File not found
hollywood-feed

10 Best Must-Watch Iconic Movies for Teens and Young Adults!

Transforming fantasies into actuality is exhilarating, particularly for teenagers. Life doesn't always follow the plan, but these 10 movies will motivate and delight.

Great teen movies connect with viewers of every generation through their portrayal of significant life experiences. Young adult films have a special significance for movie fans, showcasing a range of themes from teenage adventures to high school terrifying tales. These timeless films showcase the dreams, wants, worries, and dreams of youthful individuals with witty conversations, memorable music, and extravagant acts of love.

While centered on teenage culture, these movies act as snapshots of particular time periods and highlight the impressive talent of upcoming celebrities. Films such as The Breakfast Club, Clueless, and Mean Girls provide valuable insights into the struggles and victories of teenage years. They delve into the importance of social groups, the passion of first romances, and the hope for a better tomorrow, offering a variety of experiences and depicting the timeless aspects that make adolescence such a memorable period.

1. Clueless

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Clueless

Clueless is definitely Amy Heckerling's masterpiece, and it ranks among the top in its genre. Heckerling's meticulous focus on details is evident in every aspect of the film. The film was an iconic piece, featuring the vintage fashion of the 1990s that has since become closely associated with that time period, as well as the clever dialogue from teenagers that has become a common part of our cultural lexicon. Even with her wealth and tendency to interfere, Alicia Silverstone's character Cher in Clueless remains a very charming and relatable heroine. She represents the joys, challenges, and achievements of teenage years. Clueless remains a classic film that still enchants viewers, establishing itself as the ultimate teen movie that sets the standard for all others.

2. The Breakfast Club

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Where to watch: JioCinema

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club, an iconic movie by John Hughes, is a timeless exploration of the unseen barriers that divide teenagers and the typical challenges they face. The cast features Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, and Ally Sheedy. They embody various archetypes: villain, royalty, sports star, intellectual, and outcast. While spending a Saturday in detention together, these seemingly different personalities unexpectedly bond through shared experiences. By sharing their experiences, they expose the complexities hidden beneath their apparent differences. Even though the film's specific mentions may be old-fashioned, its lasting theme of empathy resonates with every new era.

3. 10 Things I Hate About You 

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Where to watch: Hotstar

10 Things I Hate About You 

10 Things I Hate About You is a 1990s teen comedy that modernizes Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew for a contemporary audience. It is clever, touching, and full of memorable quotes. A plan was created to set Bianca up with bad-boy Patrick (Heath Ledger) while her sister Kat searched for a suitor, resulting in Bianca being banned from dating. As the unusual pair's emotions grew, the movie delved into themes of romance and the challenges of high school social structures. 10 Things I Hate About You is considered a classic due to its excellent portrayal of the struggles of being a teenager.

4. Mean Girls 

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Mean Girls

Mean Girls definitely qualifies as a cult classic. This serves as a suitable follow-up to Clueless, showcasing sharp humor and a strong understanding of high school dynamics. Lindsay Lohan played the character Cady. Logan, who had previously been homeschooled, was now facing the challenges of American high school life upon returning from Africa. Although she befriended Janis (Lizzy Caplan) and Damian (Daniel Franzese), Cady still ended up joining the Plastics. The school's popular group, the Plastics, was headed by Regina George, who was both charming and controlling. Tina Fey wrote the exceptional script. Mean Girls is a collection of memorable lines and scenes created by Fey, supported by the excellent acting of its incredible cast.

5. Ferris Buller’s Day Off 

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Ferris Buller’s Day Off 

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a perfect example of wish fulfillment. The movie turns the ultimate teenage dream into a reality. Matthew Broderick received widespread acclaim for his well-known performance as the charming Ferris. Brodewick's persona was a skilled manipulator who could charm his way out of any predicament, proving to be both annoying and captivating. Ferris' consistent calmness and enthusiasm for life established him as an eternal hero. Hughes' affection for Chicago inspires Ferris to explore the city's attractions quickly. Ferris Bueller's Day Off, known for its daring, fourth-wall-breaking approach, is a classic tribute to the joys of living in the moment and the unstoppable energy of youth.

Also Read: Best Korean Drama Of All Time: Queen of Tears, Mr. Queen, And Others

6. Dazed and Confused 

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Where to watch: Prime Video

Dazed and Confused 

Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused is an artistic creation in film. Dazed and Confused showed how simplicity can convey the feeling of adolescent irresponsibility and the timeless magic of a single day. Taking place on the last day of school in 1976 in Texas, the movie focuses on a varied group of individuals. The movie features the rebellious character Randall "Pink" Floyd portrayed by Jason London and the innocent Mitch Kramer played by Wiley Wiggins. They engage in the customs of hazing, cruising, and partying. Dazed and Confused captures the familiar sensation of cherishing the fleeting moments of adolescence. It acts as a prompt that the most unforgettable trips are frequently those that seem aimless.

7. Booksmart 

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Where to watch: Apple TV

Booksmart

Olivia Wilde's first time directing, Booksmart, is a success. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever stand out as Molly and Amy with their infectious excitement and fresh portrayal of youthful friendship. The movie follows two high-achieving close friends who go on a fast-paced adventure to make up for lost time on their last night before graduation. The production design of the movie was intricately detailed, contributing to its captivating ambiance. The sensitive and genuine depiction of characters in Booksmart, particularly Amy's queerness, is inclusive. This contemporary masterpiece, filled with an authentic understanding of adolescence, sets a high standard.

8. Lady Bird 

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Where to watch: JioCinema

Lady Bird 

Lady Bird, directed by Greta Gerwig, is a poignant and emotionally deep coming-of-age film. The movie depicts the common desire to leave where you were born and the inevitable love for your origins that comes after. Saoirse Ronan gave a standout performance as the defiant character Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson. Roman successfully managed the difficulties of being a teenager in Sacramento. During her adventure, Lady Bird faced challenges with her initial romantic feelings, friendships, and a frequently tough relationship with her mother. Gerwig's movie steered clear of major, impactful occurrences in favor of calmness. The movie showcased ordinary occurrences that shaped teenage life, highlighting the loveliness in the seemingly mundane.

9. American Pie 

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Where to watch: Prime Video

American Pie

American Pie follows a bunch of high school guys trying to have sex before heading off to college. While a film with a similar concept might not be made nowadays, it successfully blends crude humor with heartfelt emotion. The group of actors, with Jason Biggs' charming portrayal of Jim at the forefront, brought depth to their characters. The movie specifically enhanced Seann William Scott's cocky Stifler and Eddie Kaye Thomas' anxious Finch. Even with the graphic and repulsive humor, like the infamous pie scene, the movie's main theme is one of genuine honesty, which solidifies its status as a beloved coming-of-age masterpiece.

10. Grease

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Grease

Grease faced a lot of criticism for its casting choices due to the common stereotype of adults portraying teenagers. The movie is still considered one of the most iconic teen films ever made. Yet, the reason for the movie's continued popularity lies in its capacity to embody the spirit of youth in the 1950s. The movie had a straightforward storyline centered on the love story between rebel Danny and innocent Sandy. However, it contained humor, lively energy, and renowned music. The main strength of Grease was its ability to accurately portray the teenage experiences, including the highs of friendship and lows of rejection. This turns it into a timeless masterpiece.

Also Read: Best English Web Series You Can Watch On Amazon Prime Video