Feeling nostalgic for a story about a protagonist coming of age, set against the backdrop of carefree summer days and perhaps a few romantic triangles? There’s nothing better than revisiting the glory days of high school and teen movies.

From the golden age of Old Hollywood to musicals, comedies, dramas, horror, and just about every other genre you can think of, teen films have a long and illustrious history. It shouldn’t be a surprise because coming-of-age tales have so much feeling.

Here are the top teen films available on Netflix, including timeless films from the 1980s and 1990s and the newest blockbuster rom-coms. If your favorite show or movie isn’t already on the list, check back soon; we’ll be updating it as new additions and deletions are made to the streaming service.

For now, peruse the selections we’ve made below and share your recommendations in the thread for a reader vote.

Top 5 must-watch movies on Netflix for Teenagers:

1. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before:

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, based on the same-named New York Times best-selling YA novel, was a blockbuster hit for Netflix, catapulting Noah Centineo to the pinnacles of online boyfriend and igniting social media trends. And it’s clear why.

The story of Lara Jean (Lana Condor), a hardworking adolescent who finds her life turned upside down after her childhood love letters become public, is directed by Susan Johnson and offers a light yet contemporary take on the traditional rom-com yarn.

From her Korean origins to her understated confidence and indifference in high school politics, Condor is a delight as Lara Jean, a beautiful makeover of the typical rom-com lead. She is well complemented by the insatiably charming Centino, who plays heartthrob Peter Kavinsky, a boyhood sweetheart who starts a pretend relationship to save both of their reputations.

Naturally, genuine love develops. It’s a joyful, carefree romance that will have you in its spell and transport you to the best moments of youthful romance (while avoiding the worst). [Haleigh Foutch]

2. Moxie:

For circumstances beyond my control, Moxie failed to receive as much attention as Booksmart did. The film Moxie, based on the novel by the same name by Jennifer Mathieu, is an uplifting, feel-good story.

In this scene, new student Lucy (Alycia Pascual-Pena) challenges some of the norms at Vivian’s (Hadley Robinson) school, opening the eyes of veteran student Vivian to the pervasive misogyny there.
What, then, motivates this otherwise mild-mannered adolescent to take action? Taking cues from her mother’s radical past as an activist and singer, Vivian starts a revolutionary zine, which quickly becomes the catalyst for a movement among the female students at her school.

The film’s plot deals with some serious issues, so it’s not exactly light viewing, but it has its share of touching sequences.

Moxie’s awesomeness stems from the movie’s broad group of characters, its grounded depiction of high school life, its several brilliant needle-drops, and the triumphant strength of its friendship connections. In Memory of Monita Mohan

3. Dumplin:

Dumplin’ is a joy about learning to appreciate people on their own terms; it’s a body-positive story about gaining confidence through pageantry, and the great Dolly Parton greatly influences it. Publicity for Patti Cake$ Willlowdean (Danielle Macdonald), often known as Dumplin’, is a charismatic teenager whose confidence issues are only superficially covered up by her outward charm.

The fact that Willowdean’s (Jennifer Aniston) mother is a former beauty pageant queen and her enthusiasm for the culture has always made Willowdean feel like a failure doesn’t help matters. But through the power of shared grief and a little good ol’ Dolly, the two find their common ground, and Willowdean learns to accept her own beauty and the beauty of those around her (including a quite attractive heartthrob from a neighboring school, played by Luke Benward).

It has a message of self-love we probably all wish we heard as teenagers and a cast of supporting players who steal the show. — Haleigh Foutch

4. Enola Holmes:

You’re probably familiar with Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, the most well-known investigator in history. His pompous older brother, Mycroft Holmes (Sam Claflin), might be a household name. What about their young, rebellious sister Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown), though? This non-traditional origin narrative for Enola is based on the young adult novel by Nancy Springer.

 

Enola’s (Helena Bonham Carter) unconventional upbringing is useful when her mother, Eudoria, disappears. Eudoria raised her children in seclusion. She runs away from her well-known older brothers in order to track down their mother on her own, but is diverted from her mission by the young Viscount Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), who has his own mystery to solve.

Enola Holmes has something that will appeal to people of all ages because it combines mystery, action, and comedy so well. Spoken by: Mary K. Carr

5. The Edge of Seventeen:

Laugh-out-loud drama from 2016 If you’re looking for an adolescent movie that focuses on female characters and has many laughs and emotions, The Edge of Seventeen is a fantastic option. Hailee Steinfeld plays a high school junior experiencing the highs and lows of adolescence, this R-rated comedy is refreshing, amusing, and heartbreaking.

She has a close relationship with her English instructor, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, who helps her navigate social, romantic, and familial challenges.

Besides Steinfeld’s outstanding performance, the most remarkable aspect of Edge of Seventeen is how realistic it all feels. The stress. Awareness of one’s own insecurity. The significance of it all. This move, The Edge of Seventeen, is a precious gem. Author: Adam Chitwood