Top 10 Teen Drama Theme Songs

This Canadian classic’s theme was composed by Jim McGrath, and was originally sung by Dalbello. Throughout the show’s run, multiple versions were recorded to reflect the series’ evolution. The kids at Degrassi Community School are brought face-to-face with many coming of age issues, including but not limited to questions of sexuality, love, and mental health. Yet lyrically the theme song is catchy, and always remains hopeful. It gives the show an underlying current of optimism, a reassuring sense that they will “make it through” by being there for each other.

They’re the claps heard around the world! Surprisingly, they were put there because the composer didn’t know how else to complete the track. Lucky for us, they stuck. We meet Brenda and Brandon as they struggle to transition from a humbler life in Minneapolis to the glamour and glitz of California’s Beverly Hills. As if that isn’t challenging enough, they also have to deal with love triangles, friendships, and just trying to fit in. Composer John E. Davis was well aware of this juxtaposition, and told Variety that he mixed rock elements with more organic ones to reflect the dual themes of family and drama. It’s the song’s ability to channel this opposition in a harmonious and fun way that makes 90210’s opening credits so memorable.

It’s impossible to hear this refrain and not instantly think of this small-screen sensation. When Ryan Atwood moves from Chino to Orange County, everything changes. What ensues is a lot of brooding, heartbreak, love, and sometimes, laughter. Fittingly, the soft melodic tones of the opening piano notes evoke a sense of melancholy, before the song lifts into a much louder, brasher and energetic chorus. This perfectly sets the stage for how the show ventures behind facades to expose the darker sides of things. After all, if anyone knows about what happens when privilege meets destruction, it's Marissa Cooper.

Rosewood is the town of missing people, deceit, blackmail, and fashionable best friends just trying to stay alive. So it makes sense that this air of mystery fills PLL’s theme song. The eerie lyrics talk about taking secrets “to the grave”, which is fitting, to say the least, since the show opens with the disappearance of Alison DiLaurentis, a not-so-perfect “it girl”. While the track wasn’t initially recorded for the seven season thriller, it definitely sounds like it could have been. Star Ashley Benson certainly felt that way when she heard it, which led her to suggest it be used as the theme, and the higher ups agreed. Thanks Hanna!

This refrain has a haunting melody that mirrors the atmosphere of the town where our adventure begins, a place of lies and supernatural enigmas. Its lyrics are about not being able to hide who you are, needing love, and being afraid that everything will come crashing down on you. Needless to say, this track about complicated love is perfect for “Roswell”. Between the forbidden romances, the characters’ powers, and having to hide from the FBI, no song could better encapsulate the essence of what Liz and the gang go through.

Our favourite teen detective from Neptune deserves an opening refrain that does her justice. Thankfully, that’s exactly what she gets. Kristen Bell’s witty character is nothing if not complex, juggling her life as a teenager with her job solving crime as a private investigator. It’s far from a simple task, but somehow this teen-noir drama delivers a masterful mix of heartwarming funny moments, drama, and intrigue. The opening track matches the layered tone of the show seamlessly. Its upbeat melody, mixed with a message about lost friendship, reflects the show's contrasting elements, making for a memorable combination.

The most popular tune from the band’s album The Golden Hum, the title and lyrics of this track are perfect for a show about superheroes whose job it is to, quite literally, save people. Plus, its alternative sound brings to the fore the angst that the characters experience. Being a teenager is never easy, apparently not even if you’re Clark Kent. And sometimes, maybe the hero is the one who needs saving. Coupled with the opening credits, this refrain manages to capture both sides of this coin, simultaneously evoking both strength and vulnerability.

This track is about breaking cycles of behaviour that are passed on within families. Appropriate, since this group feels like each other’s chosen family, sticking by each other through thick and thin. Its angsty tones match that of the show, but it also delivers a positive message about seizing the present moment. The characters on this show certainly learn the importance of doing just that through pivotal life experiences, from first loves and heartbreaks to figuring out who they are. Sadly, due to issues with the song’s rights, if you’re bingeing this classic on DVD or streaming it, it’ll actually be Jann Arden’s “Run like Mad” that ushers in each episode.

If you weren’t awake before, you probably are after hearing this energetic song. It stimulates the senses, a flawless choice for a show about a vampire slayer, to say the least. Its frantic tempo adds a sense of impending horror that goes hand in hand with Buffy's incomparable energy: a girl with a duty to fight evil while figuring out her own life. The show’s spinoff “Angel” had an equally memorable opening tune: Darling Violetta’s song “Catharsis of Sufferance”. The melody is slower, with a dark-indie rock sound. The guitar and cello creates a supernatural and ominous feeling that matches Angel's journey as he tries to reconcile his conscience with his past. It’s safe to say the creators of this universe definitely knew what they were doing.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Where You Lead” by Carole King
“Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

“How Soon is Now” by Love Spit Love
“Charmed” (1998-2006)

“Where You Belong” by Kari Kimmel
“The Fosters” (2013-18)

After becoming OTH's theme song, this became DeGraw's most popular track. He even made multiple guest appearances on the show to perform it. As Lucas, Brooke, Hayley, Peyton and Nathan grow up, they learn about love, friendship, family, and most importantly, self-acceptance. In other words, learning to not want to be anything other than exactly who they are; the song’s key message. The show tried to go without an opening track for a few seasons when the characters got older, but ultimately, everybody realized Tree Hill just wasn’t the same without its signature tune. Thank goodness.