The Best Teen Movies on Netflix (May 2021)

Mirai (2018): A Lovely Animated Film About Family and Time Travel

This lovely Japanese animated film is an emotional story about family. Kun is a four-year-old boy who has a new baby sister, Mirai. Jealous of the newcomer, he flees to the family's garden, which is magical and allows him to travel through time to meet different versions of his relatives—including the teenaged version of his new sister. Throughout the movie, Kun learns that his family members are people with personalities separate from his own and that he's not quite the center of the universe.

Four Sisters Before the Wedding (2020): Best Filipino Teen Movie

This Filipino dramedy is a prequel to the 2013 film Four Sisters and a Wedding. In the present day, the Salazar sisters are preparing for their brother's wedding to a woman he's only known for four months. Meanwhile, they reminisce about a time their parents were having their own relationship problems and the girls conspired to get them back together. The film manages to walk a fine line between funny and emotional, but you might get the most out of it if you watch the original movie first.

Concrete Cowboy (2020): Because Idris Elba on a Horse, That's Why

This new drama from director Ricky Staub (Snow White and the Huntsman) takes a look at a little-known part of Black culture—urban cowboys who ride their horses on asphalt streets instead of dirt. Cole (Stranger Things' Caleb McLaughlin) is a 15-year-old boy from Detroit who's sent to live with his father Harp (Idris Elba) in Philadelphia. Harp is a part of Fletcher Street Stables, a (real-world) 100-year-old riding club that's often a refuge to troubled youth. Critics call the film an endearing and emotional father/son drama.

Moxie (2021): A Film About Fighting Toxic School Culture

This teen comedy from Parks and Rec comedienne Amy Poehler stars Hadley Robinson as Vivian, a shy 16-year-old who decides to rebel against her school's toxic atmosphere by publishing an underground zine called Moxie. Her writing sparks a movement amongst the female students. While Poehler is relatively new as a film director, she's proven herself a talented comedic writer and actress, making this movie promising.

Finding 'Ohana (2021): For Anyone Who Misses The Goonies

If you're a fan of movies where precocious teens go on an adventure for hidden treasures, you may want to spend a weekend watching Finding 'Ohana. It just might fill that Goonies-sized hole in your heart. The film is about two Brooklyn kids who go to Oahu to take care of their ailing grandfather and discover a pirate's journal that leads to a 200-year-old shipwreck. But, they also learn to appreciate their Hawaiian heritage along the way.

Bombay Rose (2019): A Beautiful Animated Tale That Celebrates Love

This beautifully animated Indian film is about a young dancer who escapes from child marriage and falls in love with an orphan. It's also a love story between two women in a country where their relationship was illegal until 2018 and the love of Bollywood. Based on actual events, Bombay Rose's three tales can feel a little disjointed, but it's a visual treat and an homage to the filmmaking that influenced it.

The Half of It: A Hopeful Love Story

When a lovesick football player named Paul begs loner Ellie to help him woo popular-girl Aster with a love letter, Ellie finds herself in a confusing love triangle.

This intelligent and sincere story tackles friendship and self-discovery and offers a texting-era twist on Cyrano de Bergerac-style love letters and mistaken identity.

Lady Bird: The Best Depiction of Senior-Year Struggles

Christine (Lady Bird) desperately wants independence from her high school existence. Nothing seems to be going very smoothly—not her relationship with her mom, best friend, or first real boyfriend.

This film is a heartfelt look at the anticipation and uncertainty wrapped up in leaving high school behind.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: A Tribute to Healing Friendships

This book-inspired drama follows introverted Charlie as he's starting high school. When seniors Sam and Patrick bring him into their social circle, he finds much-needed support and acceptance.

This sometimes heartbreaking story shines a light on how hard high school can be and the friendships that make it better. 

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: A Charming Teen Rom-Com for Fans of All Ages

The setup: Lara Jean's young sister secretly mails the love letters she's written to five crushes. Lara Jean enlists the help of one letter recipient, Peter, to convince neighbor and crush Josh (and fellow letter recipient) that she and Peter are in a relationship and that she’s moved on.

If you’re a rom-com fan of any age, there’s plenty to love in this sweet movie with two follow-up installments.

Superbad: A Raucous Yet Sincere Buddy Movie

Seth and Evan are best friends focused on attending an epic graduation blowout rather than worrying about parting ways in the fall for college. That turns out to be nearly impossible to achieve—and fun to watch as they try.

While there are plenty of laugh-out-loud, raunchy moments, this high school party movie is a sincere nod to friendship.

20th Century Women: An Artsy Coming-of-Age Story

Mostly removed from high school scenes, this movie focuses on one teenage boy coming of age in late 1970’s Southern California with his progressive mother—who enlists the help of two other women to help parent and guide him. 

This movie captures cultural shifts of the moment and is a timeless narrative about the confusing nature of becoming an adult.

All the Bright Places: An Important Mental Health Conversation Starter

Violet and Finch start spending more time together while working on a school project about the wonders of Indiana. While they're both struggling in different ways, they look to each other for solace and hope for the future.

This story highlights the importance of finding support and looking out for one another—a meaningful message for all ages.

17 Again: A Lighthearted Story About Second Chances

Down and out (adult) Mike is given a second chance to return to his 17-year-old glory days and fix his life. The premise is zany but fortified by a sympathetic and charming performance from Zac Efron, who convincingly plays an adult trapped in a teenager’s body. 

Dumplin’: Self-Acceptance for the Win

When Willowdean enters a local pageant judged by her mother (and former beauty queen) as an act of protest against the pageant culture in her Texas town, she confronts insecurities that have been holding her back from truly accepting herself.

This feel-good flick celebrates individuality and features a Dolly Parton soundtrack.

Enola Holmes: There’s a New Holmes Detective In Town

When 16-year-old Enola's older brothers refuse to help her find their recently missing mother, she heads to London on her own to solve the mystery. This spirited caper will appeal to true mystery-loving Sherlock Holmes fans, or Millie Bobby Brown (from Stranger Things) fans alike.

Can’t Hardly Wait: A Classic High School Party Comedy

At the ultimate end-of-high-school bash, every attendee has an idea about what the night and future will hold. The result is an entertaining mixed bag of goofy gags and awkward moments.

This late '90s teen movie is a nostalgic look back before everything went digital and introduced a few familiar faces just starting in their careers.