The 10 Best Teen Movies on Netflix Streaming Now
Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions with our curated list of the top 10 teen movies on Netflix. From coming-of-age dramas to quirky comedies, these films capture adolescence’s joys, struggles, and triumphs. To help you pick your following movie night selection, we’ve included both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes ratings for each film, and we’ve made sure to avoid repeating any movies previously mentioned.
List of 10 Best Teen Movies on Netflix to Watch
1. “The Edge of Seventeen” (2016)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Kelly Fremon Craig’s directorial debut “The Edge of Seventeen” is a poignant and authentic coming-of-age film that revolves around the life of Nadine. This high school junior finds herself struggling to maintain a balance between her relationships with friends, family, and romantic interests. The film’s clever humor and genuine performances offer an unflinching and realistic representation of the teenage experience, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
2. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Susan Johnson’s directorial venture, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” is a delightful romantic comedy that promises to tug at your heartstrings. Based on the novel by Jenny Han, the movie revolves around Lara Jean, whose secret love letters get inadvertently sent out to all her crushes. Caught in a web of complicated emotions, Lara Jean struggles to navigate the ups and downs of love and friendship. With its endearing characters, heartfelt romance, and relatable storyline, this film is a must-watch for anyone who loves young adult fiction.
3. “Easy A” (2010)
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
“Easy A” is a delightful comedy film directed by Will Gluck that adds a contemporary twist to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s timeless novel, “The Scarlet Letter.” The film follows Olive Penderghast, a high school student who fabricates a story about losing her virginity, only to find herself at the center of a scandalous rumor mill that spirals out of control. With its sharp and clever dialogues, witty humor, and Emma Stone’s stellar performance in the lead role, this movie is an absolute must-see for anyone who loves watching teen comedies.
4. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Stephen Chbosky’s directorial debut, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” is a cinematic masterpiece that delicately portrays the complexities of adolescence. The movie is based on Chbosky’s critically acclaimed novel and revolves around the life of Charlie, a reserved and introverted teenager struggling to find his place in the world. Through his journey, Charlie discovers the true meaning of friendship, love, and loss, making it a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or alone. With its authentic performances, emotional depth, and coming-of-age themes, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a timeless classic that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
5. “Lady Bird” (2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
The movie Lady Bird is a touching coming-of-age drama-comedy directed by Greta Gerwig. It focuses on Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson’s senior year of high school as she faces the challenges of growing up in Sacramento, California. The film’s depiction of adolescence is authentic and relatable, and the outstanding performances of Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf bring the characters to life in an unforgettable way. It’s no wonder “Lady Bird” has received critical acclaim and numerous accolades for its exceptional storytelling and artistic direction.
6. “Mean Girls” (2004)
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
The critically acclaimed movie “Mean Girls” is a witty and entertaining comedy skillfully directed by Mark Waters. The film delves into the dog-eat-dog world of high school social hierarchy, examining the inner workings of cliques and the lengths people go to fit in. As we follow the story of Cady Heron, a new student who infiltrates the popular crowd known as “The Plastics,” we witness the harsh reality of social politics and the consequences of conforming to societal norms. This movie’s cleverly crafted script, unforgettable characters, and iconic quotes have made it a cultural sensation that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
7. “The Spectacular Now” (2013)
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
“The Spectacular Now” is a movie directed by James Ponsoldt that tells the story of Sutter Keely, a high school senior who falls in love with Aimee Finicky, a quiet and introverted girl. The movie beautifully captures the nuances of young love and the complexities of adolescence, making it a heartwarming and authentic coming-of-age romance. The performances by Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley are exceptional, and the chemistry between the two actors is palpable, making the movie a must-watch for anyone who loves a good romance.
8. “Dumplin'” (2018)
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Anne Fletcher’s “Dumplin'” is a heartwarming comedy-drama that follows the story of Willowdean, a plus-sized teen who decides to challenge societal norms by participating in a beauty pageant. Based on Julie Murphy’s novel, the film offers a powerful message of self-love and acceptance. As Willowdean’s journey unfolds, she inspires a group of misfit contestants to embrace their uniqueness and reject conventional beauty standards. With its captivating performances and uplifting storyline, “Dumplin'” is a must-watch for anyone looking for an empowering tale of friendship and individuality.
9. “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
“10 Things I Hate About You” is a timeless movie directed by Gil Junger that offers a fresh take on William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” It revolves around the life of high school student Bianca, who is forbidden from dating until her older, rebellious sister Kat finds a boyfriend. A humorous plan is devised to find Kat a suitable partner, leading to unpredictable events. The movie boasts of cleverly crafted dialogues and charismatic performances by Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, making it an all-time favorite in the teen comedy genre.
10. “The Half of It” (2020)
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
“The Half of It” is a captivating coming-of-age dramedy directed by Alice Wu. The film revolves around Ellie Chu, a timid and reserved high school student who is approached by a popular jock to help him win over his crush by writing love letters. As Ellie and the jock work together on the letters, they develop a deep bond, discovering and sharing their vulnerabilities. The film presents a refreshing take on the teen romance genre, exploring themes of friendship, love, and identity with thoughtful nuance. “The Half of It” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking movie that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.
These teen movies on Netflix offer a mix of romance, comedy, and drama, making them perfect for a cozy movie night with friends or a solo binge-watching session. So, grab some snacks, hit play, and get ready to laugh, cry, and learn about the ups and downs of adolescence.
