The teen years are ones that can be plagued with anxiety and worrying about what to wear, where to go, and who to hang out with. The dramas of this season of life seem endless, but then so do the jokes and laughter that keep us going in the more serious and difficult times.
The film industry has given us the amazing gift of teen movies that showcase the real-life struggles and hilarious moments that are likely all too familiar. Whether it is a group of kids in detention, a few friends ditching school for the day, or a bunch of teens creating a fake college, these teen movies touch on some of the funniest ideas imaginable.
10‘Heathers’ (1989)
When you put youngChristian Slateron the screen with a youngWinona Ryderin a film about the dangers of worrying too much about social status in high school, you have got an absolute dynamite film. While the subjects of depression, suicide, and murder are all very difficult topics, the black comedy ofHeathershelps put these anxieties at ease.
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Ultimately, the film touches on each of these topics and does so with a graceful and comedic approach. Along with Ryder and Slater, the film also includes the talents ofShannon Dohertyand the wonderfulRenee Estevez, the sister ofCharlie SheenandEmilio Estevez. The film was ahead of its time, and it was truly a hilarious look at some serious subject matter.
9‘10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)
While it is billed as a romantic teen comedy, it absolutely holds up to the comedy part of its name and does not disappoint.10 Things I Hate About Youwas marketed asa modern take on Shakespeare’s own comedy,The Taming of the Shrew. Though Shakespeare is considered old-fashioned, this film is anything but.
With an unparalleled cast ofJulia Stiles,Joseph Gordon-Levitt,Larisa Oleynik, and the late but truly remarkableHeath Ledger, the film packs a marvelous punch of talent. Some of the most incredible comedic moments come from the fantastic David Krumholtz. It is truly a wonderful and hilarious film.
8‘Napoleon Dynamite’ (2004)
The film that truly surprised everyone wasNapoleon Dynamite. An incredible independent film about a nerdy high school kid named Napoleon (Jon Heder), his even more nerdy brother, Kip (Aaron Ruell), and their ridiculous Uncle Rico (Jon Gries). The film was a wild success andcontinues to entertain audiencesas a classic.
Also joining the already amazing cast areEfren Ramirez,Tina Majorino,Haylie Duff,Diedrich Bader, and several others. The film was a box office success, earning multiple awards for comedy, acting, original score, and multiple Teen Choice Awards.Napoleon Dynamiteis a remarkable film in that it is one of the funniest teen movies despite its incredibly simplistic story.
7‘Clueless’ (1995)
Talk abouta film that defined a generation.Cluelessis a film that has meant the world to boys and girls of all ages for almost the last thirty years. With quality catchphrases such as “Ugh! As if!” coming from this 1990s masterpiece, it makes perfect sense that this film is as remarkable as it is.
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WithAlicia Silverstone,Paul Rudd, and an incredible ensemble cast includingBrittany Murphy,Donald Faison,Breckin Meyer,Stacey Dash, andJeremy Sisto,Cluelesspacks a double punch of hilarity and wit. Teens and adults alike learned how to truly appreciate the “valley girl” mentality from this film, making it a pop culture hit.
6‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)
It is likelyone of the most recognizable teen moviesof the last half-century. Known for the amazing soundtrack, the groundbreaking mentality of showcasing how differences bring us together, and really letting the world see how important it is to step outside our comfort zones from time to time.
In the incredible filmThe Breakfast Club, we see an athlete (Emilio Estevez), a brain (Anthony Michael Hall), a criminal (Judd Nelson), a princess (Molly Ringwald), and a “basket case” (Ally Sheedy) endure detention together. The hilarious conversations and pranks that occur show that despite our differences, we can choose to have fun together.
5‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ (1982)
In this teen coming-of-age comedy, we get to follow the lives of Brad (Judge Reinhold), Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh), Mike (Robert Romanus), and Jeff (Sean Penn). Each of their stories is different and holds its own set of hilarious encounters.
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The timeless film has gone on to receive consistent recognition, and in 2005,Fast Times at Ridgemont Highwas even selected to be preserved in the United States National Film Registry. The Library of Congress cited that the film was culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant — and it truly is.
From the wonderfully twisted mind ofJudd Apatowcame the quirky comedySuperbadof 2007, withJonah HillandMichael Ceraat the helm. It follows the two teens about to graduate high school, looking to score big at a party with some of the girls in their school.
The film also starsEmma StoneandChristopher Mintz-Plasse, with small guest appearances fromSeth RogenandBill Hader. The film was a box office success, drawing in audiences because it poked fun at an awkward time in a lot of people’s lives.
3‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)
Audiences envied the effortless charm exuded by high-school slacker and prankster Ferris Bueller. This 1986John Hughesteen comedy follows Ferris ditching school with his friends to spend the day on various wild adventures.
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During the day of hooky, Ferris (Matthew Broderick), Cameron (Alan Ruck), and Sloane (Mia Sara) enjoy the excitement at the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Along with the unforgettableJeffrey Jonesas Mr. Rooney, this film is hilarious andmakes audiences wish they were as daringand adventurous as Ferris and his friends.
2‘Lady Bird’ (2017)
Inher directorial debut,Greta Gerwigblessed the worldwithLady Bird, a fresh take on the traditionally played-out coming-of-age films that the world has seen enough of through the years. The film starsSaoirse Ronanas Christine “Lady Bird,” and the film follows her budding and struggling relationships with friends and specifically with her mother.
The film is littered with moments of laughter and extreme emotional heart tugs, and the entire thing is filled with entertainment. With the incomparableLaurie Metcalfas Lady Bird’s mother, there are some truly incredible moments of emotional redemption and peace.
1‘Dazed and Confused’ (1993)
Some of today’s most sought-after actors and actresses had small roles in this drug-tinged teen comedy. Today’s heavy hitters, such asBen Affleck,Milla Jovovich,Cole Hauser, andMatthew McConaughey, all came together for this magnificent movie adventure.
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The general plot ofDazed and Confusedis to just follow the misadventures and excitements of several teens on their last day of school in 1976. Despite being a box office flop, the film has become a cult classic with teens and adults alike, praising the close-to-home depiction of what it is truly like for teens in 1976 Texas.KEEP READING:The 10 Most Underrated Teen Movies of the ’90s, Ranked
