Top 10 Underappreciated Teen Movie Characters

The eclectic cast of ensemble characters play a major part in making “Clueless” such a perfect teen movie. We love Cher’s father, Mel Horowitz, who often steals the show with a well- delivered one-liner. But the film’s most underrated character has to be Travis, portrayed by Breckin Meyer. His interactions with Brittany Murphy’s Tai are sweet enough to give us a toothache. This adorable pairing may even be our favorite “Clueless” couple - although they have some serious competition. Travis presents as a class clown, but beneath the surface he’s caring and genuine, with more motivation than we give him credit for. After all, how many high school slackers would put themselves through a twelve step program?

In this underrated musical drama, Lucy Boynton plays Raphina, teen protagonist Conor’s dream girl. However, there’s more to her than meets the eye. Raphina is an aspiring model with a boyfriend, and she dreams of escaping her life in Ireland. But underneath her make-up, she’s also still just a young girl. Unlike the boys, Raphina has dropped out of school, and has no major support system. She’s had to grow up fast, but when she’s with Conor and his friends she’s able to act her age again. Both the writing and Boynton’s beautifully nuanced performance cement the fact that Raphina should be seen as more than just a love interest.

In her seminal teen comedy, Tina Fey gifted herself a great comic role. But Ms. Norbury isn’t North Shore’s only memorable educator. Mr. Duvall is the school’s long-suffering principal. From his awkward interactions with Ms. Norbury to his dead-pan delivery of classic lines, every moment he’s on screen is pure gold. This probably underpaid man is doing his best under some very difficult circumstances. He’s often exasperated, bemused and (occasionally) intimidated by the kids in his care. But he’s never unprofessional. He understands when to lay down the law and when it’s important to compromise. “Mean Girls” may be all about the teens, but we’d like more appreciation for this adult, who makes us laugh just as much.

Step-mothers often get a bad rap in popular culture, but “Juno” bucks the trend. Sure, the titular teen gets pregnant under less than ideal circumstances. But at least Juno has two supportive parents. The dad, portrayed by the great J. K. Simmons, could’ve easily made this list, but it’s Allison Janney's Bren who really sticks in our memory. Juno’s stepmom is an unsentimental realist. Although they have their moments, she still loves and supports Juno unconditionally. Of course, we don’t fully understand how much she cares until that moment with the baby scan. When Bren goes off, it becomes clear to everyone that she has Juno’s back 100%.

Hope may not be the nicest person in the world, but she’s interesting as a twist on the ‘basic hot girl’ trope. Her storyline also marks a major step forward for queer representation in mainstream teen movies. “Booksmart”’s two main characters are best friends Molly and Amy, one is straight, one is a lesbian. Hope meanwhile, begins her arc as the typical mean girl. Later we’re hit with a curveball when she and Amy kiss. Before long, we start understanding that Hope is more than just a stereotype. She’s pretty and cool, sure, but she’s also human and brave – the type of girl to give her number to the person she likes, even if they’re not like her.

You might not know Chantel Mitchell, but this fast-talking, fourth-wall breaking fashionista was a teen heroine ahead of her time. A girl from Brooklyn with big brains, big dreams, and confidence to match, she doesn’t have it easy. Juggling school and a part-time job she can do. However, systemic failures leave her pregnant and forced to rethink her plan. The movie tackles big issues, but it’s Chantel’s charisma that makes it sparkle. Writer/director/producer Leslie Harris set out to depict a Black female character as more than a partner or parent. Of course, Chantel makes mistakes – as she should! But she needs approval from no man, and is always 100% herself. The fact that we don’t talk about her more often is a shame.

The movie adaptation of Ann Brashares’ best-selling book is a moving exploration of teenage girlhood. The members of the sisterhood are all interesting and complex, but the underrated star of the first film is Bailey. When this precocious young girl first comes into Tibby’s life, we see her as an annoying kid. However, as time goes on, we, like Tibby, realize how special this new friend really is. Where the rest of the world sees losers and rejects, Bailey sees potential. When we learn that she has leukemia, we discover more about her strength and courage. Her final scenes are heartbreaking and brilliantly acted by Jenna Boyd. In a film full of powerful emotional moments, she deserves more credit for stealing the show.

The Stratford family all have their moments. Kat makes the perfect unlikely heroine and Walter gets the best lines. However, we’d argue that Bianca is just as badass in her own way. She’s coded as a basic popular girl, but from early on we see glimpses of her inner strength and confidence. Although she goes to a party with the narcissistic Joey, one evening with him is enough to teach her that he’s not worth her time. She also decides for herself that Cameron is the one she wants and she’s not afraid to take charge. Although Kat puts on a good front, she’s more sensitive than she lets on, while beneath that sweet exterior, the oft-overlooked Bianca is a pretty tough cookie.

How did a security guard/chauffeur who isn’t even in the books become one of the best characters in “The Princess Diaries” franchise? He doesn’t have a massive role, but the guy knows how to win us over. Actor Héctor Elizondo has charmed the cinema-going public in several roles, including as the hotel manager in “Pretty Woman.” As Princess Mia’s quiet confidant, he made an impression on a whole new generation. Whether he’s quoting Eleanor Roosevelt or stealing the heart of a queen, Joe is always the perfect gentleman. He only gets a fraction of the love he deserves, mainly because he deserves more love than we can express! Just don’t call him Joey and things will be okay, though.

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

Charlie Swan, “Twilight” franchise (2008-12)
Bella’s Dad Is One of the Best Characters in the Books & the Films

Rosemary & Dill Penderghast, “Easy A” (2010)
These Parents Make Us Want to Be Just Like Them When We Grow Up

Warren Peace, “Sky High” (2005)
Can Anyone Explain to Us Why Layla Chooses Will Over This Guy?

Javed & Roops, “Blinded by the Light” (2019)
Two Underrated Teens Who Bond Over “the Boss”’ Music

Skinny Carter, “Step Up” (2006)
Skinny Deserved Better!

Of all the coming-of-age movies of the last decade, “The Edge of Seventeen” may be the most underrated. The same can be said for its protagonist. The flick tackles a range of issues facing modern day teens in a relatable way, but its biggest strength lies in its heroine. Hailee Steinfeld stars as seventeen-year-old Nadine Franklin, who lost her father years prior and is dealing with a lot in terms of her mental health. Thanks to a great script and a critically acclaimed performance from Steinfeld, Nadine emerges as a complex and realistic character who has struck a chord with many viewers. We think she deserves a place among the teen movie greats.

Which teen movie characters do you think steal the show? Let us know in the comments.