Teen movies have been the go-to choice for movie buffs for ages, but the latest ones are blowing everyone away! Cast your eyes back to the rad 1980s when raunchy comedies like Hardbodies and Porky’s ruled the scene. These flicks showcased teenagers embarking on wild escapades during their spring break. But hold your horses, because a game-changer named John Hughes entered the picture. He brought us brilliant and heartfelt teen tales like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, and Some Kind of Wonderful. These movies proved that real teens yearned for relatable stories, not over-the-top versions of themselves.
Fast forward to today, and the best new teen films are taking things to a whole new level. Get ready to be captivated by movies like The Edge of Seventeen, Eighth Grade, and Love, Simon, which flawlessly capture the rollercoaster ride of adolescence in the modern world. And hey, let’s not forget about those genre films specifically tailored for teenagers. Some of them even offer mind-blowing insights, even if they’re rooted in fantasy.
Now, here’s where the excitement amps up! You get to champion your favorite new and recent teen movies from the provided list. But wait, there’s more! If your absolute fave isn’t on the list, no worries! You can add it yourself and watch as other users rank your pick. Brace yourself because “The Perfect Date” has turned out to be quite the polarizing film on the list. So keep an eye out for the sparks!
1. Spider-Man: Far From Home
In the action-packed sequel, Spider-Man: Far From Home, we see Peter Parker, played by Tom Holland, dealing with the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. He takes a school trip to Europe, hoping to take a breather from his superhero responsibilities. However, his vacation is cut short when Nick Fury, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, interrupts with an urgent mission. Spider-Man is now faced with new threats in a world that has undergone significant changes. Joining him on this adventure is the mysterious Quentin Beck, also known as Mysterio, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Beck claims to be from another dimension. The film has received critical acclaim for its captivating storyline and impressive visual effects.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Jon Watts
Actors: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal
2. Five Feet Apart
Seventeen-year-old Stella is no stranger to the hospital. As a cystic fibrosis patient, her life revolves around routines, boundaries, and self-control. But everything changes when she crosses paths with Will, an incredibly charming teenager who is also battling the same illness as her.
There’s an undeniable spark between them from the moment they meet, even though they are required to keep a safe distance due to medical restrictions. But as their bond grows stronger, so does the temptation to break free from the rules and fully embrace their attraction.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Justin Baldoni
Actors: Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Moises Arias
3. Enola Holmes
Set in the Victorian era, Enola Holmes is an exciting mystery adventure film that takes you on a captivating journey. The story revolves around Enola Holmes, the younger sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and Mycroft Holmes. Enola is a strong and smart character who sets out on a thrilling quest to find her missing mother, Eudoria.
As Enola embarks on her journey, she finds herself in a world filled with secrets, danger, and self-discovery. Her independent nature and intelligence help her to outsmart her brothers and uncover a complex conspiracy that could change history. This film offers a fresh perspective on the traditional Holmes narrative, with its focus on a new protagonist.
With the talented Millie Bobby Brown portraying Enola Holmes, the film brings a sense of excitement and intrigue to the screen. Alongside her are Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes and Sam Claflin as Mycroft Holmes, who add depth to the story with their exceptional performances.
Enola Holmes is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a thrilling adventure, a strong female lead, and a fresh take on the classic detective genre. Prepare to be captivated by this engaging film and join Enola on her quest to uncover the truth about her mother’s disappearance.
Released: 2020
Directed by: Harry Bradbeer
Actors: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin
4. To All the Boys: Always and Forever
To All the Boys: Always and Forever is a 2021 American teen romantic comedy film, directed by Michael Fimognari. The movie follows the romantic journey of a teenage girl as she navigates through the ups and downs of life, alongside her friends, lovers, and family.
Released: 2021
Directed by: Michael Fimognari
Actors: Noah Centineo, Lana Condor, Janel Parrish
5. Booksmart
In the hilarious comedy Booksmart, we meet Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein), two high school seniors who have always put their studies before anything else. But as graduation approaches, they start to wonder if they’ve been missing out on the kind of unforgettable moments their classmates have been having. With a determination to catch up on all the fun they’ve missed, they embark on an exhilarating adventure to cram four years of excitement into just one night. Directed by the talented Olivia Wilde, Booksmart offers a thought-provoking exploration of friendship and the pressures that come with the looming responsibilities of adulthood. It’s no wonder it took home the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Olivia Wilde
Actors: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams
6. To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is such a delightful rom-com! It’s all about Lara Jean Covey, played by Lana Condor, who is trying to navigate her newfound romantic relationship with Peter Kavinsky, played by Noah Centineo. But hold on tight because life decides to throw a curveball at them. John Ambrose McClaren, played by Jordan Fisher, unexpectedly re-enters Lara’s life, creating a crazy love triangle.
This movie is actually a sequel to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and guess what? It won the 2020 Teen Choice Award for Choice Drama Movie! And it totally deserves it. It captures the complexities and excitement of teenage love, while also exploring themes of self-discovery and emotional growth. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Released: 2020
Directed by: Michael Fimognari
Actors: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Jordan Fisher
7. After
Tessa Young is one heck of a student, always putting in the effort to excel academically. Not only that, but she’s also a reliable daughter who takes her responsibilities seriously. On top of all that, she’s been a committed girlfriend to her high school sweetheart.
But let me tell you, things take an interesting turn when Tessa starts her first semester of college. Suddenly, her carefully guarded world begins to unravel when she crosses paths with someone named Hardin Scott. This guy is like a walking enigma, with a brooding and mysterious aura that’s hard to resist. And guess what? He manages to shake Tessa’s foundation, making her question everything she thought she knew about herself and the life she wants to lead.
Sounds like Tessa’s in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and self-discovery, don’t you think?
Released: 2019
Directed by: Jenny Gage
Actors: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Pia Mia
8. Good Boys
So, here’s the deal: 12-year-old Max has been invited to his very first kissing party. It’s kind of a big deal, you know? But there’s just one little problem – he has no clue how to kiss! Thankfully, Max has his trusty best friends Lucas and Thor by his side. He turns to them for some serious advice on how to pucker up like a pro.
But let’s be real, these boys are in way over their heads. They hit a major roadblock and can’t seem to figure out the art of kissing. It’s a tough nut to crack, that’s for sure. But Max, being the resourceful kid that he is, comes up with a brilliant idea. He decides to use his dad’s drone to spy on the teenage girls who live next door. Sneaky, right?
You can probably guess what happens next. The boys end up losing the drone. Oops. Now, they’re in a real bind. But they’re not about to let a little setback ruin their plans. Nope, not these guys. They make a bold decision to skip school and come up with a plan to get the drone back before Max’s dad finds out what happened.
And there you have it – a hilarious adventure filled with friendship, teenage girls, and a missing drone. Will Max and his buddies be able to retrieve the drone and save the day? Well, you’ll just have to watch and find out!
Released: 2019
Directed by: Gene Stupnitsky
Actors: Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, Brady Noon
9. The Sun Is Also a Star
College-bound romantic Daniel Bae and Jamaica-born pragmatist Natasha Kingsley cross paths and fall in love during a single enchanting day in the bustling chaos of New York City. The sparks between these two strangers ignite instantly, and it’s all thanks to a stroke of fate that brought them together. As the clock ticks down, Natasha, facing the imminent end of her time in the U.S., battles not only the threat of deportation but also her blossoming emotions for Daniel.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Ry Russo-Young
Actors: Yara Shahidi, Charles Melton, Anais Lee
10. The Kissing Booth 2
Noah and Elle had a wonderful summer together, filled with romance. However, their paths are now diverging as Noah heads off to Harvard, while Elle returns to high school for her senior year.
Released: 2020
Directed by: Vince Marcello
Actors: Joey King, Jacob Elordi, Molly Ringwald
11. The Perfect Date
So there’s this high school student, right? And get this, he comes up with this brilliant idea to make some cash for college. What does he do? He creates an app where he offers his services as a fake date! I mean, talk about thinking outside the box.
But here’s where things start to get messy. As he goes on these fake dates, he starts catching feelings for someone. Uh-oh! Can you say complicated? Suddenly, his well-thought-out plan takes a turn he never saw coming.
Imagine being in his shoes. He’s torn between making money and pursuing a genuine connection. It’s like a real-life rom-com, only without the scripted lines and predictable endings.
You can’t help but wonder what he’ll do. Will he continue with his fake dates and ignore his feelings? Or will he risk it all and follow his heart? One thing’s for sure, this high school student’s life just got a whole lot more interesting.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Chris Nelson
Actors: Noah Centineo, Laura Marano, Camila Mendes