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 memories of attending high schools that put me under intense pressure that proved cruel. No matter how hard I often tried, I couldn’t cope with the tense pressure of 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 adolescents that experience angst in high school are 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 angst. 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 adolescence 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 Unlike commemorated movies made in the 1980’s which often tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully.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 after the release of a groundbreaking film about teens lacking a life direction forming relationships in detention, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that definitely deserves celebration.
2. 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 modern-day Hollywood.
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. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it has aged beautifully. 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 absolutely today.
4. 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 frequently treasure.
5. 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. 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 the distinct experiences of adolescents that deserve to be absolutely seen.
6. 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 absolutely timeless.
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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 commonly fade.
8. Footloose
Dancing has always been a common hobby of adolescents. Since the 1980’s, dancing has often caused rebellious adolescents to face adversities. The impact of rebellion on adolescents that are footloose is beautifully depicted in the movie “Footloose”. Released in 1984, Herbert Ross’ movie captured rebellious teenagers forming dancing societies. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Footloose” stand out is its depiction of dance. Ross uses captivating musical montages capturing an adolescent engaging in rebellious dancing. Assisted by Kevin Bacon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Ross created a captivating rebellious dance movie. As strong as Ren’s love for dancing, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made captivating movies about the experiences of adolescents that are worth celebrating.
9. 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 movie-goers’ soul.
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 angsty 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 vampires has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Edward’s vampire bite, it’s a bright reminder of a genre making movies about barriers adolescents fight which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion for movie reviews I write on my website.
The Film Buff 