Top 20 Best Teen Movie Couples of All Time

While many of our picks are contemporary, you’ll find Shakespeare popping up quite a bit. “She’s the Man” reimagines Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” through a modern lens, although Amanda Bynes’ Viola nonetheless finds herself out of place in high society. She falls for Channing Tatum’s Duke under unconventional circumstances, having to pose as her twin brother Sebastian. So, as Duke confides in “Sebastian” about his feelings for Viola, he’s really opening himself up to the girl he likes. The relationship might commence on a deceptive note, but it allows the two soccer players to develop a friendship first. By the time they get together, Duke doesn’t just view Viola as a girlfriend, but as an all-around friend and an equal partner on the field.

This Hilary Duff vehicle is another modern retelling of a classic tale. Of course, for today’s kids, 2004 might seem like a period piece. How many people under 20 will recognize a flip phone or AOL Instant Messenger? This is how Sam communicates with her online pen pal Nomad, who turns out to be Chad Michael Murray’s Austin. While the technology is dated, it still rings true to how many couples initially connect in the digital age. Eventually, Sam and Austin get closer at a dance, but Sam’s identity remains a secret. When the masks come off, Sam and Austin must face their personal demons at home before finally coming together, helping each other to grow as individuals before driving off into the sunset.

In most teen movies, cheerleaders are typically portrayed as antagonist figures. While Torrance isn’t without her flaws, she does mature throughout the story as a rivalry-turned-friendship puts things into perspective. Along the way, Torrance realizes that she deserves much better than her boyfriend Aaron, dumping him in one of the film’s most satisfying scenes. What’s even more satisfying is seeing Torrance’s relationship with Cliff blossom. Without saying a word, these two make the simple act of brushing teeth look adorable. Although they may deny it at first, it isn’t long until they’re engaging in “cheer sex” and it’s the best either has ever had. By the time Cliff makes Torrance a mixtape, it’s clear that these two are just what each other need.

If you’re a “Mean Girls” fan, you understand that one day has special meaning. It’s not the day the Plastics wear pink, but the day that Aaron asked Cady what day it is! The senior football star finds himself in a love triangle with Cady and his ex Regina George. Although Regina is the school’s reigning Queen Bee, Cady’s ascension to popularity demonstrates how easily one can go mean. In time, Cady finds that she didn’t need to resort to such deceptive measures to get Aaron’s attention. It’s what sets Cady apart from the Plastics that drew Aaron to her. Their adorkable romance isn’t without hiccups and various forms of vomit, but once everyone has learned a lesson, they make for a perfect pair.

Joe Goldberg was reading “The Scarlet Letter” in his New York bookstore when she walked into his life. Okay, thankfully, that’s not how this teen romance commences. The attraction between Olive and Todd is much healthier. Their relationship actually begins before high school when Todd wasn’t ready for his first kiss. Olive looked out for him, laying the groundwork for a true romance to flourish years later. As the rest of the school shames Olive due to a lie that got out of hand, Todd isn’t quick to believe every rumor he hears. He knows who Olive is, encouraging her to get the truth out while sticking it to the haters. It’s a relationship based largely on respect with neither ever pressuring the other.

Before Nick and Norah even formally meet, it’s love at first sound. While Nick makes mix CDs for Tris expressing his heartache, his true musical soulmate is just under his nose. And yet when the two finally meet, Norah is totally unaware, just looking for someone to briefly play her boyfriend. As the night progresses, though, the two find that they have much more than music in common. With a little push from his friends, Nick realizes who he should be making mix CDs for while Norah manages to shake off her own ex. When the two finally make beautiful music together, it’s bound to be the first of many sweet songs.

Alright, we’re not going to act like this couple is

Spiritually, Stella and Will are made for one another. Physically, however, the odds are against them. Both suffer from a genetic disorder that requires them to remain separated. In a way, the fact that they fall in love despite the distance makes their romance all the more heartwarming. Of course, it also sets us up for inevitable heartbreak. Adding to the poetic tragedy, this film came out in March 2019, almost a year before COVID drove loved ones apart in real life. It might not be the exact same circumstances, but Stella and Will suddenly became even more relatable. In that sense, “Five Feet Apart” has developed into a teen movie for a generation growing up during a pandemic, helping couples through a difficult period.

He’s an alcoholic partygoer without a care. She’s a responsible young woman with a bright future. On paper, they might comes across as an unlikely pair or a disaster waiting to happen. While their relationship isn’t without hardships, “The Spectacular Now” doesn’t play out in the fashion you’d expect. Sutter helps Aimee to finally live a little during her senior year. In due course, Sutter comes to realize what it means to be seriously committed to someone. Before he can learn this lesson, Sutter must confront his own demons. By the time Sutter gets his act together, it’s unclear if Aimee will take him back. Even if their romance is limited to a year of high school, though, both grow from the experience.

“Rebel Without a Cause” might not have been the first movie to seriously analyze the teenage experience. However, it did lay out a blueprint that many teen dramas still abide by, bringing nuances to young characters who could’ve been paperthin archetypes. Acting out because of her father, Judy is drawn to juvenile delinquent Jim Stark, whose need to rebel is also rooted in his homelife. There’s more to Jim than his “bad boy” image, which Judy recognizes as he shows the affection and understanding that her father denies. With the world around them crumbling, the two might be in denial as they play house with fellow lost soul Plato. Once they’re ready to face reality, though, Jim and Judy find that they’re stronger together.

We’ve all had a crush that never materialized into a romantic relationship, although Lara Jean is among the select few who actually wrote letters to ALL the boys she’s loved. Of course, she never intended to actually mail them. When those love letters are sent out, Lara Jean scurries to do damage control, especially since one of her crushes is her older sister’s ex. Yikes. When a former crush, Peter Kavinsky, agrees to enter a mutually beneficial fake relationship with her, there’s little doubt that the popular guy will ultimately fall for the shy, uncomfortable girl and vice versa. What sets it apart from other opposites attract romances is the growth we see within each character, as Lara Jean comes out of her shell and Peter emerges as a surprisingly sensitive partner.

“High School Musical” might not be the most accurate portrayal of the high school experience, but one element that remains genuine throughout the trilogy is Troy’s relationship with Gabriella. One’s a jock, the other is a math whiz, and both love to sing. But wait, a basketball star and a member of the scholastic decathlon can’t possibly be together, let alone sing together in a school musical… can they? Yeah, we all know where this is going, but Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens bring sincerity to their onscreen chemistry. Even if their dialogue is fairly tame, the conversations they share about pressure, expectations, and the future do encompass the insecurities of being a teenager make them a surprisingly relatable couple that younger audiences can look up to.

One of the best modern teen romances is also one of the best teen mysteries. Although Simon comes from an accepting family and has several close friends, he can’t bring himself to tell them that he’s gay. When another student opens up online about his closeted lifestyle under the alias of Blue, Simon finds a kindred spirit he can be completely honest with. For much of the film, the identity of Blue remains vague. Even when they’re communicating digitally, though, it’s evident that Simon and Blue are made for each other. It isn’t until the end that Simon learns his secret admirer is Bram, who he knows in real life. When the two finally express their true feelings on a Ferris wheel, it’s nothing short of elevating.

Even if you weren’t alive in the late ‘50s or early ‘60s, it’s hard to watch this adaptation of Wendelin Van Draanen’s young adult novel without getting some nostalgic feels. It’s amazing how drastically a young person’s feelings can change between second and sixth grade. One day, you’re annoyed by a girl who has an unapologetic crush on you. The next, you strangely find yourself longing for her. Bryce and Juli’s courtship is one that we can all identify with, serving as a classic example of young love. It’s difficult and confusing, but few things are sweeter. Even if you don’t entirely understand these feelings, sometimes you just need to climb a tree to see things from another perspective.

Landon didn’t expect to fall in love with Jamie when he was forced to participate in a school play. That’s not the only curveball that life throws. It comes as a devastating blow to Landon and the audience when Jamie comes clean about her leukemia. While their wedding marks a joyous moment, both realize that this isn’t the beginning of a life together. It’s not necessarily the end either. Although Jamie inevitably succumbs to her illness, their love persists even in death. Jamie encourages Landon to make the most of his life, never truly leaving him.

Unplanned pregnancy and teen pregnancy were already very much in the public eye when “Juno” hit theaters, but the film presented several dynamics rarely seen in coming-of-age movies. When it comes to the bun in her oven, Juno’s parents are understanding, her classmates are casual, and the father is supportive of her decisions. Juno and Paulie’s courtship certainly plays out in unconventional fashion. They go from pals who spontaneously have sex to the expecting parents of a baby being given up for adoption, putting their relationship in an uncomfortable place. Throughout this experience, Juno comes to realize that she loves Paulie, who’s never been secretive about his feelings for her. He’s the cheese to her macaroni and few couples have made more beautiful music together.

(Remove) Not since Jamie and Landon in “A Walk to Remember” has a teenage romance generated more tears. Knowing that her days are numbered due to thyroid cancer, Hazel maintains a pessimistic attitude and is reluctant to be in a committed relationship. Gus, who had to have a leg amputated due to bone cancer, is the opposite, treating each day as if it’s his last. His enthusiastic outlook is exactly the medicine Hazel needs as she begins to let down her defenses. The more time they spend together, Hazel not only finds herself falling in love, but also realizes that even a life cut short is still a valuable one. That being said, Hazel and Gus’ relationship is like a shooting star: beautiful, but it goes by far too quickly.

A lot has changed since William Shakespeare wrote “The Taming of the Shrew” in the 16th century. The romance at the story’s core still has a place in modern times, however, as demonstrated through “10 Things I Hate About You.” Providing a launching point for the careers of several young actors, the film stars Julia Stiles as the cynical Kat and Heath Ledger as bad boy Patrick Verona. While both are social outcasts in their own rights, they otherwise appear to be an unlikely pair. When Patrick is paid to go out with Kat, however, it becomes clear that they have more in common than anyone imagined. Even if their relationship stems from a lie, the connection that blossoms couldn’t be more honest or adorable.

The ‘80s were a golden age for teen romances and “Say Anything…” set a new standard as the decade drew to a close. The scene where Lloyd holds a boombox over his head outside Diane’s window is by far the most iconic moment of their relationship. Yet, there’s so much more to this relationship than that Peter Gabriel song. Although they come from different backgrounds, Lloyd and Diane are both deeply afraid of the future. Lloyd goes through life without direction, hoping things will fall into place. Diane has everything mapped out, which ironically makes her more uncertain about life after high school. While neither knows what the future holds, they decide to figure it out together and ultimately emerge stronger because of their bond.

Shakespeare resurfaces and while the setting is once again modernized, the dialogue that made this story of young love immortal remains intact. Even if you’ve never watched a film or stage version of “Romeo & Juliet,” chances are you’re still familiar with its titular couple. But what exactly is it that’s made this story of woe resonate for so many centuries? Simply put, it’s the humanity at the heart of its romance. The story authentically conveys the passion young people often feel when they first fall in love and how that passion can escalate into tragedy when they aren’t allowed to explore those feelings. In a world darkened by prejudice and hatred, Romeo and Juliet’s love is a candle that is blown out in a heartbeat - and this Baz Luhrmann with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Titles in the titular roles is fresh, creative and visually stunning.