Falling in love, at any time in life, can be a difficult, scary, troublesome path to navigate. Falling in love when you’re a teen, is a whole different ballgame.
As a teenager, you are not just navigating the emotions and feelings of your significant other, you are also battling your own inner demons. And as you work your way through puberty, into young adulthood, and beyond, there is a lot of ground to cover, and a great deal of emotional highs and lows along the way.
How do I know all this? Because I was once a teen. I also know all this, because I have watched plenty of teen romance movies in the past.
You see, the subject of romance in the teenage years is something which Hollywood has spent a great deal of time discussing. As such, there is a wealth of coming-of-age romantic movies out there, for audiences to dive into and enjoy.
Want to know which ones to take a look at? Then how about you cast your eyes over the handy list below, which includes some of the best teen romance/coming-of-age movies for your consideration.
__
Everything, Everything (2017)
First up on this list is the romantic teen drama, Everything, Everything. The film – which stars Nick Robinson and Amandla Stenberg – is based on the book of the same name by Nicola Yoon and follows the story of a young man who falls in love with a sick girl who lives next door.
In the film, Robinson plays the role of Olly, who becomes besotted with Maddy (Stenberg). The only problem is, Maddy has a rare medical condition, which means she is forbidden from leaving her home, and this causes a significant stumbling block in the development of their relationship.
__
The In Between (2022)
Next up is the romantic sci-fi drama, The In Between. The movie – directed by Arie Posin – stars Joey King and Kyle Allen, and tells the story of a girl who believes her recently deceased boyfriend is trying to communicate with her from beyond the grave.
In the film, Tessa Benson (King) is left distraught after her boyfriend, Skylar (Allen) is killed in a tragic car accident. However, when she receives a delayed text message from Skylar, after his death, she begins to question whether there is more to the text than just signal problems.
__
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Filled with fun, and some great comedy moments, 10 Things I Hate About You is a fantastic film worth revisiting time-and-time again. The movie is a reworking of the William Shakespeare play, The Taming of the Shew, and it stars Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger as high school students who find love.
__
Easy A (2010)
Emma Stone is the lead in this next teen comedy, which is partially inspired by the novel, The Scarlett Letter. The film tells the story of a 17-year-old girl who lies about losing her virginity, then has to deal with the consequences that follow.
__
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
In The Fault in Our Stars, a sixteen-year-old cancer patient falls in love with a guy in a similar situation, after they meet at a support group. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort play the teens, while the emotional film is based on John Green’s book of the same name.
__
Grease (1978)
Up next is Grease – one of the best teen romance stories of them all!
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John take centre-stage in this musical rom-com about two high school students who develop an attraction to each other. Set during the 1950s, the movie is loaded with memorable songs guaranteed to get your toes tapping, and is a firm favourite with film fans of all generations.
__
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008)
Georgia Groome takes the lead role in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging – a British romantic coming-of-age comedy, about a fourteen-year-old girl who fears she will never get a boyfriend. However, these fears begin to subside when Robbie Jennings comes along, and becomes the guy of her dreams.
__
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
In time-loop rom-com, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things two teenagers find themselves inexplicably reliving the same day. Kathryn Newton and Kyle Allen star, with Ian Samuels on directing duties, in a film not to be missed!
__
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
In British comedy, Bend It Like Beckham, two girls, Jess and Jules, chase their dreams of becoming professional football players, despite reservations from their parents. Along the way, they deal with the usual problems of young life, including a side romance for Jess.
__
Cruel Intentions (1999)
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, and Ryan Phillippe star in this next movie – a racy teen romantic drama, about two step-siblings who engage in a wicked wager involving seduction and deception. The film – directed by Roger Kumble – is filled with twists and turns, with the lead stars putting on superb performances throughout.
__
He’s All That (2021)
Directed by Mark Waters and starring Addison Rae, Tanner Buchanan, Matthew Lillard, and Rachael Leigh Cook, He’s All That is a romantic teen comedy about a high school girl who falls in love with a fellow student, after she gives him a makeover. The movie is a remake of the ‘90s comedy, She’s All That (1999), with the story updated for the social media generation.
__
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze star in this beloved romantic coming-of-age drama about a young girl and a dancer who find love at a holiday camp. You’ll watch Dirty Dancing for the romance, but you’ll stay (and have the time of your life) because of the dance moves and the superb soundtrack.
__
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Gorgeous to look at, and faithful to the animated movie it is based on, Beauty and the Beast is a wonderful fairy tale about two people who find love despite their physical differences. Emma Watson and Dan Stevens take the lead roles in this all-singing, all-dancing spectacular, which is sure to warm even the coldest heart.
__
JJ+E (2021)
Directed by Alexis Almström, JJ+E is a Swedish romantic teen drama, which tells the story of two teenagers from different social and cultural backgrounds, who fall in love and develop a relationship. The movie is based on the novel, Vinterviken by Mats Wahl, and stars Mustapha Aarab, Elsa Ӧhrn, and Jonay Pineda Skallak.
__
Bones and All (2022)
Breaking away from some of the fluffier films on this list now, for a romantic coming-of-age horror drama, about two youngsters who fall in love despite cannibalism becoming a key part of their lives. Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell star in this slow-burning tale of love, while Luca Guadagnino directs.
__
Drive Me Crazy (1999)
‘90s teen sensation, Melissa Joan Hart teams up with Adrian Grenier for this next teen rom-com, about two childhood friends who fall in love. Drive Me Crazy is based on Todd Strasser’s book, How I Created My Perfect Prom Date.
__
Love, Simon (2018)
Based on Becky Albertalli’s fabulous novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Love, Simon tells the story of a high school student coming to terms with his sexuality, while falling in love with an anonymous classmate he talks to online. Greg Berlanti directs, Nick Robinson stars, and the film delights at every opportunity.
__
Blockers (2018)
Kay Cannon directs this hilarious, and very smart sex comedy about a trio of parents who set out to stop their teenage children from losing their virginity on Prom night. Leslie Mann, John Cena, Kathryn Newton, and Miles Robbins star in an oft-overlooked gem.
__
Twilight (2008)
Based on the book of the same name by Stephanie Meyer, Twilight tells the story of a high school girl who falls in love with a vampire. Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, the movie focuses on the budding romance between the two leads, and the impact their relationship has on a coven of evil vampires.
__
Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between (2022)
In teen romantic drama, Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between, it’s Halloween and high school students Aidan and Clare meet at a party. They talk, get to know each other, and soon find themselves sharing a kiss, and entering into a relationship.
But this relationship has a very specific clause: It can only last for ten months. The film then looks at the development of their romance, and whether it will survive the self-imposed countdown, which has (so far) kept their feelings fresh.
Directed by Michael Lewen, and based on a novel of the same name by Jennifer E. Smith, Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between stars Jordan Fisher and Talia Ryder.
__
Never Been Kissed (1999)
Never Been Kissed is a romantic comedy about a 20-something copy editor, who goes undercover as a teenager at a high school, to write a story about the issues facing teens. Along the way she finds romance, and experiences feelings she missed out on during her own high school years.
__
Beautiful Thing (1996)
Set on a council estate in the 1990s, Beautiful Thing depicts the relationship between two teens, Jamie and Ste, and their journey for acceptance. The movie is based on a play of the same name by Jonathan Harvey, and stars Glen Berry, Scott Neal, Linda Henry, and Meera Syal.
__
Life in a Year (2020)
Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne star in this next movie, Life in a Year. The film – from director Mitja Okorn – tells the story of a young boy, who decides to live the best year possible, after he meets and falls in love with a girl who is terminally ill with cancer.
__
Clueless (1995)
Loosely based on Jane Austen’s novel, Emma, Clueless is a coming-of-age teen comedy from writer/director Amy Heckerling. Alicia Silverstone leads the cast as Cher Horowitz, a high school student finding her way through adolescence, ‘90s-style!
__
Summer of ’85 (2020)
Set during the summer of 1985, this LGBTQ+ romantic drama follows the story of two young men who fall in love and develop a relationship in secret. This relationship encounters a significant upset, leading to heart-break, tears, and an unforgettable tale.
__
Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
Based on the book of the same name by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a romantic comedy-drama, about two teens who meet by chance. Michael Cera and Kat Dennings take the lead roles.
__
The Princess Diaries (2001)
In The Princess Diaries, a shy teen is suddenly taken out of her comfort zone when she learns she is the heir to the throne of a European kingdom. This means big changes in her life, and possibly some romance too.
Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, and Héctor Elizondo star. Garry Marshall directs.
__
Get Real (1998)
Based on the play, What’s Wrong with Angry?, Get Real is a coming-of-age drama, this time about Steven Carter, a 16-year-old schoolboy who is still in the closet. The movie follows Steven’s story as he begins a relationship with a fellow student, who is also keeping his sexuality under the radar.
Humorous and touching, Get Real is a heart-wrenching tale that demonstrates what life is like when you’ve got a big secret.
__
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrmann calls the shots in this high-energy ‘90s romantic crime drama, based on arguably the most famous Shakespeare play of them all. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes take on the titular star-crossed lovers, who fall for each other, despite ongoing conflicts between their respective families.
__
Save the Last Dance (2001)
In Save the Last Dance, promising young ballet dancer, Sara Johnson, finds love on the dance floor with hip hop dancer, Derek Reynolds. The movie stars Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas, with Thomas Carter on directing duties.
__
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Call Me By Your Name is a touching romantic drama about the relationship between a 17-year-old and a 24-year-old graduate student. Set during the 1980s, to the backdrop of a beautiful Italian summer, the movie looks at the highs and lows of a whirlwind romance.
__
Step Up (2006)
Former husband and wife duo, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan star in this romantic movie about two people, from different backgrounds, who find common ground through dancing. The film was a big hit when it was released back in 2006, which led to various sequels as a result.
__
The Little Mermaid (1989)
You probably don’t think of this one as a teen romance because you get side tracked with all the singing fish, but The Little Mermaid is a love story about a teenage mermaid, looking to find her prince. The film is filled with a collection of toe tapin’ songs, and one of the best Disney romances of them all.
__
Centre of My World (2016)
Centre of My World (aka Die Mitte der Welt) is a German coming-of-age movie, based on the bestselling novel, The Center of the World. The film revolves around 17-year-old Phil and his relationship with Nicholas – a fellow student who becomes a source of love and frustration.
Directed by Jakob M. Erwa, Centre of My World is a superb movie filled with neat touches and a great cast.
__
A Walk to Remember (2002)
And finally, A Walk to Remember is a romantic tear-jerker about two young lovers and their short but meaningful relationship. Directed by Adam Shankman, the movie stars Shane West and Mandy Moore, and is an oft-forgotten teen movie from the early ‘00s.
__
Recap
Below is a list of all the teen romance movies mentioned above. To save you having to scroll back up, simply use this list as your guide.
- Everything, Everything (2017)
- The In Between (2022)
- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
- Easy A (2010)
- The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
- Grease (1978)
- Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008)
- The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
- Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
- Cruel Intentions (1999)
- He’s All That (2021)
- Dirty Dancing (1987)
- Beauty and the Beast (2017)
- JJ+E (2021)
- Bones and All (2022)
- Drive Me Crazy (1999)
- Love, Simon (2018)
- Blockers (2018)
- Twilight (2008)
- Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between (2022)
- Never Been Kissed (1999)
- Beautiful Thing (1996)
- Life in a Year (2020)
- Clueless (1995)
- Summer of ’85 (2020)
- Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
- The Princess Diaries (2001)
- Get Real (1998)
- Romeo + Juliet (1996)
- Save the Last Dance (2001)
- Call Me By Your Name (2017)
- Step Up (2006)
- The Little Mermaid (1989)
- Centre of My World (2016)
- A Walk to Remember (2002)
__
Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about teen romantic coming-of-age movies. For more posts, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
It's A Stampede! 
Leave a Reply