Teenagers have long since been the backbone of the movie theater industry, which is why it’s not surprising that an entire genre has risen around them. However, it wasn’t until the 1980’s that teen movies really took off thanks to the legendary writer/director John Hughes.

Now, a plethora of teen movies is released every year which vary in styles and cater to different teen demographics. 2012 was one of the most diverse years in teen movies based on the different movies created. While the genre was dominated by book adaptations, it also saw the rise of original romantic comedies and even an R-rated teen movie that pushed boundaries.

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

Project X – March 2nd

Stream On Netflix & HBO Max

The teen movie genre kicked off in 2012 with the release of Project X. Not only was the movie rated R, making it appeal to older teenagers, but Project X is also one of the best “found footage” movies released. Though the movie was a commercial success, critics loathed the movie and many blamed it for the rise of large-scale parties in real life.

Project X centers on three high school seniors who have yet to be noticed in their large high school. They set out to change this by throwing an epic house party that quickly gets out of hand.

The Hunger Games – March 23rd

Available On Hulu & Amazon Prime Video

With the Harry Potter franchise officially concluding the year before, Hollywood wasted no time finding the next best teen novel series to adapt for the big screen. The Hunger Games was released in theaters in March and, according to Box Office Mojo, became Lionsgate’s highest-grossing movie ever.

As the first movie in the franchise, The Hunger Games sets the stage for the rest of the movies to follow. The movie begins when Katniss sacrifices herself to the annual “The Hunger Games” to save her sister who had previously been selected as “tribute” to the competition.

See also  Project Runway's Bones Defends Shannon Beador's RHOC Reunion Dress Disaster

LOL – May 4th

Available On Hulu

After the conclusion of Disney Channel’s hit original series Hannah Montana in 2011, Miley Cryus was free to pursue many different job opportunities now that she was post-Disney. However, despite Miley’s star appeal, the movie LOL did not fare well at the box office partially due to its limited release and lack of marketing.

A remake of a French movie of the same name, LOL centers on Lola a young teenager who has just been dumped by her boyfriend. Heartbroken, Lola leans on her best friend Kyle whom she starts to believe might actually be her soulmate after all.

Blue Lagoon: The Awakening – June 16th

Available To Rent On Amazon Prime Video

While Lifetime is best known for its Christmas movies or even its murder-mystery movies, in 2012 the cable network ventured into the world of teen movies with the release of Blue Lagoon: The Awakening. The movie was based on the 1908 novel of the same name and the subsequent film adaptations.

However, Blue Lagoon: The Awakening set itself apart by changing the time period from the Victorian Era to contemporary times. Thus, the movie follows two high school students who find themselves stuck on a stranded island. As they lean on each other to survive, the two get to know each other and start falling in love.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Dog Days – August 3rd

Available To Rent On Amazon Prime Video

Since the 2010s began, Diary of a Wimpy Kid had become one the most profitable teen franchises for younger teenagers, especially young boys. In 2012, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days was released, marking the third movie in the franchise and the last to feature the original cast.

Based on the third and fourth books in the series, Dog Days takes place over Greg’s summer break. Greg is determined to have a fun and carefree summer but his plans are thwarted when his father suggests they spend time together and bond.

See also  Naruto: Sasuke's Daughter Will Accomplish What He Never Could

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower – September 21

Available On Hulu

When it comes to book adaptations, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of the best largely because the writer of the novel, Stephen Chbosky, also wrote and directed the adaptation. The movie went on to be a commercial and critical success and was even nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release.

Just like the novel, the movie centers on Charlie, a socially awkward teen, who is used to watching life pass him by until he is befriended by Sam and Patrick, two free spirit step-siblings. However, problems arise for Charlie when he realizes his beloved friends will be leaving for college soon meaning he’ll once again be alone.

The First Time – October 19th

Available On Hulu

Despite having an impressive teen cast which included Dylan O’Brien and Victoria Justice, The First Time never reached massive success. This was due to the film’s limited release instead of a wide one which would have let more fans see it while in theaters.

The teen rom-com centers on Dave who has spent the better part of his high school years pining for his best friend. As he rehearses his love confession, he is interrupted by Aubrey, a student at another high school, with who Dave instantly hits it off with.

Fun Size – October 25th

Available On Hulu & HBO Max

Scary movies usually dominate the Halloween-themed movie genre but that didn’t stop the creators of Fun Size from creating a comedy movie centered around Halloween. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t fare as well as they had hoped and was considered a box office flop.

Fun Size centers on Wren, a high school senior who accidentally loses sight of her young brother while out trick-or-treating with him. Her plans to attend an epic high school party are thwarted now that she and her best friend must find her sibling before something bad happens to him.

See also  Admiral Ackbar Actor Was Disappointed By Rebel Hero's Last Jedi Death

The Amazing Spider-Man – November 9th

Available On Hulu

While it might seem silly to call The Amazing Spider-Man a teen movie, especially after its renaissance as of late thanks to Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, the truth is it has all the qualities of a teen movie. It centers on teenagers, is set in a high school, and even features a teen romance.

The second reboot of Spider-Man’s theatrical time, The Amazing Spider-Man centers on teenage Peter Parker, who in the midst of trying to survive high school and woo his crush, is also busy investigating his parents’ mysterious disappearance.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 – November 12th

Available On Netflix & Peacock

Arguably the biggest teen movie of 2012 was The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 which concluded the epic five-movie franchise. The movie went on to be the highest-grossing of The Twilight Saga and the sixth-highest-grossing movie of all of 2012.

The movie begins when Bella awakens after giving birth and being turned into a vampire by Edward. Now a new mom and vampire, Bella faces an uphill battle as rumors spread that lead many to believe the Cullens have turned a child since there is no way for vampires to reproduce.

New Warner Bros. Owners Want To Explore More Of DC’s Supporting Characters

About The Author


Danielle Bruncati
(299 Articles Published)

Danielle Bruncati was born and raised in Southern California and has been a story-teller for as long as she can remember. She is currently a freelance writer for ScreenRant and is also pursuing a Master’s Degree in Television Writing and Producing from a top 10 film school. When she’s not writing, Danielle can be found binging the latest sitcom or teen tv series with her dog by her side or walking around Disneyland with a Mickey-shaped snack in hand.

More From Danielle Bruncati