Must-Watch Movies for Teens: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The term “teen” typically refers to a person aged 13 to 19 years old. During this stage of life, teens are often looking for ways to express themselves, build their identity, and find entertainment. Movies can be a great source of education, inspiration, and entertainment for teens. With so many different types of movies out there, it can be difficult for teens to decide which ones to watch. This article will provide a comprehensive guide of must-watch movies for teens, including top 10 must-watch movies, classic films, inspiring movies, coming of age films, sci-fi movies, and iconic movies every teen should know about.

Top 10 Must-Watch Movies for Teens

When it comes to movies, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone has different tastes and preferences. However, there are some movies that tend to be universally liked by teens. Here are the top 10 must-watch movies for teens:

• The Breakfast Club (1985): This classic John Hughes film follows five diverse high school students who spend a Saturday in detention together. Through their conversations and experiences, they come to realize that they have more in common than they originally thought.
• Mean Girls (2004): This comedy follows Cady Heron as she navigates the treacherous waters of high school social dynamics. Despite its lighthearted humor, Mean Girls offers insight into the struggles of trying to fit in and the importance of standing up for oneself.
• Dead Poets Society (1989): This drama follows English professor John Keating as he encourages his students to think for themselves and seize the day. It is a powerful reminder that every person has something special to offer the world.
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): This cult classic follows Ferris Bueller’s quest to take a day off from school while evading his school principal and parents. It is a lighthearted look at the joys of being young and carefree.
• Clueless (1995): This modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma follows Cher Horowitz as she attempts to navigate high school social dynamics. In the end, she learns the importance of being true to herself.
• Eighth Grade (2018): This coming of age film follows Kayla Day as she navigates her last week of eighth grade. It is a thoughtful exploration of the difficulties of growing up in the digital age.
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): This coming of age story follows Charlie as he navigates his freshman year of high school. It is a heartfelt story of friendship and self-discovery.
• The Fault in Our Stars (2014): This romantic drama follows Hazel and Augustus as they fall in love and explore what it means to live a meaningful life despite their terminal illnesses.
• Moonrise Kingdom (2012): This quirky Wes Anderson film follows two 12-year-olds who run away together and explore what it means to be an adult.
• Lady Bird (2017): This coming of age story follows Lady Bird as she navigates her senior year of high school and explores what it means to become an adult.

Classic Films Every Teen Should See

In addition to the top 10 must-watch movies, there are also some classic films that every teen should see. These films have stood the test of time and offer valuable lessons about life. Here are some classic films every teen should see:

• Rebel Without a Cause (1955): This classic film follows Jim Stark as he navigates teenage angst and rebellion. It is a timeless exploration of the challenges of growing up.
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961): This romantic comedy follows Holly Golightly as she navigates New York City and discovers the importance of friendship and self-acceptance.
• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962): This classic drama follows Scout Finch as she navigates racial injustice and learns the importance of standing up for what is right.
• The Graduate (1967): This classic comedy follows Benjamin Braddock as he navigates adulthood and discovers the importance of following one’s own path.
• 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): This science fiction classic follows Dave Bowman as he navigates space and discovers the meaning of life.
• Easy Rider (1969): This counterculture classic follows Wyatt and Billy as they travel across America in search of freedom and self-discovery.
• A Clockwork Orange (1971): This dystopian classic follows Alex DeLarge as he navigates a world of violence and explores the nature of human morality.
• American Graffiti (1973): This coming of age classic follows a group of teenagers as they navigate life and explore the possibilities of adulthood.
• Taxi Driver (1976): This psychological thriller follows Travis Bickle as he navigates the dark underbelly of New York City and explores the consequences of violence.
• Dazed and Confused (1993): This cult classic follows a group of high schoolers as they navigate the last day of school and explore the joys of being young.

The Most Inspiring Movies for Teens

Movies can be a great source of inspiration for teens. They can provide insight into the struggles of growing up and offer hope for a brighter future. Here are some of the most inspiring movies for teens:

• Stand By Me (1986): This coming of age story follows four friends as they navigate the difficulties of growing up. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of friendship and loyalty.
• Boyz n the Hood (1991): This drama follows Tre Styles as he navigates poverty and gang violence in Los Angeles. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of education and standing up for what is right.
• The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): This biographical drama follows Chris Gardner as he navigates homelessness and strives to make a better life for himself and his son. It is a powerful reminder of the power of perseverance and determination.
• Freedom Writers (2007): This drama follows Erin Gruwell as she navigates inner city schools and strives to make a difference in the lives of her students. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of education and believing in one’s self.
• The Blind Side (2009): This biographical sports drama follows Michael Oher as he navigates poverty and strives to succeed in football and academics. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of family and hard work.
• The Help (2011): This drama follows Skeeter Phelan as she navigates the segregated South and strives to make a difference in the lives of African American maids. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right.
• Hidden Figures (2016): This biographical drama follows three brilliant African American women as they navigate segregation and strive to make a difference in the field of mathematics. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking barriers and believing in one’s self.
• Wonder (2017): This drama follows Auggie Pullman as he navigates bullying and strives to find acceptance in his new school. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and embracing our differences.
• Love, Simon (2018): This romantic comedy follows Simon Spier as he navigates coming out and strives to find acceptance from his friends and family. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of being true to oneself.
• Just Mercy (2019): This biographical drama follows lawyer Bryan Stevenson as he navigates the unjust criminal justice system and strives to free wrongly convicted prisoners. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right.

Coming of Age Films Every Teen Should Watch

Coming of age films can be a great source of entertainment and insight for teens. Here are some coming of age films every teen should watch:

• The 400 Blows (1959): This French New Wave classic follows Antoine Doinel as he navigates childhood and discovers the joys of being young.
• Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974): This drama follows Alice Hyatt as she navigates single parenthood and discovers the importance of following one’s dreams.
• Risky Business (1983): This comedy follows Joel Goodsen as he navigates the transition to adulthood and discovers the importance of taking risks.
• Say Anything (1989): This romantic comedy follows Lloyd Dobler as he navigates relationships and discovers the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
• My Own Private Idaho (1991): This drama follows Mike Waters as he navigates homelessness and discovers the importance of friendship and self-discovery.
• Dazed and Confused (1993): This cult classic follows a group of high schoolers as they navigate life and explore the possibilities of adulthood.
• Kids (1995): This independent drama follows Telly and Jennie as they navigate teenage sexuality and discover the importance of responsibility.
• Election (1999): This dark comedy follows Tracy Flick as she navigates high school politics and discovers the importance of being true to oneself.
• Ghost World (2001): This dark comedy follows Enid and Rebecca as they navigate growing up and discover the importance of embracing our differences.
• Thirteen (2003): This drama follows Tracy Freeland as she navigates adolescence and discovers the importance of making responsible choices.

Must-See Sci-Fi Movies for Teens

Sci-fi movies can be a great source of entertainment and exploration for teens. Here are some must-see sci-fi movies for teens:

• Blade Runner (1982): This classic sci-fi film follows Rick Deckard as he navigates a futuristic Los Angeles and discovers the importance of humanity.
• E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982): This classic sci-fi film follows Elliott and E.T. as they navigate life on earth and discover the importance of family and friendship.
• Back to the Future (1985): This classic sci-fi comedy follows Marty McFly as he navigates time travel and discovers the importance of taking risks.
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991): This classic sci-fi action film follows Sarah Connor as she navigates a post-apocalyptic future and discovers the importance of fighting for what is right.
• The Matrix (1999): This classic sci-fi action film follows Neo as he navigates a virtual reality and discovers the importance of believing in oneself.
• Minority Report (2002): This sci-fi thriller follows John Anderton as he navigates a future where crime can be predicted and discovers the importance of making responsible choices.
• Children of Men (2006): This sci-fi thriller follows Theo Faron as he navigates a world where humans can no longer reproduce and discovers the importance of hope.
• Avatar (2009): This sci-fi adventure follows Jake Sully as he navigates a distant planet and discovers the importance of respect for other cultures.
• Looper (2012): This sci-fi thriller follows Joe Simmons as he navigates time travel and discovers the importance of making responsible choices.
• Ex Machina (2015): This sci-fi thriller follows Caleb Smith as he navigates artificial intelligence and discovers the importance of respecting technology.

Iconic Movies Every Teen Should Know About

In addition to the movies listed above, there are also some iconic movies that every teen should know about. These films have had a lasting impact on culture and offer valuable lessons about life. Here are some iconic movies every teen should know about:

• Casablanca (1942): This classic romance follows Rick Blaine as he navigates love and war and discovers the importance of sacrifice.
• On the Waterfront (1954): This classic drama follows Terry Malloy as he navigates crime and corruption and discovers the importance of standing up for what is right.
• West Side Story (1961): This classic musical follows Maria and Tony as they navigate love and prejudice and discover the importance of understanding and empathy.
• The Godfather (1972): This classic crime drama follows Michael Corleone as he navigates family and loyalty and discovers the importance of making responsible choices.
• Jaws (1975): This classic thriller follows Chief Brody as he navigates a great white shark and discovers the importance of courage and teamwork.
• Annie Hall (1977): This classic romantic comedy follows Alvy Singer as he navigates relationships and discovers the importance of self-discovery.
• Star Wars (1977): This classic sci-fi adventure follows Luke Skywalker as he navigates a galaxy far, far away and discovers the importance of heroism.
• Raging Bull (1980): This classic drama follows Jake LaMotta as he navigates boxing and discovers the importance of self-control.
• E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982): This classic sci-fi film follows Elliott and E.T. as they navigate life on earth and discover the importance of family and friendship.
• Do the Right Thing (1989): This classic drama follows Mookie as he navigates racial tensions and discovers the importance of understanding and respect.

Conclusion

When it comes to movies, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone has different tastes and preferences.