Good Teen Movies About Teenage Life

From Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Rated PG-13

Catch Me If You Can is a 2002 American biographical crime film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr., a young con artist who successfully posed as an airline pilot, doctor, and lawyer, before being apprehended by FBI agent Carl Hanratty, played by Tom Hanks. The film follows Abagnale as he evades capture by Hanratty and attempts to forger millions of dollars in checks. Along the way, Abagnale meets and falls in love with Brenda Strong, played by Amy Adams. With Hanratty's dogged pursuit, Abagnale is finally apprehended and is given the chance to go free if he helps the government catch other con artists. In the end, Abagnale is successful in helping the government catch other con artists and is released from prison. The film ends with Abagnale and Hanratty reconciling as they part ways, but not before Abagnale reveals that he knew Hanratty was following him all along.

From Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden
Rated R

Into the Wild is a 2007 American biographical adventure drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Sean Penn. It is an adaptation of the 1996 non-fiction book of the same name written by Jon Krakauer and tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a man who hiked alone into the wilds of Alaska in April 1992. The film stars Emile Hirsch as McCandless and features a supporting cast that includes William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Jena Malone, Brian Dierker, Catherine Keener, and Vince Vaughn. The film follows McCandless' journey as he abandons his possessions, gives his entire savings to charity, and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, he meets a series of characters that shape his life story. Through his travels, McCandless figures out what it means to be truly alive and free. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $36.3 million in the United States and Canada and $18.1 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $54.4 million. It was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Editing and Best Supporting Actor for William Hurt. The

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller directed by Richard Kelly and starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Donnie is a troubled high school student who is plagued with frightening visions and a dark secret. After a plane engine crashes through his bedroom, Donnie is visited by a mysterious figure in a grotesque rabbit costume that tells him the world will end in 28 days. During this time Donnie learns of time travel and experiences a series of strange events that make him question his own sanity. He must unravel the mysteries surrounding him before the time runs out and he discovers his ultimate destiny.

From Cameron Crowe, starring Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand
Rated R

Almost Famous is a 2000 American comedy-drama film directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson and Patrick Fugit. The film follows the fictional story of William Miller (Fugit), a teenage journalist, as he goes on tour with the fictitious rock band Stillwater in the early 1970s. As William struggles to find his place among the rock 'n' roll world, he befriends the band members and starts to fall for the beautiful and mysterious Penny Lane (Hudson). Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about life and the music business from a variety of characters, including Penny's caring and insightful mentor, manager and band leader, Russell Hammond (Crudup), and rock journalist Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman). The film is a semi-autobiographical work of writer-director Cameron Crowe, inspired by his experiences as a teenaged music journalist for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (McDormand) and Best Supporting Actor (Hoffman).

From John Hughes, starring Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones
Rated PG-13

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a classic teen comedy directed by John Hughes. It stars Matthew Broderick as the titular Ferris Bueller, a high school student who decides to skip school and take a day off with his best friend Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara). The trio explore the city of Chicago, visiting various landmarks and engaging in hijinks along the way. Meanwhile, Ferris' school principal tries to catch him, enlisting the help of his sister Jeanie Bueller (Jennifer Grey) in the process. In the end, Ferris manages to evade capture and live out his dream day off. The film is a lighthearted look at teenage rebellion and the importance of living in the moment.

From Lukas Moodysson, starring Oksana Akinshina, Artyom Bogucharskiy, Pavel Ponomaryov, Lyubov Agapova
Rated R

Lilya 4-Ever is a heartbreaking drama from Swedish director Lukas Moodysson. It tells the story of a teenage girl named Lilya who lives in post-Soviet Union Estonia. After her mother abandons her and leaves her to fend for herself, Lilya is forced to live in poverty, relying on her friends for support. But when a man offers her the chance to escape her grim reality and travel to the United States with him, she takes the opportunity. Unfortunately, it soon becomes clear that the man has ulterior motives and Lilya is forced into a life of prostitution and despair. Through the struggles she faces, the film explores the harsh realities of poverty, exploitation, and the power of resilience.

From Elia Kazan, starring Natalie Wood, Warren Beatty, Pat Hingle, Audrey Christie
Rated Not Rated

Splendor in the Grass is a 1961 romantic drama film directed by Elia Kazan. The film follows teenage lovers Deanie Loomis and Bud Stamper, whose relationship is challenged by the conservative values of their town, as well as the pressures of societal expectations and their families’ rivalries. The two struggle to stay together in the face of their families’ disapproval, but the strain eventually proves too much and the two break up. Deanie’s depression leads her to attempt suicide and she is sent away to a mental institution. Years later, Bud and Deanie meet again and find a way to reconcile their past. The film is a powerful exploration of the struggles of young love and the legacy of depression and repression in the American Midwest.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ana López Mercado
Rated R

Y tu mamá también is a coming-of-age road movie directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, and Maribel Verdú. Two teenage boys, Tenoch Iturbide and Julio Zapata, are bored with their lives in Mexico City and take an impromptu road trip with an attractive older woman, Luisa Cortés, who is escaping a troubled marriage. Along the way, the three characters experience both poignant and humorous moments as they explore their relationships with each other and their innermost feelings. As they drive through the Mexican countryside and visit exotic beach-side locations, each character discovers his own truth and learns to accept life for what it is.

From Mikael Håfström, starring Andreas Wilson, Henrik Lundström, Gustaf Skarsgård, Linda Zilliacus
Rated Not Rated

Evil is a supernatural horror film directed by Mikael Håfström and starring Andreas Wilson, Henrik Linnros, and Gustaf Skarsgård. The film follows a group of medical students who discover a strange and mysterious book while researching a patient's case. When they begin to experiment with the book, they inadvertently summon a powerful and evil entity from another dimension that threatens to take over their lives and their minds. The students must figure out how to get rid of the entity before it's too late. As their frantic efforts escalate, they start to question the choices they have made. Evil is a creepy and suspenseful horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very end.

From Nicholas Ray, starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, Jim Backus
Rated PG-13

Rebel Without a Cause is an iconic 1955 drama directed by Nicholas Ray and starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo. The film follows the story of 17-year-old Jim Stark, a rebellious teen who moves to a new city with his family. Jim falls in with a group of troubled teens, and he begins to act out against authority to gain their approval. After a series of escalating confrontations with his parents and the police, Jim finally comes to terms with his inner angst and channels his energy into helping those around him. The film is a powerful exploration of teenage angst and rebellion, and it still resonates with audiences to this day.

From Gregg Araki, starring Brady Corbet, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elisabeth Shue, Chase Ellison
Rated Unrated

Mysterious Skin is a 2004 American coming-of-age drama directed by Gregg Araki. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Brady Corbet as two young boys from a small town in Kansas who are affected by a traumatic event that happened when they were eight years old. As they grow up, the two boys, Neil and Brian, take drastically different paths. Neil becomes a hustler and sex worker, while Brian becomes an obsessive, sheltered teenager. As the story progresses, it is revealed that the two boys were victims of a local pedophile. Despite their different paths, Neil and Brian's lives are ultimately intertwined and they must confront the truth about their traumatic past. The film is a thought-provoking meditation on trauma, sexuality, and the power of trauma to shape people's lives.

From Jason Reitman, starring Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman
Rated PG-13

Juno is a 2007 Academy Award-winning comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. Set in the American Midwest, the movie stars Ellen Page as the title character, a teenaged girl who becomes pregnant by her friend and longtime admirer Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). In order to deal with the situation, Juno decides to give her baby up for adoption to a seemingly perfect couple, Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner). As she struggles with the emotional and practical implications of her decision, Juno also has to confront her own feelings about growing up and the paths her life may take. Ultimately, Juno discovers the importance of family, responsibility and the courage to do the right thing.

From Edgar Wright, starring Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick
Rated PG-13

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an action-comedy film directed by Edgar Wright, based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The film follows Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera), a 23-year-old slacker and bass guitarist for a Toronto garage band, as he embarks on a quest to win the heart of his dream girl, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). In order to do this, he must defeat her seven evil exes, each of whom possess supernatural powers. With the help of his friends and allies in the "Toronto Underground," Scott battles them one by one. Along the way, he learns more about himself, and discovers the strength to overcome his own personal demons.

From Lukas Moodysson, starring Alexandra Dahlström, Rebecka Liljeberg, Erica Carlson, Mathias Rust
Rated Not Rated

Show Me Love is a 1998 Swedish coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama film directed by Lukas Moodysson. It follows two teenage girls, Elin and Agnes, living in a small town in Sweden. Elin is a popular and attractive girl who is bored with her life. Agnes is a loner, who is often bullied and outcast by the other students. When Elin and Agnes decide to become friends, it causes a stir in the town as their friendship challenges social norms. Elin soon discovers that her feelings for Agnes go beyond friendship and, despite pressure from her friends and family, she strives to find the courage to reveal her true self. Show Me Love follows Elin and Agnes on the path to self-acceptance and love.

From Cameron Crowe, starring John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Lili Taylor
Rated PG-13

From Michael Caton-Jones, starring Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Barkin, Jonah Blechman
Rated R

From Richard Ayoade, starring Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine, Noah Taylor
Rated R

From Terry Zwigoff, starring Steve Buscemi, Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro
Rated R

From Randal Kleiser, starring John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway
Rated PG

From Sofia Coppola, starring Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett, James Woods, Kathleen Turner
Rated R

From Rian Johnson, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lukas Haas, Emilie de Ravin, Meagan Good
Rated R

From Gus Van Sant, starring Elias McConnell, Alex Frost, Eric Deulen, John Robinson
Rated R

From Jason Moore, starring Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp
Rated PG-13

From Larry Clark, starring Leo Fitzpatrick, Justin Pierce, Chloë Sevigny, Sarah Henderson
Rated Not Rated

From David Slade, starring Patrick Wilson, Elliot Page, Sandra Oh, Odessa Rae
Rated R