The Best Teen Movies on Netflix (March 2021)

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 fairly new as a film director, she's proven herself a talented comedic writer and actress, making this movie one to watch out for.

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. But it's also about the love between two women in a country where such a thing was illegal until 2018, and the love of Bollywood. Based on true 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 lover letter, Ellie finds herself in a confusing love triangle.

This smart 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, but nothing seems to be going very smoothly—not her relationship with her mom, best friend, or first real boyfriend.

This 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. 

Alex Strangelove: A Tender Identity Story

Alex loves his girlfriend/best friend Claire but feels pressured to move the intimacy dial up in their relationship. When he meets a boy named Elliot at a party, his understanding of his identity and relationship changes.

This heartwarming movie acknowledges the power of supportive friendships and self-acceptance.

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

When Lara Jean's young sister secretly mails the love letters she's written to five boys she's had crushes on, 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 for college. That turns out to be nearly impossible to achieve—and funny 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 a timeless narrative about the confusing nature of becoming an adult.

Deidra & Laney Rob a Train: Real Struggle Lifted By a Little Levity

Deidra is the top student at school, but she's struggling to keep her family afloat while their mother is in jail. Lacking many options, she hatches a plan to start robbing trains so they can afford their mom’s bail.

It goes well at first but ultimately becomes a mad dash to keep things under wraps. This dark comedy is an underdog story with lighter moments worked into real social commentary. 

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 their own 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.

To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You: A Dreamy Sequel to the Original

The anticipated follow-up to the first installment features Lara Jean and Peter as an official couple facing new ups and downs. It's as sweet and dreamy as the first movie.

Stay tuned for part three—coming soon to Netflix.

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 is fortified by a sympathetic and charming performance from Zac Efron, who convincingly plays an adult trapped in a teenager’s body. 

Work It: A Joyful Teen Dance Movie

Overachieving high school senior Quinn has her college plan all sorted out—until an admissions counselor advises her to branch out beyond academics to get into her dream school. Naturally she decides to form a dance group, even though she doesn’t know how to dance.

This movie's for you if you enjoy sweet teen comedies and dance montages.

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 features a few familiar faces just starting out in their careers.