Nobody understands love and heartache quite like teenagers in teen romance movies. It’s a genre that never ages because no matter how old it (or we) gets, we all can remember and relate to those messy feelings of figuring yourself out and navigating a teen romance.
These movies have earned a bad reputation for being goofy – and sometimes they are – but at their core, they represent the variety of experiences of that age. Below are some of our favorite teen romance movies that have passed the test of time.
Clueless (1995)
Anyone who grew up in the ’90s or ’00s with this movie will tell you that Cher’s outfit-building computer is something they likely still wish for to this day. The film is funny, charming, and the romance aspect is really cute, and as one reviewer on Letterboxd referred to it, Clueless is “cinematic comfort food.”
Streaming on Paramount+
John Tucker Must Die (2006)
We’re not saying revenge is the best option in any given situation, but where this movie is concerned? Sort of. It’s got romance, but it also has girls supporting girls, and that’s the real love in this movie.
Watch now on Amazon Prime
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Possibly the best subgenre of teenage romance comedies is inspired by classics, and, as far as that goes, 10 Things I Hate About You has everything. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, the plot follows bad boy Patrick Verona’s attempt to win a bet by convincing undateable Kat Strateford to give him a chance. It has enemies-to-lovers and delightful side characters.
Streaming on Disney+
Easy A (2010)
This movie is very sexually liberating. A lot of people that needed to hear being slut-shamed in high school is, in fact, something you get over. Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson are so adorable as her parents, and if you’ve never seen the iconic Pocketful of Sunshine scene, you should watch it for that alone.
Watch on Amazon Prime
Do Revenge (2022)
This whole movie is pretty unhinged, but still very fun to watch. And sure, we think the romance aspect is a bit misplaced. But even then, the romance we do get is still adorable, and a lot of the themes shown can spark a lot of meaningful conversation.
Streaming on Netflix
The Princess Diaries (2001)
The thing about The Princess Diaries is that it’s not a straight up teen romance movie. Still, if you have ever watched the film before, there’s no way you can deny that Mia and Micheal weren’t in love. The foot pop? “Because you saw me when I was invisible”? Straight love.
Watch now on Disney+
Grease (1978)
We can’t make a list of teen romance comedies without the original blueprint. Sure, the cast don’t look like teenagers (because they weren’t), but there’s a reason this film is still so popular today. If you’ve never seen it, definitely put it on your watchlist.
Stream on HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
Never Been Kissed (1999)
Never Been Kissed is one of the first films that people think of when asked about teen romance comedies and for good reason. Still, the main relationship is actually very adorable on the whole and Drew Barrymore is as charming as ever.
Stream on Youtube, Hulu, Sling, Starz, and Amazon Prime
She’s the Man (2006)
This film was based on a Shakespeare play, an icon of the genre, and definitely worth a watch. And if it doesn’t have you quoting “When I close my eyes, I see you for what you truly are, which is UUUUUUUGLY!” in Amanda Bynes’s voice forever, you’re missing out.
Streaming on Netflix and Paramount+
She’s All That (1999)
This is 10 Things I Hate About You meets A Walk To Remember: a similar bet situation, except he’s the popular guy and she’s the nerdy girl, but the ending won’t make you sad. It’s fun, and Matthew Lillard is a hidden gem – between Freddie Prinze Jr., him and a Sarah Michelle Gellar cameo, it feels like a Scooby Doo reunion.
Streaming on Pluto, Netflix, Paramount+, Sling, and Amazon Prime
A Cinderella Story (2004)
As far as fairy endings go, this one is especially worth watching. Sure, it has some “I’m not like other girl” vibes, but it also has Jennifer Coolidge being her best self. That, and Hilary Duff’s speech about waiting for rain in a drought make it worth watching.
Watch on Amazon Prime
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is heartwarming, the relationships are all pretty healthy and no less compelling for it, and the sisterly bond between the Covey sisters alone is worth viewing, romance aside. Make it a whole marathon with the full trilogy.
Streaming on Netflix
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