50 Best Teen Movies To Rewatch And Take A Step Back From Adulting

1985 | 1 hour 37 minutes | Directed by John Hughes
 
Starring Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald
 
As I previously stated, The Breakfast Club might be the cream of the crop in the ‘80s fare. If not the best, then definitely one of the best movies produced in the high-concept blockbuster era. Character growth is what distinguishes this movie from others. By the movie's end, they have undergone some sort of change. The uncertainty about whether or not things will stay the same when this movie is over adds to the drama. The viewer is left to draw their own conclusions about how things will pan out. The unknown sucks; however, it's one of those elements crucial for the film to turn out the way it did. Leave them begging for more, eh? However, all good things must end, and perhaps that's the beauty of this film.

1995 | 1 hour 37 minutes | Directed by Amy Heckerling
 
Starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
 
Thanks to Amy Heckerling's likable portrayal of youth and even more so because of Alicia Silverstone's charming performance, the 1990s high school setting adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma put this teen flick very high on the list. What sets Clueless apart from other high school comedies is the use of stereotypes. In most teen movies, stereotypes and clichés are unintentionally there to produce a subconscious impact. However, in Clueless, they are heavily ridiculed and exaggerated. The film mocks rich kids and their "problems," contrasting them with a traditional love story. It's one of those feel-good films you can't go wrong with. It's light and airy, like driving down the street with the top down, and to top it off, it's hella hilarious.

2004 | 1 hour 37 minutes | Directed by Mark Waters
 
Starring Lindsay Lohan, Jonathan Bennett, Rachel McAdams
 
Best teen movie since Clueless? Could be. Mean Girls is a lighthearted film that both adults and its apparent target demographic of teenagers can enjoy to the fullest. The flick begins with Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) starting her first day in the jungle (aka, high school) after spending her entire life being home-schooled in Africa. Although the movie is definitely an exaggerated representation of reality, it still captures the harshness, absurdity, and struggles to find and remain true to oneself inside the social construct of high school. And the result is quite an intelligent film with lots of sarcasm and observational humor - sort of a Clueless that isn't so nineties. But, oh, So Fetch!

1987 | 1 hour 40 minutes | Directed by Emile Ardolino
 
Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach
 
Dirty Dancing is perhaps one of the most recognized and best-reviewed movies about dancing that has endured the test of time. The film's plot goes that Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with Johnny Castle, the camp's dancing instructor, while spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family. In essence, Dirty Dancing is a movie about letting go of rigid social conventions and allowing the music to embrace you. Instead of following rules and routines, you dance to the beat where the music sets the pace and atmosphere. The film will leave you feeling emotionally moved, filled with joy in your heart, and inspired to dance the night away. A cult classic and an absolute must-watch if you haven't already.

2007 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by Jason Reitman
 
Starring Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner
 
Rather a relevant topic in this day and age, eh? If you feel worried that this movie may offend you because it might support teen pregnancy or, on the contrary, abortion, don't think of it that way. The film is well worth watching for both parties. It's not a sugar-coated story; instead, it's a down-to-earth one that isn't always pretty, but the attitude towards it couldn't be more appropriate. Juno is a teen movie that is intelligent and carries many positive messages. It accepts unconventional youngsters and the challenging situations they face. The film is both a love story and an empowering one. If only all indie films were as memorable or astounding as this one!

1986 | 1 hour 43 minutes | Directed by John Hughes
 
Starring Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
 
This film is a lovely journey in pursuit of enjoyment, relaxation, not taking life too seriously, and learning how to sing Wayne Newton songs in the middle of a parade. Hughes was sympathetic to the difficulties of adolescence and purposefully avoided Hollywood's frequently superficial portrayals of the teen years. He tried to represent teens genuinely and give them relevance in his films, which makes the film more relatable and honest. It's humorous and demonstrates the value of "living your life before it passes by." While many movies lose their appeal as we age, this one doesn't. Give it a shot.

2004 | 1 hour 37 minutes | Directed by Mark Waters
 
Starring Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford

A bikini car wash. Pajama sleep-overs. Cheerleading pom poms. Sure, it's cliché, fluffy, and with predictable characters and scenarios, but if you look past the flaws (if we call them that), it's a super bright and high-spirited movie with a lot of redeeming factors. Young girls and cheerleading enthusiasts will very much enjoy this movie, and almost anyone will find it entertaining. The film earned $90.5 million at the box office with just a $10 million budget, which says quite a lot. It's well-directed, full of hilarious high school situations and scenes of kids who take themselves way too seriously.

1998 | 1 hour 33 minutes | Directed by Wes Anderson
 
Starring Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams
 
Rushmore has everything that today's cinematic movies are missing: dry humor, original screenplay, music that makes a moment memorable, and real heart. Rushmore's Max Fischer, who attempts to find his place in the world by getting involved in extracurricular activities, strikes the viewer as the perfect example of a flawed yet bright character. It's rare to see a director infuse a wordless scene in a movie with so much awkwardness and kindness. One director who can do it is Wes Anderson. Even when his characters are silent, we can read their feelings and sense their suffering. This piece shows that the director has wiped his entire heart on this one.

1988 | 1 hour 43 minutes | Directed by Michael Lehmann
 
Starring Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
 
An excellent teen life satire from the 1980s. It takes every cliché and example of teen angst and turns it into a goofy storyline of rebellion and revenge. Contrary to many teen flicks with lasting appeal, Heathers thrives due to its intelligence and humor rather than the feeling of nostalgia. The dark humor and occasionally improbable plot only heighten the bizarre setting and memorable lines. This movie is a must-see and valuable addition to any DVD collection thanks to a sizzling-hot cast, an excellent script, and director Michael Lehmann's vision. It's a genre-defying classic because it depicts the dramatically sensationalized world of high school.

2006 | 1 hour 29 minutes | Directed by Betty Thomas
 
Starring Jesse Metcalfe, Ashanti, Arielle Kebbel
 
The star of the high school basketball team, John Tucker (the one who must die), is secretly seeing three students at the same school. After discovering their "serial cheater" boyfriend is three-timing them, the girls plan for sweet revenge. John is made to fall in love with the new girl, only for her to later break his heart. It might be your average teen movie, but with a twist, which is precisely what makes the film stand out among the others in its demographic. It has a good heart and message towards the end and is relatable, hilarious, and engaging. It's an absolute must-watch in your teen years. Heck, I'm going to watch it again tonight. And oh lord, Jesse Metcalfe is a heartthrob to this day!