Best New Teen Movies, Ranked

The landscape of young adult cinema has evolved significantly over the last few years by embracing diverse perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques. Contemporary teen movies now explore a wide range of genres from supernatural horror and high stakes fantasy to intimate coming of age dramas. These films capture the complexities of modern youth through authentic dialogue and relatable emotional struggles. This list highlights the most impactful releases that have resonated with audiences and critics alike in the current decade.

‘Mean Girls’ (2024)

Cady Heron enters a new social ecosystem when she joins a public high school after years of homeschooling in Africa. She finds herself navigating the complex hierarchy established by the popular clique known as the Plastics led by Regina George. The story follows her transformation as she attempts to dismantle the group from within while facing the pressures of teenage popularity. This musical adaptation brings a fresh visual style to the established narrative while maintaining the core themes of friendship and self discovery.

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

Stacy Friedman and Lydia Rodriguez Katz are lifelong best friends who have always dreamed of having epic bat mitzvahs. Their close bond is tested when a popular boy and school drama come between them right before their milestone celebrations. The film explores the challenges of navigating middle school social circles and the importance of forgiveness within female friendships. It provides a modern look at cultural traditions through the lens of contemporary teenage life.

‘Anyone But You’ (2023)

Bea and Ben experience an amazing first date that turns cold until they are unexpectedly reunited at a destination wedding in Australia. To navigate the awkward situation and meddling family members they decide to pretend to be a couple. The narrative follows their evolution from mutual disdain back toward genuine connection amidst various comedic mishaps. This romantic comedy utilizes the classic enemies to lovers trope within a scenic international setting.

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ (2024)

A misunderstood teenager in the late eighties develops a romantic obsession with a Victorian era corpse during a lightning storm. After she accidentally brings him back to life the two embark on a journey to find missing body parts and achieve happiness. The story blends horror elements with a quirky aesthetic to examine themes of loneliness and belonging. This film serves as a stylized homage to retro teen cinema while offering a unique twist on the creature feature genre.

‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ (2022)

A group of wealthy young friends gathers at a remote family mansion for a party during a hurricane. Their night takes a dark turn when a party game results in a real death and the group begins to turn on each other. The film uses satire to critique social dynamics and the fragility of internet era friendships. Suspense builds as the characters struggle to identify the killer while navigating their own interpersonal conflicts.

‘Do Revenge’ (2022)

Drea and Eleanor strike an unlikely bargain to take down each other’s enemies at their elite private high school. The plot features various twists as the two girls manipulate social hierarchies to achieve their goals. It draws inspiration from classic teen films while incorporating a modern dark comedy edge. The story examines the consequences of seeking vengeance and the nature of high school reputation.

‘Priscilla’ (2023)

This biographical drama focuses on the life of Priscilla Beaulieu and her complex relationship with Elvis Presley. It begins with their meeting in Germany and follows her transition into the fame fueled environment of Graceland. The narrative highlights her personal growth and the challenges of living under the public eye at a young age. Director Sofia Coppola provides an intimate look at the girl behind the myth through a distinctive visual lens.

‘Abigail’ (2024)

A group of criminals kidnaps a young ballerina who is the daughter of a powerful underworld figure. They soon discover that their captive is not a normal child but a dangerous vampire hunting them within a locked mansion. The film combines elements of heist thrillers with intense supernatural horror. As the survivors fight for their lives they must find a way to escape the predatory instincts of their target.

‘Suncoast’ (2024)

A teenager living with her strong willed mother takes care of her brother who is suffering from a serious illness. During this difficult period she forms an unexpected friendship with an eccentric activist who is protesting a landmark legal case. The film explores themes of grief and the loss of innocence during the transition into adulthood. It offers a grounded look at family dynamics under extreme emotional pressure.

‘Turtles All the Way Down’ (2024)

Aza Holmes is a seventeen year old navigating the challenges of obsessive compulsive disorder while trying to be a good daughter and friend. Her life becomes more complicated when she reconnects with a childhood crush whose billionaire father has disappeared. The story provides an authentic portrayal of mental health and the internal struggles that accompany intrusive thoughts. It balances a mystery subplot with a deeply personal journey of self acceptance.

‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)

The teenage sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes goes on a journey to find her missing mother and becomes a super sleuth in her own right. She outsmarts her famous brothers and unravels a dangerous conspiracy involving a young lord. The film uses fourth wall breaking techniques to engage the audience in Enola’s deductive process. It celebrates female independence and intelligence within a stylized Victorian setting.

‘Bottoms’ (2023)

Two unpopular high school students start a fight club to lose their virginities to cheerleaders before they graduate. Their chaotic plan gains unexpected traction and creates a strange new social dynamic within the school. The film utilizes absurdist humor and physical comedy to subvert traditional teen movie tropes. It examines female friendship and empowerment through a satirical and high energy narrative.

‘Snack Shack’ (2024)

Two best friends in Nebraska spend their summer operating a swimming pool snack shack to make some quick money. Their business partnership and friendship are tested when they both fall for the same girl who arrives in town. The film captures the specific nostalgia of the nineties while focusing on the transition from childhood to adolescence. It portrays the messy reality of growing up and the importance of loyalty between friends.

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

A young Coriolanus Snow attempts to restore his family’s honor by mentoring a tribute from District 12 during the tenth Hunger Games. He develops a complicated relationship with Lucy Gray Baird as they navigate the brutal politics of the Capitol. The narrative serves as an origin story for the future president of Panem and explores the beginnings of the games. It provides a darker and more philosophical look at the world established in the original series.

‘How to Have Sex’ (2023)

Three British teenage girls travel to a Mediterranean resort for a rite of passage holiday filled with partying. The story follows their experiences with consent and peer pressure as they navigate the intense social expectations of youth. It offers a raw and naturalistic look at the complexities of female friendship and sexual exploration. The film has been recognized for its honest depiction of modern coming of age experiences.

‘Bones and All’ (2022)

Maren is a young woman living on the margins of society due to her secret and dangerous cravings for human flesh. She meets a drifter named Lee and together they embark on a road trip across the American Midwest. The narrative blends elements of horror and romance to explore themes of identity and the search for belonging. Their journey highlights the struggle of finding love in a world that views them as different.

‘The Half of It’ (2020)

A shy and studious student named Ellie Chu agrees to help a school jock write love letters to a popular girl. During the process Ellie unexpectedly finds herself falling for the same girl while forming a deep bond with her new friend. The film explores the different ways people define love and the importance of self discovery. It provides a thoughtful and quiet perspective on small town teenage life.

‘The Fallout’ (2021)

High school student Vada Cavell navigates the significant emotional aftermath of a school tragedy. She forms new and intense bonds with her peers as they collectively process their trauma and grief. The film focuses on the non linear nature of healing and the impact of violence on a young generation. It provides a sensitive and grounded portrayal of modern teenage resilience.

‘Turning Red’ (2022)

Meilin Lee is a confident thirteen year old who suddenly discovers that she transforms into a giant red panda whenever she gets excited. She must balance her responsibilities to her family with the chaotic changes of puberty and her own personal interests. The story uses this supernatural metaphor to explore the relationship between mothers and daughters. It celebrates the vibrancy of early adolescence and the importance of embracing one’s true self.

‘Talk to Me’ (2023)

A group of teenagers discovers how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand and becomes hooked on the new thrill. Things take a terrifying turn when one of them goes too far and opens the door to malevolent supernatural forces. The narrative serves as a metaphor for the dangers of addiction and the search for escape from grief. This horror film has been recognized for its intense atmosphere and creative practical effects.

‘Licorice Pizza’ (2021)

The story follows the treacherous navigation of first love between a teenage boy and an older woman in the San Fernando Valley during the seventies. Alana and Gary embark on various business ventures while drifting in and out of each other’s lives. The film captures a specific era of American culture with a focus on youthful ambition and eccentricity. It provides a rambling and nostalgic look at the complexities of human connection.

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

Tech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island where a murder mystery game becomes a real investigation. Detective Benoit Blanc must peel back the layers of deception among a group of influential and suspicious characters. The film features a colorful ensemble cast and intricate plot twists that keep the audience guessing. It serves as a modern critique of wealth and influence while providing a high stakes entertainment experience.

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

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic. They must navigate a world filled with dangerous creatures and powerful sorcerers to correct a past mistake. The film captures the spirit of the tabletop game through humor and inventive action sequences. It explores themes of found family and the importance of perseverance despite failure.

‘Rye Lane’ (2023)

Two strangers connect over the course of an eventful day in South London after experiencing difficult breakups. They wander through colorful neighborhoods and share stories that help them process their recent heartbreaks. The film features a vibrant visual style and witty dialogue that celebrates modern romantic connections. It offers a refreshing and optimistic take on the traditional walk and talk genre.

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

The Turtle brothers emerge from the sewers after years of being sheltered from the human world to win the hearts of New Yorkers. They take on a mysterious crime syndicate with the help of their new friend April O’Neil. The film utilizes a unique sketch style animation that reflects the energy and perspective of teenage protagonists. It emphasizes the desire for acceptance and the importance of family unity.

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

Eleven year old Margaret Simon moves to a new town and begins to contemplate her identity and religious beliefs. She navigates the physical changes of puberty alongside her friends while seeking guidance from a higher power. The narrative stays true to the classic source material while feeling relevant to contemporary audiences. It provides a compassionate and humorous look at the transition from childhood to adolescence.

‘Petite Maman’ (2021)

A young girl named Nelly travels to her mother’s childhood home after the death of her grandmother. While exploring the surrounding woods she meets another girl who shares a striking resemblance to her mother. The film uses a touch of magical realism to explore themes of memory and the bond between generations. It is a quiet and beautifully crafted story about understanding and connection.

‘Luca’ (2021)

Two sea monsters disguise themselves as humans to experience a life changing summer on the Italian Riviera. They form a close friendship with a local girl and participate in a town competition while keeping their true identities secret. The story explores themes of acceptance and the bravery required to be oneself. It features stunning animation that captures the warmth and beauty of the Mediterranean coast.

‘Palm Springs’ (2020)

Two wedding guests get stuck in a time loop and are forced to relive the same day over and over again. They develop a unique bond as they navigate the nihilism and absurdity of their infinite situation. The film blends romantic comedy with science fiction elements to explore the fear of commitment and the passage of time. It provides a fresh and humorous take on the concept of finding meaning in an unchanging world.

‘Nimona’ (2023)

A knight framed for a crime he did not commit teams up with a shape shifting teenager named Nimona to clear his name. They navigate a futuristic medieval world where the lines between heroes and villains are blurred. The narrative examines themes of societal labels and the importance of seeing individuals for who they truly are. This animated feature has been praised for its unique visual style and inclusive storytelling.

‘The Fabelmans’ (2022)

Young Sammy Fabelman discovers a shattering family secret while pursuing his passion for filmmaking in post World War II Arizona. The story follows his growth from a curious child to an aspiring director as he uses cinema to understand the world. It serves as a semi autobiographical tribute to the power of art and the complexity of family life. The film explores how creativity can provide a sense of control amidst personal turmoil.

‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (2021)

A dysfunctional family’s road trip is interrupted by a global robot uprising that threatens all of humanity. Creative teenager Katie Mitchell must work with her quirky relatives to save the world using their unique skills. The film utilizes a fast paced and inventive animation style to tell a story about modern technology and family bonds. It celebrates the idea that being different is a strength rather than a weakness.

‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)

This dark stop motion musical reimagines the classic tale of a wooden puppet brought to life in Fascist Italy. Pinocchio struggles to live up to his father’s expectations while navigating a world filled with war and manipulation. The narrative explores deep themes of mortality and what it truly means to be human. It features incredible craftsmanship and a poignant story that diverges significantly from previous adaptations.

‘Aftersun’ (2022)

Sophie reflects on the shared joy and private melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years ago. The narrative blends real memories with imagined scenes as she attempts to reconcile the father she knew with the man she did not. It provides a devastatingly beautiful look at the relationship between a parent and a child. The film has been widely acclaimed for its emotional depth and subtle performances.

‘Close’ (2022)

The intense friendship between two thirteen year old boys is suddenly disrupted by the social pressures of their first year at secondary school. One boy struggles to distance himself while the other remains deeply affected by the change in their dynamic. The story provides a heart wrenching look at the fragility of childhood bonds and the impact of societal expectations on young men. It is a powerful and visually striking examination of intimacy and loss.

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

The legendary Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll as he is down to the last of his nine lives. He embarks on an epic journey to find the mythical Wishing Star to restore his lives while being hunted by a mysterious wolf. The film explores themes of mortality and the importance of living in the present moment. It uses a stylized animation technique that brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the franchise.

‘Soul’ (2020)

Joe Gardner is a middle school music teacher who dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician. After a sudden accident he finds himself in the Great Before where he must mentor a young soul named twenty two. The story explores the meaning of life and what truly makes a person unique. It uses beautiful animation to depict the metaphysical world and the bustling streets of New York City.

‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)

A young apprentice hunter travels to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. Her life changes when she befriends a free spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night. The film features breathtaking hand drawn animation that celebrates the beauty of the natural world. It examines themes of friendship and the conflict between civilization and nature.

‘Coda’ (2021)

Ruby is the only hearing member of a deaf family and works on their fishing boat while pursuing her love for singing. She faces a difficult choice between her obligations to her family and her dreams of attending a prestigious music college. The story highlights the challenges of communication and the beauty of finding one’s own voice. It earned significant acclaim for its authentic representation and heartfelt narrative.

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

Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse where he encounters a team of Spider People charged with protecting its very existence. He finds himself at odds with the other heroes on how to handle a new threat and must redefine what it means to be a hero. The film features groundbreaking animation that incorporates various artistic styles to represent different dimensions. It explores themes of destiny and the courage to chart one’s own path regardless of expectations.

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