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The 57 Best Teen Movies of All Time, from ‘Clueless’ to ‘Hunger Games’

Finding something to watch on family movie night can be a challenge once your kids outgrow Disney animations. Don’t fret, because thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, there are countless great titles to help them navigate through those tricky adolescent years. From The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants to Clueless, here are 57 of the best teen movies of all time to keep the whole family entertained. Get your popcorn ready.

The 75 Best Family Movies of All Time


freedom writers
Paramount Pictures

1. ‘Freedom Writers’ (2007)

  • Who's in it? Hilary Swank Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn
  • Run time: 122 minutes

Inspired by true events, the film revolves around a dedicated teacher named Erin Gruwell, who goes above and beyond to ensure her students plan for the future.

clueless teen movie recommendation1
‎Paramount Pictures

2. ‘Clueless’(1995)

  • Who's in it? Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd
  • Run time: 97 minutes

Loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma, this funny teen classic set in Beverly Hills is a must-see for its iconic ’90s fashion, quotable dialogue (“as if”) and killer soundtrack. Revisit Cher Horowitz as she takes the "tragically unhip" newbie, Tai under her wing and gives her the makeover of a lifetime.

the karate kid
Columbia Pictures

3. ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)

  • Who's in it? Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka
  • Run time: 127 minutes

When Daniel enrolls in a new school, he becomes the prime target of a group of bullies. In an attempt to defend himself, he enlists Mr. Miyagi, a repairman who just so happens to be a martial arts master.

pursuit of happyness
Columbia Pictures

4. 'The Pursuit Of Happyness' (2006)

  • Who's in it? Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith
  • Run time: 117 minutes

When Chris and his young son are evicted from their apartment, they embark on a life-changing journey that opens their eyes to what’s important in life.

little movie
Universal Pictures

5. ‘Little’ (2019)

  • Who's in it? Regina Hall, Issa Rae, Marsai Martin
  • Run time: 109 minutes

Jordan is a badass businesswoman. That is, until she magically transforms into a 13-year-old version of herself. Sassy attitude included. (Fun fact: It was this movie that earned Martin her historic title as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history.)

lady bird
A24

6. ‘Lady Bird’ (2017)

  • Who's in it? Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges
  • Run time: 94 minutes

This coming-of-age flick directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan has it all: brilliant writing, stellar performances and all the nostalgia (the main character is a high school senior in 2002). No wonder it garnered five nominations at the 90th Academy Awards including one for Best Director (Gerwig becoming only the fifth woman ever to do so).

the longshots
MGM

7. ‘The Longshots’ (2008)

  • Who's in it? Ice Cube, Keke Palmer, Dash Mihok, Tasha Smith
  • Run time: 95 minutes

Ice Cube stars as a former football player becomes coach of the Pop Warner team. His secret weapon? His niece Jasmine, AKA the quarterback.

the sisterhood of the traveling pants film
Warner Bros. Pictures    

8. ‘The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants’ (2005)

  • Who's in it? Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel
  • Run time: 119 minutes

We love this sweet story about magical jeans (it makes sense in the movie, we promise) and friendship almost as much as we love the fact that its four stars have stayed super close since then.

mulan1
Disney

9. 'Mulan' (2020)

  • Who's in it? Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee
  • Run time: 115 minutes

In this live-action version, Yifei Liu stars as Mulan, a brave girl who disguises herself as a man, so she can serve in the Imperial Army.

easy a teenage film
Screen Gems  

10.‘Easy A’ (2010)

  • Who's in it? Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes
  • Run time: 92 minutes

If The Scarlet Letter is on your teen’s school curriculum, then this witty flick starring the very talented (and hilarious) Emma Stone is a must-watch.

secret life of bees
Fox Searchlight Pictures

11. ‘The Secret Life Of Bees’(2008)

  • Who's in it? Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys
  • Run time: 110 minutes

Lily Owens visits a small South Carolina town in an attempt to learn more about her late mother. While there, she meets the Boatwright sisters, who take her in and teach her about beekeeping.

hoop dreams documentary film
Fine Line Features  

12. ‘Hoop Dreams’ (1994)

  • Who's in it? William Gates, Arthur Agee
  • Run time: 171 minutes

Follow two inner city kids from Chicago as they dream of basketball glory in this riveting documentary that tackles race and class issues.

crazy beautiful you
Netflix

13. ‘Crazy Beautiful You’ (2015)

  • Who's in it? Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla
  • Run time: 114 minutes

Jackie is less than thrilled to be accompanying her mom on a medical mission—that is, until she meets Kiko.

juno teenage film
Fox Searchlight Pictures

14. ‘Juno’(2007)

  • Who's in it? Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner
  • Run time: 96 minutes

Pop culture references abound in this quirky and critically acclaimed film about a pregnant teen. The soundtrack is just as brilliant as Elliot Page’s wisecracking yet sensitive performance.

bend it like beckham
Fox Searchlight Pictures

15. ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ (2002)

  • Who's in it? Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers
  • Run time: 112 minutes

Jess’s strict parents won’t let her play soccer. When she secretly joins a semi-pro team, she creates a web of lies to hide her whereabouts.

like a boss
Paramount Pictures

16. 'Like A Boss' (2020)

  • Who's in it? Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Coolidge
  • Run time: 83 minutes

When someone offers to buy out their cosmetics company, Mia and Mel’s friendship is put to the test.

carey mulligan in an education
Sony Pictures Classics

17. ‘An Education’ (2009)

  • Who's in it? Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina
  • Run time: 100 minutes

Carey Mulligan’s breakout role in this drama set in 1960 taps into every teenage girl’s desire to be treated like an adult. This Oscar-winning script navigates heartbreak, consequences and what it means to grow up.

annie remake
Columbia Pictures

18. ‘Annie’ (2014)

  • Who's in it? Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhane Wallis, Rose Byrne
  • Run time: 118 minutes

A modern-day version of the story we know and love, following an orphan whose hard-knock life is changed for the better when she’s taken in by a lonely billionaire.

aladdin remake1
Walt Disney Studios

19. ‘Aladdin’ (2019)

  • Who's in it? Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott
  • Run time: 128 minutes

Everyone knows the lovable street urchin, but they’ve never seen him like this. Relive the classic story with Disney’s live-action adaptation, which follows Aladdin as he teams up with a genie to defeat the evil sorcerer, Jafar.

y tu mama tambien movie still
IFC Films/Good Machine  

20. ‘Y Tu Mama Tambien’ (2001)

  • Who's in it? Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna
  • Run time: 106 minutes

This art-house movie follows two Mexican teenage boys on a spontaneous road trip with an older woman. Rated R, this one’s best for the older set. No giggling, kids.

mean girls teenage comedy film
Paramount Pictures  

21. ‘Mean Girls’ (2004)

  • Who's in it? Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tim Meadows
  • Run time: 97 minutes

Written by Tina Fey and starring Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan (plus Amy Poehler as the “cool mom”), this move is so fetch. (Translation: smart, funny and an instant classic.)


rebel without a cause james dean
Warner Bros.

22. ‘Rebel Without A Cause’ (1955)

  • Who's in it? James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo
  • Run time: 111 minutes

Starring the original teenage heartthrob, James Dean, this coming-of-age classic follows a trio of troubled teens as they try to navigate their own issues and family drama.

to all the boys
Netflix

23. ‘To All The Boys I've Loved Before’ (2018)

  • Who's in it? Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish
  • Run time: 99 minutes

Things get complicated for high school junior Lara Jean Covey when five of her secret love letters get mailed out to their recipients—including her friend Josh, who happens to be dating her older sister Margot. She quickly enlists the help of Peter Kavinsky to fake a romance in order to convince Josh that her letter meant nothing. Based on the YA book of the same name, this is a sweet ode to young love.

love simon
20th Century Fox

24. ‘Love, Simon’ (2018)

  • Who's in it? Nick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Garner
  • Run time: 110 minutes

Young love can be tough, especially for 17-year-old Simon Spier who hasn't told his family or friends that he's gay. And that's not all—Simon falls for one of his classmates online but has no idea who this person is.

superbad teenage comedy film
Columbia Pictures  

25. ‘Superbad’ (2007)

  • Who's in it? Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogen
  • Run time: 113 minutes

Sure, the plot seems like your run-of-the-mill male teen movie (hormone-fueled high schoolers on a quest to buy booze so that they can get laid), but it’s surprisingly funny and endearingly sweet.

13 going on 30 teen movie recommendation
Columbia Pictures  

26. ‘13 Going On 30’ (2004)

  • Who's in it? Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer
  • Run time: 98 minutes

A feel good rom-com that transports 13-year-old Jenna into adulthood, thanks to some clever birthday wish magic. But being a grown-up isn’t quite as fun as she thought it would be—good thing her old pal Matt is there to help.

crazy rich asians
SANJA BUCKO/WARNER BROS

27. 'Crazy Rich Asians' (2018)

  • Who's in it? Constance Wu, Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan
  • Run time: 121 minutes

Rachel has been dating Nick for several years, but she’s never met his family…until now.

hunger games
Lionsgate Films

28. ‘Hunger Games’ (2012)

  • Who's in it? Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
  • Run time: 142 minutes

For a dose of fantasy that's a little more badass, look no further than this dystopian science fiction-adventure flick. Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen, the brave member of the 12th district who volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games—an annual fight to the death.

eighth grade
A24/ Sundance Institute Pro

29. ‘Eight Grade’ (2018)

  • Who's in it? Elsie Fisher, Daniel Zolghadri, Fred Hechinger
  • Run time: 94 minutes

Watch thirteen-year-old Kayla navigate the challenges of early adolescence (including social media and constant phone use) as she makes her way through the last week of middle school. This teenage movie is awkward, sweet and will give you all the feels.

ferris beullers day off
Paramount Pictures

30. ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off’ (1986)

  • Who's in it? Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck
  • Run time: 103 minutes

Another John Hughes classic, this time starring Matthew Broderick as Ferris, a whipsmart high schooler who calls in sick, borrows a Ferrari and takes his friends on an epic one-day adventure around Chicago. But will the principal catch him before the day is over?

freaky friday
Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista Pictures

31. ‘Freaky Friday’ (2003)

  • Who's in it? Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Harold Gould
  • Run time: 96 minutes

Don't you sometimes wish your kid could see the world from your perspective (and vice versa)? Enter this sweet flick that stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan as a mother and daughter whose bodies are switched thanks to a magical Chinese fortune cookie.

what men want
JESS MIGLIO/PARAMOUNT PICTURES

32. 'What Men Want' (2019)

  • Who's in it? Taraji P. Henson, Aldis Hodge, Josh Brener
  • Run time: 117 minutes

After drinking a psychic’s concoction, Ali is suddenly able to hear what men are thinking. As expected, her male colleagues don’t know what hit them.

10 things i hate about you
Touchstone Pictures

33. ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)

  • Who's in it? Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik
  • Run time: 97 minutes

In this modern twist on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, quick-witted and super smart Kat Stratford is totally uninterested in the boys at school. But her younger sister, Bianca, isn't allowed to date until Kat has a boyfriend. So, Bianca and nice guy Cameron join forces so that Kat meets handsome and rebellious Patrick Verona. And well, you'll just have to watch to see what happens next.

booksmart
United Artists Releasing

34. ‘Booksmart’ (2019)

  • Who's in it? Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams, Jason Sudeikis
  • Run time: 105 minutes

Directed by Olivia Wilde, this charming comedy about two best friends is the ultimate feel-good Friday night flick. When Amy and Molly realize how much they missed out on in high school because they were busy studying, they decide to make the most out of the night before graduation.

your name
Toho

35. ‘Your Name’ (2017)

  • Who's in it? Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi
  • Run time: 107 minutes

This beautiful Japanese film follows two teenagers—one in Tokyo and the other in a rural village—who suddenly begin to switch bodies. The duo fall in love and try to find each other even though they've never actually met or even know each other's names.

princess diaries
Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista Pictures

36. ‘The Princess Diaries’ (2001)

  • Who's in it? Anne Hathaway, Héctor Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore
  • Run time: 115 minutes

Anne Hathaway's breakout role as Mia Thermopolis, a regular girl who finds out that she's the Princess of the fictional country of Genovia. But being royalty isn't quite as fun as you think.

17 again
Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line Entertainment

37. ‘17 Again’ (2009)

  • Who's in it? Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, Michelle Trachtenberg
  • Run time: 106 minutes

A middle-aged man gets the chance to rewrite his past when he somehow finds himself back in his 17-year-old body. Things seem great at first but being seventeen isn't so easy. So yeah, basically the opposite of 13 Going on 30.

grease
Paramount Pictures

38. ‘Grease’ (1978)

  • Who's in it? John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing
  • Run time: 110 minutes

This classic musical may be set in the 1950s, but the soundtrack is just as good as ever.

pitch perfect
Richard P. Ulivella/Universal Pictures

39. ‘Pitch Perfect’ (2012)

  • Who's in it? Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson
  • Run time: 112 minutes

For more killer tunes (but contemporary ones this time) check out this pop-perfect flick about an all-female a cappella group as they try to make their way back to the top.

dead poets society teenage film
Buena Vista Pictures

40. ‘Dead Poets Society’(1989)

  • Who's in it? Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
  • Run time: 128 minutes

Bring on the tissues—this moving story about a conservative New England prep school for boys is a tearjerker in its own right, but Robin Williams’s performance as an unconventional English teacher will really pull at your heartstrings.

the diary of a teenage girl movie1
Sony Pictures Classics

41. ‘The Diary Of A Teenage Girl’ (2015)

  • Who's in it? Bel Powley, Alexander Skarsgård, Christopher Meloni
  • Run time: 102 minutes

Refreshing and laugh-out-loud funny, this adaptation of Phoebe Gloeckner's autobiographical novel takes an honest look at a teen’s complicated journey into womanhood. Parental advisory: The themes in this one are definitely more mature, so make sure you know your audience.

little miss sunshine teen movie recommendation
Fox Searchlight Pictures

42. ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)

  • Who's in it? Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano
  • Run time: 102 minutes

Follow the dysfunctional Hoover family as they road trip to California to support the youngest member of their clan in her bid to win the Little Miss Sunshine contest. Funny, touching and totally original.

the breakfast club teen movie recommendation
Universal Pictures  

43. ‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)

  • Who's in it? Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Paul Gleason, Judd Nelson
  • Run time: 97 minutes

We could have picked any film from director John Hughes’s canon, but this one reigns supreme. Five high schoolers—the jock, the punk, the geek, the popular girl and the outcast—bond over one day’s detention, and realize that maybe they’re not so different after all.

the perks of being a wallflower teen movie1
Summit Entertainment  

44. ‘The Perks Of Being A Wallflower’ (2012)

  • Who's in it? Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
  • Run time: 103 minutes

Adapted from a novel of the same name, this sensitive film follows a young high schooler with clinical depression as he navigates school, friends and his first love (Emma Watson).

now and then teenage movie
New Line Cinema

45. ‘Now And Then’ (1995)

  • Who's in it? Christina Ricci, Rosie O'Donnell, Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith, Gaby Hoffmann
  • Run time: 100 minutes

Watch this one with your teen—it’s pure childhood nostalgia. A beautiful story of friendship, adventure and Devon Sawa.

almost famous movie still
Columbia Pictures

46. ‘Almost Famous’ (2000)

  • Who's in it? Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson
  • Run time: 122 minutes

This sweet coming-of-age story about a 15-year-old boy going on the road with an up-and-coming rock band in the 1970s is required viewing for every budding musician and/or journalist.

persepolis animation
Sony Pictures  

47. ‘Persepolis’ (2007)

  • Who's in it? Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve
  • Run time: 96 minutes

An animated adaptation of a graphic-novel memoir, this may feel like a very different childhood existence to the one you had (or the one your teen is experiencing), but nonetheless this coming-of-age movie set during the Islamic Revolution and told from a young girl’s point of view is a definite must-see.

sean penn in fast times at ridgemont high
Refugee Films  

48. ‘Fast Times At Ridgemont High’ (1982)

  • Who's in it? Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates
  • Run time: 90 minutes

Sean Penn’s best performance. Yep, we said it. This classic high school comedy takes a peak into the lives of multiple high school-ers trying to figure out the whole growing up thing in the ‘80s. Oh, and Matthew McConaughey’s there, too.

breaking away teen film
20th Century Fox

49. ‘Breaking Away’(1979)

  • Who's in it? Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern
  • Run time: 101 minutes

Remember that weird but momentous summer you had right after you graduated high school? This charming (and totally underrated) film follows four friends during that time, as they figure out their next step into adulthood. A fun flick that will make you feel pretty damn great at the end (and also possibly considering taking a bike tour of Italy).

the outsiders teen movie1
Warner Bros.  

50. ‘The Outsiders’ (1983)

  • Who's in it? C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio
  • Run time: 91 minutes

A coming-of-age drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola that tells the story of the ongoing gang rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs in rural Oklahoma. It features a stellar cast that includes Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez and Tom Cruise. Stay gold, guys.

american honey
A24

51. ‘American Honey’ (2016)

  • Who's in it? Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf, Riley Keough
  • Run time: 163 minutes

When Star runs away from home, she becomes friends with a group of teenagers, who aren’t the best influence. (Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised due to serious themes, including smoking, alcohol and sexual content.)

inside out movie still
Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar  

52. ‘Inside Out’ (2015)

  • Who's in it? Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader
  • Run time: 95 minutes

OK, so this Disney Pixar flick may be aimed at a younger audience, but viewers of all ages will fall in love with its sweet message, relatable emotions and lovable characters.

twilight
Summit Entertainment

53. ‘Twilight’ (2008)

  • Who's in it? Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli
  • Run time: 121 minutes

When it comes to teenage fantasy films, this vampire saga is the ultimate viewing experience. Watch with your kid and then discuss whether you're Team Edward or Team Jacob for the next six hours.

heathers
Archive Photos/Getty Images

54. ‘Heathers’ (1989)

  • Who's in it? Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
  • Run time: 103 minutes

This dark comedy follows popular girl at school Veronica and her new boyfriend, J.D. who devise a plot to kill all the cool kids. (We told you it was dark.)

best teen movies roll bounce
Fox Searchlight Pictures

55. 'Roll Bounce'(2005)

  • Who's in it? Shad Moss/Bow Wow, Nick Cannon, Meagan Good, Brandon T. Jackson
  • Run time: 104 minutes

Set in 1970s Chicago, Roll Bounce follows 16-year-old Xavier and his friends, who have a passion for roller skating. When their go-to spot shuts down, they're forced to move to an upscale roller rink, where they enter a contest in hopes of maintaining their reputation.

best teen movies let it shine
GWAVE Productions

56. 'Let It Shine'(2012)

  • Who's in it? Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones, Trevor Jackson
  • Run time: 104 minutes

Williams stars as 15–year-old Cyrus, a skilled choir director who has a hidden talent for writing rap lyrics. But when his best friend steals his work to get with Cyrus's crush, he has to step up and prove his skills to win her heart.

five feet apart best teen movie
CBS Films/Lionsgate

57. ‘Five Feet Apart’ (2019)

  • Who's in it? Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Moisés Arias
  • Run time: 116 minutes

You'll want to keep a box of tissues nearby for this tearjerker about two teens with cystic fibrosis who want to be together but can't (in fact, they have to stay five feet apart at all times).



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Executive Editor

Alexia Dellner is an executive editor at PureWow who has over ten years of experience covering a broad range of topics including health, wellness, travel, family, culture and...

greta

Senior Editor

Greta Heggeness is a California-based editor at PureWow and has been writing about entertainment since 2015. She covers everything from awards shows to exclusive celebrity...