Best Films for a Teenager to Watch While He/She is Still a Teenager
by jdevito326 | created - 12 Jun 2011 | updated - 12 Jun 2011 | PublicSome of my favorite (and, in my opinion, some of the best) teen films that I think everyone should watch at least once during their teen years.
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1. Donnie Darko (2001)
R | 113 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.
Director: Richard Kelly | Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Votes: 849,977 | Gross: $1.48M
Just an experience like no other. It's been said time and time again but there really is nothing else like this film. A true gem that may never, ever be equalled. Can't say enough about this film, so I'm just going to leave it at that.
2. River's Edge (1986)
R | 99 min | Crime, Drama
A high school slacker commits a shocking act and proceeds to let his friends in on the secret. However, the friends' reaction is almost as ambiguous and perplexing as the crime itself.
Director: Tim Hunter | Stars: Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye, Daniel Roebuck
Votes: 20,678 | Gross: $4.60M
A truly touching, horrifying, odd and cerebral film that was based on actual events. Without a doubt, one of the best films of the 80s (and maybe ever) that is disgustingly looked past.
3. Thumbsucker (2005)
R | 96 min | Comedy, Drama
Justin throws himself and everyone around him into chaos when he attempts to break free from his addiction to his thumb.
Director: Mike Mills | Stars: Lou Taylor Pucci, Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Keanu Reeves
Votes: 21,990 | Gross: $1.33M
A film I relate to so much, I can barely explain it. I watch this whenever I'm down and it brings me up. Another criminally dismissed film with heart, that should have a wider "cult".
4. The Chumscrubber (2005)
R | 108 min | Comedy, Drama
A darkly satiric story about life crumbling in the midst of a seemingly idyllic suburbia.
Director: Arie Posin | Stars: Jamie Bell, Allison Janney, Rory Culkin, Glenn Close
Votes: 19,176 | Gross: $0.05M
Another film that I related to, maybe more than I would like to. Great performances, great story flow and pace. A little too weird for a lot of people, but that's because it's style is so unique. Really have love for this one.
5. The Rules of Attraction (2002)
R | 110 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
The incredibly spoiled and overprivileged students of Camden College are a backdrop for an unusual love triangle between a drug dealer, a virgin and a bisexual classmate.
Director: Roger Avary | Stars: James Van Der Beek, Ian Somerhalder, Shannyn Sossamon, Jessica Biel
Votes: 53,324 | Gross: $6.53M
In my honest opinion, it's truly one of the best films ever made. My top favorite comedy ever (even though comedy is just one of the many genres it could fit into), it's a film with such style and grace that you have to commend it. With a performance of a lifetime by James Van Der Beek (who became one of my favorite actors after seeing this), and being based on a novel with such savvy (written by Bret Easton Ellis, one of the best authors of his time), no one can really afford to miss an opportunity to see this film.
6. 12 and Holding (2005)
R | 94 min | Drama
After his twin brother is accidentally killed by vengeful bullies, a 12-year old boy and his friends face the harsh realities of death, teenage hormones, and family dysfunction.
Director: Michael Cuesta | Stars: Conor Donovan, Jesse Camacho, Zoe Weizenbaum, Annabella Sciorra
Votes: 7,119 | Gross: $0.10M
Another film I really related to. It's got a heart that not many films can match and performances by young actors that are stellar. A pure portrait of suburbia and pre-teen life. Amazing movie,
7. L.I.E. (2001)
R | 97 min | Crime, Drama
A 15-year-old Long Island boy loses everything and everyone he knows, soon becoming involved in a relationship with a much older man.
Director: Michael Cuesta | Stars: Brian Cox, Paul Dano, Bruce Altman, Billy Kay
Votes: 10,447 | Gross: $1.14M
One of the most unique films ever made and one that makes you think. This movie is also one that you shouldn't miss. Great perfomances, entirely non-cliched plot and an awesome script. Do not miss it.
8. Paranoid Park (2007)
R | 85 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A teenage skateboarder's life begins to fray after he is involved in the accidental death of a security guard.
Director: Gus Van Sant | Stars: Gabe Nevins, Daniel Liu, Taylor Momsen, Jake Miller
Votes: 31,921 | Gross: $0.49M
Another one of my favorite films of all time. Unique, engaging, and odd... Done in such a way that not many people would take to, but if you get it and you like it, chances are it'll take a spot in your favorite films list. Amazing, pure movie gold.
9. Dazed and Confused (1993)
R | 103 min | Comedy
The adventures of high school and junior high students on the last day of school in May 1976.
Director: Richard Linklater | Stars: Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Rory Cochrane
Votes: 199,474 | Gross: $7.99M
Amazingly well-crafted film made up of the relationships and interactions between a large group of teens in the 70s. A classic that's not to be missed.
10. The Breakfast Club (1985)
R | 97 min | Comedy, Drama
Five high school students meet in Saturday detention and discover how they have a great deal more in common than they thought.
Director: John Hughes | Stars: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy
Votes: 436,482 | Gross: $45.88M
The classic that really made the term "teen film" a somewhat serious thing. And with realism that was unprecedented in the genre, at the time, and even now. Great film.
11. The Girl Next Door (2004)
R | 109 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A teenager's dreams come true when a former porn star moves in next door and they fall in love.
Director: Luke Greenfield | Stars: Emile Hirsch, Nicholas Downs, Elisha Cuthbert, Timothy Olyphant
Votes: 239,745 | Gross: $14.59M
An amazing comedy, thats more lighthearted and rauncy than the rest of the films on the list. Nontheless, one of my favorite films that I believe any teen (especially a male teen) would have a blast watching.
12. Into the Wild (2007)
R | 148 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama
After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.
Director: Sean Penn | Stars: Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden
Votes: 658,083 | Gross: $18.35M
This one really is in a category all on it's own, but I had to throw it on here. This film, in short, changed my life for a few weeks after watching it. It just makes you think of things and consider things differently. It was shown to me at a point in my life that was crucial, and I appreciate the film teacher who showed it to me, if only because of that. A heartwrenching film with more heart than anything I've seen, really... A pure film. One for the ages.
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