Since everyone has such vivid memories of being a teenager, it’s no wonder that movies about high school are always so popular and beloved. Whether someone smiles when thinking about all of the fun that they had as a young adult, or they frown at some awkward moments, there is bound to be a teen movie that depicts that experience perfectly and gives audiences something to think about.

Fans of coming of age stories have taken to Reddit to share their favorite movies about being a teenager, from some ’80s classics to some great films from the past decade or so.

10 Superbad (2007)

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Superbad accurately portrays the teenage experience and for that reason, many people look back on it super fondly and consider it one of the most realistic movies from the genre.

For Reddit user ExleyPearce, they enjoyed watching Superbad when they were in high school as it was a “Surprisingly affecting film” and they “could relate” to the characters. One Redditor thinks it’s a rare movie because “the teenagers felt like teenagers.” Before Evan and Seth go to college, they want to enjoy one amazing party, and of course, chaos ensues but they definitely have a night that they will always remember.

9 Mean Girls (2004)

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When Mean Girls was suggested as one of the best teenage movies, Reddit user Rayne37 said that they love it because it’s “so exaggerated, so over the top. But teenage emotions feel like that sometimes.”

The story of Cady becoming a totally different, cruel person is a classic one, as she acts just like The Plastics and her real friends Janis and Damian wonder what happened to her. It’s easy for fans to see themselves in Cady, balancing trying to fit in while remaining a good person, and many people have gone to school with people like Regina.

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8 The Edge Of Seventeen (2016)

Stream on Netflix

Reddit user TheGreatGeekGod called The Edge Of Seventeen “pretty great and realistic but very funny.” Reddit user whendoesOpTicplay added that it’s a “good movie about emotionally maturing.”

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Nadine is grieving the loss of her dad when she learns that her best friend Krista is dating her brother Darian. She can’t handle all of the changes and stops talking to everyone while struggling silently and becoming close to her teacher, Mr. Bruner. The movie is sweet and realistic and it’s heartwarming watching Nadine become more confident.

7 Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

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Fans learn a lot from the Spider-Man movies and it’s possible to see one of them as a perfect movie about high school life.

Reddit user GetReady4Action loves Spider-Man: Homecoming because Peter Parker is a teenager who “wants to be a part of something bigger than himself.” The fan explained that it has teen movie elements like “schoolwork, bullies, girls, parties, and issues with your parents.” It’s fun to think about high school through the lens of a powerful figure like Spider-Man.

6 Election (1999)

Stream on Hulu

Reddit user Edisonnog loves Election and called it a “Great dark comedy.” Reddit user THATS_A_RAT_HAT agreed “Best of the bunch- stupendous performances from all three leads.”

Election is definitely a unique take on the life of a teenage girl. Tracy is intelligent but too passionate about succeeding, and she makes life miserable for her teacher Jim McAllister, as she launches a campaign to be class president. Anyone who has worked in student government will enjoy this intense story.

5 The Breakfast Club (1985)

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When it comes to the best teen movies, John Hughes films are always going to be mentioned. One Redditor said that they love “80s John Hughes. Including and especially Breakfast Club.”

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The Breakfast Club is always a fan favorite among those who love the teen genre thanks to the brilliant idea of having different teenagers spend time together during detention. The characters in this movie have become classic and have inspired many other young adult stories, as there’s often a jock, beauty, brain, and rebel.

4 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Stream on Disney+

When talking about favorite teen comedies, Reddit user theluketaylor called 10 Things I Hate About You “the best teen comedy of the 90s.” The fan wrote that it’s “relevant to modern audiences.”

10 Things I Hate About You holds up today and even if audiences can’t exactly relate to being told by their parent that they can’t date, fans can still find a lot to love, from the awkward dating moments to the worry about not being well-liked or popular.

3 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Stream on Paramount+

For Reddit user coldermilk, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is “charming, witty and full of a lot of sentiment that speaks towards the emotionally confused feelings of adolescence.”

A total classic that will always be mentioned as a favorite ’80s teen comedy, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off tells the story of a perfect moment in time. Ferris, his best friend Cameron, and his girlfriend Sloane have an incredible few hours running around Chicago. And of course, the line about not wanting to miss how quickly life moves is always memorable.

2 Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Stream on Peacock

Reddit user BrennanDobak says that “Fast Times At Ridgemont High“ is one of their favorite teenage movies.

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The movie is an ’80s movie that deserves a remake as it tells the story of teenagers dealing with dating, sex, school, family, and friendship. The themes are classic and relatable, and the ending is sweet, as fans learn what has happened to the main characters. It’s also easy to root for Stacy and Mark’s relationship.

1 The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)

Stream on Fubo

Several Reddit users mentioned The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, with Reddit user MrMagpie27 saying that they were “pleasantly surprised by how good” the movie is.

Adapted from Stephen Chbosky’s book, the story focuses on Charlie, a high schooler who struggles with depression and makes new friends, Patrick and Sam. Charlie learns a lot about growing up throughout the course of the movie, and while it’s sad, there is hope at the end.

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About The Author


Aya Tsintziras
(1734 Articles Published)

Aya Tsintziras is a freelance writer who writes about pop culture and TV. She has a Political Science degree from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Journalism from Ryerson University. She loves coffee, reading, working out, and watching TV. She lives in Toronto with her husband.

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