Top 10 Funniest Teen Movies of All Time
#10: “Booksmart” (2019)
Top 5 Reasons You Need to See Booksmart (2019)
Being a model student can come with some downsides, as we learn in this wonderful comedy. Two high school seniors and best friends find out their seemingly irresponsible classmates also have bright futures ahead of them. So, they decide to make up for lost time with the wild night out they never had. Needless to say, chaos ensues. Among the most memorable moments are encounters with the unhinged Gigi and a stop-motion animated scene. The sharp script, inspired direction from Olivia Wilde, and chemistry between stars Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever make it an endlessly rewatchable treat. We give “Booksmart” an A-plus.
#9: “Dope” (2015)
Another great 2010s comedy about smart characters making not-so-smart decisions is “Dope.” This coming-of-age story follows Malcolm, a Los Angeles teen trying to get out of his neighborhood and into Harvard. But this is jeopardized when he gets unwittingly involved in a criminal conspiracy. With a stash of drugs to get rid of and no clue where to start, Malcolm and his friends have to use their brains more than ever. "Dope" is both a touching story of a good kid in a bad situation as well as an uproarious caper. And the dynamic visual direction keeps the energy - and laughs - going.
#8: “Bring It On” (2000)
Bring It On Cast: Where Are They Now?
If you were on your school’s cheerleading squad, we assume you’ve seen this movie at least a couple dozen times. But even if you haven’t so much as picked up a pom-pom, there’s still plenty to love about “Bring It On.” Kirsten Dunst stars as the newly-crowned captain of the Toros, who are dismayed to find their winning routines were copied from another team. So, they have to pull out all the stops to prove they can win with honor. The film does a great job of both sending up and honoring the world of cheerleading. And Dunst proves herself a star with her inspired lead performance. We will always appreciate “Bring It On.”
#7: “Dazed and Confused” (1993)
We always looked forward to the last day of school. But our summers never kicked off quite like this. Richard Linklater's classic period comedy follows the antics of teens on one day in Austin in 1976. Among their escapades are drinking and smoking, falling in love, and avoiding the paddle of bully Fred O'Bannion. The plot is mainly an excuse to spend time with these lovable characters and bask in the film’s Texas setting. Although it didn’t make much of an impact upon release, its inspired dialogue, great music, and early roles for future stars Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey make “Dazed and Confused” a must-see to this day.
#6: “Easy A” (2010)
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A little white lie can become something much bigger if you’re not careful. That’s the lesson of this excellent teen comedy, loosely inspired by "The Scarlet Letter.” After high schooler Olive tells her best friend about a non-existent romantic encounter, she ends up the talk of the school. However, her newfound popularity leads to a mess that she can't easily wriggle out of. Featuring what’s rightfully regarded as Emma Stone’s breakout role, the film is both witty and insightful. Honesty might be the best policy, but “Easy A” shows just how engrossing an out-of-control lie can be.
#5: “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
Top 10 Teen Movies That Were Ahead Of Their Time
If William Shakespeare was alive today, we like to think he’d be a fan of this movie. Inspired by the Bard’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” “10 Things I Hate About You” follows sophomore Bianca’s scheme to set her rebellious sister Kat up with school bad boy Patrick. Although Patrick is initially just playing along, he soon finds himself falling for Kat, who also can't help but be won over. The film manages to be both heartfelt and hilarious thanks to its great script and cast. Featuring breakout roles for Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, there’s nothing we hate about this movie, and more than 10 things that we love about it.
#4: “Mean Girls” (2004)
Top 10 Teen Movies of ALL TIME
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Think studying and taking tests are the most stressful parts of going to high school? Think again. Taking cues from the equally brilliant “Heathers,” this satire takes us through the jungle of one particularly clique-filled school. Previously-homeschooled Cady arrives at North Shore High School, where she learns of the "Plastics," a trio of popular girls both feared and admired. She joins their ranks in hopes of sabotaging leader Regina. However, she soon finds herself turning into the enemy. With a great script from Tina Fey and terrific early roles for Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and Amanda Seyfried, there’s never a moment wasted in this film. “Fetch” might not have caught on, but “Mean Girls” thankfully did.
#3: “Superbad” (2007)
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Graduating high school often means saying goodbye to your best friend. So, you need to make the most of the time you still have together. That’s what Seth and Evan, the leads of this raunchy delight, do. Tasked with procuring illicit refreshments for a house party, the two get into more trouble than they could've ever anticipated. As outrageous as "Superbad" often is, it’s grounded by stars Jonah Hill and Michael Cera’s chemistry. First penned by writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg when they were teenagers, "Superbad" is a super-good time from beginning to end.
#2: “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” (1986)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off Cast: Where Are They Now?
John Hughes wrote and directed numerous classic 80s teen movies, including “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club.” But if there’s one we’re always in the mood to watch, it’s “Ferris Bueller.” Matthew Broderick plays the titular truant teen, who decides he’d rather see the sights in Chicago than spend the day trapped at school. Joining him are girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron, whose mind is elsewhere. And hot on his trail are suspicious sister Jeannie and ruthless Dean of Students Ed Rooney. No other movie has made playing hooky look quite as fun, and there are few “dudes” as “righteous” as Ferris Bueller.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“She's the Man” (2006)
This Modern Take On Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night" Features a Great Starring Performance From Amanda Bynes
“Better Off Dead” (1985)
One of the Weirdest and Funniest Comedies We’ve Ever Seen
“Good Burger” (1997)
Kenan and Kel Went to the Big Screen for a Deliciously Entertaining Movie
“Election” (1999)
Political Satire Comes to High School in This Inspired Comedy
“Not Another Teen Movie” (2001)
All of Our Favorite Teen Movie Clichés Get Skewered in This Spoof
#1: “Clueless” (1995)
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Clueless
There have been numerous great direct adaptations of Jane Austen’s novel “Emma.” However, our favorite will always be this one, which transports the plot to Beverly Hills in the 90s and gives our matchmaker a yellow plaid suit and cellphone. Alicia Silverstone plays Cher, a popular high schooler with her heart, but not always her mind, in the right place. Among her challenges are helping new student Tai climb the social ladder, figuring out her former stepbrother Josh, and passing her driver’s test. “Clueless” might have countless reminders that it’s set in the 90s, but it holds up perfectly thanks to its memorable dialogue, excellent ensemble, and Silverstone’s endearing starring performance. Anyone who thinks they can improve it would have to be clueless.
