Given we’re all locked down and practising social distancing across the world, it’s safe to say we’re bored and looking for something to do. Movies have the power to transport us, out of reality and into fantasy. They can help comfort us, make us laugh or cry.
We’ve listed some solid teen movie recommendations that have the power to help not only survive lockdown but, dare we say, enjoy it. Here’s our favourite teen flicks and where to find them to get you through the lockdown blues:
Clueless (1995) – Netflix
This American coming-of-age teen comedy film was written and directed by Amy Heckerling. It stars the iconic Alicia Silverstone, dreamboat Paul Rudd, stunning Stacey Dash, talented Brittany Murphy and finally the lovable Dan Hedaya. The movie follows Cher, a rich and popular high-school student, who is learning to cope with adolescence and its problems one killer outfit at a time.
The movie costume designer Mona May, helped defined 90’s fashion aesthetics that are still followed to this day. On top of this the movie embedded the characters with references to fashion and fashion designers, like Calvin Klein & Azzedine Alaïa. the movies if full of comedic gold that still funny as fuck. A modern twist to the Jane Austen classic Emma, the film is funny, exasperating and endearing in equal parts. “As if” you’d miss the opportunity to relive this iconic film.
Bring It On (2000) – ITunes, YouTube
Relive your cheer leading obsession watching the Rancho Carne Toros and the East Compton Clovers battle it out. Staring Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Gabrielle Union and Jesse Bradford. The movie follows high school senior and cheer captain, Torrance Shipman (Kirsten Dunst) and her team’s prep and participation in regional and national cheerleading championships, as the Toros try to win for a sixth year in a row. The movie’s full of iconic lines, outfits and obviously cheers. Trust us, it’s teen Americana at it’s best.
The Edge of Seventeen (2016) – Netflix
In her directorial debut, The Edge of Seventeen was written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig. The film follows Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), a teenager whose world turns upside down when her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson) starts dating her older brother Darian (Blake Jenner). Nadine, a socially awkward high school junior, faces the glorious ups and the miserable downs of high school till an unexpected event gives her a glimmer of hope and allows her to finally open up. The movies been commended for it’s honest depiction of teen depression and mental health.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) – Disney+
This iconic 90s rom-com follows the story of Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), who schemes to set Kat up with bad boy Patrick (Heath Ledger). As Cameron, cannot date Bianca until her anti-social older sister, Kat, has a boyfriend. So, Cameron pays a mysterious boy, Patrick, to charm Kat. The movie was Directed by Gil Junger.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012) – Netflix
Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the film follows Charlie played by Logan Lerman, a 15 year old introvert, who enters high school. Charlie and is nervous about his new life, until he befriends two senior’s Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson). Once under their wings, he learns to cope with his friend’s suicide and his tumultuous past.
Booksmart (2019) Netflix
Making her film directing debut Olivia Wilde, Movie is an instant classic. The film follows Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein), two academic overachievers who find out on the eve of graduation that they may have missed out on the special moments of their teenage years.
The girls decide to cram four years of not-to-be missed fun into one night. Rated R the film is full of strong, lovable characters, like Gigi (Billie Lourd), George (Noah Galvin), Jared (Skyler Gisondo), Alan (Austin Crute) and Hope (Diana Silvers), who all bring a fresh, bracing approach solid to friendships and acceptance.
The Princess Diaries (2001) Netflix
Staring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, this is a classic Cinderella story with a modern twist. Before she was the princess of Genovia she was a shy clumsy teen. The movie follows Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) as she tries to navigate through the rest of her sixteenth year and prove to her grandmother (Julie Andrews) that she is worthy of her royal title. Directed by Garry Marshall.
Now you’ve got a killer list, go make some popcorn and find a comfy place to relax cause lockdown just got a whole lot more fun.
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