35 Best Teen/Young Adult Movies Of All Time

The best teen movies resonate with audiences of all ages and speak to a pivotal time in a person’s life. From adolescent adventures to high school horror stories, and from crushing crushes to perfect prom nights, young adult movies have a special place in the hearts of moviegoers. These cinematic favorites magnify the hopes, dreams, fears, and aspirations of young people, bringing them to life on the big screen with witty dialogue, memorable soundtracks, and grand romantic gestures.

While the genre revolves around teenage culture, these films serve as time capsules that capture the essence of a particular era, often featuring breakthrough performances from future stars. Teens are at the forefront of iconic movies such as The Breakfast Club, Clueless, and Mean Girls, and offer insightful commentary on the trials and triumphs of the teenage experience, exploring the importance of social circles, the intensity of first loves, and the promise of a brighter future. These films have something to offer everyone, encapsulating the universal themes that make the teenage years such an unforgettable time in life.

35 The Graduate (1967)

Directed By Mike Nichols

As the title suggests, The Graduate deals with a very specific time in young adult life that is filled with confusion and questions. Dustin Hoffman stars in his breakout role as Benjamin Braddock, a recent university graduate who finds himself with his entire future ahead of him and completely clueless about what to do next. His aimless world is further complicated when he begins having an affair with his parents’ married friend while also falling in love with her engaged daughter.

The Graduate became seen as a movie for an entire generation of young adults. It spoke to a generation of young people who, unlike generations that came before, were leaving university without really knowing what to do next. It is a sentiment that remains relatable nearly 60 years later. The iconic ending to The Graduate is a perfect encapsulation of the idea of young people grabbing onto something without realizing if they really want it or not.

34 Almost Famous (2000)

Directed By Cameron Crowe

A movie set in the world of rock and roll stars might not seem like a typical setting for a teen story, but Almost Famous delivers not only a wonderful coming-of-age journey but also a love letter to the music of the 1970s. The movie follows William, a young socially awkward teen living with his strict and overbearing mother while also pursuing his dreams of being a rock music journalist. This leads to him posing as an adult to write a story about an up-and-coming rock band while joining them on the road.

The movie serves as a bit of wish fulfillment for teens as William is taken out of his suppressed life and taken to parties, rock concerts, and private jets as the band Stillwater begins to really take off. However, it is also an interesting look at how someone sheltered, inexperienced, and young can still be more mature than these adults living in a fantasy world.

33 The Spectacular Now (2013)

Directed By James Ponsoldt

The Spectacular Now is a unique and underseen coming-of-age story that mixes the fun and exhilaration of life at this time with the dread and darkness of feeling like things will not get better from here. Miles Teller stars in the movie as Sutter, a popular high school student who is known as the life of the party. After breaking up with his girlfriend, Sutter forms a connection with the reserved and intelligent classmate, Aimee (Shailene Woodley).

However, Sutter brings danger into her life as well given his struggles with alcoholism, which Aimee has never experienced before.

It is easy to get swept up in the romance between these two youngsters as Sutter is a fun-loving guy who brings genuine happiness and excitement to Aimee’s life after she has been overlooked in school. However, Sutter brings danger into her life as well given his struggles with alcoholism, which Aimee has never experienced before. It is also a fascinating look at what a teen like Sutter faces when high school ends and the party ends.

32 Dead Poets Society (1989)

Directed By Peter Weir

Robin Williams is the standout cast member in Dead Poets Society, but while he plays a pivotal and entertaining role in the drama, the movie is really about the young men in the ensemble. Set at a teenage boys’ boarding school in 1959, Dead Poets Society follows the young men who are inspired by their new English teacher (Williams) who encourages them to look beyond the structure of the school and explore more about themselves.

Williams’s John Keating is one of the most inspiring teachers in movie history, but the film is really about the reaction of the students who begin to open up to possibilities beyond what they imagined for themselves. It captures that feeling of finding new interests at a young age, the fear of what it means to embrace something new, and the thrill of following something that is a true passion.

31 Sing Street (2016)

Directed By John Carney

Sing Street is another coming-of-age movie with a musical center. Set in 1980s Ireland, the film follows Connor, a teen living in a working-class neighborhood and struggling as the new boy at a Catholic school. Inspired by popular music of the time, such as Duran Duran, he forms a band with the hopes of catching the attention of an older girl in the neighborhood.

The movie examines an era of great difficulty for the majority of people in Ireland and Sing Street beautifully reflects the reality of what it must have been like growing up in a bleak time while still being a hugely entertaining film. It is a story that doesn’t pander to the audience about unrealistic happy endings but rather embraces the magic of youthful hope and the idea that the future can be brighter. It also happens to have some great music to propel the story.

30 Rebel Without A Cause (1955)

Directed By Nicholas Ray

Seen as one of the first movies aimed at a teen audience and speaking to their experiences, Rebel Without a Cause is a film that shows how the teen genre can be provocative and scandalous in telling authentic stories of the young age groups. James Dean stars in the movie as Jim Stark, a brooding and mysterious young man with a troubled past who comes to a new town, quickly making new friends as well as plenty of enemies.

The movie is regarded as an examination of the so-called decline of the American youth at the time, while also being a critique on parenting during this era. Dean helped to make himself an icon with his ground-breaking and dangerous performance that inspired so many actors who followed. Rebel Without a Cause was thought to inspire teenage delinquency as well, sparking the iconic type of movie that adults feared yet teenage audiences fully embraced.

29 Risky Business (1983)

Directed By Paul Brickman

Tom Cruise’s death-defying stunts have made him one of the most popular action movie stars of all time, so it is easy to forget that his career started with teen roles like in Risky Business. The movie stars Cruise as Joel, a fairly normal teenager who finds himself in an ideal situation as a young man as his parents go out of town, leaving him with the house to himself. However, his plans for having some fun quickly get out of control.

The movie features a lot of elements that have become popular in similar teen films, like the trustworthy teen with college in their future suddenly putting it all in jeopardy as they start to break some rules. However, with it being an 80s teen project, audiences might be surprised to look back on the movie and see that it is a much more complex and mature take on the genre than most similar movies of the era. Of course, one of the selling points is Cruise’s star-making performance, in which he perfectly sells the innocence and charm of youth.

28 Carrie (1976)

Directed By Brian De Palma

While most people picture a certain type of film when talking about young adult movies, it is fun to see how other genres can be mashed into authentic and relatable stories about the teen experience. Based on one of Stephen King’s most popular novels, Carrie stars Sissy Spacek as the titular character, a young girl who is an outcast at school and subject to the overbearing religious teachings of her mother at home. As Carrie continues to be the subject of torment, she begins to unlock psychic powers within herself.

The supernatural elements might take the story in a thrilling direction, but in many ways, Carrie is another story of a teen who is struggling to fit in. It is heartbreaking to see the cruelty the kind and gentle Carrie is forced to endure simply because her sheltered life has made her different from others. It also features the most iconic movie prom scene of all time.

27 The Last Picture Show (1971)

Directed By Peter Bogdanovich

So many YA movies are about young people looking toward the future and deciding what to do with the rest of their lives. The Last Picture Show is one of the best movies in this regard as it deals with the reality many young people face of being trapped in their small hometown with no real prospects outside of it. The movie follows a group of teens reaching graduation in their small Texas town which is falling apart culturally and economically.

It is a bleak yet engrossing story of the ambition of youth colliding with the reality of their situation. The movie depicts the same kinds of themes many teen films feature, like sex, romance, and friendship. However, these elements are all seen through the prism of the somewhat depressing reality the characters find themselves in. This was one of the first major movie roles for Jeff Bridges, earning him an Oscar nomination.

26 Rushmore (1998)

Directed By Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson has explored a lot of different subject matters in his movies and through his own unique voice, such as childhood adventures (Moonrise Kingdom), brotherly bonds (The Darjeeling Limited), and parenthood (Fantastic Mr. Fox). Given how distinct Anderson’s voice is, it is fascinating to see him put it towards a coming-of-age story which makes Rushmore really stand out in the genre. Jason Schwartzman stars as Max, a young man at a private school who has dedicated himself to every extra-curricular activity he can imagine, yet fails in his classwork.

Max is a brilliant Anderson character, funny and intelligent, yet totally oblivious to how the real world works. As is expected with Anderson, Rushmore, the teen love story is also unique with Max falling for a kindergarten teacher in his school who happens to be beginning a romance with Max’s married mentor (Bill Murray). Rushmore is hilarious, quirky, and surprisingly touching as Max seeks to find his purpose among many hobbies.

25 The Edge Of Seventeen (2016)

Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig

The Edge of Seventeen stands out in the crowded field of teen flicks due to its authentic portrayal of adolescent angst and the stellar performances of its cast. Hailee Steinfeld’s nuanced portrayal of Nadine captures the essence of a disaffected teenager struggling to find her place in the world, while Woody Harrelson’s turn as the witty Mr. Bruner adds depth and humor to the film. The film’s ability to tackle weighty themes such as grief, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships with sensitivity and grace sets it apart as a true gem in the realm of teen cinema.

24 The Perks Of Being Wallflower (2012)

Directed by Stephen Chbosky

Set in the 1990s, The Perks of Being a Wallflower focuses on the challenges of growing up with a raw and unflinching honesty. Through the eyes of Charlie (Logan Lerman), a lonely teenager navigating the complexities of high school life, the film explores a range of heavy topics, including depression, anxiety, grief, and abuse, with a sensitivity and authenticity that makes it a truly great teen movie. Chbosky’s masterful adaptation of his own novel captures the essence of the teenage experience, making The Perks of Being a Wallflower a timeless and poignant exploration of the human condition.

23 Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Directed by Jared Hess

In Jared Hess’s quirky directorial debut, Napoleon Dynamite celebrates the misfits and outsiders of the teenage world with its offbeat humor and unforgettable characters. At the heart of the film is Jon Heder’s portrayal of the titular character, a socially awkward and endearingly strange high school student navigating the idiosyncrasies of his small-town Idaho life. The film’s strength lies in its ability to embrace the eccentricities of its characters, from Napoleon’s eccentric family members to his equally peculiar friends, creating a unique and hilarious tapestry of adolescent life. Napoleon Dynamite‘s enduring appeal stems from its celebration of individuality.

22 Superbad (2007)

Directed by Greg Mottola

Superbad takes the classic teen comedy formula and infuses it with a raunchy, irreverent twist. The film’s strength lies in its ability to capture the authentic dynamic between two teenage best friends, played with perfect comic timing by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, as they embark on a wild and hilarious quest to secure alcohol for a party. However, it’s Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s portrayal of the eccentric Fogell, aka ” McLovin ,” that elevates the film to iconic status. While some of the film’s cruder jokes may not have aged gracefully, Superbad cements its place as a quintessential teen classic.

21 Cruel Intentions (1999)

Directed by Roger Kumble

Cruel Intentions boldly reimagines the classic tale of manipulation and seduction, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, in the context of privileged New York City high school students. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe deliver wickedly captivating performances as the conniving step-siblings Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont, whose devious scheme to corrupt the innocent Cecile Caldwell (Selma Blair) sets the stage for a twisted game of power and desire. Cruel Intentions‘ strength lies not only in its talented ensemble cast, but also in its ability to expose the dark underbelly of wealth and privilege.

20 Pretty In Pink (1986)

Directed by John Hughes

Pretty In Pink is the quintessential ’80s teen flick, penned by the iconic John Hughes. The film is a heartwarming and relatable tale of high school social dynamics and self-discovery. The film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of teenage life, from the awkward moments of unrequited love experienced by Andie’s best friend Duckie to the pressure of fitting in with the popular crowd. Pretty In Pink‘s iconic soundtrack perfectly captures the essence of the era. This John Hughes and Molly Ringwald movie will remain one of the best representations of teen life that film has to offer.

19 Juno (2007)

Directed by Jason Reitman

Juno is a remarkable addition to the young adult movie genre, thanks to its distinctive voice and genuine approach to its subject matter. Elliot Page shines as the sharp-tongued and fiercely independent Juno MacGuff, who navigates the challenges of an unexpected pregnancy with resilience and wit.

The film’s power resides in its ability to address a sensitive topic with both sincerity and humor, never shying away from the intricacies of the situation. Diablo Cody’s screenplay, with its unique dialogue and well-developed characters, sets the story apart from other teen films, while Reitman’s direction brings out the best in the talented cast.

18 The Craft (1996)

Directed by Andrew Fleming

The Craft seamlessly blends elements of the supernatural, dark comedy, and feminist empowerment. The film follows four high school girls who delve into the world of witchcraft, harnessing their newfound powers to exact revenge on their tormentors and navigate the complexities of adolescence. The Craft explores the darker aspects of teenage life, touching upon themes of isolation, betrayal, and the allure of power. The dynamic between the central quartet of witches, played by Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True, is electric, with each actress bringing depth and nuance to their roles.

17 Easy A (2010)

Directed by Will Gluck

Emma Stone’s magnetic performance as Olive Penderghast, a high school student caught in a web of rumors and misunderstandings about her sexual exploits, is the driving force behind Easy A, a clever and entertaining addition to the teen genre. Inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, the film follows Olive as she navigates the complexities of high school social dynamics and the consequences of her newfound notoriety. Stone’s impeccable comedic timing and effortless charm shine through, making her character both relatable and endearing.

16 Heathers (1988)

Directed by Michael Lehmann

Bursting onto the scene as a biting commentary on the unattainable ideals and sentimentality of ’80s teen movies, Heathers introduced the charismatic anti-hero JD, portrayed by Christian Slater, and the fiercely independent Veronica, played by Winona Ryder. JD, a nod to the iconic James Dean and J.D. Salinger, oozes sarcasm and rebellion, while Ryder’s Veronica, initially part of the popular clique known as the Heathers, begins to question the superficiality and conformity that permeate their high school. Heathers emerges as a subversive play that challenges the norms established by years of John Hughes films.