The Best Movies About Troubled Teens 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 recall fond memories of attending high schools that put me under pressure that proved cruel. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t cope with the tense pressure of my academic studies that had often left me terrified. Being a shy teenager, I struggled to fit in a big high school where all the odds were often stacked against my favour. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the fact that high school did play a big role in shaping the person that I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my feelings of struggling to fit into a high school 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 troubled teens. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes used innovative cinematic techniques to capture teenagers in a high school facing a burden to bear. Hughes has always had an aptitude for making movies about the danger of high school, and “The Breakfast Club” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. 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 a great role by Judd Nelson, who embodied a rebel teen stuck in a detention. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” my favourite film about teens of all-time is its universal appeal.  Unlike commemorated movies made in the 1980’s which often tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about adolescents lacking a life direction forming relationships in detention, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that definitely deserves celebration.

2. Clueless

Clueless teenage girls shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with a cruel girl that was clueless in high school. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was an attractive girl that my entire school would admire. Concerned about public appearance, she always sought to form relationships with a strong sense of self-confidence. 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. Heckerling used captivating montages to capture the life of a clueless teen girl. For instance, the scene in which Cher becomes aware that she has fallen in love with Josh causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Alicia Silverstone, who portrayed a teenage girl in a league of her own. Ultimately, what makes “Clueless” a high school classic is its appeal. Despite focusing on teen girls in the 1990’s, it tackles commemorated themes that resonate with teenagers today. A captivating portrait of teen girls that are clueless, it’s a compelling reminder of a genre that has made movies that are commonly timeless.

3. 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 definitely deserve to be celebrated today.

4. 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. 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 definitely seen.

5. 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. 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. It delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making commemorated movies about which audiences care.

6. Boyhood

Few filmmakers in Hollywood have made movies audiences treasure like Richard Linklater. With their compelling storytelling, realism and strong meaning, Linklater’s movies have earned a huge following. Linklater has often explored themes of troubled teens facing adversities in his movies. In 2014, Linklater showcased his strengths for making movies about childhood in his movie “Boyhood”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is its technique. Linklater effectively uses the process of filming the same actors over 12 years to create a compelling portrait of teenagers. Assisted by Ellar Coltrane who is extraordinary in the lead role, Linklater created a compelling teen movie. A captivating portrait of childhood, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre making unforgettable movies in Hollywood.

7. 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 seemingly fade.

8. The Fault in Our Stars

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about terminal illness affecting teenagers, it’s worth discussing The Fault in Our Stars. Since publication in 2012, John Green’s book has become a literary classic. In 2014, Josh Boone honoured the book in his movie “The Fault in Our Stars”.  Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Fault in Our Stars” stand out is its depiction of terminal illness. Boone uses captivating montages capturing hardships that terminally ill teens are facing. The film captures the way death can affect ill teenagers in an authentic manner. Assisted by Shailene Woodley who is spectacular in the lead role, Boone honoured a book about illness. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about an ill teen, it’s a touching reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies that deserve to be seen on the big-screen.

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 commonly treasure.

10. Twilight

Few movies ever made about bright teenagers falling in love at first sight are as beloved as “Twilight”. Released in 2008, Catherine Hardwicke’s movie depicted teenagers facing vampires causing adversity. Hardwicke used captivating montages capturing hardships a teenage girl falling in love with vampires is facing. Assisted by Kristen Stewart who is amazing in the lead role, Hardwick honoured a book about vampires. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of teen girls falling in love with frightening vampires has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Edward’s love for Bella, it’s a sharp reminder of a genre manufacturing memorable movies about lost teens that endure a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.