What are the best teen movies on Netflix?
Ah, high school. It was the prison responsible for our daily holding as we lived through our formative years. For some, being a teenager came easily: natural athleticism, good looks, intellect. For others, the ages between 14 and 18 meant acne, braces that were supposed to come off six months prior, and awkward attempts at conversation with the crush who sat three rows up from you during second period. So much could go wrong in those days. You could wind up alone for prom. Or fail your AP History exam. Or meet a time-traveling bunny who foretells your imminent death. So it’s a good thing Netflix has your back. Because when the nostalgia of those high-school years hits, the best thing to do is stream all the best teen movies on Netflix.Adventures in Babysitting
1987’s Adventures in Babysitting happens to be Chris Columbus’ directorial debut. So if a teen-level Home Alone doesn’t sound like something you would watch the absolute shit out of (which, what the hell is wrong with you?), then maybe give it a chance because of its connection to the Harry Potter franchise. We all know how much you love Harry Potter.
Nancy Drew
I Am Number Four
The Vampire’s Assistant
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Adventureland
The Lost Boys
If you take your teen drama with a little more beachside bloodsucking, then 1987’s The Lost Boys is going to be right up your alley. Vampire hunters/comic aficionados named Edgar and Alan Frog? Herman Munster as the leader of a vampire coven in need of a queen? Kiefer goddam Sutherland? This. Is. Everything.
13 Going on 30
Little Women
Ella Enchanted
A Cinderella Story
Speaking of Cinderella, though… Like Ella Enchanted, A Cinderella Story came out in 2004, only it tried less to hide the fact that it was blatantly ripping off our favorite Disney movie. It stars Hilary Duff, who was the quirky, fun Disney personality that us regular teens could relate to. And it’s probably also responsible for that whole, Converse and prom dress trend, too.
Made in America
Marie Antoinette
Leave it to Sofia Coppola to take the life of an 18th century French aristocrat and turn it into a teen romantic comedy. At least, that’s mostly what Marie Antoinette is. How else do you explain a movie wherein Jason Schwartzman plays the romantic lead?
Bring It On
Kirsten Dunst definitely had a moment in late ‘90s/early ‘00s cinema (and this list, apparently). 2000’s Bring It On is one of her best roles, maybe because she’s at her finest playing an over the top competitive cheerleader. Or maybe we just love how ridiculous this movie is, and how totally acceptable it was to be on this level 20 years ago.
Cruel Intentions
Cruel Intentions is every beautifully cringeworthy late ‘90s cliché rolled into 90 minutes of outrageousness. It’s one of those films that made every ‘90s teen question their own mediocre high school experience. Like, why wasn’t it filled with gorgeous millionaires who’d give their lives for us, even though we started out as nothing more than a sex bet with their step-sibling?
Donnie Darko
Donnie Darko is that one indie film that every brooding teen is convinced they can relate to. They listen to Gary Jules’ “Mad World” on repeat. They argue with their other angsty friends over who gets to dress up as the bunny for Halloween. They read The Philosophy of Time Travel unironically.
Dead Poets Society
Good lord, get ready to go through an entire box of tissues on this one. Dead Poets Society is arguably one of the greatest teen-centric films ever made. And if Robin Williams’ death in 2014 isn’t enough to turn you into a puddle of emotion after watching this performance, then that “O Captain! My Captain!” scene 100% will.
Friday Night Lights
We’d be lying if we said we didn’t love us a good sports drama. This 2004 Peter Berg film made the religion of southern high school football a reality for teens across the country. It’s widely regarded as one of the best sports films out there, but we’ve got to say, it ranks pretty high for us as far as teen dramas go as well.
Can’t Buy Me Love
Patrick Dempsey. Enchanted’s de facto Prince Charming. McDreamy. Playing a high school nerd who has to pay a popular cheerleader to pretend to be his girlfriend for a month. The premise of Can’t Buy Me Love is completely bonkers, but again. Patrick Dempsey. Suspension of disbelief and all that.
Heathers
If you’re a fan of Mean Girls or Cruel Intentions, but you’ve never seen 1988’s Heathers, then consider this the revocation of your own teen mean girls card. Because Heathers is the film that started it all. The popular girls’ clique. The rebellion against it. The complete and utter dismantling of it. Winona Ryder did it first.