Top 10 Teen Movies Based on True Stories
#10: “Thirteen” (2003)
For many teens, rebellion is an inevitable part of growing up. This 2003 flick takes that concept to the extreme. The film follows Tracy Freeland - played by Evan Rachel Wood - as she transitions from childhood into adolescence. When she starts hanging out with a new group of friends, she begins to engage in self-destructive behaviors. Naturally, this causes tension with her mother, played by Holly Hunter. The movie is actually based on actress Nikki Reed’s own experiences. Amazingly, she co-wrote it with director Catherine Hardwicke when she was just a teenager. The film’s hard hitting authenticity created quite a buzz at the Sundance Film Festival, which is impressive to say the least!
#9: “Mean Girls” (2004)
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Tina Fey’s brainchild, “Mean Girls”, is undoubtedly one of the most famous teen movies of all time. The film was inspired by a book about high school cliques titled “Queen Bees and Wannabes”, which was written by Rosalind Wiseman. And Fey also took some cues from her own high school years and life. Even the character names weren’t random; many shared their moniker with people the star knew. By mashing up all the troubling and problematic parts of teenagehood, Fey created personalities we’ve come to know and fear, like the inimitable Regina George. But more than that, she told a story that every teen can relate to in one way or another.
#8: “The Miracle Season” (2018)
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This moving sports drama tells the true story of a high school volleyball team who tragically lost their star player in 2011. The film revolves around Caroline “Line” Found - also known as the “pulse” of the team - and explores the impact she had on her hometown of Iowa City. Helen Hunt stars as real life coach Kathy Bresnahan, who led the team to victory in spite of the devastation. In doing so, she helped heal a grieving community. “The Miracle Season” is a heartfelt film, and acts as a stunning tribute to a young legend who left us far too soon.
#7: “All the Bright Places” (2020)
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They often say that you should write what you know. That’s exactly what author Jennifer Niven did with her 2015 novel, “All The Bright Places”. Adapted for the screen in 2020, this Netflix film follows Finch and Violet’s relationship. It explores their struggle to cope with past traumas, and tackles the toll this takes on their mental health. Niven revealed that though the story itself isn’t true, it was inspired by her past experience loving someone with mental health struggles. Her personal attachment to the material helped her shape the characters, and brought them to life both on the page and on the screen.
#6: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
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One of the most prevalent coming of age texts in modern literature, Stephen Chbosky’s novel was a game changer for young adult fiction in the late 90s. Years later, his story about a reserved high school freshman who befriends two outgoing seniors became a movie. Featuring Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller, it was a hit upon release. Interestingly, Chbosky used his life as a teen in Pittsburgh to inform some of what Charlie goes through. Sam and Patrick were also composite characters, based on various people the writer turned director knew! The result is a rich narrative that digs deep and unmasks all the joys and challenges of teenagehood.
#5: “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” (2010)
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Late author Ned Vizzini’s 2004 experience being hospitalized for depression served as the inspiration for his 2006 book, “It’s Kind of A Funny Story”. A few years later, the successful novel was adapted for the screen. The story follows Craig, a teenager who checks himself into a psychiatric adult hospital during an extremely stressful period in his life. During his time there, he bonds with the patients and staff, and even falls in love with fellow teen resident Noelle. Featuring Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts and Keir Gilchrist, this touching film approaches the topic of mental health with honesty. At the same time, it incorporates beautiful moments of levity and humor into the plot.
#4: “Soul Surfer” (2011)
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Teenager Bethany Hamilton became a media sensation when she miraculously survived a shark attack in 2003. The Hawaiian surfer lost her left arm in the harrowing encounter, and her story dominated headlines throughout America. In 2011, her book based on the event was made into a film. AnnaSophia Robb played Hamilton, and the cast was rounded out by Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, and Carrie Underwood, amongst others. “Soul Surfer” follows the teen’s life before, during, and after the attack, and includes both her recovery and her experience being thrust into the limelight.
#3: “Rudy” (1993)
Long before he was trekking across Middle-earth as Samwise Gamgee, actor Sean Astin was known by another moniker - Rudy. In the 1993 film of the same name, he plays real life athlete Daniel Eugene “Rudy” Ruettiger, a teen who desperately wants to play football for Notre Dame. After being told he’s too small to do so, Rudy embarks on a long winding journey. Naturally, he learns some pretty tough life lessons along the way. Full of perseverance, resilience, and drive, this film helped launch Astin’s career, and has gone down as one of the most memorable sports flicks in American cinema.
#2: “Remember the Titans” (2000)
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Inspired by Herman Boone’s real life, this Disney live-action classic is one of the best sports flicks to date. Denzel Washington plays Boone, the coach of a racially integrated high school football team in 1970s’ Virginia. The film took some liberties with the story, changing certain dates and facts. However, its essence is rooted in truth. The cast features Ryan Gosling, Donald Faison and Wood Harris, and quickly became a box office success. At its core, “Titans” is a powerful tale of equality and sportsmanship that emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers.
#1: “Clouds” (2020)
In 2009, Zach Sobiech was diagnosed with cancer. By 2012, his prognosis was terminal. So he used the time he had left to create music, and touched countless people around the world in the process. After uploading his original song “Clouds” to YouTube, he became an internet sensation. Sadly, he passed away a short time later. But the 2020 film “Clouds” beautifully tells his story. Starring newcomer Fin Argus as Sobiech and Sabrina Carpenter as his best friend Sammy, it’s a poignant and heartfelt tribute to Zach. Inspired by his mother Laura’s book, the movie carries on the young musician’s legacy, and ensures that his artistry lives on.
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