Top 10 Teen Movies That Should NEVER Be Remade
#10: “Easy A” (2010)
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Olive finds herself caught in the rumor mill after a seemingly harmless fib about losing her virginity spins wildly out of control. She decides to ride the wave before realizing it would be better to just come clean. It’s a witty and relatable story addressing that age-old trope of virginity and social status. The film played with a number of teen movie clichés in a refreshing way, and we couldn’t imagine a better cast to drive the story. Also, Emma Stone’s brilliantly wry performance essentially put her on the map and made everyone take notice. With its smart story, shrewd humor, and banging song choices, this movie gets an easy A+ from us.
#9: “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” (1986)
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Fun, fresh, and effortlessly cool, "Ferris Bueller" is the definitive movie about playing hooky. As Matthew Broderick once said, it's all about capturing "a lightning flash in your life." And you know what they say, lightning doesn't strike twice. A sequel to the film was contemplated but ultimately abandoned, and the TV spin-off was canceled after only 13 episodes. Meanwhile, the Library of Congress deemed the 1986 movie "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," and its legacy continues to thrive. Bueller and company get up to plenty of antics that wouldn't fly today, but they’re perfectly charming for an '80s teen flick. Plus, a modern-day Ferris would probably just stay home and start a podcast rather than commandeer a parade.
#8: “Moonlight” (2016)
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A newer teen film, “Moonlight,” is set to become one of those timeless must-sees for generations to come. This powerful and poignant coming-of-age story follows Chiron, a young Black man finding and learning to embrace his identity during three pivotal periods of life. Considered one of the 21st century’s greatest movies, the LGBTQ+ story and all-black cast made history when they won the Oscar for Best Picture. “Moonlight” boasts an excellent screenplay, talented cast, stunning score, and genius nuances that all complement the breathtaking cinematography. You couldn’t make it any better, and you shouldn’t even try. Needless to say, it’s truly deserving of each and every accolade it has received.
#7: “Heathers” (1989)
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The ultimate dark comedy, this flick was considered controversial even while being made. Yet it’s since garnered a cult following thanks to its sharp and cynical take on teenage problems. It covers a plethora of topics in ways that would certainly be deemed unacceptable today. And, as evidenced by the failed TV reboot, the story has no place in the modern age. “Listen up, corn nuts,” no one wants to see Heather Chandler destroy Veronica’s reputation through a scathing social media post. But if you’re still looking for “Big Fun,” there are other “Mean Girls” who fit the bill. Or you can enjoy the “Heathers” stage musical instead.
#6: “Grease” (1978)
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This beloved movie musical, though far from perfect, was a huge hit and cultural sensation. It also became the highest-grossing musical film ever for a time. Now, we definitely wouldn’t condone changing yourself just to get the guy or girl. But themes of love, friendship, and the highs and lows of high school are universal. Plus, you probably have one of the film’s countless iconic songs stuck in your head as we speak. Also, while the cast was undeniably too old to play teenagers, there’s no one else we can imagine in these roles. The stage show and 2016 live remake are great, but the 1978 flick is the only silver screen version we want.
#5: “Bring It On” (2000)
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In 2000, this cheerleading romp sis, boom, bah’d its way onto our screens. And an entire generation has grown up watching it. Some elements admittedly haven’t aged well, but the story has since sparked conversations about systematic inequality, appropriation, intersectional feminism, and even sexuality. These ageless themes, woven into a fun story and entertaining cheer routines, have helped “Bring It On” withstand the test of time. The film spawned a franchise that even led to a stage musical. But the only thing the seemingly endless sequence of sequels really proved is that the original is the only one we need. We could have happily gone through life without ever seeing that krumping scene.
#4: “Mean Girls” (2004)
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One of the most quotable movies of the aughts, “Mean Girls” remains an iconic pop culture phenomenon. A story about trying to navigate high school's social jungle is super relatable, and Tina Fey’s droll humor fits the narrative flawlessly. We’ve all done the “Jingle Bell Rock” routine, and how many other films have their own signature day? Plus, it’s so perfectly cast that no one else could possibly compare. We’re actually still trying to erase “Mean Girls 2” from our memories. Now, the Broadway musical is reportedly receiving a silver screen makeover, which we’ll allow since it’s so fetch. But if anyone touches the film, they’re going straight in the Burn Book.
#3: “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
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We all have our dream casting for a modern-day “Breakfast Club.” But in our hearts, we know there’s no replacing the Brat Pack. Taking place during a Saturday detention, five students with seemingly nothing in common learn there’s more to their peers than just their cliques. With an engaging story, epic soundtrack, and optimistic message, it’s easy to see why this movie transcended its era. An updated remake where five kids avoid eye contact while scrolling through Instagram all day would be pretty boring anyway. Additionally, no reboot could be as charismatic or seminal as the original without John Hughes at the helm. And there’s no way that ending could ever be topped.
#2: “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
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An adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” some of the subject matter in this flick is pretty outdated. Kat is the underappreciated feminist hero who others attempt to “tame” into fitting social convention. That being said, it would be hard to come by a millennial who doesn’t love this film and the late Heath Ledger’s performance in it. It also launched the careers of several of its stars, who received plenty of accolades. The film was revived as a TV series in 2009 but lasted just 20 episodes, because you simply shouldn’t try to compete with the original. We don’t see much point in re-doing this movie without Ledger’s unforgettable serenade anyway. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Love, Simon” (2018) A Practically Perfect Coming Out Story “Step Up” (2006) Nothing Can Compare to the Original “A Cinderella Story” (2004) We’ve Seen Enough Cinderella Stories to Last a Lifetime “The Princess Diaries” (2001) There Can Only Be One True Princess of Genovia “Dead Poets Society” (1989) We’re Not Standing on the Table for Any Reboots
#1: “Clueless” (1995)
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Often considered one of the best teen movies ever, “Clueless” made waves for its iconic fashion, quotability, and stellar cast. It’s also the source of our crushes on Paul Rudd. A fresh and funny reimagining of Jane Austen’s “Emma,” Alicia Silverstone’s Cher is the beautiful, popular teen we all wanted to be – or befriend. While some movies can be recreated for modern audiences, “Clueless” is too quintessentially ‘90s. Stripping it of that part of its identity would do a major disservice to the story and its fans. Even the stage musical failed to make a splash. The film is nostalgically reminiscent of its era, and has left a timeless legacy. If someone dared mess with this masterpiece, we’d have two simple words for them.
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