily Robinson.
2. The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Image: Caviar, Caviar Films, Cold Iron Pictures
The Diary of a Teenage Girl is a coming of age movie about sexual awakening and maturity in a teen girl. Set in the 1970s San Francisco, this movie is best for older teens because of the frequently adult and sexually explicit content. The film is about a 15-year old girl Minnie, who is passionate about being a cartoonist and curious about sexuality.
Minnie loses her virginity to an older man, who is also dating her mother. The film tries to navigate about sexual awakening in a teen who learns how to be her own woman.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 7.9/10
Age: 16+
Director: Marielle Heller
Actors: Bel Powley, Kristen Wiig, Abby Wait, Alexander Skarsgard.
3. Little Miss Sunshine
Image: Fox Searchlight Pictures
The dysfunctional Hoover family sets out on a trip to Southern California after their idealistic little girl Olive wins herself a spot in the Little Miss Sunshine local beauty pageant. The movie revolves around Olive a starry-eyed girl, and her anxious mother, her aspiring motivational speaker father Mr. Richard, a feisty grandfather, a cynical teen brother and a gay suicidal uncle named Frank, traveling in their old yellow Volkswagen bus.
A lot of bickering, trouble with the bus, and unexpected death are experienced en route. In the end, Olive makes it to the pageant, and the Hoovers stand in support of their baby girl in a way no one but them understands.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 7.7/10
Age: 14+
Director: Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris
Actors: Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear.
4. The Breakfast Club
Image: Universal Pictures
The Breakfast Club begins with five students at the Shermer High School, Claire, a princess, John who is a criminal, Andrew the athlete, Brian the brainy nerd and Allison, a miserable person, who are forced to spend 9 hours in detention on a Saturday.
In spite of their differences, they find that their social problems are more similar than they think. Brain’s parents force him to be an A-grader, Andy wants to please his dad, Allison tries to seek attention from her father through aberrant behavior, while John fights against domestic violence at home.
Through the characters, the film attempts to portray teens and their difficulties in a realistic setting. The film tries to encourage breaking social boundaries for positive self-identification in the world.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 7.7/10
Age: 14+
Director: John Hughes
Actors: Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall
5. Dead Poets Society
Shy Todd Anderson has been going to a prestigious preparatory school where education is pragmatic and rather dull. But nobody imagined what their new English teacher would be. Mr. Keating introduces these boys, all set to become doctors and lawyers, to poetry, free-thinking, and the liberating philosophies.
Each of his students deals with several issues. Neil wants to become an actor but faces objection from his dad; Todd, a writer; Knox, a romantic. He encourages them to form the Dead Poets Society where they sneak out at night to read and write poetry.
But it turns ugly when the school is informed about these activities, leading to a full inquiry. Headmaster Nolan fires Keating while his students leap to defend him.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.8/5
Age: 13+
Director: Peter Weir
Actors: Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard.
6. Almost Famous
William Miller is a 15-year old aspiring rock journalist, much against his single strict mother’s wish. He gets a job eventually to write for the Rolling Stone magazine. His first assignment is a tour with the Stillwater band and to write about his experience.
Despite several warnings from his mother, he goes on a road trip and befriends the singer and guitarist and becomes enamored by a woman called Penny. Miller gets to see what happens behind-the-scenes, the victorious and falling-apart moments of a music band. For Miller, it is about new experiences, learning and finding himself.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 7.9/10
Age: 14+
Director: Cameron Crowe
Actors: Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, Zoe Deschanel
Did you know?7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Image: Lions Gate Entertainment Inc
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is adapted from a novel of the same name, written by Stephen Chbosky.
It is a moving tale about a young boy called Charlie who’s about to start high school. Charlie is recovering from a breakdown after his best friend kills himself a few months earlier. Charlie becomes friends with a boy called Patric, a friendly senior who is gay.
Patrick is hurt because his boyfriend is not willing to acknowledge their gay relationship in the open, while Charlie falls in love with Patrick’s step-sister, Sam. She is a cheerful girl but has an unfair reputation. This story is about them navigating the treacherous waters of high school life.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 7.5/10
Age: 13+
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Actors: Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Logan Lerman
8. Easy A
Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment
‘Easy A’ explores what would have happened if Hester Prynne from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter was a present-day high school girl?
‘Easy A’ starts with a white lie that Olive Penderghast tells about her weekend. She lies about going on a date with a college boy and losing her virginity. Soon, this becomes a rumor, and everyone is abuzz about Olive being an unabashed girl.
Instead of falling apart or defending herself, she uses it as a tool to become more popular. She thinks of herself as Hester, but a Hester who manipulates her reputation for her good. But the situation snowballs and her lies threaten a teacher’s marriage, her friendship, career, and her possible love life, and she realizes it’s high time she comes clean about everything.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 7.1/10
Age: 14+
Director: Will Gluck
Actors: Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Penn Badgley.
9. The Hunger Games
Image: Lions Gate Entertainment Inc
The Hunger Games is a box-office hit and one of the most popular teen movies. Based on a book by Suzanne Collins, the story is set in the evil Capitol of a country called Panem, which was once the ruins of North America. Every year, young boys and girls from the 12 districts of Panem fight in the Hunger Games, a televised competition in which the contestants compete against death and one another until one survivor remains.
These fighters or participants are called “Tributes.” While most of the Tributes are highly trained and have prepared half of their lives for the Game, Katniss Everdeen voluntarily chooses to take the place of her sister, who is too young to survive in the competition. The story is about how she goes through the competition and grows to become a leader.
The Hunger Games has four memorable films in its movie franchise.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 7.3/10
Age: 13+
Director: Gary Ross
Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, John Hutcherson.
10. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Ferris Bueller’s Day off is one of the most fun teen movies ever. The story is about Ferris, who decides to bunk his class by calling in sick. His parents allow him to stay at home to recover. But just as they leave, Ferris and his friends, Cameron and Sloane, hit the roads of Chicago in Cameron’s dad’s treasured convertible Ferrari.
Watching Ferris very closely is the high-school principal Mr. Rooney who wants to catch him red-handed, for skipping school. Ferris’ little sister resents how her older brother gets away with his antics every time, and tries to inform on him. Despite many close shaves, Ferris wins and has a fantastic day off.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 7.7/10
Age: 12+
Director: John Hughes
Actors: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara.
11. 21 Jump Street
Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment
21 Jump Street is an action-comedy about two friends Schmidt and Jenko, who join the police force and a secret unit called Jump Street. Schmidt is sensible, smart but not sporty, while Jenko is the exact opposite. Because of the boys’ youthful appearance, they go undercover to bust a drug racket in a local high school.
The job requires them to pretend like high school students again, and Schmidt worries that he’ll be the uncool kid again. Turns out that the sociological makeup of schools- who’s popular, who’s not- has changed over the years. But to solve the case, the boys need to confront all the anxiety and discomfort of being a teenager again. This irreverent film is one of the most-recommended comedy movies for teenagers.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 7.2/10
Age: 15+
Director: Christopher Miller, Phil Lord
Actors: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson.
12. 10 Things I Hate About You
10 Things I Hate About You is adapted from Shakespeare’s play “The Taming of the Shrew.” It starts off with Cameron, a new student liking a girl called Bianca, a beautiful sophomore. He also learns that she isn’t allowed to date until her older sister, Katarina, a non-conformist and feminist, finds herself a suitor.
To win Bianca, Cameron desperately tries to find someone to date Kat, and he sets up a guy called Patrick Verona. What unfolds in this enticing journey of love is both satiric and romantic.
TriviaRating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.3/5
Age: 14+
Director: Gil Junger
Actors: Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon, Julia Stiles.
13.The Devil Wears Prada
Image: 20th Century Studios
Andrea Sachs is a journalism graduate who starts to work in New York as the second assistant to a very powerful Runway fashion magazine executive named Miranda Priestly. Andrea is a naive and frank fresher who dreams of becoming a journalist but soon faces the challenges of the profession. The first assistant to Miranda is Emily, who warns her about the erratic and rude behavior of their boss.
Andrea has to change her behavior and attitude, which affects her relationship with her boyfriend Nate, her family and friends. By the end of the film, Andrea learns to make choices that make her happy, even if they aren’t the most convenient ones.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 6.7/10
Age: 13+
Director: David Frankel
Actors: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt
14. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
The movie is about four girlfriends aged 16. When they have to move away from each other for the first time, they vow to keep in touch through a magical pair of jeans which fits them all perfectly, even though their body structures are very different.
They mail the jeans along with letters to one after the other, to catch up with what’s going on in their lives. During this vacation, each girl learns a valuable lesson about their lives, families, and relationships.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.4/5
Age: 12+
Director: Ken Kwapis
Actors: Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn.
15. The DUFF
Bianca is at the end of her high school and content with herself until she learns that she’s been labeled ‘The Duff’ (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by her prettier friends, Jess and Casey. Despite several cautions given by her favorite teacher, she approaches Wesley, a charming jock to help her reinvent herself, while she tries to distract herself from her crush Toby.
To save her senior year from being a disaster, Bianca needs to gather up confidence and overthrow the school’s labeling system, and remind everybody that no matter how anyone acts or looks like, everyone is someone’s DUFF.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.7/5
Age: 14+
Director: Ari Sandel
Actors: Bella Thorne, Robbie Amell, Mae Whitman
Annabel McConnachie, a teen cinephile and blogger, shares her thoughts about everything on her blog. In one post, she writes about her experience watching The DUFF. She shares, “After seeing the trailer a few months ago and investigating the premise, I have to say, I was definitely expecting this film to be better than your standard fare. I for one am definitely a lover of teen movies, so after seeing pretty much everything that the repertoire of films aimed at young adults in the 80’s and 90’s had to offer, my tolerance for middle-of-the-road, relatively unfunny rom-coms has significantly decreased. However, have no fear, because ‘The Duff’ is an undeniable winner. The film met my relatively high expectations, and I am pleased to say that I was thoroughly entertained throughout my entire viewing experience (i).”
16. 17 Again
Mike is 40 and facing a mid-life crisis. He was a popular teenager and basketball champion with plenty of opportunities. But at 17, Mike marries his girlfriend in high school when she accidentally gets pregnant. After the marriage, Mike only whines about the life he missed out because of the early marriage.
And now, everything is falling apart. Mike loses his job, and the only haven he can think of is his high school. He goes there and looks at his high school photos in the display case when the janitor asks him if he wishes to be 17 again. And, he says yes.
And just like that, he’s back to being a 17-year-old. He decides to hold on to this favorable chance and win the life he always wanted. But then, fate has a different plan, where time will teach Mark a lot about the past and the future.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.6/5
Age: 13+
Director: Burr Steers
Actors: Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon
17. Clueless
Clueless is a 1995 teen movie with all its charm, fashion, dialogues and music in an ostentatious Beverly Hills School setup. The film is partially based on Jane Austen’s Emma. Cher is a good-looking upper-class girl who cares about wearing the right clothes more than getting good grades. She strives to become famous, is persistent, but she can’t keep herself out of other people’s lives.
After one successful attempt at matchmaking, she thinks it is her job to do a makeover on the not-so-popular new girl in school and ends with up disastrous results. She has a sensitive side too and wants to find the ideal partner for herself while fixing other people’s lives. Eventually, she realizes that she can find what she really wants when she starts being honest with herself and is ready to be humble.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.1/5
Age: 14+
Director: Mark Waters
Actors: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash.
18. The First Time
The First Time is a high-school romantic teenage movie about a freshman Dave, who pines for a pretty school senior, Jane Harmon. At a friend’s house party, Dave meets a cool girl named Aubrey. They talk about Dave’s feelings for Jane. The new friends now hang out often and discuss their love and sex life.
Dave realizes he is falling for Aubrey. Aubrey also has a boyfriend, but can’t deny her feelings for Dave. But Dave is soon leaving to another city for college, and Aubrey has one more year in high-school. Will they try and have a long-distance relationship? Is it a fling or love? Watch the movie to find out.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.1/5
Age: 14+
Director: Jonathan Kasdan
Actors: Britt Robertson, Dylan O’Brien, Craig Roberts, Joshua Malina.
19. Pitch Perfect
Beca is a freshman at Barden University, who wishes she could be in LA to be a musician instead. She prefers listening to music on her headphones, instead of making her own music and does not get along with any group. But somehow, she is muscled into singing in an acoustic singing group called ‘The Bellas.’
Beca takes ‘The Bellas’ out of their traditional setup and injects the much-needed energy into their repertoire. The Bellas successfully give their male rivals in the campus a fierce competition as they climb their way up in the music world. This is an inspiring movie of the underdogs achieving success with their effort and hard work.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 4.1/5
Age: 13+
Director: Jason Moore
Actors: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Ben Platt, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson.
20. Mean girls
Mean Girls is based on Queen Bees and Wannabes, a non-fiction book written by a professional youth counselor, Rosalind Wiseman. Cady Heron is a 15-year-old girl who lived in Africa and was home-schooled by her zoologist parents. Cady moves to the US with her family to start high school.
When she’s confused about what clique to choose to hang out with, she is embraced by some famous and rich girls known as “the Plastics,” with Regina, Gretchen, and Karen. Very soon, Cady realizes how manipulative they are when she breaks an unwritten law – Cady goes out on a date with a charming boy called Aaron who’s Regina’s ex. Cady suffers a series of vengeful, pungent behavior which her years in Africa had never prepared her for.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 6.9/10
Age: 14+
Director: Mark Waters
Actors: Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried, Rachel McAdams.
21. Paper Towns
Image: 20th Century Studios
Paper Towns is an adaptation of John Green’s coming-of-age novel. It is about a high school boy Quentin, who plays by the rules. He has a massive crush on his charismatic and popular neighbor, Margo Roth. Margo shows up in Quentin’s room one day in the middle of the night and asks him to accompany her on a revenge mission against her lying friends and a cheating boyfriend. Quentin agrees but is caught up in her persona.
However, from the next day, Margo becomes a mystery- she is not in school, not at home, nowhere. One day Quentin discovers a clue left by Margo that leads him to another clue to finding her. In his quest to find Margo, Quentin goes on a road trip to Paper Town in New York, but before that, he has to discover something more than love.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.2/5
Age: 14+
Director: Jake Schreier
Actors: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Justice Smith, Austin Abrams
22. The Karate Kid
Image: Columbia pictures corporation
The Karate Kid is a great movie for teens fighting their own battles. 12-year-old Dre Parker has moved to China with his single mom and feels like a fish out of water in his new suburban school. The popular guys in school are wealthy and martial arts experts who bully Dre. Dre befriends Mei Ying, a girl he likes and makes another boy called Cheng his rival.
One day, the janitor of Dre’s building, Mr. Han rescues Dre from an attack by Cheng and his friends. Mr. Han, a master of kung fu, agrees to teach Dre the martial art form. Mr. Han starts with some offbeat training like car waxing, fence painting, etc. and teaches Dre that kung fu is about self-defense and peace, and not violence. Next, Dre is preparing for the kung fu championship for a face-off with his bully. The audience loves the character’s growth in the movie as it motivates them to overcome difficulties.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/5
Age: 10+
Director: Harald Zwart
Actors: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Wenwen Han.
Quick fact23. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is a teen adventure movie about two slacker teenagers, Bill and Ted. They are more keen on forming their own rock-n-roll band ‘Wyld Stallions’ than passing their history paper. If the boys didn’t score incredibly well, they’d flunk out of school, and Ted’s father will send him off to a military school.
Help comes from Rufus, an “Emissary from the Future,” who takes them to the past and lets them experience history firsthand. Both Ted and Bill decide to get all the historical figures to class. The plan works but results in a mall altercation, arrest, and other fun stuff. In the end, the boys hope whatever they are doing will help them pass and stay together.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 6.5/10
Age: 10+
Director: Stephen Herek
Actors: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin.
24. 13 going on 30
Jenny suffers humiliation at her 13th birthday and wishes she could be 30. Next morning, she wakes up as a 30-year-old pretty woman in Manhattan. There’s also a man in the shower, who seems to know her intimately. Jenny can’t trace her parents and learns from a neighbor that she’s an editor of a popular magazine with powerful friends.
Jenna eventually realizes this is what she had wanted, but not at the time. She finds out her childhood best friend, Matt, who’s now a photographer. When Matt tells Jenny that he has not seen her since high school, Jenny realizes that to get what she wished for, she had to lose things that mattered to her the most.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/5
Age: 12+
Director: Gary Winick
Actors: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer.
25. A Walk to Remember
A Walk to Remember is an adaptation of Nicholas Spark’s best-selling teen love story. It revolves around a popular, cocky high school boy Landon Carter who’s sentenced to the school’s drama club for community service and membership after a hazing incident in school injures a fellow student.
Landon seeks the help of Jamie Sullivan, who’s also the daughter of the town’s Baptist minister. Jamie is conservative, simple and pious. When they start to fall in love, Landon faces a drop in his popularity because of Jamie and Jamie is forced to deal with her strict father and a secret that she’s hiding from everybody. The secret changes everything.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.3/5
Age: 11+
Director: Adam Shankman
Actors: Mandy Moore, Shane West, Peter Coyote.
26. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Image: Lionsgate Publicity
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is a film based on Judy Blume’s book of the same name. It follows the life of 11-year-old Margaret Simon as she struggles to adapt to her new suburban life and the physiological and identity changes of adolescence. Raised in an interreligious family, she navigates religious uncertainty and attempts to seek a personal connection with God while exploring the two faiths with which she is familiar.
Margaret joins a secret club with her new friends and begins dealing with typical preteen issues like boys, menstruation, and bras. Her relationship with her parents adds to her journey of self-discovery. During a confession, Margaret candidly expresses her fears and hopes, ultimately finding her path and the sense of belonging that she has been looking for.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/5
Age: 13+
Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
Actors: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates.
27. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a movie adaptation of the book by Jenny Han. The movie follows the life of a high school junior, Lara Jean Covey, who writes secret love letters to her crush and hides them in her closet.
One day, her letters get mysteriously sent out, putting her through a whirlwind of embarrassment and awkwardness. To avoid confronting her longtime crush, Josh, Lara agrees to fake a relationship with the popular jock Peter Kavinsky to make his girlfriend jealous.
However, Lara and Peter begin to develop genuine feelings for each other while misunderstandings and past secrets threaten to tear them apart. Eventually, Lara learns the importance of being true to oneself.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/5
Age: 14+
Director: Susan Johnson
Actors: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish.
28. The Edge Of Seventeen (2016)
The Edge of Seventeen revolves around a socially awkward high school junior Nadine Franklin, whose life is complicated when her best friend Krista starts dating her older brother Darian. Nadine begins feeling alone and insecure as she struggles to navigate her adolescent peer relationships.
In due course, she forms an unusual friendship with her classmate Erwin, ends up in trouble due to an impromptu decision, and finds a confidant in her teacher Mr. Bruner. Eventually, Nadine befriends her brother and ends up finding her love interest in Erwin.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 4/5
Age: 15+
Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
Actors: Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick, Haley Lu Richardson.
29. Sierra Burgess Is a Loser
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is a modern reiteration of the French play by Edmond Rostand. It follows the unexpected events that unfold when the phone number of the smart yet socially awkward senior Sierra Burgess accidentally ends up with the popular football player Jamey.
Sierra ends up conversing regularly with Jamey and decides to use her attractive classmate Veronica’s photos since she is insecure about her appearance . In the meantime, Sierra happens to form a genuine friendship with Veronica and when she grows closer to Jamey, she struggles with guilt and self-doubt. The truth is inevitably revealed, coercing Sierra to confront the consequences of her actions and learn to accept herself.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3/5
Age: 13+
Director: Ian Samuels
Actors: Shannon Purser, Kristine Froseth, RJ Cyler, Noah Centineo.
30. Work It
Work It follows Quinn Ackerman, an academically focused high school senior whose chances of getting into her dream college are dependent on how she performs in the Work It dance competition.
After getting fired from the Thunderbirds, Quinn commits to working on improving her poor dance skills and decides to form a dance team with the help of her best friend Jasmine and former dance prodigy Jake. Despite the several personal challenges, Quinn discovers her passion for dance and her team evolves into formidable competitors with dedication and discipline.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/5
Age: 13+
Director: Laura Terruso
Actors: Sabrina Carpenter, Liza Koshy, Keiynan Lonsdale, Michelle Buteau, Jordan Fisher.
31. The Princess Diaries
Adapted from Meg Cabot’s novel of the same name, The Princess Diaries tells the story of an awkward and introverted teenager, Mia Thermopolis, as she discovers she’s the heir to the throne of the European kingdom of Genovia. Her estranged grandmother, Queen Clarisse, arrives to prepare Mia for her new royal role.
Mia undergoes rigorous transformations to look and behave like a princess. However, she struggles to ensure her newfound identity does not squash her familiar normal life. Amidst the transformation, Mia faces several challenges in the form of high school politics and media scrutiny. She ultimately embraces her royal heritage and learns to be responsible and self-confident.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 2.5/5
Age: 13+
Director: Garry Marshall
Actors: Anne Hathaway, Héctor Elizondo, Julie Andrews.
32. The Maze Runner
Image: 20th century studios
The Maze Runner, adapted from James Dashner’s novel, centers on Thomas, a teenager who wakes up with no memory in a mysterious place called the Glade. He finds several other boys with similarly erased memories within this ever-changing maze. He joins the Gladers society and works together with them to survive and find an escape. Driven by the need to uncover the truth, Thomas quickly scales up to be a leader.
The life of the team turns into a race for survival with the arrival of Teresa who carries a message and seems to know Thomas. Facing deadly creatures and challenging obstacles, Thomas and his friends must navigate the maze and uncover the true faces behind their captivity.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 2.5/4
Age: 13+
Director: Wes Ball
Actors: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
33. Love, Simon
Image: 20th century studios
Love, Simon is an adaptation of the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. The movie follows the life of Simon Spier, a high school student who is closeted about being gay. When an anonymous classmate known as Blue posts on a school gossip site about being closeted, Simon begins conversing with him.
He eventually ends up falling in love with this unknown person. Simon’s world turns upside down when a classmate discovers his emails and threatens to out him unless Simon helps him get a date. As Simon navigates through blackmail, friendships, and self-acceptance, he strives to find Blue and ultimately reveal his true self to everyone.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 4/5
Age: 13+
Director: Greg Berlanti
Actors: Nick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Garner.
34. The Fault In Our Stars
Image: 20th century studios
The Fault in Our Stars is adapted from John Green’s novel of the same name. The plot follows the love story of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, who meet in a cancer support group. Hazel, who has terminal cancer, forms a deep bond with Augustus, who is in remission after losing a leg to osteosarcoma.
Together, they journey to Amsterdam to meet Hazel’s favorite author, seeking answers and closure. Their relationship blossoms amidst the challenges of their illnesses and provides them an insight into life, love, and loss.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/5
Age: 13+
Director: Josh Boone
Actors: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Laura Dern, Sam Trammell.
35. Wonder
Image: Lionsgate
Wonder, adapted from R.J. Palacio’s novel, follows the heartwarming story of Auggie Pullman, a young boy born with facial differences. Auggie enters mainstream school for the first time in fifth grade and ends up a victim of bullying as he struggles to fit in. However, he gradually wins over his classmates with his courage, kindness, and sense of humor.
The film also offers a glimpse into the perspectives of his supportive family and new friends. As Auggie’s journey unfolds, it highlights themes of acceptance, empathy, and the power of resilience, ultimately showing how one boy’s extraordinary spirit can inspire an entire community.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/5
Age: 13+
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Actors: Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Mandy Patinkin.
36. The Blind Side
Image: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Blind Side, adapted from Michael Lewis’ book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, tells the true story of Michael Oher. Oher, a homeless and traumatized African American teenager, gets adopted by the wealthy Tuohy family.
Leigh Anne Tuohy, who is the maternal figure in the family, strives to provide Michael with a stable home and a supportive environment. She attempts to help him build self-confidence through academic and athletic lessons.
The plot portrays Michael’s perseverant transformation from a struggling student to a star football player with the unconditional love and guidance of the Tuohys. Thus, this film highlights the impact of compassion and perseverance in someone’s life and journey to success.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3/4
Age: 13+
Director: John Lee Hancock
Actors: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates.
37. Bridge To Terabithia
Adapted from Katherine Paterson’s novel, Bridge to Terabithia, centers on the friendship between fifth-graders Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke. Jess, an aspiring artist, feels out of place at school and home until he meets Leslie, a new girl with a vivid imagination. Together, they create the magical kingdom of Terabithia in the woods, where they rule as king and queen and escape from their everyday struggles. Their bond helps Jess discover his creativity and self-worth. Tragedy strikes when Leslie dies in an accident, leaving Jess devastated. With the support of his family, Jess learns to cope with his loss and honor Leslie’s legacy by keeping their imaginative world alive.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3/4
Age: 13+
Director: Gábor Csupó
Actors: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Robert Patrick, Zooey Deschanel.
38. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Image: 20th century studios
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is a movie adaptation of the Rick Riordan novel series. It follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, who discovers he is the son of Poseidon and a demigod. He is accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt. Percy embarks on a quest to clear his name and prevent a war among the gods. Percy’s friends, Annabeth and Grover, accompany him on his adventures. They journey across the United States, facing mythical monsters and uncovering secrets about Percy’s heritage. Along the way, Percy learns to harness his divine powers, confronts his fears, and discovers the strength of friendship and courage needed to embrace his true identity and destiny.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 2/4
Age: 13+
Director: Chris Columbus
Actors: Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario.
39. Napoleon Dynamite
Image: Searchlight pictures
Napoleon Dynamite is a quirky comedy about an awkward and eccentric high school student named Napoleon Dynamite from rural Idaho. He navigates the trials of teenage life with his unique style and deadpan humor. Napoleon also deals with his bizarre family, including his older brother Kip and Uncle Rico, who constantly reminisce about their glory days.
His life changes when he befriends the shy Deb and the transfer student Pedro. Napoleon helps Pedro run for class president against the popular girl, Summer. The film showcases Napoleon’s offbeat adventures, including his surprising dance performance on election day. The movie ultimately celebrates the themes of friendship, individuality, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 4/5
Age: 13+
Director: Jared Hess
Actors: Jon Heder, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell.
40. The Spiderwick Chronicles
The Spiderwick Chronicles is adapted from the book series by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. It follows the adventures of the Grace siblings, twins Jared and Simon, and their older sister Mallory, as they move into the dilapidated Spiderwick Estate with their mother, Helen Grace. The siblings discover a hidden world of magical creatures after finding Arthur Spiderwick’s field guide.
When his twin gets kidnapped, Jared realizes that the book holds secrets that malevolent creatures like goblins and ogres seek to exploit. With the help of the field guide and some guidance from great-aunt Lucinda Spiderwick, the courageous siblings fight to protect their home and the magical world from the evil ogre Mulgarath.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/5
Age: 13+
Director: Mark Waters
Actors: Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte.
41. Rookie Of The Year
Rookie of the Year is a sports comedy about 12-year-old Henry Rowengartner, who recovers from a broken arm and discovers that he now has an extraordinarily powerful pitching arm. This unique ability catches the attention of the struggling Chicago Cubs, who signs him as a pitcher. Henry quickly becomes a sensation, revitalizing the team’s season and bonding with his teammates.
However, when his newfound fame and the pressures of professional baseball threaten to undermine his friendships, Henry learns valuable lessons about staying grounded. The film combines humor and heart as it culminates in Henry helping the Cubs achieve success while remaining true to his roots as a kid with a dream.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 4/5
Age: 10+
Director: Daniel Stern
Actors: Thomas Ian Nicholas, Gary Busey, Dan Hedaya.
42. Enola Holmes
Enola Holmes, adapted from Nancy Springer’s book series, follows the life of the teen sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. On her sixteenth birthday, Enola discovers that her mother has disappeared, leaving behind cryptic clues.
Defying her brothers Sherlock and Mycroft’s plan to send her to finishing school, Enola escapes to London in search of her mother. Along the way, she uncovers a conspiracy involving a young runaway lord and uses her wit and detective skills to solve mysteries. Enola’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment as she carves out her own identity. She eventually proves that she is a capable detective in her own right and steps out of her brothers’ shadows.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3/4
Age: 13+
Director: Harry Bradbeer
Actors: Millie Bobby Brown, Sam Claflin, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter.
43. Journey To The Center Of The Earth
Journey to the Center of the Earth is adapted from Jules Verne’s classic novel with the same title. It follows an adventurous scientist, Trevor Anderson, his nephew Sean, and their guide, Hannah, as they embark on an expedition.
The journey begins when they discover a passage detailed in a book written by Verne. The inscription leads them to a hidden subterranean world filled with strange landscapes, prehistoric creatures, and untold dangers. As they navigate this perilous environment, they rely on their ingenuity and bravery to survive and find their way back to the surface.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 2.5/4
Age: 13+
Director: Eric Brevig
Actors: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem
44. Finding Forrester
Image: Sony Pictures
Finding Forrester is a drama about Jamal Wallace, a talented African-American teenager from the Bronx who loves writing and basketball. After breaking into the apartment of reclusive author William Forrester, Jamal develops an unlikely friendship with him.
Forrester, who has withdrawn from public life, becomes Jamal’s mentor. He helps him refine his writing and navigate the challenges of a prestigious private school. The movie also portrays the emerging trust and empathy between the two as Jamal helps Forrester confront his past and re-engage with the world. The film explores the transformative impact of true friendship and details how one wrong move to break one’s trust can bring a whole new trouble.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 4/5
Age: 13+
Director: Gus Van Sant
Actors: Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham, Anna Paquin, Busta Rhymes.
45. The Swap
The Swap, adapted from the book by Megan Shull, is a family comedy about rhythmic gymnast Ellie O’Brien and hockey player Jack Malloy. After a heated argument, Ellie and Jack magically swap bodies, forcing them to navigate the pressures of each other’s lives.
As Ellie tries to be a male athlete, Jack experiences the challenges of being a teenage girl, gaining a deeper perspective on the other’s struggles. The story takes an interesting turn when, in addition to the struggles of keeping up appearances, they also race against time to find the diary to help them reverse the spell.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3/5
Age: 10+
Director: Jay Karas
Actors: Peyton List, Jacob Bertrand.
46. What A Girl Wants
Image: Warner Bros. Pictures
What a Girl Wants is a cinematic adaptation of the play The Reluctant Debutante by William Douglas-Home. The film follows the free-spirited American teenager Daphne Reynolds as she travels to London to find her estranged father, Lord Henry Dashwood. Henry, a prominent politician, is unaware of Daphne’s existence and is initially shocked by her arrival.
Daphne tries to fit into British high society while maintaining her unique personality, causing a stir in Henry’s carefully managed life. As she navigates romance, societal expectations, and family secrets, Daphne helps her father reconnect with his true self.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3/5
Age: +
Director: Dennie Gordon
Actors: Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston, Eileen Atkins.
47. Aquamarine
Aquamarine, adapted from the book by Alice Hoffman, is a fantasy comedy about best friends Claire and Hailey, who discover a mermaid named Aquamarine in the pool at their beach club. Aquamarine has run away from an arranged marriage and needs to prove to her father that true love exists.
She enlists the girls’ help to win the heart of a local lifeguard, Raymond. The girls form a deep bond as they help Aquamarine in her quest. However, as things turn awry, Aquamarine’s father decides to summon her back, only for him to realize that true love exists. Eventually, the movie ends on a positive note, with all three girls finding their wishes to come true.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3/5
Age: 13+
Director: Elizabeth Allen
Actors: Emma Roberts, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, Sara Paxton.
48. Queen Of Katwe
Queen of Katwe is adapted from Tim Crothers’ book, which tells the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Katwe in Uganda who discovers her talent for chess. Mentored by Robert Katende, a missionary and chess coach, Phiona’s natural aptitude for the game propels her from her impoverished community to international chess competitions.
As she rises through the ranks, Phiona faces numerous challenges, including societal expectations and financial hardships. The film highlights themes of perseverance, hope, and the transformative power of education and sports, celebrating Phiona’s journey from obscurity to becoming a symbol of possibility for her community.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/4
Age: 10+
Director: Mira Nair
Actors: David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o.
49. Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
Image: Warner Bros. Pictures
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, adapted from J.K. Rowling’s novel, follows Harry Potter in his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Faced with the return of the dark wizard Voldemort, Harry struggles to defend his truth against the disbelieving wizarding community. Simultaneously, he attempts to cope with the oppressive regime of the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dolores Umbridge.
As Voldemort’s threat grows, Harry and his friends Hermione and Ron, form the Dumbledore’s Army where they teach fellow students practical defense spells. The film culminates in a battle at the Ministry of Magic, solidifying the return of Voldemort and setting the stage for the impending war.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3/5
Age: 13+
Director: David Yates
Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson.
50. Ice Princess
Ice Princess is a family drama about Casey Carlyle, a brainy high school student with a passion for physics. Assigned to use physics for a personal project, Casey applies her knowledge to figure skating and discovers her hidden talent for the sport. Despite her mother’s academic aspirations for her, Casey decides to pursue her newfound dream.
She puts up a brave front and faces the challenges of rigorous training and competition. With the support of her coach and new friends, Casey navigates the competitive world of figure skating while balancing her academic responsibilities. The film culminates with Casey qualifying for the Nationals and regaining her mother’s affection.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 4/5
Age: 10+
Director: Tim Fywell
Actors: Joan Cusack, Kim Cattrall, Michelle Trachtenberg, Hayden Panettiere.
51. Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, adapted from the novel by Dyan Sheldon, follows Lola Cep, a flamboyant and imaginative teenager who moves from New York City to suburban New Jersey. Determined to make her mark, Lola sets her sights on becoming the star of the school’s play and dethroning the popular girl Carla Santini.
Along the way of pursuing her dreams, Lola goes from lying to fit in towards creating and maintaining an honest individual identity. Lola’s journey from trials to triumph is filled with humorous and dramatic moments, showcasing her resilience and creativity.
Rating by Rotten Tomatoes: 3/5
Age: 13+
Director: Sara Sugarman
Actors: Lindsay Lohan, Adam Garcia, Glenne Headly, Alison Pill, Carol Kane.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of teens watching movies from an educational perspective?
Streaming platforms provide access to subtitled content, making it easier for students to understand and grasp language nuances. Additionally, the vast selection of shows and movies exposes students to diverse cultures and may foster a greater sense of cultural awareness, increasing sensitivity to important issues. The engagement with current and popular content may also help enjoyably improve listening skills.
2. Are there any specific genres of movies that are particularly beneficial or suitable for teenagers?
Movies in the coming-of-age, adventure, fantasy, and teen drama genres may be beneficial and relatable to teens. These genres tackle themes of self-discovery, friendship, and general teenage struggles, which can help teenagers navigate their own challenges. However, individual preferences may vary, so providing a diverse range of options is crucial for a well-rounded movie-watching experience.
Teenage is when children start exploring their personalities. They experience changes in emotions and physical growth and develop new interests and hobbies. Most children also love watching movies as they are entertaining and can have comprehensive insights which are relatable and encourage children to see the world from a different perspective. This list of the best movies for teens is great to watch on holidays or when you would love to spend a movie night with your children, making it one of the perfect family movie night ideas. Watching movies for teenagers can be impactful, offering stories and characters that resonate with their experiences and emotions. You may also gather your children’s friends and organize a movie party so they will love and have a great time.
Illustration: Best Ever Movies For Teens To Watch This Year
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Infographic: How To Help Your Teen Select The Best Movies
Whether you are planning to watch a movie with your teen or helping them host a movie night at home, the tips shared in this infographic will help you and your teenager select the best movies according to their likes and preferences. So follow these tips to help them make their movie bucket list. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Teen movies fun to watch for teens a well as older adults. Check out the top 10 list of the most rewatched teen movies ever! From classic favorites to modern hits, it has it all.
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. ‘The Duff’ Review (with GIF’s!).https://teenagefanatic.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-duff-review-with-gifs.html
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