Teen Movies may bring to mind Clueless, Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, Molly Ringwald, The Bratpack, and Lindsay Lohan. However, you need to study a little Teen Movie history. The storyline of Clueless dates back to 1815. The story was adapted from Jane Austen’s novel Emma. Who says a writer from two centuries ago can’t have written a character and story with relevance and interest for modern audiences?
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When reviewing teen movies, check out the Andy Hardy movies filmed between 1937 and 1946. They deal with the typical teen movie themes, such as learning about life, friendships, and relationships.
In other words, stories of teenagers and teen movies have been around for a long time and many generations with the same theme. The films can help teens relate to and survive those confusing years and learning experiences. To see the similarities, read Emma and watch the movies mentioned above and the following list of the best Teen Movies.
The Last Picture Show
The Last Picture Show tells the story of two friends, Sonny and Duane, and other residents of a small declining Texas town in the early 1950s. The friends are trying to plan their futures as they explore relationships. Their friendship almost doesn’t survive this period.
The Last Picture show ranks among the best Teen Movies because it shows the universality of the story of development during the teen years in a less-than-ideal environment.
Rebel Without a Cause
The iconic James Dean movie is about the emotional and moral confusion of becoming an adult. James Dean plays Jim, who appears to be headed for juvenile delinquency but instead is the person leading his friends, Plato and Judy, to a better path. Unfortunately, he can’t save Plato, but he does rescue Judy.
Rebel Without a Cause is on the best Teen Movies list because it shows teens struggling to find their way.
American Pie
American Pie deals with the teenage obsession with sex. Five male friends make a pact to lose their virginity on prom night. The pact results in disasters but touching connections with the guys learning from the girls.
American Pie earns a spot on the best Teen Movie list because it deals with the teenage obsession with sex in a way teenagers can relate.
American Graffiti
Set in the 1960s, American Graffiti focuses on the activities of four teenage male friends over one summer night as they contemplate leaving home. Their life revolves around music, cars, drinking, and chasing girls.
American Graffiti shows teenagers exploring new experiences while facing the future. Since it is set in the 1960s, it shows the generational continuity of teenage issues. So, it gets a place on the best Teen Movie list.
Grease
Grease portrays the relationship between a straight-laced girl and a hip 1950s guy. They try to find a common path while being concerned about the reactions of their friends. It focuses on the teenage issue of how to be true to themselves and yet be accepted.
Filmed in 1978, Grease can still be viewed regularly on television, proving Teenage Movie themes speak to multiple generations. So, it made the best Teen Movies list.
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing portrays the exposure of a sheltered teen to the realities of life for those in a different class. She also sees unexpected biases in those she cares about as she deals with her desires to please others but be true to herself.
Dirty Dancing was filmed in 1987 and is a regular favorite on television. So. It also shows the shared generational issues of teenagers and earns a spot on the best Teenage Movie list.
