The Best Films Made About Adolescence Ranked

Not many genres have gained an audience as huge as adolescence. Since the 1980’s, the genre has produced many strong movies. Whether it’s bold teenagers, poetic teachers or socially awkward loners, the genre has created several characters. Given the sheer number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best teen movies which deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Breakfast Club

High school is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I remember fond memories of attending a dark high school where I faced intense pressure. No matter how hard I often tried, I couldn’t stand up against mean bullies in my school that left me terrified. Being a shy nerd, I struggled to fit in with my peers in a dark school where my quiet voice was rarely heard. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the fact that high school did play a big role in shaping the person I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured struggles faced by adolescents seeking to fit into a club as powerfully as “The Breakfast Club”. Ever since its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about adolescence. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the heavy burden teenagers bear. Hughes has always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of teenagers that face danger, and “The Breakfast Club” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Hughes effectively used improvisation to create a realistic portrait of teenage angst. For instance, the confession scene in which the teens sit together revealing why they are in detention causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Michael Hall, who portrayed an angst-ridden teenager facing adversity. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” my favourite film about adolescence of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated, it has aged beautifully today. Despite focusing on teenagers during the 1980’s, its themes of adolescence resonate with modern adolescents today. Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about rebellious teenagers lacking a life direction forming bonds in detention, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has produced unforgettable movies worthy of celebration.

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. As far as I can remember, I’ve always been an anxious person. My anxiety first began in high school when I faced tense pressure to succeed in a tough class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced a grim nervous breakdown affecting my success. I felt humiliated having a public nervous breakdown. As someone that faced severe anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie honoured a book about teenagers. Chbosky used montages to capture an anxious teenager struggling to cope with trauma. For instance, the scene in which Charlie faces a nervous breakdown after he bids farewell to his companions causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, who embodied a teen under pressure. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teen, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has made strong movies about adolescents that deserve to be seen.

3. Lady Bird

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I can remember, I have always shared a complicated bond with my mother. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do certain things in life has often been irritating. Despite her strict parenting, I have always admired a mother I find inspiring. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that made me feel heard, I adored “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Greta Gerwig’s movie offered a beautiful portrait of a mother-daughter relationship. Gerwig has always had an aptitude for making feminist movies about powerful mothers, and “Lady Bird” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker.  For instance, the scene in which Lady Bird has an argument with her mother in a car trip causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodied a teenager sharing a complex bond with her mother. Ultimately, what makes “Lady Bird” a great classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about motherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Lady Bird’s bond with her mother, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies which audiences treasure.

4. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. A person with larger-than-life presence, he always offered students valuable guidance. His words of wisdom motivated me to pursue film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my identity, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured teachers guiding adolescents in a boarding school. Weir used captivating montages capturing the strong bond between a poetry professor and his students he grows to treasure. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids farewell to his students standing on chairs in a classroom is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Robin Williams, who proved how great of an actor he was before he passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of teachers that play a role guiding teens to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

5. Boyhood

Childhood is a crucial time in life that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of childhood that shaped my persona. I was often worried about passing classes that were challenging, being bullied and finding social acceptance among peers. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured childhood as powerfully as “Boyhood”. Ever since its release in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie has become a classic. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is its unique technique. Linklater used the technique of filming the movie over 12 years to capture adolescence. For instance, the scene in which Mason bids farewell to his mother as he embarks on a journey to college in America remains one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ellar Coltrane, who embodies a child growing up over 12 years. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood that would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of childhood, it’s a compelling reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies in Hollywood.

6. Eighth Grade

Eighth grade is a pivotal time in school that shaped my identity. I remember being a socially awkward teenager that struggled to fit in with peers. It was a frightening time that came with complicated emotion. As someone treasuring fond memories of eighth grade, I adored “Eighth Grade”. Released in 2018, Bo Burnham’s movie captured teen girls in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Bo Burnham uses his experience as a comedian to capture a dark time when teenagers face tension. Assisted by Elsie Fisher who is excellent, Burnham creates a powerful portrait of teenagers. An extraordinary portrait of teenage girls that are afraid in eighth grade, it’s an excellent reminder of a commemorated genre in which interest has rarely ever begun to fade.

7. The Graduate

The lives of graduate students are often aimless.  I remember that my life lacked a clear purpose after I had graduated from university. Unable to find stable employment, I questioned what I was doing with my life. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my emotions of being an aimless graduate student as powerfully as “The Graduate”. Mike Nichols’ movie forever changed the coming-of-age genre through its depiction of an age-gap romance. Nichols uses stunning montages to capture the life of an aimless graduate student. Assisted by Dustin Hoffman who is amazing in the lead role, Nichols created a commemorated coming-of-age classic that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of graduate students that lack a meaningful goal, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made films which often touch the soul.

8. Moonlight

Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Hollywood has often built barriers against the LGBTQ community. In an industry rarely shining light on barriers queer people fight, it’s worth praising “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning movie depicted gay teenagers facing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Moonlight” stand out is its depiction of queer teenagers. Jenkins uses stunning symbolism capturing hardships that queer teenagers are facing. Assisted by Ashton Sanders who is amazing in the lead role, Jenkins created a portrait of queer teenagers that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of the frightening burden that queer adolescents bear, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about which audiences care.

9. The Spectacular Now

Realism is a rare quality that is seldom seen in teen movies. Most movies often paint a fantastical portrait of teens without confronting harsh realities of adolescence. Offering a sense of escapism, teen movies are rarely ever rooted in realism. In a genre that has rarely shown how teenagers deal with harsh realities, it’s worth praising “The Spectacular Now”. Released in 2013, James Ponsoldt’s movie offered a spectacular portrait of teenagers in love. Unlike most movies in the coming-of-age genre, what makes “The Spectacular Now” stand out is its strong sense of realism. Ponsoldt used naturalistic dialogue to create a romantic relationship that’s realistic. A realistic portrait of teenagers falling in love in a relationship that’s tragic, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made iconic movies which have captivated the public.

10. 10 Things I Hate About You

Few movies ever made about struggles adolescents in high school go through are as beloved as “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie captured teens in high school. Junger used captivating montages capturing frightening obstacles that teenagers in high schools are facing. Assisted by Heath Ledger who is extraordinary in the lead role, Junger created a captivating high school comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of nerds as outcasts rejected by girls they fall in love with causing adversity has tarnished its legacy. As strong as Cameron’s love for Bianca, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about adolescents facing a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.