When we think of teen movies, we picture poignant coming-of-age stories filled with relatable characters navigating life, friendships, first love, heartbreak, and the ups and downs of high school. The genre has something truly mesmerizing about it – it keeps the audience feeling nostalgic and invested in the narrative.
Usually, teen movies have that same lighthearted, cringe-worthy “boy meets girl, they fall in love” theme we’ve all experienced at least once in our life. But what makes a movie stand out from the lot is a satisfying ending, when the story wraps up in a way that feels complete and brings a smile to your face. The best teen flicks don’t just show their protagonists dealing with life, they show them conquering it.
A fulfilling teen movie ending brings the story to a full circle. Subplots are neatly resolved, jokes or subtle clues from the beginning make more sense, and character arcs show genuine personal growth. When taking a fond look back at some teen movies, we only appreciate how perfectly pitched these conclusions are and how cathartic you feel when these cinematic gems come to an end.
20 Easy A (2010)
Easy A
- Release Date
- September 16, 2010
- Director
- Will Gluck
- Cast
- Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Dan Byrd, Thomas Haden Church, Patricia Clarkson
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Comedy
First on our list of teen movies with intensely satisfying endings is the 2010 high school comedy starring the one and only Emma Stone. In Easy A, she plays Olive, a goody-two-shoes with no record of messing up or being noticed at school. However, when one day, she’s prompted to tell how her weekend went, she says she lost her virginity to a college guy. The little white lie gets out of hand and kickstars a high school rumor mill. Thrust into the spotlight for over an hour, Olive eventually learns the meaning of keeping one’s life private and how it is more important to figure out who you are than to map a false idea for people so they think you’re cool. Easy A ends with Olive kissings the boy of her dreams, Todd, and riding off with him on a lawnmower.
Available to stream on Hulu
19 Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- Release Date
- June 11, 1986
- Director
- John Hughes
- Cast
- Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey, Cindy Pickett
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Comedy
Another film that brings its band of lovable misfits to a superb conclusion is the beloved ‘80s classic, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Matthew Broderick brings this charismatic energy to the titular role, and it is infectious from the get go. He embarks on a daring adventure by dodging school and choosing to spend time and roam around town with his girlfriend and best friend. But the school’s principal and his sister, Jeanie, are on his heel the entire time. Towards the end, despite narrow escapes, Ferris manages to get home before his parents. The next day, when he gets on the school bus, there’s an air of new appreciation for living in the moment. And when the credits roll, this modern teen classic proves that the best lessons are learned after being in the most embarrassing situations.
Available to stream on Netflix
18 She's the Man (2006)
She's the Man
- Release Date
- March 17, 2006
- Director
- Andy Fickman
- Cast
- Amanda Bynes, Channing Tatum, Laura Ramsey, Vinnie Jones, David Cross, Julie Hagerty
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Comedy
She’s the Man is a hilarious romantic comedy that takes Shakespeare's classic drama soaring to new heights. Amanda Bynes plays Viola, a teenager who disguises herself as her twin brother to play on his soccer team after her school cuts its female program. What ensues is a series of unexpected hijinks and friendships, which eventually leads to feelings for a handsome teammate named Duke, played equally well by Channing Tatum.
At one point, Viola starts to question what she really wants – both on and off the field. In an uproarious climax that combines heart and humor, we see Viola outing herself as a double. When the team sees that she’s not Sebastian, she has to finish the game by herself and with the talent she’s got, Viola scores an impressive goal.
Available to stream on Paramount+
17 Bring It On (2000)
Bringing sass and spunk to the big screens just when the cinematic industry was seeing a breathtaking shift in storytelling, Bring It On became an instant fan favorite. Newly elected captain of her competitive cheerleading squad, Kirsten Dunst’s Torrance shines as the dynamic role model for Rancho Carne High School in San Diego. That is until she learns that her previous captain stole their winning routines from another team. In a hilarious hail mary, Torrance must not only develop a new material in time for the next competition but also redeem her cheerleading team’s lost reputation. The rousing end sees the Clovers and Toros perform in a final contest. The choreography of both the teams is incredible, and when Dunst’s team wins second place, there’s no regret because they achieved something righteous and it is all very wholesome.
Available to buy/rent on Apple TV
16 Grease (1978)
Grease
- Release Date
- July 7, 1978
- Director
- Randal Kleiser
- Cast
- John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Musical
Few films manage to whip the audiences into a frenzy and still come out victorious in becoming a cult classic. Grease is undoubtedly a musical masterpiece. Set around the misadventures of a bunch of high school kids in the 1950s, the film follows Australian exchange student Sandy and a handsome hunk Danny, played by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, sizzling on screen with a chemistry that had everyone fanning their faces. Their summer romance turns into a tumultuous deal as they encounter obstacles like family, society, and distance. In the finale for the ages, Sandy arrives in a new and iconic bad-girl look to counter Danny’s attempt with that letterman sweater, and together they sing “You’re the One that I Want.”
Available to stream on Max
15 Cruel Intentions (1999)
Cruel Intentions
- Release Date
- March 5, 1999
- Director
- Roger Kumble
- Cast
- Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Louise Fletcher, Joshua Jackson
- Rating
- R
- Main Genre
- Drama
Cruel Intentions is a 1999 thriller starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon. Jumping between charming and wicked in every other scene, the film follows Sebastian trying to seduce the headmaster’s daughter Annette. Their corrupt private school hides a lot of secrets but none of those games are as deadly as the bet Sebastian makes with his step-sister Kathryn. In the stunning final scene, we see Sebastian getting in a car accident and dying, which was totally unexpected but deserved. Then, Annette makes Kathryn pay in what can only be one of the most satisfying ways ever – by revealing the step-siblings’ secrets in front of an entire crowd in a eulogy before driving off in Sebastain’s car.
Available to buy/rent on Apple TV
14 Sixteen Candles (1984)
Sixteen Candles
- Release Date
- May 4, 1984
- Director
- John Hughes
- Cast
- Molly Ringwald, Justin Henry, Michael Schoeffling, Haviland Morris, Gedde Watanabe, Anthony Michael Hall
- Rating
- PG
- Main Genre
- Comedy
Transporting us back to the lovely era of bold fashion choices and teased perms, John Hughs’ Sixteen Candles follows the innocent and angst-ridden Samantha, who knows that her 16th birthday is going to be a downer in the event of her sister’s wedding day adventures. Juggling her first crush – a senior she secretly pines for – and facing a family that has forgotten her birthday, Sam has nothing but her resilience and good humor to sit with. And Ted, the nerdy boy who seems to take a lot of interest in her. Sixteen Candles has that signature 80s finale that is heartwarming and satisfying. We see Sam attending the wedding with a pout on her face, but as soon as she gets out, Jake Ryan, the boy she thought was so glorious he was untouchable, is waiting for her with a cake.
Available to buy/rent on Apple TV
13 Mean Girls (2004)
Mean Girls (2004)
- Release Date
- April 30, 2004
- Director
- Mark Waters
- Cast
- Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Amy Poehler, Ana Gasteyer
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Comedy
“On Wednesdays we wear pink,” and more one-liners defined a generation of teens and empowered women, all courtesy of Mean Girls, an iconic 2000s comedy that blended the perfect amount of laughter and love in its 100 minute runtime. Cady is the protagonist navigating the murky waters of the high school social hierarchy after being homeschooled her entire life. When she learns of the Plastics, a manipulative clique of girls led by Regina George, she knows better than to get in trouble with them. But a crush on a boy who turns out to be Regina’s ex makes things tough for Cady.
In the final showdown, she arrives at the Spring Fling and gives a speech we never saw coming. Having learnt the right lesson the wrong way, Cady shares pieces of her crown with every girl, giving them an equal place in the social pyramid.
Available to stream on Paramount+
12 The Breakfast Club (1985)
Breakfast Club
- Release Date
- February 15, 1985
- Director
- John Hughes
- Cast
- Emilio Estevez, Paul Gleason, Anthony Michael Hall, John Kapelos, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald
- Rating
- R
- Main Genre
- Comedy
When it comes to nailing the complexity of teenage emotions, The Breakfast Club is a film that finds its place among the top of the list. Playing around one Saturday in detention, the movie follows five teenagers from different archetypes breaking past surface impressions to open up about their lives and understand each other better. Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson have backstories that are equal parts poignant and hilarious, and by the time the final scene arrives, the club has shared more laughs and tears than they’d have imagined, knowing they are really all very similar on the inside. The group essay has the tone that conveys confidence, connection, and completeness. Plus, with the Simple Minds song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” playing in the background, what more could we ask for?
Available to buy/rent on Apple TV
11 Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart
- Release Date
- May 24, 2019
- Director
- Olivia Wilde
- Cast
- Kaitlyn Dever, Elizabeth 'Beanie' Feldstein, Jessica Williams, Jason Sudeikis, Lisa Kudrow, Will Forte
- Rating
- R
- Main Genre
- Comedy
Olivia Wilde earned the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature for this directorial debut, so it is only obvious that the film has something truly remarkable about it. Booksmart is a modern classic that captures the joy and bittersweet beauty of graduating. On the eve of high school’s final chapter, two overachieving best friends, Amy and Molly, realized that they have missed out on all the teenage detours and f-ups while striving to get good grades. So they decide to have one unforgettable night of throwing a party, confessing to their crushes, and having a total blast. Kaitlyn Dever is the main character of the film, sure, but the ending shines the spotlight on Beanie Feldstein’s Molly, who not only kisses Jared in front of everyone, but also gives a resonant, funny, and symbolic valedictorian speech that shows the true meaning of friendship.
Available to buy/rent on Apple TV
10 Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
- Release Date
- April 28, 2023
- Director
- Kelly Fremon Craig
- Cast
- Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Benny Safdie, Elle Graham
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Comedy
Rachel McAdams is the mother we all want (next to Taylor Swift) and it’s glaringly obvious in this recent coming-of-age film based on Judy Bloom’s beloved 1970 novel. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret centers around Margaret’s adventures as a pre-teen moving out of her home, leaving behind her grandmother Sylvia, to live in a new town with her parents. Throughout the film, we see Margaret trying to understand the meaning of family and faith. She belongs to a Jewish-American household and the stark differences in religion take a toll on her. Having friends who talk about crushes and periods and what not doesn’t help either. But the film has a really poignant ending where Margaret not only learns to live with her vulnerability but is okay to answer life’s big questions in her own time.
Available to buy/rent on Apple TV
9 The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- Release Date
- September 20, 2012
- Director
- Stephen Chbosky
- Cast
- logan lerman, Dylan McDermott, Kate Walsh, Patrick de Ledebur, Johnny Simmons, Brian Balzerini
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Drama
Stephen Chbosky warms up the director’s seat to bring his best-selling novel of the same name to grand life on the big screen and sweetly invites viewers into Charlie’s discovery of life. Charlie is an introverted high school teenager who isn’t ready to face the new, grown-up life that is present to him. But when he befriends a couple of seniors who see and appreciate his sensitive soul, he learns to make peace with his former friend’s passing away and let the past be in the past. The Perks of Being a Wallflower has a lot of scenes that teach you to embrace life as it comes, and most of them have Emma Watson in them. But perhaps the most satisfying scene is the film’s conclusion, where Sam, Charlie, and Patrick drive through a tunnel, and Charlie says that he wants to be the “main character” in his life.
Available to buy/rent on Apple TV
8 Do Revenge (2022)
Do Revenge
- Release Date
- September 16, 2022
- Director
- Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
- Cast
- Camila Mendes, Maya Hawke, Austin Abrams, Rish Shah
- Rating
- TV-MA
- Main Genre
- Comedy
Netflix only has a bunch of good originals under its name, and we’re super glad with what we get as long as the film is as dramatic, empowering, impactful, and hilarious as Do Revenge. The film dares to break all teen movie norms by taking two very different girls – popular Drea and exchange student Eleanor – and teaming them up to make mischievous plans to wreck their tormentors.
Their twisted ride does leave a crack in the friendship because along the way, priorities shift. Towards the end, both Drea and Eleanor learn that revenge has cost them their humanity and they apologize, skip graduation, and drive off together.
Available to stream on Netflix
7 The Princess Diaries (2001)
Disney films always end up being absolutely gratifying. Whether they’re fairytale romances or thrilling adventures, the finale comes back in a full circle and gives all the characters what they deserve. In The Princess Diaries, Anne Hathaway plays a shy and lonely teenager Mia Thermopolis. Upon the arrival of her grandmother, who turns out to be wealthy and regal, Mia discovers that she is the princess of a small European country, and that it is time for her to train to become a queen. With Grandma’s wisdom and new friends who see her heart, not royalty, Mia finds strength and courage to take on any challenge that presents itself in front of her. The film has a classic Disney-esque ending where the heroine enters disheveled and delivers a speech about accepting ourselves and knowing we’re never alone.
Available to stream on Disney+
6 13 Going on 30 (2004)
13 Going on 30
- Release Date
- April 13, 2004
- Director
- Gary Winick
- Cast
- Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis, Kathy Baker, Phil Reeves
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Comedy
13-year-old Jenna Rink wants nothing more than to be done with teenagehood and be an adult, so she wishes for just that. By some strange miracle, Jenna is granted her wish to skip all the awkward years and she wakes up the next day as a 30-year-old woman living as a well-adjusted adult. However, the more she spends time in her new life, the more obvious it is that no age is devoid of its own set of problems. 13 Going on 30 is a fondly-remembered teen movie that deals with themes of friendship, first love, and the magic in everyday moments. Thankfully for Jenna, she finds some leftover wishing dust and goes back to her thirteenth birthday. Now filled with a newfound wisdom and appreciation for her life, she makes all the right choices, surrounds herself with people who love her, and gets the future with Matt that she’s so dreamed of.
Available to stream on Max
5 A Walk to Remember (2002)
There are several films adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ works. Most of them are romantic comedies that offer an unforgettable glimpse into the journey of two outsiders finding peace in each other. As for A Walk to Remember, the movie is a certified tearjerker for that heartbreaking and bittersweet ending. Landon is a popular student and rebellious teen who gets in trouble and is forced to give hours to community service and act in the school’s play. In one of the auditions, he meets Jaime, the shy and introverted daughter of the town’s pastor. It is in her company that Landon finds an intimate friend and bright light. But Jamie has leukemia, and when she’s had her time on Earth, Landon is left with nothing but the power of their love and her faith in him to overcome anything. The end credits scene, we see Landon as a grown up visiting Jamie’s father to return her journal and the scene is emotional.
Available to stream on Hulu
4 Love, Simon (2018)
Love, Simon
- Release Date
- February 16, 2018
- Director
- Greg Berlanti
- Cast
- Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Logan Miller
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Drama
Love, Simon is a lighthearted but groundbreaking film that portrays queer teen romance with humor, empathy, and immense heart. Simon Spier is a closeted gay who has kept his sexuality a secret from literally everyone. But that’s not the only secret he’s keeping. Simon has also forged an online bond with mystery man “Blue,” whom he texted all day and all night. But when a stranger on the internet threatens to out him and their budding romance, he must face his fears and accept his identity. By the time the second act rolls in, we see Simon transform into a slightly courageous version of himself. But it is the finale that is widely beloved, when Simon meets Blue in real life and they go on the ferris wheel and share a kiss.
Available to stream on Hulu
3 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You
- Release Date
- March 31, 1999
- Director
- Gil Junger
- Cast
- Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, David Krumholtz
- Rating
- PG-13
- Main Genre
- Comedy
Cameron James is a newcomer who immediately falls in love with Bianca Stratford. But according to Bianca’s father, in order for her to date, her older sister, a brooding, nihilist, and introverted Kat should get a boyfriend first. Cameron takes this as a challenge and hires the school’s bad boy Patrick to woo Kat.
While Kat’s feminist ideals and mean personality contrast that of an easygoing, rule-breaking Patrick, there is no denying the electric chemistry they share. 10 Things I Hate About You is one of the most stunning rom-coms from the 90s, and the main reason for this is the swoon-worthy finale when Kat recites the poem she wrote about Patrick and then afterwards, she finds a guitar in her car.
Available to stream on Disney+
2 To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)
To All The Boys Ive Loved Before
- Release Date
- August 16, 2018
- Director
- Susan Johnson
- Cast
- Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Andrew Bachelor, Oliver Mahoro Smith
- Main Genre
- Drama
Jenny Han’s best-selling series of young adult novels gained massive praise among the bookworms. But when it comes to television, Netflix did absolute justice with retaining its charm and feel-good romance. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before swept rom-com fans off their feet by introducing us to the awkward teenager Lara Jean, who has a habit of writing love letters when she has an intense crush on someone. She’s written five love letters, but never sent them out. When the letters are mysteriously sent out to their respective addresses, a series of misunderstandings and one fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky leads to something much deeper. In the movie’s finale, Lara Jean expresses her true feelings for Peter in a letter, bringing things back to a full circle and reminding us that cheesy rom-com endings are truly beautiful.
Available to stream on Netflix
1 Bottoms (2023)
Bottoms
- Release Date
- August 25, 2023
- Director
- Emma Seligman
- Cast
- Ayo Edebiri, Dagmara Dominczyk, Nicholas Galitzine, Rachel Sennott, Kaia Gerber, Ruby Cruz
- Rating
- R
- Main Genre
- Comedy
A clever and wild film about teenagehood that not only indirectly parodies Fight Club but also makes biting commentary on toxic masculinity and cancel culture, Bottomsis a teen sex comedy film directed by Emma Seligman and co-written by Seligman and Rachel Sennott, who also stars in the film alongside Ayo Edebiri, Ruby Cruz, and Nicholas Galatzine. The story centers around PJ and Josie, two lesbian best friends who simply want to lose their virginity, so they start a high school fight club to meet new girls and make them fall in love. But instead, the girls seem more interested in locking horns with the popular jocks. One thing leads to another and in the end, there’s this huge game between the Vikings and Rockbridge. Historically, it is supposed to get violent, and when PJ and Josie figure out the Rockbridge players’ plans to take out one of the Vikings players, Jeff, they put on an iconic and bloody fight on the field itself.
Available to buy/rent on Apple TV
Comments
Post a Comment