She’s All That (1999)
- Score: 6.5/10
- Year: 1999
- Type: Teen Romantic Comedy
- Director: Robert Iscove
- Actors: Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook, Paul Walker
- Runtime: 95 minutes
Overview:
Using the traditional “Pygmalion” transformation motif, She’s All That is a classic high school romantic comedy. In the movie, the most popular man in school, Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.), wagers that he can make any lady the prom queen. Enter quirky, artistic outsider Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook), who at first rejects Zack’s advances. But the more time Zack spends with her, the more he begins to like the real Laney. The film, which is endearing and humorous to watch, examines issues of popularity, sincerity, and self-discovery. The film’s adolescent classic status is cemented by the connection between the stars, an upbeat soundtrack from the 1990s, and its poignant yet funny moments.
Clueless (1995)
- Score: 6.9/10
- Year: 1995
- Type: Teen Romantic Comedy
- Director: Amy Heckerling
- Actors: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy
- Runtime: 97 minutes
Overview:
Set in a high school in Beverly Hills, Clueless is a contemporary adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. The movie centers on affluent and fashionable teen matchmaker Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone). She turns incoming student Tai (Brittany Murphy) into a popular girl by taking her under her wing. Cher quickly comes to the realization that she might not know as much as she believed about relationships and love, particularly when she begins to feel something for Josh (Paul Rudd), her ex-stepbrother. The movie is full of funny banter, colorful costumes, and a memorable depiction of adolescent culture from the 1990s. Clueless is still a cherished teen classic because of its witty comedy and compelling characters.
Easy A (2010)
- Score: 7.0/10
- Year: 2010
- Type: Teen Romantic Comedy
- Director: Will Gluck
- Actors: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes
- Runtime: 92 minutes
Overview:
Inspired by The Scarlet Letter, Easy A is a humorous and satirical look at high school gossip and reputations. An intelligent but underappreciated student named Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) humorously claims to have lost her virginity, which starts a vicious cycle of gossip that gets out of hand. Olive begins to experience unanticipated repercussions as she adopts her new “bad girl” persona. The film is a remarkable teen comedy because of Emma Stone’s captivating performance and its witty humor. The film tells a touching and captivating story while deftly criticizing social views and double standards.
Mean Girls (2004)
- Score: 7.1/10
- Year: 2004
- Type: Teen Comedy
- Director: Mark Waters
- Actors: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey
- Runtime: 97 minutes
Overview:
Mean Girls centers on Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), a homeschooled student who enrolls in an American high school. She soon discovers that the glitzy yet vicious “Plastics,” led by Regina George (Rachel McAdams), control the school’s social structure. After being entangled in a plot to overthrow Regina, Cady is quickly overcome by the very system she sought to dismantle. Tina Fey’s screenplay is full of great one-liners, scathing humor, and a perceptive look at high school dynamics. It is still regarded as one of the greatest teen comedies ever made and a cultural phenomenon.
Drive Me Crazy (1999)
- Score: 5.8/10
- Year: 1999
- Type: Teen Romantic Comedy
- Director: John Schultz
- Actors: Melissa Joan Hart, Adrian Grenier
- Runtime: 91 minutes
Overview:
Next-door neighbors Nicole (Melissa Joan Hart) and Chase (Adrian Grenier) don’t get along until they both require dates to their respective events. They decide to pose as a couple in order to arouse their ex-partners’ jealousy, only to fall in love. Drive Me Crazy emphasizes themes of self-discovery and unexpected love, following a well-known yet entertaining teen rom-com format. It’s a cute and enjoyable film that evokes nostalgia, even though it’s not as legendary as some of its 90s contemporaries.
The DUFF (2015)
- Score: 6.5/10
- Year: 2015
- Type: Teen Comedy
- Director: Ari Sandel
- Actors: Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne
- Runtime: 101 minutes
Overview:
Popular jock Wesley (Robbie Amell) helps high school senior Bianca (Mae Whitman) rebrand herself after she finds out she is the group’s “DUFF” (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). In addition to being a comedy, the movie offers commentary on the demands of fitting in, high school labels, and self-acceptance. The DUFF offers a fresh and contemporary perspective on teen rom-coms with its clever writing and powerful lead performance by Mae Whitman.
Never Been Kissed (1999)
- Score: 6.1/10
- Year: 1999
- Type: Romantic Comedy
- Director: Raja Gosnell
- Actors: Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, Michael Vartan
- Runtime: 107 minutes
Overview:
When awkward journalist Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore) goes undercover at a high school for a story, she is forced to relive the traumas of her adolescence. She does, however, have another opportunity for confidence and love this time. Sweet, humorous, and nostalgic, Never Been Kissed offers a blend of romance and personal development.
Love, Simon (2018)
- Score: 7.5/10
- Year: 2018
- Type: Romantic Comedy, Drama
- Director: Greg Berlanti
- Actors: Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Jennifer Garner
- Runtime: 110 minutes
Overview:
Simon Spier (Nick Robinson) is a high school student navigating an anonymous online romance while struggling with coming out. Love, Simon is an innovative and poignant film that blends traditional rom-com themes with a significant LGBTQ+ coming-of-age narrative.
A Cinderella Story (2004)
- Score: 6.0/10
- Year: 2004
- Type: Teen Romantic Comedy
- Director: Mark Rosman
- Actors: Hilary Duff, Chad Michael Murray
- Runtime: 95 minutes
Overview:
In this contemporary version of Cinderella, high school student Sam (Hilary Duff) falls in love with an unknown online admirer, only to discover that he is actually the school’s well-liked quarterback (Chad Michael Murray). A Cinderella Story remains a beloved classic due to its charming fairy tale elements and endearing romance.
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