The Best Movies Made About Teenagers Ranked

Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like teenagers. Since the 1980’s, teens have often appeared in memorable movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, rebellious girls or inspiring school teachers, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about teens that deserve to be appreciated.

1. The Breakfast Club

High school is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I remember memories attending schools causing pressure. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against mean bullies in school leaving me terrified. Being a shy teenager, I often struggled fitting in with peers in the school setting. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the fact that high school did play a role in shaping the person I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured emotions of teenagers struggling 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 teenagers. 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 is one of the greatest moments of the coming-of-age genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” the greatest teen movie ever made is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a profound message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. 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 commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies worthy of celebration.

2. Short Term 12

It’s always challenging to recover from childhood trauma. Several years ago, I formed a close bond with an intelligent kid experiencing abuse causing sorrow. Adopting negative life perspectives, he shared broken relationships with parents which were abusive. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from traumatic abuse that left him terrified. As someone treasuring memories of a companion that face short-term trauma, I adored “Short Term 12”.  Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured foster care workers taking care of youth in mental institutions. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between social workers and youth in a mental hospital that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Grace opens up about her traumatic past revealing she was sexually abused causing a dilemma in mental hospitals is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Despite focusing on teenagers in a mental hospital, it discusses themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing movies about which audiences care.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. My anxiety first began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced a nervous breakdown affecting my success. I felt humiliated having a nervous breakdown in front of teachers I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the anxiety faced by wallflower teenagers as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about anxious teenagers. Chbosky used stunning montages to capture an anxious teenager struggling to cope with trauma. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a tense nervous breakdown after he bids farewell to his longtime 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 teenager under pressure. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would definitely resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teen, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced great movies which deserve to be seen.

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. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing in the world I couldn’t accomplish. 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. Nevertheless, my childhood shaped the person I have become today. 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. 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 coming-of-age 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 universal appeal. Witnessing Mason growing up over 12 years brought back fond memories of my own adolescence. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood that would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of childhood, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies in Hollywood.

6. 10 Things I Hate About You

Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school seeking marriage. We always enjoyed spending time together. However, immigration brought our bond to a sudden closure. As someone treasuring memories of a childhood crush I value, I adored “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s romantic comedy captured the bonds between teenage lovers. Junger effectively used musical montages to capture joyous romantic relationships among teenagers. At the centre of it all is Heath Ledger, who proved how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. An engaging portrait of teens listing 10 things they hate about each other in high school, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies audiences consider to be cool.

7. Clueless

Clueless teenage girls shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with a cruel girl that was clueless in high school. Her aimless life lacked a clear direction. As someone treasuring fond memories of a girl that was clueless, I adored “Clueless”. Released in 1995, Amy Heckerling’s movie captured lives of clueless teenage girls. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Clueless” stand out is its depiction of teen girls. Heckerling uses captivating montages capturing hardships a teen girl in high school is facing. Assisted by Alicia Silverstone who is amazing in the lead role, Heckerling created a compelling teen drama. A captivating portrait of teen girls that are clueless, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the lives of teenagers that are timeless.

8. 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 a strong reminder of a commemorated genre in which interest has rarely ever begun to fade.

9. Lady Bird

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I have shared complicated bonds with my mother. Despite her strict parenting, I have always admired a mother I find inspiring. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that made me feel heard, I adored “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Greta Gerwig’s movie captured teen girls bonding with mothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Lady Bird” stand out is its depiction of motherhood. Gerwig uses captivating montages capturing a teen girl and her mother arguing. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is amazing in the lead role, Gerwig created a captivating teen masterpiece. As powerful as Lady Bird’s bond with her mother, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies that audiences treasure.

10. Footloose

Few movies ever made about rebellious teenagers causing hell to break loose are as beloved as “Footloose”. Released in 1984, Herbert Ross’ movie captured rebellious teenage dancers. Ross used captivating musical montages capturing a rebellious teen with love for dancing. Assisted by Kevin Bacon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Ross created a captivating teen musical. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of parents as figures of authority that treat teenagers with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Ren’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre making terrific movies about tragic hardships experienced by teenagers which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of being a film critic.