Top 10 Best Teen Movie Couples

“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018)

We’ve all had a crush that never materialized into a romantic relationship, although Lara Jean is among the select few who actually wrote letters to ALL the boys she’s loved. Of course, she never intended to actually mail them. When those love letters are sent out, Lara Jean scurries to do damage control, especially since one of her crushes is her older sister’s ex. Yikes. When a former crush, Peter Kavinsky, agrees to enter a mutually beneficial fake relationship with her, there’s little doubt that the popular guy will ultimately fall for the shy, uncomfortable girl and vice versa. What sets it apart from other opposites attract romances is the growth we see within each character, as Lara Jean comes out of her shell and Peter emerges as a surprisingly sensitive partner.

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#9: Troy Bolton & Gabriella Montez

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“High School Musical” franchise (2006-08)

“High School Musical” might not be the most accurate portrayal of the high school experience, but one element that remains genuine throughout the trilogy is Troy’s relationship with Gabriella. One’s a jock, the other is a math whiz, and both love to sing. But wait, a basketball star and a member of the scholastic decathlon can’t possibly be together, let alone sing together in a school musical… can they? Yeah, we all know where this is going, but Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens bring sincerity to their onscreen chemistry. Even if their dialogue is fairly tame, the conversations they share about pressure, expectations, and the future do encompass the insecurities of being a teenager make them a surprisingly relatable couple that younger audiences can look up to.

“Love, Simon” (2018)

One of the best modern teen romances is also one of the best teen mysteries. Although Simon comes from an accepting family and has several close friends, he can’t bring himself to tell them that he’s gay. When another student opens up online about his closeted lifestyle under the alias of Blue, Simon finds a kindred spirit he can be completely honest with. For much of the film, the identity of Blue remains vague. Even when they’re communicating digitally, though, it’s evident that Simon and Blue are made for each other. It isn’t until the end that Simon learns his secret admirer is Bram, who he knows in real life. When the two finally express their true feelings on a Ferris wheel, it’s nothing short of elevating.

“Flipped” (2010)



Even if you weren’t alive in the late ‘50s or early ‘60s, it’s hard to watch this adaptation of Wendelin Van Draanen’s young adult novel without getting some nostalgic feels. It’s amazing how drastically a young person’s feelings can change between second and sixth grade. One day, you’re annoyed by a girl who has an unapologetic crush on you. The next, you strangely find yourself longing for her. Bryce and Juli’s courtship is one that we can all identify with, serving as a classic example of young love. It’s difficult and confusing, but few things are sweeter. Even if you don’t entirely understand these feelings, sometimes you just need to climb a tree to see things from another perspective.

“Sixteen Candles” (1984)



John Hughes is often cited as one of the first filmmakers to write teenage characters with the same sophistication and complexities you’d find in adults. This definitely shines through in the central romance of his directorial debut, “Sixteen Candles.” Sophomore Sam can’t even get her family to notice her on her sixteenth birthday. So, she seemingly has no shot at attracting Jake Ryan, the quintessential high school heartthrob. Slowly but surely, though, the popular senior begins to take an interest in the awkward girl across the room. Although they go most of the film without speaking to each other, there’s an undeniable spark between them. Jack’s torch for Sam evolves into a birthday cake, granting our wish to see them together.

“Juno” (2007)

Unplanned pregnancy and teen pregnancy were already very much in the public eye when “Juno” hit theaters, but the film presented several dynamics rarely seen in coming-of-age movies. When it comes to the bun in her oven, Juno’s parents are understanding, her classmates are casual, and the father is supportive of her decisions. Juno and Paulie’s courtship certainly plays out in unconventional fashion. They go from pals who spontaneously have sex to the expecting parents of a baby being given up for adoption, putting their relationship in an uncomfortable place. Throughout this experience, Juno comes to realize that she loves Paulie, who’s never been secretive about his feelings for her. He’s the cheese to her macaroni and few couples have made more beautiful music together.

“The Fault in Our Stars” (2014)

Not since Jamie and Landon in “A Walk to Remember” has a teenage romance generated more tears. Knowing that her days are numbered due to thyroid cancer, Hazel maintains a pessimistic attitude and is reluctant to be in a committed relationship. Gus, who had to have a leg amputated due to bone cancer, is the opposite, treating each day as if it’s his last. His enthusiastic outlook is exactly the medicine Hazel needs as she begins to let down her defenses. The more time they spend together, Hazel not only finds herself falling in love, but also realizes that even a life cut short is still a valuable one. That being said, Hazel and Gus’ relationship is like a shooting star: beautiful, but it goes by far too quickly.

“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)



A lot has changed since William Shakespeare wrote “The Taming of the Shrew” in the 16th century. The romance at the story’s core still has a place in modern times, however, as demonstrated through “10 Things I Hate About You.” Providing a launching point for the careers of several young actors, the film stars Julia Stiles as the cynical Kat and Heath Ledger as bad boy Patrick Verona. While both are social outcasts in their own rights, they otherwise appear to be an unlikely pair. When Patrick is paid to go out with Kat, however, it becomes clear that they have more in common than anyone imagined. Even if their relationship stems from a lie, the connection that blossoms couldn’t be more honest or adorable.

“Say Anything…” (1989)



The ‘80s were a golden age for teen romances and “Say Anything…” set a new standard as the decade drew to a close. The scene where Lloyd holds a boombox over his head outside Diane’s window is by far the most iconic moment of their relationship. Yet, there’s so much more to this relationship than that Peter Gabriel song. Although they come from different backgrounds, Lloyd and Diane are both deeply afraid of the future. Lloyd goes through life without direction, hoping things will fall into place. Diane has everything mapped out, which ironically makes her more uncertain about life after high school. While neither knows what the future holds, they decide to figure it out together and ultimately emerge stronger because of their bond.







Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:



Ferris Bueller & Sloane Peterson

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1987)





Sutter Keely & Aimee Finecky

“The Spectacular Now” (2013)





Dionne Davenport & Murray Duvall

“Clueless” (1995)





Danny Zuko & Sandy Olsson

“Grease” (1978)





Sara Johnson & Derek Reynolds

“Save the Last Dance” (2001)

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#1: Romeo Montague & Juliet Capulet

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Comparing All the Romeo & Juliet Movies

“Romeo + Juliet” (1996)



Shakespeare resurfaces and while the setting is once again modernized, the dialogue that made this story of young love immortal remains intact. Even if you’ve never watched a film or stage version of “Romeo & Juliet,” chances are you’re still familiar with its titular couple. But what exactly is it that’s made this story of woe resonate for so many centuries? Simply put, it’s the humanity at the heart of its romance. The story authentically conveys the passion young people often feel when they first fall in love and how that passion can escalate into tragedy when they aren’t allowed to explore those feelings. In a world darkened by prejudice and hatred, Romeo and Juliet’s love is a candle that is blown out in a heartbeat - and this Baz Luhrmann with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Titles in the titular roles is fresh, creative and visually stunning.