25 Best Teen/Young Adult Movies Of All Time

Teen movies resonate with audiences of all ages, and these 25 films are the best the genre has to offer. From adolescent adventures to high school horror stories, and from crushing crushes to perfect prom nights, teen movies have a special place in the hearts of moviegoers. These cinematic favorites magnify the hopes, dreams, fears, and aspirations of young people, bringing them to life on the big screen with witty dialogue, memorable soundtracks, and grand romantic gestures.

While the genre revolves around teenage culture, these films serve as time capsules that capture the essence of a particular era, often featuring breakthrough performances from future stars. The best teen movies, such as The Breakfast Club, Clueless, and Mean Girls, not only entertain, but also offer insightful commentary on the trials and triumphs of the teenage experience, exploring the importance of social circles, the intensity of first loves, and the promise of a brighter future. These 25 films have something to offer everyone, encapsulating the universal themes that make the teenage years such an unforgettable time in life.

25 The Edge Of Seventeen (2016)

Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig

The Edge of Seventeen stands out in the crowded field of teen movies due to its authentic portrayal of adolescent angst and the stellar performances of its cast. Hailee Steinfeld’s nuanced portrayal of Nadine captures the essence of a disaffected teenager struggling to find her place in the world, while Woody Harrelson’s turn as the witty Mr. Bruner adds depth and humor to the film. The film’s ability to tackle weighty themes such as grief, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships with sensitivity and grace sets it apart as a true gem in the realm of teen cinema.

24 The Perks Of Being Wallflower (2012)

Directed by Stephen Chbosky

Set in the 1990s, The Perks of Being a Wallflower focuses on the challenges of growing up with a raw and unflinching honesty. Through the eyes of Charlie (Logan Lerman), a lonely teenager navigating the complexities of high school life, the film explores a range of heavy topics, including depression, anxiety, grief, and abuse, with a sensitivity and authenticity that makes it a truly great teen movie. Chbosky’s masterful adaptation of his own novel captures the essence of the teenage experience, making The Perks of Being a Wallflower a timeless and poignant exploration of the human condition.

23 Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Directed by Jared Hess

Napoleon Dynamite

Considered a cult classic, Napoleon Dynamite follows the titular character, an awkward high school student from a small town in Idaho. The film follows Napoleon’s life as he deals with the antics of his strange family, his romantic feelings for a fellow classmate, and his assistance of a friend to win Class President over the school’s popular girl. Jon Heder stars as Napoleon Dynamite, with a further class that includes Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino, Aaron Ruell, and Jon Gries. 

Director

Jared Hess

Release Date

August 27, 2004

Writers

Jerusha Hess , Jared Hess

Cast

Jon Heder , Aaron Ruell , Tina Majorino , Haylie Duff , Efren Ramirez , Jon Gries

Runtime

96 minutes

In Jared Hess’s quirky directorial debut, Napoleon Dynamite celebrates the misfits and outsiders of the teenage world with its offbeat humor and unforgettable characters. At the heart of the film is Jon Heder’s portrayal of the titular character, a socially awkward and endearingly strange high school student navigating the idiosyncrasies of his small-town Idaho life. The film’s strength lies in its ability to embrace the eccentricities of its characters, from Napoleon’s eccentric family members to his equally peculiar friends, creating a unique and hilarious tapestry of adolescent life. Napoleon Dynamite‘s enduring appeal stems from its celebration of individuality.

22 Superbad (2007)

Directed by Greg Mottola

Superbad

Written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and produced by Judd Apatow, Superbad follows high school seniors Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), two best friends who are desperate to join the popular kids’ party before heading off to college. After asking their friend Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) – A.K.A. McLovin – to use his fake ID to purchase alcohol, Seth and Evan end up getting drawn into a night of criminal misfortunes that threatens the very fabric of their friendship.

Director

Greg Mottola

Release Date

August 17, 2007

Runtime

113 minutes

Superbad takes the classic teen comedy formula and infuses it with a raunchy, irreverent twist. The film’s strength lies in its ability to capture the authentic dynamic between two teenage best friends, played with perfect comic timing by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, as they embark on a wild and hilarious quest to secure alcohol for a party. However, it’s Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s portrayal of the eccentric Fogell, aka “McLovin,” that elevates the film to iconic status. While some of the film’s cruder jokes may not have aged gracefully, Superbad cements its place as a quintessential teen classic.

21 Cruel Intentions (1999)

Directed by Roger Kumble

Cruel Intentions

With a screenplay and direction by Roger Kumble, Cruel Intentions is a Romance and Teen Drama film that stars Selma Blair, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, and Ryan Phillippe. The plot revolves around a group of teens, with a man betting one of them that he can seduce a girl successfully.

Director

Roger Kumble

Release Date

March 5, 1999

Writers

Roger Kumble

Runtime

97 minutes

Cruel Intentions boldly reimagines the classic tale of manipulation and seduction, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, in the context of privileged New York City high school students. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe deliver wickedly captivating performances as the conniving step-siblings Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont, whose devious scheme to corrupt the innocent Cecile Caldwell (Selma Blair) sets the stage for a twisted game of power and desire. Cruel Intentions‘ strength lies not only in its talented ensemble cast, but also in its ability to expose the dark underbelly of wealth and privilege.

20 Pretty In Pink (1986)

Directed by John Hughes

Pretty In Pink is the quintessential ’80s teen movie, penned by the iconic John Hughes. The film is a heartwarming and relatable tale of high school social dynamics and self-discovery. The film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of teenage life, from the awkward moments of unrequited love experienced by Andie’s best friend Duckie to the pressure of fitting in with the popular crowd. Pretty In Pink‘s iconic soundtrack perfectly captures the essence of the era. This John Hughes and Molly Ringwald movie will remain one of the best representations of teen life that film has to offer.

19 Juno (2007)

Directed by Jason Reitman

Juno

Starring Elliot Page, Juno follows the titular character, a teenage girl who unexpectedly becomes pregnant. Deciding to give the baby up for adoption once it is born, Juno finds and befriends Mark and Vanessa, and childless couple desperate for a baby, who she plans to let adopt her child once she gives birth. Michael Cera also stars as Juno’s boyfriend Paulie, with a further cast that includes Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, and J. K. Simmons.

Director

Jason Reitman

Release Date

December 25, 2007

Writers

Diablo Cody

Cast

Jason Bateman , Michael Cera , Allison Janney , elliot page , J. K. Simmons , Jennifer Garner

Runtime

96 minutes

Juno is a remarkable addition to the teen movie genre, thanks to its distinctive voice and genuine approach to its subject matter. Elliot Page shines as the sharp-tongued and fiercely independent Juno MacGuff, who navigates the challenges of an unexpected pregnancy with resilience and wit. The film’s power resides in its ability to address a sensitive topic with both sincerity and humor, never shying away from the intricacies of the situation. Diablo Cody’s screenplay, with its unique dialogue and well-developed characters, sets the story apart from other teen movies, while Reitman’s direction brings out the best in the talented cast.

18 The Craft (1996)

Directed by Andrew Fleming

The Craft

The Craft is a 1996 teen horror movie starring Robin Tunney, Neve Campbell, Fairuza Balk, and Rachel True. The Andrew Fleming-directed film focuses on a group of outcasts at an LA high school who practice witchcraft and create their own coven. The film received mixed reviews but was a surprise hit at the box office for Columbia.

Director

Andrew Fleming

Release Date

May 3, 1996

Writers

Andrew Fleming , Peter Filardi

Cast

Neve Campbell , Fairuza Balk , Robin Tunney , Rachel True

Runtime

101 Minutes

The Craft seamlessly blends elements of the supernatural, dark comedy, and feminist empowerment. The film follows four high school girls who delve into the world of witchcraft, harnessing their newfound powers to exact revenge on their tormentors and navigate the complexities of adolescence. The Craft explores the darker aspects of teenage life, touching upon themes of isolation, betrayal, and the allure of power. The dynamic between the central quartet of witches, played by Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True, is electric, with each actress bringing depth and nuance to their roles.

17 Easy A (2010)

Directed by Will Gluck

Easy A

Inspired by The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Easy A stars Emma Stone as Olive Penderghast, a young high school student who suddenly finds herself in the middle of a rumor mill when a lie she tells her best friend about losing her virginity spirals out of control. Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Haden Church, Patricia Clarkson, and Stanley Tucci are part of the supporting cast. 

Director

Will Gluck

Release Date

September 17, 2010

Writers

Bert V. Royal

Cast

Patricia Clarkson , Malcolm McDowell , Penn Badgley , Stanley Tucci , Lisa Kudrow , aly michalka , Dan Byrd , Emma Stone , Thomas Haden Church , Amanda Bynes

Runtime

92 minutes

Emma Stone’s magnetic performance as Olive Penderghast, a high school student caught in a web of rumors and misunderstandings about her sexual exploits, is the driving force behind Easy A, a clever and entertaining addition to the teen movie genre. Inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, the film follows Olive as she navigates the complexities of high school social dynamics and the consequences of her newfound notoriety. Stone’s impeccable comedic timing and effortless charm shine through, making her character both relatable and endearing.

16 Heathers (1988)

Directed by Michael Lehmann

Heathers

Director

Michael Lehmann

Release Date

March 31, 1989

Writers

Daniel Waters

Cast

Winona Ryder , Christian Slater , Shannen Doherty , Lisanne Falk , Kim Walker , Penelope Milford

Runtime

103 minutes

Expand

Bursting onto the scene as a biting commentary on the unattainable ideals and sentimentality of ’80s teen movies, Heathers introduced the charismatic anti-hero JD, portrayed by Christian Slater, and the fiercely independent Veronica, played by Winona Ryder. JD, a nod to the iconic James Dean and J.D. Salinger, oozes sarcasm and rebellion, while Ryder’s Veronica, initially part of the popular clique known as the Heathers, begins to question the superficiality and conformity that permeate their high school. Heathers emerges as a subversive play that challenges the norms established by years of John Hughes films.

15 Say Anything (1989)

Directed by Cameron Crowe

Say Anything (1989)

Say Anything is a romantic comedy-drama film that follows Lloyd Dobler, a charming but aimless recent high school graduate, as he pursues a relationship with Diane Court, the beautiful and intelligent valedictorian.

Director

Cameron Crowe

Release Date

April 14, 1989

Writers

Cameron Crowe

Cast

John Cusack , Ione Skye , John Mahoney , Lili Taylor , Amy Brooks

Runtime

100 Minutes

In a genre often characterized by grand gestures and stereotypical characters, Say Anything stands out as a film that dares to dive deeper, offering a heartfelt exploration of young love and the complexities of growing up. While the iconic scene of John Cusack’s Lloyd Dobler holding up a boom box playing Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” outside Ione Skye’s window has become a cultural touchstone, it is merely one facet of Cameron Crowe’s masterful directorial debut. The dynamic between Cusack’s eternally optimistic Lloyd, Skye’s overachieving Diane, and her overprotective father, played by John Mahoney, is both relatable and compelling.

Related

20 Best Quotes From 1980s Movies

1980s movies have produced some of the most memorable quotes, and these iconic lines continue to make a huge impression in pop culture today.

14 Election (1999)

Directed by Alexander Payne

Election

Directed by Alexander Payne, 1999’s Election is a Dark Comedy involving a high school election, focusing on the president of the student body. The film stars Matthew Broderick as a High School Social Studies teacher that ends up heading a scheme to disparage a popular girl (played by Reese Witherspoon) from winning the election.

Director

Alexander Payne

Release Date

April 23, 1999

Writers

Alexander Payne

Runtime

103minutes

Alexander Payne’s Election is a scathing satire that transcends the boundaries of the typical high school comedy. Adapted from Tom Perrotta’s novel, the film is a biting commentary on ambition, morality, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. Reese Witherspoon delivers a career-defining performance as Tracy Flick, a driven student whose pursuit of the student body presidency is both captivating and unsettling. Her portrayal captures the essence of a young woman grappling with her own ambitions and the societal expectations placed upon her.

13 Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

Directed by Amy Heckerling

Fast Times At Ridgemont High

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a 1982 comedy based on the book Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story by Cameron Crowe. The film stars Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Judge Reinhold. Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a simple story detailing the escapades of teenagers in Southern California who center their lives around sex, drugs, and rock music.

Director

Amy Heckerling

Release Date

August 13, 1982

Writers

Cameron Crowe

Cast

Phoebe Cates , Ray Walston , Jennifer Jason Leigh , Brian Backer , Judge Reinhold , Sean Penn , Robert Romanus

Runtime

90 minutes

Capturing the raw and unfiltered essence of teenage life, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a mosaic of adolescent experiences that balances brazen humor with sensitive observations. The film’s ensemble cast, featuring future stars like Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sean Penn, and Nicolas Cage brings depth to their roles, with Penn’s portrayal of the stoned surfer Jeff Spicoli becoming an iconic character that defined 1980s teenage rebellion. AmyHeckerling’s directorial debut set a new standard for teen movies, paving the way for future classics and cementing its place as a seminal work in the genre.

12 Eighth Grade (2018)

Directed by Bo Burnham

Eighth Grade

Written and directed by Bo Burnham, marking his first directorial debut, Eighth Grade is a Drama and Comedy starring Elsie Fisher and Josh Hamilton. The 2018 release follows a young girl with anxiety that tries to gain the favor of her classmates during the last week of Eighth Grade.

Release Date

July 13, 2018

Cast

Emily Robinson , Nora Mullins , Fred Hechinger , Greg Crowe , Josh Hamilton , Catherine Oliviere , Daniel Zolghadri , Shacha Temirov , Elsie Fisher , Luke Prael , Jake Ryan , Missy Yager , Imani Lewis , Thomas J O’Reilly

Runtime

93minutes

Expand

Bo Burnham’s directorial debut, Eighth Grade, is a painfully authentic portrayal of the awkwardness and anxiety that come with being a teenager in the digital age. Elsie Fisher’s honest performance as Kayla, a middle-schooler grappling with self-doubt and the weight of her emotions, is the film’s beating heart. Burnham’s screenplay captures the unique challenges faced by modern teens, with vlogging, social media, and smartphones serving as constant companions that offer both the promise of social acceptance and the burden of impossible expectations.

11 American Graffiti (1973)

Directed by George Lucas

American Graffiti

American Graffiti is a coming-of-age film directed by George Lucas in 1973. Produced by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Paul Le Mat, and Charles Martin Smith, the movie centers on a group of teenagers on the last night of summer vacation before they head off to college and begin their adult lives.

Release Date

August 1, 1973

Cast

Richard Dreyfuss , Ron Howard , Paul Le Mat , Charles Martin Smith , Cindy Williams , Candy Clark

Runtime

110minutes

George Lucas’s American Graffiti is a seminal work that has shaped the teen movie landscape. Following four friends over one unforgettable summer night, the film establishes a template countless others have emulated. With its masterful use of ’50s hits and poignant title cards revealing the characters’ fates, American Graffiti celebrates the joys and bittersweet nature of youth. Lucas’s direction captures the era’s zeitgeist, while the ensemble cast, including a memorable Harrison Ford, brings the characters to life with warmth. More than groundbreaking, American Graffiti is a timeless masterpiece encapsulating the magic and melancholy of the teenage experience.

10 Grease (1978)

Directed by Randal Kleiser

Grease

In this film adaptation of the iconic stage musical, good girl Sandy Olsson and greaser Danny Zuko fall in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance despite belonging to different social cliques?

Director

Randal Kleiser

Release Date

July 7, 1978

Writers

Jim Jacobs , Warren Casey , Bronte Woodard , Allan Carr

Cast

John Travolta , Olivia Newton-John , Stockard Channing , Jeff Conaway , Barry Pearl , Michael Tucci

Runtime

110 minutes

See also  What Vitamins Should I Take If I Feel Tired All The Time?

Grease, while often criticized for its casting choices due to the classic trope of adults playing teenagers, is still arguably one of the most quintessential teen movies around. However, the film’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to capture the essence of youth in the 1950s. With a straightforward plot focusing on the romance between bad boy Danny and good girl Sandy, Grease is filled with humor, infectious energy, and an iconic soundtrack. Grease‘s true strength lies in its relatable portrayal of teenage experiences, from the joys of friendship to the pangs of rejection, making it a timeless classic.

9 American Pie (1999)

Directed by Paul Weitz

American Pie

American Pie is a raucous teen comedy and the film that launched a revival of the genre. It follows a group of high school friends determined to lose their virginity before graduation and delves into the misadventures of the four boys as they navigate the complexities of relationships, peer pressure, and parental mishaps. You’ll never look at warm apple pie the same again.

Director

Paul Weitz , Chris Weitz

Release Date

July 9, 1999

Writers

Adam Herz

Cast

Jason Biggs , Chris Klein , Thomas Ian Nicholas , Alyson Hannigan , Shannon Elizabeth , Tara Reid

Runtime

95 minutes

American Pie follows a group of high school guys on their quest to lose their virginity before college. While a film with a similar premise may never get made today, it stillf manages to balance raunchy humor with genuine heart. The ensemble cast, led by Jason Biggs’ relatable Jim, brings depth to their characters, with standout performances from Seann William Scott’s obnoxious Stifler and Eddie Kaye Thomas’ neurotic Finch. Despite the gross-out gags, including the infamous pie scene, the film’s ultimate message is one of sweet sincerity, making it a coming-of-age classic.

8 Lady Bird (2017)

Directed by Greta Gerwig

Lady Bird

Acting as Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, Lady Bird stars Saoirse Ronan as Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a high school senior who dreams of leaving what she sees as a miserable existence in Sacramento, California, and going to college on the East Coast. Lady Bird’s dreams clash with the overbearing wishes of her mother Marion, played by Laurie Metcalf. As Lady Bird faces the social and emotional challenges of her final year of high school, her relationship with her mother becomes more and more strained the harder she attempts to break free. 

Release Date

November 10, 2017

Runtime

94minutes

Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird is a poignant and emotionally rich coming-of-age story that captures the universal desire to escape one’s hometown and the inevitable appreciation for one’s roots that follows. Saoirse Ronan shines as the rebellious Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, navigating the complexities of adolescence in Sacramento. Throughout her journey, Lady Bird grapples with first love, friendship, and an often-tumultuous relationship with her mother. Gerwig’s film eschews grand, life-altering events in favor of the quiet, everyday moments that define the teenage experience, highlighting the beauty in the seemingly mundane.

7 Booksmart (2019)

Directed by Olivia Wilde

Booksmart

Booksmart is a comedy film directed by Olivia Wilde and follows two studious and by-the-book high school seniors who decide on their final day of school to shake up the formula and break some rules. Having lamented missing four potential years of fun and friendship, the best friends attempt to cram four years of the “high school experience” into a single night. 

Director

Olivia Wilde

Release Date

May 24, 2019

Writers

Susanna Fogel , Emily Halpern , Sarah Haskins , Katie Silberman

Cast

Lisa Kudrow , Michael Patrick O’Brien , Beanie Feldstein , Diana Silvers , Will Forte , Eduardo Franco , Kaitlyn Dever , Mason Gooding , Jessica Williams , Molly Gordon , Noah Galvin , Jason Sudeikis , Billie Lourd , Skyler Gisondo

Runtime

105 minutes

Expand

With a contagious sense of joy and a refreshing take on teenage friendship, Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut Booksmart is a triumph. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever shine as Molly and Amy, two overachieving best friends who embark on a whirlwind adventure to make up for lost time on their last night before graduation. The film’s meticulous attention to detail in the production design enhances its fun atmosphere. Booksmart‘s inclusive portrayal of its characters, particularly Amy’s queerness, is handled with sensitivity and authenticity. Brimming with a genuine understanding of the teenage experience, this modern classic sets a new standard.

6 Dazed And Confused (1993)

Directed by Richard Linklater

Dazed and Confused

The coming-of-age comedy Dazed and Confused, directed by Richard Linklater, follows a group of high school students on the last day of school before summer vacation. Set in the 1970s, the film explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and nostalgia, and features an ensemble cast that includes Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, and Parker Posey.

Release Date

September 24, 1993

Cast

Jason London , Wiley Wiggins , Matthew McConaughey , Rory Cochrane , Joey Lauren Adams , Milla Jovovich

Runtime

102 minutes

Capturing the essence of youthful abandon and the timeless magic of a single day, Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused is a cinematic gem that proves the power of simplicity. Set on the last day of school in 1976 Texas, the film follows a diverse cast of characters, including Jason London’s rebellious Randall “Pink” Floyd and Wiley Wiggins’ wide-eyed Mitch Kramer, as they navigate the rituals of hazing, cruising, and partying. Dazed and Confused captures the universal experience of savoring the fleeting moments of youth, the perfect reminder that sometimes the most memorable adventures are the ones where nothing seemingly happens.