Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of emotions, because Netflix is bringing you the most captivating teen dramas out there. From thrilling adaptations of beloved young adult novels to fresh and original tales set in high school, there’s a movie for every taste. And the best part? These films aren’t just for teens – young adults can enjoy them too!
No matter how old you are, these Netflix teen dramas will take you on an unforgettable journey through the ups and downs of adolescence. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic trip down memory lane or searching for the perfect movie to share with your own teens, this list has got you covered.
So, which of these Netflix teen dramas have stolen your heart? Share your favorites with us and let us in on any hidden gems we might have missed out on. Get ready for a wild ride!
1. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
In “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” Lara Jean Song Covey (Lana Condor) is a shy high school girl who secretly writes love letters to her crushes, never expecting them to be discovered. However, things take a wild turn when these letters mysteriously get sent out, turning her peaceful life into a whirlwind of romantic complications. One person caught up in this chaos is Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo), a popular jock who unexpectedly forms a connection with Lara Jean. This teen romantic-comedy, based on Jenny Han’s popular novel, beautifully combines themes of adolescence, friendship, and first love, adding a fresh twist to the genre.
Released: 2018
Directed by: Susan Johnson
Actors: Lana Condor, John Corbett, Noah Centineo
2. The Kissing Booth
The Kissing Booth is a fun teen rom-com that takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the love life of Elle Evans, brilliantly portrayed by Joey King. As a high school junior, Elle finds herself breaking her own lifelong rule of not falling for her best friend Lee’s older brother, Noah Flynn, played by Jacob Elordi. It all starts with an unexpected kiss at a school carnival booth, and from there, an intense romance between Elle and Noah begins to unfold. While their secret relationship blossoms, tensions also rise with Lee, creating an intricate adolescent triangle that delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and of course, love.
Released: 2018
Directed by: Vince Marcello
Actors: Joey King, Jacob Elordi, Molly Ringwald
3. To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is a super cute rom-com that follows Lara Jean Covey (played by Lana Condor) as she tries to navigate her newfound romance with Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). Just when things seem to be going smoothly, a blast from the past shakes things up. John Ambrose McClaren (Jordan Fisher), another recipient of Lara’s old love letters, comes back into her life, creating a messy love triangle. This movie is actually a sequel to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and it even won the 2020 Teen Choice Award for Choice Drama Movie. It’s a great film that captures the ups and downs of teenage love, and it also explores important themes like self-discovery and emotional growth.
Released: 2020
Directed by: Michael Fimognari
Actors: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Jordan Fisher
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, we follow the journey of Charlie, a shy and introverted freshman in high school. Throughout the film, he faces the many challenges and difficulties that come with adolescence. However, everything changes for Charlie when he becomes friends with two seniors, Sam and Patrick. Played by Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, they open his eyes to a world beyond textbooks and exams. Together, they explore the complexities of first love and confront the deep-seated secrets that haunt them. This movie beautifully captures the essence of growing up and showcases both the joys and heartbreaks that accompany it. It’s no wonder why it received critical acclaim, ultimately winning the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.
Released: 2012
Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
Actors: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
5. The Perfect Date
So there’s this high school student, right? And get this, he comes up with this genius idea to create an app. Why? Well, he wants to make some serious cash for college. What’s the app all about, you ask? Well, it’s basically a service where he offers himself as a fake date. Sounds crazy, I know!
But here’s where things get interesting. As this student goes about his fake dating business, something unexpected happens. Yeah, you guessed it – he starts catching some serious feelings for someone. And suddenly, his perfectly laid out plan gets all tangled up in a mess of emotions and complications.
It’s like a classic case of “love vs. money,” right? This high school student finds himself torn between his desire for financial success and the unexpected romance that’s blossoming. Can you imagine the rollercoaster of emotions he must be going through?
Well, it sounds like this story is going to be quite the adventure. Who knows how it will all play out? Will he give up his app and pursue love, or will he stick to his original plan and let his chance at romance slip away? Only time will tell, my friend.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Chris Nelson
Actors: Noah Centineo, Laura Marano, Camila Mendes
6. The Last Summer
High school graduates navigate the complexities of love and friendship during their last summer together before college.
Released: 2019
Directed by: William Bindley
Actors: K.J. Apa, Maia Mitchell, Jacob Latimore
7. Let It Snow
A snowstorm brings a group of young people together.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Luke Snellin
Actors: Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Kiernan Shipka
8. What a Girl Wants
In the movie What a Girl Wants, the main character, Daphne Reynolds, played by Amanda Bynes, takes a trip from New York to London in hopes of reconnecting with her father, Lord Henry Dashwood, portrayed by Colin Firth. Daphne was raised by her single mother, Libby, played by Kelly Preston, and her curiosity about her aristocratic heritage drives her to embark on this transatlantic adventure. The film combines comedy and drama to create an enjoyable story that explores the themes of self-discovery and reuniting with one’s family. As Daphne navigates through British high society and deals with the complexities of newfound family bonds, she manages to stay true to herself, which adds to the charm of this captivating narrative.
Released: 2003
Directed by: Dennie Gordon
Actors: Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston
9. You Get Me
A one-night stand with Holly turns into a nightmare for Tyler, a high school student.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Brent Bonacorso
Actors: Bella Thorne, Halston Sage, Taylor John Smith
10. Tall Girl
In high school, there’s this girl who’s the tallest among all her peers. And guess what? She falls head over heels for this really good-looking foreign exchange student. Now, here comes the twist – it turns out that there’s another person involved, creating a surprising love triangle. This whole situation makes her realize something important – she’s much more than just her insecurities about her height.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Nzingha Stewart
Actors: Ava Michelle, Griffin Gluck, Luke Eisner
