These are the best teen movies on Netflix for a dose of major high school nostalgia

From 'Wild Child' to 'She's All That'—these are the best teen movies on Netflix, guaranteed to give you your nostalgia fix...

The best teen movies on Netflix: Film stills from 13 going on 30, Wild Child and She's All That in a pink and white template
(Image credit: Alamy: (L) ©SONY PICTURES (M) UNIVERSAL PICTURES/ (R) ©FILMCOLONY/ Maximum Film)

It's that time of year again when all we want to do is snuggle up with all the best rom-coms on Netflix and escape from all of life's stresses with a good ol' dose of nostalgia. And what is the best kind of movie to quench our obsession with nostalgia, you ask? Why only the best teen movies that we spent our youth watching, of course!

From fairytale retellings to book adaptations, our list of cliche-filled flicks has a little bit of everything for the young adult (or actual adult) looking to indulge in a romantic, feel-good movie night. These picks might even inspire a few stay-at-home date ideas, to boot!

Alot of these classic teen films were so good, they've even spouted sequels and remakes—but nothing fills you with fuzzy nostalgia vibes like revisiting an OG!

So, for anyone looking for an easy watch, or to take a trip down memory lane—here are all the best teen movies on Netflix, filled with crushes, drama and hormone-fuelled antics!

The best teen movies on Netflix to watch ASAP

From true classics like 13 Going On 30 to modern offerings like Do Revenge, we've rounded up all the best teen films to tune into while you're repping your best pajamas this weekend!

'She's All That'

Release date: 1999 | Run Time: 1h 35m | Region: UK

Classic teen movie, She's All That is currently available to watch on Netflix (along with the gender-swapped remake He's All That.)

This film sees popular High School class president Zach Siler (played by Freddie Prinze Jr.) bet his friend Dean that he can turn 'misunderstood' artsy girl, Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook—who also made a cameo in the remake!)  into this year's prom queen after his girlfriend dumps him for a so-called celebrity.

The pair slowly grow closer and after an iconic 90s makeover scene, the big prom date looms—only for Laney to find out all about the bet, just as Zach realizes he has feelings for her.

'Moxie'

Release date: 2021 | Run Time: 1h 51m | Region: US and UK

A newfangled feminist anthem, Moxie is the brainchild of Amy Poehler's production company, so you know immediately you're in for a treat. (The SNL funny lady even stars in the flick.) 

The Netflix original follows a bashful teen who is inspired to call out the sexism in her school thanks to a new friend and her mother's rebellious streak in her youth. 

'Footloose'

Release date: 2011 | Run Time: 1h 54m | Region: UK

This Footloose remake is the ultimate movie to not only fill you with fuzzy nostalgic vibes but to get you singing and bopping along to the iconic soundtrack. With a cast that includes the likes of Miles Teller and Dennis Quaid, you can't go wrong with watching this bunch of high school students rebel against their town and parents with the power of dance!

If you're unfamiliar with the OG 1984 movie, starring Kevin Bacon—Footloose revolves around City-born teenager Ren MacCormack, who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing are banned—but not if he and his dance moves have anything to say about it...

'13 Going on 30'

Release date: 2004 | Run Time: 1h 37m | Region: UK

13 Going on 30 is the ultimate nostalgic movie—it stars Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, and while they're not teens, Jennifer's character technically is, let us explain!

The film sees Jenna Rink make a wish on her 13th birthday to skip all her teens and the heartbreak that comes with them and skip straight to 30. To her surprise, her wish is granted as she wakes up 15 years later. But she soon finds out being a grown-up isn't actually all it's cracked up to be...(this film gets more and more real the closer you get to 30 *sigh*)

'The Duff'

Release date: 2015 | Run Time: 1h 50m | Region: US 

The Duff gives She's All That vibes as Biana (Mae Whitman) discovers that her classmates view her as the 'DUFF'— which effectively means the 'ugly' friend in her friendship group. So, she embarks on a journey to reinvent herself with the help of Wesley (Robbie Amell), a hunky jock.

As you can imagine, the pair get closer after spending so much time together and things get interesting. It's a comedy film but carries an important message about being yourself and not trying to change so others will like or fall for you.

'He's All That'

Release date: 2021 | Run Time: 1h 31m | Region: US and UK

A modern-day remake of the iconic '90s rom-com, He's All That is a high school romance for the TikTok generation. 

We are treated to a gender-swapped reboot that focuses on a social-media queen's quest to turn the dorkiest guy in school into prom king. TikTok royalty, Addison Rae, stars in the lead role. Plus, she gives fans a sneak peek at her viral-worthy dance moves in the process. 

'Sierra Burgess is a Loser'

Release date: 2018 | Run Time: 1h 46m | Region: US and UK

Sierra (played by Stranger Things actress Shannon Burgess) is a sweet, book-smart student who unexpectedly joins forces—and develops a friendship—with the school's resident Heather.

Together, they trick Sierra's crush into a romance with a case of mistaken identity. As you might've imagined, the plan does not always run smoothly. 

'Wild Child'

Release date: 2008| Run Time: 1h 38m | Region: UK

Malibu moment! 

Wild Child is another great teen movie pick, starring Emma Roberts as a spoilt LA teen Poppy, who throws a mega party at her lavish home, which very quickly gets outs out of hand. As her punishment, her dad sends her to a boarding school in England.

It's a real finding-yourself film, plus it helps that heartthrob Alex Pettyfer is the love interest...

'Do Revenge'

Release date: 2022 | Run Time: 1h 58m | Region: US and UK

Do Revenge is Netflix's latest addition to their teen movie roster. It stars Riverdale's, Camila Mendes and Stranger Things' Maya Hawke as they join forces to do each other's revenge schemes on those who have wronged them at high school. 

This film is full of twists and turns, friendships, and some adorable romances!

'The Half of It'

Release date: 2020 | Run Time: 1h45m | Region: US and UK

This sentimental Netflix original about fitting in and identity is the coming-of-age story we could all appreciate. The shy, intelligent Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) is helping the school hottie woo the girl of his dreams, who is, coincidentally, the girl of Ellie's dreams as well. 

'To All the Boys I've Loved Before'

Release date: 2018 | Run Time: 1h 40m | Region: US and UK

Jenny Han's YA bestseller-turned Netflix sensation To All The Boys I've Loved Before follows a teen whose dreamy letters to her crushes are exposed. What could possibly go wrong? Be sure to catch the follow-ups on Netflix as well!

'The Kissing Booth'

Release date: 2018 | Run Time: 1h 46m | Region: US and UK

Another book-turned-film for the YA set, The Kissing Booth follows a teen's first kiss with her crush, who also just happens to be her best friend's super-off-limits older brother. Whoops! 

'After'

Release date: 2019 | Run Time: 1h 45m | Region: US and UK

Anna Todd's sexy book sensation gets the film treatment in this too-hot-to-handle story of the school nerd who falls for the bad boy—a trope we can't resist! This is definitely a film to watch with friends, chocolate and a few glasses of bubbly.

'Tall Girl'

Release date: 2019 | Run Time: 1h 43m | Region: US and UK

Everyone feels awkward in high school, especially a girl who's over 6 feet tall. Will a hot new guy in school force her to see what's been right in front of her all along?

This film stars Ava Michelle as Jodi who towers over her classmates and is wracked with insecurities about her height, especially when she falls for the hot new exchange student. But soon she finds herself caught in a love triangle...

'The Last Summer'

Release date: 2019 | Run Time: 1h 49m | Region: US and UK

Two NYC-bound college freshmen attempt to make the most out of their final summer at home, and things, as they do, turn romantic! This Netflix movie star Riverdale's KJ Apa and Maia Mitchell as they embark on a real coming-of-age tale. 

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again. 

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