Best New Teen Movies, Ranked

As a total movie buff, I’ve noticed a huge shift in teen films lately. They’re not what they used to be! It’s awesome to see so many different stories being told, and they’re really pushing boundaries with everything from scary horror and epic fantasy to really personal, realistic dramas about growing up. What I love is how these movies feel real – the characters talk like actual teens, and their problems feel genuine. This list is all about the movies from the last few years that have really stuck with me – the ones everyone’s been talking about and critics have loved too.

‘Mean Girls’ (2024)

After being homeschooled in Africa, Cady Heron enters the challenging world of public high school. She quickly learns about the school’s strict social rules, dominated by a popular group called the Plastics, led by Regina George. The story follows Cady as she tries to break up the Plastics from the inside, all while dealing with the typical pressures of being a teenager. This musical version updates the story with a new look and feel, but still focuses on the importance of friendship and finding yourself.

‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ (2023)

Stacy and Lydia have been best friends forever, and they’ve always imagined having amazing bat mitzvahs. But when a crush and some school drama come between them right before the celebrations, their friendship is put to the test. The film follows the ups and downs of middle school friendships, highlighting the power of forgiveness and offering a fresh take on cultural traditions through the eyes of today’s teens.

‘Anyone But You’ (2023)

Bea and Ben had a fantastic first date, but things fizzled out quickly. Then, they unexpectedly run into each other at a wedding in Australia! To deal with the awkwardness and their interfering families, they decide to pretend to be a couple. The story follows their journey from disliking each other to falling for each other, filled with funny mishaps. It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers story set against the beautiful backdrop of Australia.

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ (2024)

This film tells the story of a lonely teen in the 1980s who falls for a reanimated corpse after a strange accident during a storm. Together, they go on a quest to find his missing body parts and discover a sense of belonging. It’s a visually striking movie that mixes spooky horror with a fun, retro vibe, and offers a fresh take on classic monster movies, all while exploring themes of isolation and the search for connection.

‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ (2022)

A group of rich young adults throws a party at a secluded mansion during a hurricane, but the night quickly turns dangerous when a game ends in a real death. As suspicion and distrust grow, the friends begin to suspect each other, and old conflicts resurface. The film cleverly uses humor and exaggeration to explore how these characters relate to each other and how easily friendships can crumble in the age of social media, all while building tension as they try to uncover who committed the murder.

‘Do Revenge’ (2022)

Drea and Eleanor, two high school rivals, make a surprising deal: they’ll help each other get revenge on those who’ve wronged them. The story is full of unexpected turns as the girls navigate the complicated social scene of their private school and try to get what they want. It’s reminiscent of classic teen movies, but with a darker, more comedic twist. Ultimately, the story explores what happens when you prioritize revenge and how important reputation is in high school.

‘Priscilla’ (2023)

This movie tells the story of Priscilla Beaulieu and her complicated romance with Elvis Presley. It starts when they meet in Germany and shows how she adjusts to the dazzling, yet overwhelming, world of Graceland. The film focuses on Priscilla’s journey of self-discovery and the difficulties of growing up in the spotlight. Director Sofia Coppola offers a personal and visually striking portrayal of the woman behind the Elvis legend.

‘Abigail’ (2024)

A team of criminals kidnaps the daughter of a crime boss, only to realize she’s not what they expected. The young girl is a powerful vampire who begins hunting her captors inside the mansion where they’re holding her. The movie blends the tension of a heist with frightening supernatural horror, and as the criminals struggle to survive, they must find a way to escape their now-predatory victim.

‘Suncoast’ (2024)

The movie tells the story of a teenage girl caring for her sick brother while navigating a challenging relationship with her headstrong mother. She finds an unlikely friend in a quirky activist involved in a high-profile legal battle. The film sensitively portrays themes of loss, growing up, and the strain on family relationships when faced with hardship, offering a realistic look at how families cope with intense emotional stress.

‘Turtles All the Way Down’ (2024)

Aza Holmes, a seventeen-year-old dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder, is trying to manage everyday life, be a good daughter, and maintain friendships. Things get even more complicated when she reconnects with a boy she used to have a crush on, whose wealthy father has suddenly vanished. The story realistically depicts mental health challenges and the difficulties of intrusive thoughts, weaving a mystery alongside Aza’s personal journey toward self-acceptance.

‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)

Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, sets out to find her missing mother and proves to be a brilliant detective herself. She cleverly solves a dangerous mystery involving a young lord, even surpassing her famous brothers in skill. The movie playfully involves the audience by letting them in on Enola’s thought process, and it’s a celebration of smart, independent women set against the beautiful backdrop of Victorian England.

‘Bottoms’ (2023)

Two high school outsiders start a fight club hoping to impress the cheerleaders and lose their virginity before graduation. Their crazy idea unexpectedly becomes popular, changing the social scene at school. The movie uses silly, over-the-top humor and physical gags to playfully poke fun at typical teen movies. It also offers a funny and energetic look at female friendships and how girls can support each other.

‘Snack Shack’ (2024)

This movie follows two best friends in Nebraska who work at a pool snack bar one summer to earn money. Their friendship and business are complicated when they both develop feelings for the same new girl in town. Set in the nineties, the film beautifully captures that era while realistically portraying the awkwardness of growing up and the value of true friendship.

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ (2023)

In this story, we see a young Coriolanus Snow trying to rebuild his family’s reputation. He’s assigned to mentor a tribute from the poorest district, District 12, in the tenth Hunger Games. As he works with Lucy Gray Baird, a complex connection forms between them, and they both have to deal with the harsh realities of the Capitol’s power struggles. This is the story of how Coriolanus Snow became the president we know, and it shows us the very beginning of the Hunger Games, offering a more thought-provoking and unsettling look at the world of Panem.

‘How to Have Sex’ (2023)

This film follows three British teenage girls on a vacation to a Mediterranean resort, where they experience the challenges of growing up. It realistically portrays the pressures they face regarding consent, fitting in with their friends, and exploring their sexuality. The story offers an honest and natural look at the complexities of female friendships and what it’s like to come of age today, and has been praised for its authenticity.

‘Bones and All’ (2022)

Maren is a young woman struggling with a dark secret – she has intense cravings for human meat, which makes her an outcast. When she meets a drifter named Lee, they hit the road together through the American Midwest. Their story is a mix of horror and romance, exploring what it means to find yourself and connect with others. The journey focuses on their difficult search for love and acceptance, despite being seen as outsiders.

‘The Half of It’ (2020)

Ellie Chu, a quiet and bookish high schooler, starts writing love letters for a popular athlete to give to a girl he likes. As she does, Ellie unexpectedly develops feelings for the same girl and forms a close connection with both of them. The movie gently explores what love means to different people and the journey of finding yourself, offering a realistic and intimate look at teenage life in a small town.

‘The Fallout’ (2021)

The film follows Vada Cavell, a high school student, as she deals with the difficult emotions following a tragic event at her school. It shows how she and her classmates connect with each other while they heal and cope with their grief. The story realistically portrays the messy, unpredictable process of recovery and explores how violence affects young people, ultimately highlighting the strength and resilience of today’s teenagers.

‘Turning Red’ (2022)

Meilin Lee is a typical thirteen-year-old girl with a surprising secret: whenever she feels strong emotions, she turns into a giant red panda! She struggles to manage her family obligations, the ups and downs of growing up, and figuring out who she is. The story cleverly uses this fantastical transformation to explore the often-complicated bond between mothers and daughters, while also celebrating the energy of being a teenager and the importance of self-acceptance.

‘Talk to Me’ (2023)

A group of teens stumble upon a way to summon spirits using an old, preserved hand, and quickly become addicted to the excitement. Their dangerous game spirals out of control when one of them pushes too far, unleashing truly evil supernatural entities. The movie uses this frightening story to explore themes of addiction and how people try to cope with loss. Critics have praised it for its incredibly suspenseful mood and impressive, realistic special effects.

‘Licorice Pizza’ (2021)

This film tells the story of a young boy’s first love with an older woman, set in 1970s California. Throughout the years, Alana and Gary try different business ideas and repeatedly reconnect, drifting apart and back together. The movie beautifully captures the spirit of the time, focusing on the dreams and quirks of youth. It’s a meandering and heartfelt look at the challenges of relationships and how people connect.

‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022)

Okay, so I just saw this new whodunnit, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. A tech billionaire throws a party on his private island, and what starts as a game quickly turns into a real murder investigation. We follow Detective Benoit Blanc as he tries to untangle all the lies and secrets of this incredibly wealthy and suspicious group of friends. The cast is fantastic – seriously, a lot of big names – and the plot is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Beyond the thrills, though, it’s a really clever commentary on wealth and power. It’s a high-stakes, fun movie, but it also makes you think. Definitely worth checking out!

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023)

A lovable rogue and a diverse group of adventurers set out on a grand journey to find a stolen artifact. Along the way, they’ll face perilous beasts and mighty magic users as they try to fix an old wrong. The movie brings the fun and creativity of a classic game to life with plenty of laughs and exciting action. It’s a story about the families we choose and the power of never giving up, even when things go wrong.

‘Rye Lane’ (2023)

After tough breakups, two people meet by chance in South London and spend a day getting to know each other. As they explore the city’s lively streets, they open up about their experiences and begin to heal. The film is visually striking, with clever conversations that offer a hopeful and modern look at love and relationships – a fresh take on the classic ‘walk and talk’ style.

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ (2023)

After years of living hidden underground, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles come out to try and become heroes in New York City. They team up with reporter April O’Neil to fight a dangerous criminal organization. The movie has a cool, hand-drawn animation style that captures the feeling of being a teenager, and it focuses on themes of wanting to be accepted and the strength of family.

‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ (2023)

As a film lover, I was really touched by this story. It follows Margaret Simon, an eleven-year-old girl who’s just moved, and it’s all about her figuring out who she is – not just with the changes happening to her body as she goes through puberty, but also what she believes. It’s beautifully done, staying really faithful to the original story while still feeling totally relatable for us today. It’s funny and heartwarming, and honestly, it captures that awkward, confusing, and ultimately hopeful journey from childhood to being a teenager perfectly.

‘Petite Maman’ (2021)

After her grandmother passes away, a young girl named Nelly visits her mother’s old family home. While wandering in the nearby woods, she encounters a girl who looks remarkably like her mother. The film delicately blends reality with magic to explore how memories shape us and the powerful connections between family generations. It’s a gentle and beautifully made story about finding understanding and connection.

‘Luca’ (2021)

This charming story follows two sea monsters who transform into humans for a memorable summer on the Italian Riviera. They befriend a local girl and join a town contest, all while trying to hide who they really are. The film beautifully explores themes of self-acceptance and courage, and features breathtaking animation that brings the sunny Italian coast to life.

‘Palm Springs’ (2020)

A wedding turns into a bizarre experience for two guests who find themselves repeating the same day endlessly. As they grapple with the meaninglessness and strangeness of being stuck in a time loop, they form a close connection. The movie playfully mixes romance and science fiction to examine anxieties about settling down and how we experience time. It offers a funny and original look at finding purpose even when nothing changes.

‘Nimona’ (2023)

A knight wrongly accused of a crime joins forces with Nimona, a teenager who can shapeshift, to prove his innocence. Together, they journey through a unique world that blends medieval and futuristic elements, where it’s hard to tell who the ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ really are. The story explores how easily people are judged and the importance of looking beyond labels to see someone’s true character. This animated film has been celebrated for its distinctive look and its heartwarming, inclusive story.

‘The Fabelmans’ (2022)

In post-World War II Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman finds a love for making movies and uncovers a surprising family secret. The film shows how Sammy grows up, using his passion for cinema to make sense of his life and the world around him. It’s a personal story that celebrates the power of art and the often-complicated bonds of family, and how creativity can help us cope with difficult times.

‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (2021)

When a family road trip is unexpectedly interrupted by robots taking over the world, it’s up to creative teen Katie Mitchell and her wonderfully weird family to save humanity. They’ll need to use their individual talents to succeed! The movie is visually dynamic and tells a heartwarming story about family, technology, and embracing what makes you unique – proving that being different is actually a superpower.

‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)

This unique and visually striking stop-motion musical offers a fresh take on the story of Pinocchio, set against the backdrop of Fascist Italy. The film follows Pinocchio as he tries to please his father and find his way in a dangerous world filled with conflict and deceit. It’s a deeply moving story that explores life, death, and what it means to be human, and it’s quite different from other versions of the classic tale, boasting impressive artistry and a heartfelt narrative.

‘Aftersun’ (2022)

I just finished watching a truly moving film. It centers around a woman, Sophie, revisiting a vacation she took with her father two decades earlier, and it’s less a straightforward story than a beautiful, hazy blend of what actually happened and what she imagines might have. It’s a deeply personal exploration of her father – the man she knew, and the man she didn’t – and honestly, it’s devastatingly beautiful in its portrayal of their relationship. The performances are incredibly subtle and the film as a whole is just brimming with emotional depth. It’s no surprise it’s been getting so much praise.

‘Close’ (2022)

This story follows two thirteen-year-old best friends whose close bond is tested when they start secondary school. One boy tries to create distance between them, while the other is deeply hurt by the shift in their friendship. It’s a moving portrayal of how easily childhood friendships can be broken and how social pressures affect young boys, offering a visually beautiful and emotional exploration of connection and what it means to lose it.

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

I’m so excited about the new Puss in Boots movie! It’s amazing to see him facing real consequences for all his daring adventures – he’s actually down to his last life! The story follows his quest to find this magical Wishing Star to get his lives back, but it’s not easy because a really scary wolf is after him. What I love most is that it makes you think about how precious life is and how important it is to enjoy every moment. Plus, the animation is incredible – it feels so new and energetic, really breathing fresh life into the Puss in Boots world.

‘Soul’ (2020)

Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher, has always dreamed of playing jazz professionally. When an unexpected accident happens, he ends up in a special place called the Great Before, where he’s tasked with helping a young soul, Twenty-Two, find their purpose. The film beautifully explores what gives life meaning and what makes each person special, using stunning animation to bring both the otherworldly Great Before and the vibrant city of New York to life.

‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)

A young hunter journeys to Ireland with her father on a mission to eliminate the last remaining wolves. Everything changes when she meets a wild, independent girl who belongs to a secretive tribe said to have the power to turn into wolves. The movie is beautifully animated by hand and showcases the wonders of the natural world. It’s a story about the power of friendship and the clash between human progress and the environment.

‘Coda’ (2021)

Ruby is the only person in her deaf family who can hear. She helps her family with their fishing business while secretly hoping to pursue her passion for singing. She’s torn between staying to support her family and following her dream of going to music school. The story beautifully portrays the difficulties of communicating with loved ones and the importance of finding your own unique path, and it’s been praised for its honest and moving storytelling.

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

I was absolutely blown away by ‘Across the Spider-Verse’! It’s incredible to watch Miles Morales get thrown into this massive Multiverse adventure, meeting so many different Spider-People all working to save everything. What really got me was seeing him clash with these other heroes – it wasn’t just a simple team-up, and it made him really question what being a hero means. And the animation? Seriously groundbreaking. Each dimension felt unique, with its own incredible art style. Beyond the action, it’s a really powerful story about choosing your own destiny and having the courage to do things your own way, even when everyone expects something different from you.

Tell us which of these modern teen masterpieces is your absolute favorite in the comments.

2026-02-10 06:50