Teen romance has always been popular, frequently resonating with young adults who may be seeking a glimpse into a fantasy life they’d like to experience for themselves. As a result, teen romance movies will often have a certain warmth and nostalgic quality.
Indeed, a portion of the class all-time classics is cringe, messy, formulaic, or downright unrealistic. However, that’s simply part of their charm.
Whether you’re a fan of the ’80s or favor more contemporary entertainment, this ranked list has everything for your teen romance necessities. It has the standard Romeo and Juliet dilemma, first loves, forbidden romances, unrequited feelings, innocent pulverizes, fake relationships, tragedy, belated romantic epiphanies, fantasy, and more.
The mystery dance illustrations at the late spring resort in Dirty Dancing or the strain of having your first kiss in John Hughes movie; these stories touched individuals so profoundly that some even watched Patrick Swayze by the sound of ‘Time of My Life.’
A portion of these movies may make you laugh or cry. In any case, the goal is to make you believe in love. So here are 20 of the absolutely best teen love movies.
20. Aquamarine
- Director: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum
- Writer: John Quaintance, Jessica Bendinger, Alice Hoffman
- Cast: Emma Roberts, JoJo, Sara Paxton
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Perhaps one of the most underrated teen movies of all time, Aquamarine — starring Emma Roberts, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, and Sara Paxton — follows the story of two teenage girls who discover a real-life mermaid. The film is loosely based on the young adult novel by Alice Hoffman.
19. Twilight
- Director: Catherine Hardwicke
- Writer: Melissa Rosenberg, Stephenie Meyer
- Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Regardless of its mixed critical reviews, “Twilight” altered the trajectory of Hollywood by captivating the hearts of millions of fans through its story about a teenage girl falling in love with a vampire.
The 2008 film surpassed all expectations by debuting with a worldwide gross of more than $400 million, and its prosperity kickstarted a craze of young adult fantasy novel adaptations that include “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent” film series.
The film’s mythos, lovely cast, and distinct visuals are significant factors that contributed to its status as a global peculiarity. The story is so influential to mainstream society that it also inspires the creation of another popular franchise, “Fifty Shades of Gray.”
“Twilight” begins when teenage Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) moves in with her father in a small town. Her life continues to change when she meets the mysterious Cullen family, a gathering of non-close family members and siblings adopted by a wealthy doctor. Naturally, Bella’s attention gravitated to Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), who’s equally drawn to Bella.
As they find themselves bonding, Bella, before long, realizes that there’s more going on behind the scenes. Despite learning the dark truth about Edward, she still falls in love with him. Their forbidden romance reaches a complicated turning point when they experience nomadic vampires set on killing Bella.
18. Beastly
- Director: Daniel Barnz
- Writer: Daniel Barnz, Alex Flinn
- Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen
- IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
In a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Beastly follows a wealthy kid cursed by a witch and compelled to live without help from anyone else in an apartment. Yet, when one of his previous classmates moves in with him, he soon discovers love’s genuine meaning.
17. High School Musical
- Director: Kenny Ortega
- Writer: Peter Barsocchini
- Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale
- IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron star as Gabriella and Troy in this evergreen teen musical. The two high school students, who are complete opposites, break the barrier and audition for their high school’s musical. Unfortunately, their musical talent threatens Sharpay Evans, the co-president of the school’s drama department.
16. Let It Snow
- Director: Luke Snellen
- Writer: Laura Solon, Victoria Strouse, Kay Cannon
- Cast: Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Odeya Rush
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
“Let It Snow” is a charming romantic satire about a gathering of young individuals spending Christmas Eve in a snowstorm. This wholesome Netflix is original features an ensemble cast including Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Kiernan Shipka, Mitchell Hope, Liv Hewson, Odeya Rush, and Jacob Batalon in five semi-associated storylines about heartbreaks, finding love, and longing.
It doesn’t feature an exceptional premise — in fact, it sounds a great deal like “Love Actually” Americanized and updated for 2019 — however, its lighthearted parody blends well with its emotional moments. It’s a solid choice for a chill holiday season night.
Based on a 2008 young adult novel with the same title, the main characters of “Let It Snow” include Julie (Merced), a girl who suddenly meets a pop star on a train; Tobin (Hope), who’s secretly in love with his best friend yet can’t seem to find the right time to say it.
Dorrie (Hewson), a young waitress trying to deal with her heartbroken best friend and a secret romance with a closeted cheerleader; Addie (Rush), a girl who’s dealing with the possibility of getting unloaded by her boyfriend on Christmas; and Keon (Batalon), a diner staffer who hopes to set up a raging party.
15. The Kissing Booth
- Director: Vince Marcello
- Writer: Vince Marcello, Beth Reekles
- Cast: Joey King, Jacob Elordi, Joel Courtney
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
The start of one of Netflix’s best original film series, “The Kissing Booth,” features future Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Joey King in the lead job of Elle Evans — a late developer in her junior year of high school who has never been kissed.
The film begins with an introduction to Elle and her lifelong closest companion Lee, portrayed by “Very 8” actor Joel Courtney, as they take us through a not-insignificant list of friendship rules they established as kids.
The story is based on Elle breaking one of their guidelines as she finds herself out of the blue falling in love with resident bad kid Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi), Lee’s more established and more famous brother, which violates Rule No. 9 —
“Relatives of your dearest companion are beyond reach.” Afraid of disappointing and hurting Lee, Elle tries to stay quiet about her budding romance with Noah.
Despite its cliché storyline, the film still gained a sufficient following among its target demographic to warrant two subsequent installments.
The interest in King and Elordi’s real-life romance also became a significant factor in the film’s popularity, especially when fans figured out the pair started dating after meeting on set.
However, the film also resists the temptation to transform into an all-too-familiar love triangle story, which sends a positive message about the importance of platonic male-female relationships.
14. A Cinderella Story
- Director: Mark Rosman
- Writer: Leigh Dunlap
- Cast: Hilary Duff, Chad Michael Murray, Jennifer Coolidge
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
While there are a lot of present-day adaptations of this timeless folktale, Mark Rosman’s teen romantic satire “A Cinderella Story” is one of the most beloved. Dismissed by critics upon its presentation in 2004, it’s developed into a semi-ironic religion classic. It marks an early instance of a teen movie incorporating the internet into its depiction of high school dating.
Another part of its prosperity is its fantastic cast driven by fan-favorite TV stars, for example, then-Disney Channel star Hilary Duff and “One Tree Hill” heartthrob Chad Michael Murray. The talented Regina King, Jennifer Coolidge, Lin Shaye, and Simon Helberg are joined.
After Sam Montgomery’s (Duff) father dies, her stepmother Fiona (Coolidge) drives her to function as a waitress at the diner she unknowingly inherited.
The central saving grace from her miserable home life is looking forward to a future in her dream school, which she’s been struggling to save up for despite Fiona continuing to withhold her salary. Sam finds solace in talking to her mysterious online friend through correspondence, “Nomad.”
As they meet at the school’s Halloween party, Sam — wearing a mask and a Cinderella outfit — discovers that Nomad is star athlete Austin Ames (Murray).
After sharing a romantic dance, Sam races to leave the party without telling Austin her identity in an attempt to return to the diner before Fiona finds out she’s missing. Determined to find his Cinderella, Austin starts a school-wide search for Sam.
13. Blockers
- Director: Kay Cannon
- Writer: Brian Kehoe, Jim Kehoe
- Cast: Leslie Mann, John Cena, Ike Barinholtz
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Disregard American Pie — watch Blockers if you’re looking for a sex-positive teen satire. Kathryn Newton, Gideon Adlon, and Geraldine Viswanathan play three best friends who make a pact to lose their virginities on prom night.
12. She’s the Man
- Director: Andy Fickman
- Writer: Ewan Leslie, Karen McCullah, Kirsten Smith
- Cast: Amanda Bynes, Laura Ramsey, Channing Tatum
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum star in this wholesome high school romantic comedy in which Viola Johnson (Bynes) poses as her twin brother in a request to take his place at a soccer-focused boarding school. Mischief and accidental romance ensue in this movie inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
11. Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging
- Director: Gurinder Chadha
- Writer: Gurinder Chadha, Paul Mayeda Berges, Will McRobb
- Cast: Georgia Groome, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Karen Taylor
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Another adaptation from a young adult novel, this is quite possibly of the funniest teen romance made in late decades. Based on the books by Louise Rennison, Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging is an exceptionally accurate representation of the awkward early teen years.
The story follows Georgia and her friends, all embarrassing themselves at each chance they get and are profoundly eager to be in love with boys – and kiss them.
A movie about friendship and being sufficiently brave to be who we are, this narrative is a heartfelt watch, especially for the people who recollect not being ‘cool’ in those years. And have confidence; Georgia is the opposite of cool.
10. The DUFF
- Director: Ari Sandel
- Writer: Josh A. Cagan, Kody Keplinger
- Cast: Mae Whitman, Bella Thorne, Robbie Amell
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
A movie that undermined various generalizations found in the class, The DUFF is a serious yet still comedic tale of dating in high school as a misfit.
Adapting the story from the young adult novel of the same name, the narrative deals with being a teenager in the innovation era and the anxiety it brings. Social tensions and standards are checked when the protagonist, Bianca (Mae Whitman), is called a DUFF, which means “Designated Ugly Fat Friend.”
It sparks many meaningful discussions about what ladies are perceived and praised for. A movie where the protagonist doesn’t have to change who she is to get the person at the end is something each teen (and everybody) ought to watch.
9. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
- Director: Peter Sollett
- Writer: Lorene Scafaria, Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
- Cast: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Aaron Yoo
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Before landing the title job in Edgar Wright’s “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” Michael Cera played a different lovelorn aspiring stone musician in the type of New Jersey teen Nick O’Leary in 2008’s “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.” Cera costars with Kat Dennings of “Thor” and “WandaVision” fame, who plays Norah Silverberg, a charming and intelligent adolescent with a privileged background.
Set throughout one night in New York City, Norah meets the heartbroken Nick in a club. Their first awkward meeting starts when Norah asks Nick to turn into her five-minute boyfriend to get her friend Tris (Alexis Dziena) off her back for not having a boyfriend.
From then on, they embark on an unforgettable night together, roaming the city, searching for their favorite band’s secret show, and taking crazy detours to find Norah’s heavily intoxicated best friend, Caroline (Ari Graynor). One of the film’s surprising highlights isyGaynor’ss occasionally improvised dialog and behavior as they hammered Caroline.
Cera and Dennings’ chemistry instantly manifests starting from their first scene together, delivering a sweet and delightful romantic performance that leaves the audience wanting to learn about them.
Given its title and characters’ shared interest in music, it is also known for having an excellent soundtrack consisting of tracks from slightly unnoticed artists of the era, including Vampire Weekend. “Nich and Norah” also features cameos from Seth Meyers, Andy Samberg, and John Cho.
8. To All The Boys I Loved Before
- Director: Susan Johnson
- Writer: Sofia Alvarez, Jenny Han
- Cast: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Using quite possibly of the most beloved saying in the class, fake dating, To All the Boys I Loved Before, is the sweet excursion of an in-love girl who eventually finds it. This movie is the first adaptation of a trilogy of books, all of which got adapted by Netflix.
A story about sisterhood and family that also deals with the heartbreak that can emerge out of the departure of a loved one (whatever structure that may come), this movie is a must-watch for irredeemable romantics. After writing secret love letters to all she pulverizes, Lara Jean (Lana Condor) hides them in her wardrobe.
Notwithstanding, she didn’t anticipate her little sister Kitty (getting her very own series) to send the letters. Lara Jean sees no chance to get out than pretending to date one of her pulverizers, Peter (Noah Centineo), to stop her sister’s boyfriend from confronting her about his letter. A wreck from beginning to end, it is impossible to watch this movie without grinning.
7. Five Feet Apart
- Director: Justin Baldoni
- Writer: Mikki Daughtry, Tobias Iaconis
- Cast: Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Moises Arias
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse star alongside each other in this movie adaptation of Rachel Lippincott’s novel of the same name.
At the point when two teens with cystic fibrosis meet, their instant attraction and similar diagnosis bond them. The main issue: Restrictions drive them to stay at least five feet apart from each other in request to safeguard their health.
6. A Walk To Remember
- Director: Adam Shankman
- Writer: Nicholas Sparks, Karen Janszen
- Cast: Mandy Moore, Shane West, Peter Coyote
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10Landon is sentenced to community service after getting into inconvenience for underage drinking on school grounds. Part of his punishment includes participating in the spring play. Here, he meets the reverend’s daughter, Jaime, and falls for her. The film stars Mandy Moore and Shane West in the lead roles.
5. Ten Things That I Hate About You
- Director: Gil Junger
- Writer: Karen McCullah, Kirsten Smith, William Shakespeare
- Cast: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
The ’90s classic had to be at the top of this list. Another movie inspired by the best playwright that ever lived, Ten Things That I Hate About You, is a take on Shakespeare’s timeless play, The Taming of the Shrew.
With an incredible cast, Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Larisa Oleynik, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the leads, this movie quickly became a peculiarity among teenagers
. It is impossible to watch the film and not pull for the characters to be together and,simultaneouslye, not lose who they are comingfrom (they don’t, don’t stress over it). You will finish the movie rumbling “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and wishing Heath Ledger would sing it to you.
4 Spider-Man: Far From Home
- Director: Jon Watts
- Writer: Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Stan Lee
- Cast: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Indeed, this is an action-packed hero movie about your favorite web-slinger. If you look past all the fight scenes and evil villain drama, you’ll see a lovely love story between high school understudies Peter (Tom Holland) and MJ (Zendaya).
3. Love, Simon
- Director: Greg Berlanti
- Writer: Becky Albertalli, Elizabeth Berger, Isaac Aptaker
- Cast: Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Love, Simon is based on a novel by Becky Albertalli called Simon X, The Homo Sapiens Agenda. This movie is a wholehearted story about a 17-year-old, Simon (Nick Robinson), that has a mystery he keeps from everybody around him: he is gay.
The first film by a major Hollywood studio that focuses on gay romance, Love, Simon stars Nick Robinson as Simon, a closeted gay high school student.
That gets more complicated once he starts exchanging emails with a kid in his class who is also gay and, while coming out of the wardrobe, very much like Simon.His dear friends and family accompany his processy.
The viewer closes the movie believing the world can bea specialr place when these stories arecreated and loved worldwided. A necessary teenage romance, Love, Simon opened entryways for more LGBTQIA+ stories for teens, having a spin-off series by Hulu called Love, Victor.
2. Flipped
- Director: Rob Reiner
- Writer: Rob Reiner, Andrew Scheinman, Wendelin Van Draanen
- Cast: Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, Rebecca De Mornay
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner’s adaptation of Wendelin Van Draanen’s novel, “Flipped,” is criminally underrated despite delivering a beautiful and genuine take on first loves. Callan McAuliffe and Madeline Carroll’s performances effectively convey everything that a coming-of-age movie like this should. It’scharming,t with just the right amount of angst.
Told through alternating perspectives of the leading team, the story begins when 7-year-old Bryce Loski moves into another neighborhood where he meets the unusually friendly Juli Baker, who instantly falls for Bryce
Fast forward several years later — they are currently in their pre-teen years, where Juli (Carroll) still pines for Bryce (McAuliffe), who’s getting tired and annoyed with Juli’s obsession with him, especially when she embarrasses him in school
. Hoping to get her far from him, Bryce ignores her efforts and even tries to date the most popular girl in school.
A turning point in their uneven relationship comes when Bryce’s grandfather arrives on the scene. Through his grandfather — who is charmed by Juli’s attitude — Bryce’s perception of Juli starts to change, allowing him to accept his feelings for her. At the same time, Juli reflects on Bryce and questions whether he’s the right one for her.
1. The Fault in Our Stars
- Director: Josh Boone
- Writer: Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber, John Green
- Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
The Fault in Our Stars tells the journey and experiences of two teenagers with chronic cancer. An emotional movie, it is sure to fill your heart with immense love and your eyes with tears. The film stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort in the leading roles.
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Other Movies To Checkout
1. Easy A
High school and friend pressure can make you do stupid things, just like Olive, who lies about losing her virginity to a school kid. At the point when a schoolmate overhears this, the ‘news’ spreads like wildfire. The movie stars Emma Stone as Olive, Amanda Bynes as Marianne, and Penn Badgley as ‘Woodchuck’ Todd.
2. What a Girl Wants
America meets the Brits in this 2003 teen satire starring Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Oliver James, and Kelly Preston. American teen Daphne travels to London in search of her estranged father and tries to bond with him while navigating the British high society.
3. Save the Last Dance
After 17-year-old ballerina Sara Johnson (Julia Stiles) fails a Juilliard audition, she nearly gives up on dancing… until Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas) helps her develop her style and inspires her to pursue her dreams.
