Must-see movies for teens you can watch together

Get ready to dive into a world of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories! We've curated a list of must-see movies for teens that are tickets to new experiences, shared emotions, and the kind of bonding that happens only when you're lost in a story together.

Whether you're craving heart-pounding action, gut-busting comedy, or a love story to swoon over, we've got you covered🍿

Coming-of-age classics

1. Eighth Grade

Realistic, funny, and heartbreaking at times, this dramedy follows Kayla during her final weeks of middle school. It explores how she navigates adolescence, anxiety, the pressures and terrors of social media, and the general awkwardness of being 13. This indie film marks the feature-length directorial debut of comedian Bo Burnham, creator of the Covid-set social commentary special “Inside.”

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower 

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A poignant exploration of friendship, love, and the struggles of adolescence. This movie delves deep into the psyche of introverted teenager Charlie as he navigates high school's treacherous waters. Its honest portrayal of mental health, sexuality, and self-discovery makes it a must-watch.

3. Lady Bird 

Greta Gerwig's directorial debut is a heartfelt ode to teenage rebellion, mother-daughter relationships, and the pain of letting go. Saoirse Ronan shines as Lady Bird, a strong-willed teenager with dreams bigger than her small town can contain.

Romantic encounters

4. The Fault in Our Stars 

Based on John Green’s bestselling novel, this tearjerker explores love under the shadow of terminal illness. Its raw emotionality and stellar performances by Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort make it unforgettable.

5. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before 

A sweet, light-hearted rom-com that tackles teenage crushes and the chaos they bring. Lara Jean’s imaginary love life wreaks real-world havoc when her secret love letters somehow get mailed to her crushes.

Action-packed adventures

6. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 

A visually stunning film that redefines what an animated superhero movie can be. It brings together multiple Spider-People from different dimensions, focusing on Miles Morales' journey to becoming Spider-Man. Its message about responsibility and bravery resonates well beyond its action sequences.

7. The Hunger Games 

A dystopian thriller that combines intense action with a critique of reality television and class disparity. Katniss Everdeen’s fight for survival in a televised death match is both gripping and thought-provoking.

Laugh-out-loud comedies

8. Superbad 

A raucous comedy about two inseparable friends facing the prospect of separation as they head off to different colleges. The movie is a hilarious take on friendship, partying, and the anxieties of impending adulthood.

9. Booksmart 

An intelligent, witty comedy about two overachieving high school seniors who realize they’ve missed out on key teenage experiences. Their attempt to cram four years of fun into one night delivers both laughter and poignant moments.

Dramatic tales

10. Moonlight 

A beautifully crafted story of a young African-American man grappling with his identity and sexuality while growing up in a rough neighborhood. Its powerful narrative and captivating cinematography make it a modern masterpiece.

11. The Edge of Seventeen 

A brutally honest and humorous look at the life of an awkward teen, Nadine, as she deals with the complexities of family, friendship, and first loves. Hailee Steinfeld’s performance is both relatable and heartwarming.

Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the trials and triumphs of growing up. They capture the essence of teenage life - the intense emotions, monumental decisions, and small moments that can feel enormous. Whether you're looking for inspiration, a good laugh, a cry, or just an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours, these movies promise not to disappoint.

Want more? Visit the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on all things family, finance, and fun.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.