Teen movies make up some of the top-earning films of all-time. They're evergreen films that relate to anyone who has ever been a teenager, making them easily rewatchable. These are some of the top fan-favorite teen flicks of all time...
Does your favorite make the cut?
The Breakfast Club - 1985
The Breakfast Club is an 80s teen classic about students from different walks of life in Saturday detention. Nearly every high school stereotype is encapsulated: the jock, the rebel, the prep, the outcast, and the nerd. Nearly 40 years later, The Breakfast Club is still considered an all-time classic.
The Breakfast Club stars Emilio Estevez, Paul Gleason, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and 80s teen icon, Molly Ringwald. Ringwald worked closely with Hughes throughout her career and was in other classics like Sixteen Candles and Pretty In Pink.
Grease - 1978
Starring movie greats John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Grease has gone down in history as the best movie musical of all time. The plot follows a bunch of singing and dancing high schoolers in the 1950s. Travolta and Newton-John share a twisted romance as the bad-boy greaser and wholesome Australian transfer student.
Grease became the highest-grossing musical film ever and its soundtrack album was the second-best-selling album of 1978. The film got an Oscar nomination for the song "Hopelessly Devoted to You" at the 51st Academy Awards. In 2020, Grease was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". People love Grease!
Mean Girls - 2004
Mean Girls has transcended space and time with its hilarious rendition of high school drama. Cady Herron (Lindsay Lohan) transfers to a suburb high school from her homeschooling in Africa. Mean girl Regina George (Rachel McAdams) and her posse of "plastics" end up adopting the new girl when they realize that people seem to like her. Cady learns the ins and outs of the "girl world" and ended up becoming what she despised most.
Even though the film came out 17 years ago, it's relevant enough to be quoted on the daily, even by viewers who weren't born when the movie came out. Iconic quotes include, "On Wednesdays, we wear pink," "On October third, he asked me what day it was," and of course, "That's so fetch."
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - 2005
Harry Potter fans can agree that The Goblet of Fire was probably the best movie out of them all. As the fourth installment of the series, a lot had been established. In this film, there is an upcoming tournament between the three major schools of magic. One participant is selected from each school by the Goblet of Fire (there's the name of the movie!). Naturally, Harry's name gets drawn despite his ineligibility, and he must compete in the dangerous tournament.
As if the dangerous game wasn't enough, Harry ends up coming face-to-face with the notorious Voldemort. Naturally, fans were in upheaval over the events of the movie as Voldemort was back in action. Fans loved the movie because of the drama, the generous use of quidditch, and, of course, Cedric Diggory.
Clueless - 1995
This classic coming-of-age film follows shallow and rich Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) navigating her high school days. Of course, the plot thickens as Cher's popularity is challenged by a newcomer (iconic Brittany Murphy). Despite Cher's efforts to "help" Tai, things backfire for the privileged student and she's forced to take a shot of reality.
Brittany Murphy's life was cut short, but her career lives on in Tai's famous insult to Cher, calling her a "virgin who can't drive." Even though this movie is 26-years-old, teenagers everywhere can relate to the bizarre high school dynamic.
10 Things I Hate About You - 1999
This film is packed to the brim with famous faces. Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt star in the romantic comedy that follows Kat Stratford and her quest to find a boyfriend. Her younger sister, Bianca, is not allowed to date until Kat does. This bizarre house rule is the catalyst for the entire movie.
Fans are still obsessed with Kat and Patrick's relationship, even today. They commonly grace 'top 10' lists in pop culture relationships. Watching this movie is absolutely a right of passage.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1986
John Hughes is back at it again with another teen classic. Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) is known for cutting classes and getting away with it. One day, he decides to fake sick to have a full day off. Naturally, chaos ensues.
Unlike most '80s teen flicks, this one focuses more on teenage chaos than it does teenage romance. This film is a mix of funny and stressful, as Ferris seems to get himself into the craziest situations with no clear way out.
Sixteen Candles - 1984
The tag team of Molly Ringwald and John Hughs bring you this hilarious nuanced teen flick. Samantha (Ringwald) is suffering from the fact that her family completely forgot about her sixteenth birthday because her older sister, Ginny, is getting married the next day.
Sixteen Candles is one of those films that you have to see, no matter how old you are. It's filled with still relatable content, as much of the movie plot is inundated by classic teenage feelings.
Easy A - 2010
Emma Stone and Amanda Bynes go head-to-head in this hilarious teen comedy. Olive (Stone) tells a little white lie about losing her virginity that completely ruins her reputation at school. In order to combat the rumors, Olive decides to embrace them in full force.
This film is funny, quirky, and smart in its comedic timing and storytelling. Plus, Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson play Stone's somewhat absurd parents in the film. What's better than that?
Back to the Future - 1985
Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is accidentally thrown back into the '50s when his scientist friend Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) gets a little wacky. Due to McFly's disruption of the spacetime continuum, he must make sure that his parents meet and fall in love or else he will cease to exist.
As if that's not enough pressure, McFly is also forced to rush back to the present to save the life of Brown. This Sci-Fi/Adventure flick was the highest-grossing film of 1985 and inadvertently launched one of the most successful franchises ever. BTTF fans still head out to conventions in droves!
She's The Man - 2006
Amanda Bynes, Channing Tatum, and Laura Ramsey star in this modern take on the Shakespeare play the Twelfth Night. Viola (Bynes) wants to take the place of her twin brother, Sebastian, at his school so she can play soccer. Naturally, things get sticky once she actually arrives...
Viola falls in love with Duke (Tatum) who loves Olivia (Ramsey) who has fallen for Sebastian (James Kirk) who is really Viola! It's up to Viola to save Duke from heartache and herself/Sebastian from Olivia all the while trying to pass off the fact that she's just pretending to be her twin. Who doesn't love a good Shakespeare plot?
The Princess Diaries - 2001
Mia Thermopolis was just fine with not being seen in her high school. The daughter of a single-mother/artist, Mia's happy with her small group of friends and her quiet weekend nights. That all changes when her paternal grandmother arrives to tell her the big news: she is royalty.
Naturally, this news completely shakes the ground that Mia stands on and she's suddenly thrust into the spotlight. After an insane makeover, some princess training, and a lot of drama, Mia makes the move to Genovia for the second movie.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - 2004
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) starts his third year at Hogwarts on a pretty bad note: Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison and is ready to murder the teenage wizard. Harry's tight-knit circle also starts to grow apart and a swarm of Dementors has descended onto Hogwarts.
This film is the third installment of the Harry Potter series, and things start to get a little more serious as the kids grow up. This installment brought in $796.7 million while it was in theaters and operated on a $130 million budget.
Pitch Perfect - 2012
This musical comedy follows a group of acapella singers simply trying to make it in the singing world while in college. The film series stars Ana Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Adam DeVine, Brittany Snow, and Elizabeth Banks, among many other famous faces.
Pitch Perfect is the first of three films of the same name. The franchise became immensley popular after the iconic "Cup Song" made waves through out the internet. The film saga ran from 2012 until 2017.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - 2012
This film came to be after the novel of the same name reached superstardom. The story follows socially awkward Charlie (Logan Lerman) and is told from his perspective. He ends up becoming friends with Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). He falls in love with Sam, goes to a high school party for the first time, and battles his demons.
What makes this film rendition of a book different is that the author also directed and wrote the film, so the integrity of the story is still very much there. The film brought in $33.4 million at the box office and won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Drama Movie, the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Drama, and the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film - Wide Release, among many other accolades.
Dirty Dancing - 1987
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey play two dancers who accidentally fall in love. Grey's character, Baby, is on her way to the Peace Corps when she's enlisted by Swayze's character, Johnny, to be his new dance partner. Baby's parents try to keep them apart, but love pulls through.
The Outsiders - 1983
The Greaser gang of rural Oklahoma finds themselves at odds with the Socials. The Greasers get into a fight with the Socials which ends in the death of a Social member. The boys must go into hiding but face the consequences of their violent lives.
The Karate Kid - 1984
Daniel (played by Ralph Macchio) moves to Southern California with his mom but quickly finds himself the victim of bullying. Unfortunately for him, these bullies study karate. Fortunately for him, though, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (played by Noriyuki "Pat" Morita). Mr. Miyagi is an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing and teaches him valuable life lessons.
Stand By Me - 1986
Four boys decide to go find the body of a man who had been accidentally killed near their rural hometown. This seemingly "harmless" mission turns out to be a huge life lesson and learning experience as the boys face the true terrors of the world. The movie is based off of the iconic Steven King book of the same name.
The Parent Trap - 1998
Linsday Lohan plays two twin girls who were separated at birth after their parents got divorced. Neither of them knew about the other and met up at a summer camp. One twin, Annie, pretends to be the other and goes back with her Dad. Hallie pretends to be Annie and goes back with her mom. Chaos ensues as the girls try to get their parents back together.
The Goonies - 1985
This adventure comedy classic follows a group of children who discover an old pirate map in the attic of their home. They follow the map, which takes them into an underground cavern. On their search for lost treasure, they come upon dangerous obstacles.
A Cinderella Story - 2004
Hilary Duff plays a teenager in California who is under the care of her stepmother after her father dies. She's working as a janitor and dishwasher at her stepmother's diner when she accidentally swaps her cell phone with a mysterious stranger. She's texting and emailing the stranger in hopes of finding her phone. The stranger turns out to be the most popular boy in school, and they fall for each other.
13 Going on 30 - 2004
Teenager Jenna feels trapped in the social structures of junior high and wants to grow up. She fantasizes about becoming a well-adjusted adult with a social life, and one morning finds herself a 30-year-old woman. Being an adult isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Footloose - 1984
Kevin Bacon plays a Chicago transplant who is in shock when he finds out that the new Midwestern town he has moved to has made dancing and rock music illegal. He struggles to change things in hopes of loosening up his conservative town. He runs into many obstacles, including his religious and influential father.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 - 2011
In the final rendition of the Harry Potter series, the gang clashes between good and evil as they prepare for their final battle against Lord Voldemort. The entire series has led up to the moment of the epic showdown between Harry and Voldemort. This film is the top-grossing film in the entire franchise.
21 Jump Street - 2012
The movie version of the tv show 21 Jumpstreet made waves due to its hilarious concept, star-studded cast, and an iconic cameo by original cast member Johnny Depp. Two cops join the secret Jump Street unit to use their youthful appearances to infiltrate a high school. They need to shut down a dangerous drug ring, but they quickly remember why everyone hates high school.
Superbad - 2007
Two teenage friends try to elevate their last weeks of high school before graduation by going to a huge house party. They spend the day trying to buy enough booze to be let into the party, but things go wrong in their quest for the classic high school experience.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 - 2010
Harry, Ron, and Hermione start their mission to destroy the Horcruxes, which are the main life sources of their enemy Lord Voldemort. The dark forces threaten to separate them and tear them apart. Things are looking rough for the gang as the Death Eaters have taken control of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts.
Bring It On - 2000
No one could have guessed just how popular cheerleading movies could be until Bring It On. The first film of the franchise follows the Toro cheerleading squad from Rancho Carne High School in San Diego. They have a new team captain who isn't about their routine-stealing ways helped them win the past six national championships.
Pretty In Pink - 1986
Molly Ringwald plays Andie, a high school outcast who is either hanging out with her boss or her quirky classmate Ducky (who has a secret crush on her.) One of the popular boys at school asks Andie out, but things get complicated as the two are from totally different social worlds. This John Hughes classic stands tall with The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles.
17 Again - 2009
Matthew Perry plays a former basketball player who threw away his future in the sport to marry his girlfriend and raise their child. 20 years later, he finds himself divorced and alone. He somehow transforms back into his teenage self (Zac Efron) for a chance of redemption, but he doesn't realize that he might be jeopardizing his future.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 - 2014
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) awakes in the complex beneath the supposedly destroyed District 13 after her rescue from the devastating Quarter Quell. Her home district has been completed decimated, and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) has become a brainwashed captive of President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Katniss soon learns about a secret rebellion spreading throughout all of Panem.
She's All That - 1999
Everyone is envious of Zach Siler, but things go downhill for him when his cheerleader girlfriend leaves him for a reality star. Zach goes on a mission to bring his name back into the spotlight: he has six weeks to help Laney Boggs, the nerdy outcast, become the school's next prom queen.
Juno - 2007
Juno MacGruff (Elliot Page) gets pregnant with her friend Paulie's (Michael Cera) baby. She chooses adoption and finds a failed rock star and his wife to adopt the baby. Things get sticky when the adoptive father begins viewing Juno as more than just the birth mother of his future child, and Paulie has second thoughts about the adoption.
Back to the Future Part 2 - 1989
Marty McFly and Doc Brown are at it again, this time-saving Marty's future son from disaster. Of course, it's not as easy as it seems, and the duo uncovers some grizzly details of the future.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - 2001
This is the first installment of the iconic series. Harry Potter learns that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards. He is summoned to Hogwarts, the wizardry school, in order to learn about powers and to practice with classmates. Eventually, he finds out that evil is after him, and he learns the true reason for his parent's death.
Dead Poet's Society - 1989
Robin Williams stars in this absolute classic of a teen drama. He plays an English teacher who is new to an all-boys prep school. He uses unorthodox measures to relate to the students and tries to break them out of their shells. It's a wonderfully emotional coming of age tale where Robin Williams is at his best.
American Pie - 1999
This movie is strictly about Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs) and his path to losing his virginity. It's raunchy, hilarious, and strangely relatable despite how absurd it can be.
The Blind Side - 2009
Sandra Bullock warms hearts in this emotional drama about a homeless Black teen who is taken in by a White family. Based on a true story, the family becomes Michael Oher's legal guardians, and they help each other learn the true meaning of life and family.
Edward Scissorhands - 1990
Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder star in this Tim Burton classic about a mysterious boy who has scissors for hands. Edward was built by a scientist who passes away before he can finish the assembly of Edward. A suburban saleswoman takes Edward in and tries to assimilate him into real life.
John Tucker Must Die - 2006
Three high school students who roll in different cliques find out that they are all dating the same guy. They band together for revenge and recruit the new girl in town to try and break his heart and destroy his reputation. John Tucker Must Die stars Jesse Metcalfe, Brittany Snow, Sophia Bush, Arielle Kebbel, and Ashanti.
Heathers - 1988
Heathers is a grim comedy starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Veronica is part of the most popular clique at her school but is different from the others, who are all named Heather. Eventually, students start dropping like flies (starting with the main Heather) and Veronica realizes that her love interest J.D. is intentionally killing students.
Dazed and Confused - 1993
This coming-of-age film follows a group of rowdy Texas teenagers celebrating the last day of high school in 1976. The graduating class parties at a popular pool hall and joins and throws a keg party. At the same time, the incoming freshmen try to avoid being hazed by the seniors.
Napoleon Dynamite - 2004
Napoleon Dynamite was simply an indie film that turned into a huge blockbuster. The budget of the film was $400k, and it made $46.1 million at the box office. The story follows ridiculously awkward and completely self-unaware teen Napoleon Dynamite as he navigates his small hometown in Idaho. He meets the new kid, Pedro, and together they launch a campaign to make Pedro class president.
Spider-Man - 2002
Spider-Man was derived off of the comic books of the same name. The story follows Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) who turns into superhero with spider-like abilities after getting bitten by a radioactive spider. He swings around New York City fighting crime while also trying to attend high school.
Tangled - 2010
Even though Tangled seems like it's a kids movie, it's really for all ages. Teens especially loved the new-age Disney Princess. The film follows the plot of Rapunzel, who is trapped in a high tower by an old hag who stole her as a baby. Flynn Rider helps her escape, and together, they go on a wild adventure.
My Girl - 1991
Students think that Vada Sultenfuss is a freak because of her morbid outlook on life. That, and her mother died giving birth to her and her father runs a funeral home. Thomas J. Sennett disagrees, even though everyone thinks it's weird that a boy and a girl are friends. This film follows their adorable friendship.
The Lost Boys - 1987
The Lost Boys is a classic high school "us vs them" but with the addition of vampires. Keifer Sutherland, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, and Jason Patric star in this horror-comedy teen flick. Two brothers, one nerdy and one angsty move in with their mother in Northern California and meet their unassuming friend groups. The two boys quickly learn that something dark is going on in this town but in separate ways.
The Fault in Our Stars - 2014
Based on the best-selling John Green book of the same name, The Fault in Our Stars follows 16-year-old Hazel Grace who is dying of cancer. Hazel meets Gus Waters in a cancer support group and the two fall in love. Little did they know that they were in for an adventure of their short lifetimes.
The Craft - 1996
These witchy high school students go power crazy after they realize their true potential with the addition of a new witch to the group. Sarah (Robin Tunney) has a telekinetic gift that proves useful to Bonnie (Neve Campbell), Rochelle (Rachel True), and Nancy (Fairuza Balk). They enlist her help, but things get haywire.