The teen movie genre has taken on many forms over the years. FromJames DeaninRebel Without a Causeto the glory days ofJohn Hughes, many hits have resonated with teen audiences and continue to do so even after entering adulthood. Not every film has aged well, and even fewer have been perfect, but many still hold true to any teen and add something of value.
The ‘80s saw a big spike for the genre, thanks to the works of Hughes as well as the Brat Pack. Since then, the genre has grown even stronger with more films from the ‘90s, 2000s, and 2010s. Much of it comes from each generation being influenced by the previous one, as well as the changing times and attitudes towards certain social norms. Nevertheless, even if the following films don’t hit every note, they are still considered favorites.These teen movies came close to being perfect, and their standing only keeps improving years later.
10’Fast Times at Ridgemont High' (1983)
Directed by Amy Heckerling
Regarded as a raunchy ‘80s classic,Fast Times at Ridgemont Highwas a surprise success upon its release. The film marked the debut for both directorAmy Heckerlingand screenwriterCameron Crowe, who adapted the screenplay from his novelFast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story, loosely based on his experiences. It covers multiple storylines throughout an entire year of high school: senior Brad (Judge Reinhold) working multiple jobs, his sophomore sister Stacy (JenniferJason Leigh) and her desire to date, and the antics of stoned surfer Jeff Spicoli (SeanPenn).
Although the film was controversial due to its depiction of teen sexual escapades,Fast Times at Ridgemont Highwas defendedfor delivering an honest portrayal of sex, growing up, and even abortion. It also helped launch the careers of Penn, Reinhold, and Leigh and even featured several big names in early roles, such asPhoebe Cates,Forest Whitaker,Eric Stoltz, andNicolas Cagein his feature debut. While it may not be for everyone,Fast Times at Ridgemont Highstill lives on as a favorite high school movie classic.
Fast Times At Ridgemont High
9’The Kings of Summer' (2013)
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Anyone who attended the 2013 Sundance Film Festival or frequented any of the independent cinemas back then might remember a little film calledThe Kings of Summer. Written byChris Gallettaand directed byJordan Vogt-Roberts, this coming-of-age comedy centers around three teenage boys (Nick Robinson,Gabriel Basso, andMoisés Arias) yearning for freedom from their overprotective parents. Thus, they run away into the woods and build a house together to live off the land, away from civilization and responsibilities.
The Kings of Summershines best with the performances of its three leads as well as thesupporting cast, includingErin Moriarty,Nick Offerman,Alison Brie,Megan Lulally, andMarc Evan Jackson. Its tone finds a balance between sweet and funny as the story deals heavily withboth the joy of youth and the perils of impending adulthood. If a more complex approach had been taken toward the themes, then maybeThe Kings of Summercould have been better remembered. Nevertheless, it’s still an enjoyable film for those who love indies.
The Kings of Summer
8’Do Revenge' (2022)
Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Talk about the twist of all twists. Without giving anything away,Do Revengeis another Netflix teen hit filled with wit, style, and delicious vengeance. The film centers around Drea (CamillaMendes), a formerly popular student at a prestigious private high school who wishes to get back at her ex-boyfriend Max (AustinAbrams) for leaking their sex tape. She teams up with shy new student Eleanor (MayaHawke), who is also dealing with some torment, and they plot to aid each other in their plans for revenge.
The film is loosely inspired byAlfred Hitchcock’sStrangers on a Trainas well as the ‘90s hitCruel Intentions, right down to havingSarah Michelle Gellarplaying the headmaster of the school.Do Revengeexcels through the strength of the script penned byCeleste BallardandJennifer Kaitlyn Robinson, who directed the film, along with the performances of Mendes and Hawke. It also truly demonstrates the troubles and tribulations that high schoolers go through. One could even argue thatDo Revengemakes a case for necessary revenge.
Do Revenge
7’Pretty in Pink' (1986)
Directed by Howard Deutch
No other filmmaker captured the spirit of teen films like the lateJohn Hughes. The ‘80s were defined by many of his films, such asFerris Bueller’s Day OffandThe Breakfast Club. Even the ones he did not direct, namelyPretty in Pink, are still considered to be modern classics. Directed byHoward Deutch, the filmstars ‘80s teen idolMolly Ringwaldas Andie, a high school student and outcast from a low-income family who gets asked out by Blane (AndrewMcCarthy), a rich and popular student, much to her suspicion and the frustration of her smitten best friend Duckie (Jon Cryer).
Much of the praise towardsPretty in Pinkis attributed to the performances, primarily Ringwald, Cryer, andAnnie Pottsas Andie’s boss, Iona. The film was also notable for having its ending changed after poor test audience reactions; the perception was that it originally defeated the purpose of Andie’s journey and who she ended up with. There’s no telling if the original ending had worked with audiences and critics, soPretty in Pinkcould have left behind a different legacy if done so. Nevertheless, the film still launched the careers of several stars andresonated with fans with its heart and charm.
Pretty in Pink
6’Dope' (2015)
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa
We all love the ‘90s, right? Then maybe you’ll enjoy a ‘90s teen movie…that’s actually set in 2015.Dope, written and directed byRick Famuyiwa, centers around Malcolm (Shameik Moore), a nerdy teenager living in a rough neighborhood in Los Angeles. He spends his time worshiping ‘90s pop culture with his friends, Jib (Tony Revolori) and Dibby (Kiersey Clemons), and dreams of getting into Harvard. But when Malcolm receives an invitation to a secret party one night, he embarks on a journey that could lead him to great success.
Dopeis something of a busy film; its dense plot involving drugs and Bitcoin may have prevented it from achieving a greater level of remembrance over time. However,Dopeis a standout because of Moore’s performance, its diversity, and its setting. The main themes ofDopeare all abouttrying to survive the hardships of the environment while staying true to oneself, and that’s an important lesson for teens to understand. Add plenty of funny moments and charming characters, and you get yourself a film that truly is…dope.
5’Footloose' (1984)
Directed by Herbert Ross
Long before people started playing Six Degrees ofKevin Bacon, he was dancing and cutting loose, footloose. Directed byHerbert Ross,Footloosewas a major hit with audiences upon its 1984 release. Bacon plays Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves to a small town in Utah where dancing is banned due to a tragedy from years earlier. With the help of his new friend and love interest Ariel (Lori Singer) — the daughter of the town’s reverend (John Lithgow) — Ren attempts to get the ban overturned by making the townspeople rediscover the joy of dancing.
WhileFootloosewas not critically acclaimed, it did launch the careers of Bacon andSarah Jessica Parker,as well as the lateChris Penn. It’s also a film thatgarnered a reputation for being overshadowed by its soundtrack.Footloosemost likely would not have been nearly as memorable if it weren’t for such hit songs as “Holding Out for a Hero” byBonnie Tyler, “Let’s Hear It For the Boy” byDeniece Williams, and, of course, the titular track, “Footloose” byKenny Loggins. Probably, there’sno chance ofFootlooseever coming back, which is for the better; it should remain as an ’80s icon. Everybody cut footloose!
4’The Lost Boys' (1987)
Directed by Joel Schumacher
BeforeTwilightruled the world, everybody’s favorite vampire teen movie wasThe Lost Boys. The film was a success in 1987, often considered one of the best in the filmography of the lateJoel Schumacher. Brothers Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (the lateCorey Haim) and their divorced mother, Lucy (Dianne Wiest), move to the town of Santa Clara, California, where they discover a local gang of vampires. Things get even more sour when Michael falls for Star (JamiGertz), gaining the attention of the lead vampire, David (Kiefer Sutherland).
The Lost Boysiscredited with renewing interest in vampire fiction, particularly with younger audiences. It showed that besides being portrayed as traditional movie monsters,vampires could serve as a metaphor for the challenges of growing up, such as dealing with crushes and bullies.The Lost Boysalso helped further the careers of many young stars in the ‘80s, particularly Patric, Sutherland, and evenCorey Feldman. With blending horror, comedy, and coming-of-age,The Lost Boysremains a favorite in the vampire subgenre.
The Lost Boys
3’To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' (2018)
Directed by Susan Johnson
Nobody ever wants their secrets revealed, especially in the form of love letters written to every crush you’ve ever had. That’s exactly what happened with Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) in Netflix’s hit teen romantic comedyTo All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Based on the series of novels byJenny Han, the film — based on the first novel — tells the story of hopeless romantic Lara Jean, who must deal with the fallout of her secret love letters somehow received by her past crushes, leading to her faking a relationship with one of them, Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo).
The best way to describeTo All the Boys I’ve Loved Beforeis “wholesome;” it has sweet characters, natural humor, and is thoroughly romantic. While it’s not considered a groundbreaking milestone in the genre, it still should becommended for its representation on screen and sweet approach to romance. One ofNetflix’s most rewatchable rom-coms,To All the Boyshas expanded its franchise with two more installments and a series spinoff, each continuing its streak of sweet warmth.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
2’Spider-Man: Homecoming' (2017)
Directed by Jon Watts
Yes, a superhero film can count. Thanks to Marvel and Sony sharing the rights to everybody’s favorite web-slinging hero, Spider-Man was finally integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his introduction inCaptain America: Civil War,followed by a solo outing,Spider-Man: Homecoming. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) tries to balance life as a high school sophomore while also living a secret life as Spider-Man. From stopping the Vulture (MichaelKeaton) to homecoming with his crush, Liz (Laura Harrier), being a teenage superhero is hard.
Homecomingis one ofthe best coming-of-age superhero movies. Much of that is attributed to the casting and portrayal of modern high school life. Although Keaton’s Vulture is the main villain, Peter Parker’s biggest conflict ishis desire to do bigger and better in an Avengers-dominated world and put less effort into high school. His emotional arc culminates with his realizing that he can do just as good being a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Although the story can get busy at times,Spider-Man: Homecomingis still a super-standout in the teen movie genre.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
1’Clueless' (1995)
Cluelessis highly regarded as an iconic piece of ‘90s media, and understandably so. It’s slick, stylish, and soaked in the likability ofAlicia Silverstone. Loosely based on the classicJane AustennovelEmma, Silverstone plays Cher Horowitz, a rich and beautiful student at Beverly Hills High School who takes great pride in her popularity. Utilizing her status, Cher plays matchmaker for two single teachers and gives new student Tai (the lateBrittany Murphy) a makeover, all while slowly discovering her true feelings for her ex-stepbrother, Josh (Paul Rudd).
LikeThe Breakfast Clubwas for the ‘80s orMean Girlswas for the 2000s,Cluelessdefined teen films of the ‘90swhile continuing to live on as a timeless favorite. Much of that is attributed to the performances, fashion, and quotable dialogue (“As if!”). The film may not portray the ideal and even relatable high school experiences for most teenagers, but by being a somewhat comforting viewing experience, it bypasses its minimal faults.Cluelessallows viewers to idolize Cher Horowitzthanks to her charisma and heart. If anything, the film is not only one of the best near-perfect teen movies but alsoa solid ‘90s time capsule.
NEXT:The 10 Best Coming-of-Age Movies Not Set in High School, Ranked
