Teen movies have long been a beloved subgenre, capturing the essence of adolescence through comedy and romance. While many films in this category have become iconic since the era of John Hughes in the 1980s, not all teen films resonate with audiences in the same way. The 1990s and 2000s saw a surge in both classics and disappointments, culminating in a flood of low-budget productions in the 2010s. This oversaturation has made it increasingly difficult to identify quality films amid a sea of mediocrity.
Despite this trend, a selection of teen movies stands out, demonstrating depth, wit, and intelligence behind their seemingly superficial plots. These films, while set in high school, explore themes of personal growth and societal issues, elevating the genre beyond mere entertainment.
Smart Films that Redefine the Genre
Among the standout films is Booksmart, released in 2019. Contrary to traditional expectations, the film’s protagonists, Molly and Amy, portrayed by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, are academically gifted yet socially inexperienced. As they approach graduation, they realize they have missed out on the typical high school experiences. This leads them to a night of escapades filled with parties and romantic encounters, echoing familiar tropes from earlier teen comedies.
What sets Booksmart apart is its fresh approach to the genre. It reinterprets elements from films like Superbad, aligning with contemporary values of inclusivity and diversity. The film skillfully balances humor with genuine moments of self-discovery, allowing the female leads to embody the same desires and flaws often reserved for male characters. An all-female writing team contributes to the film’s empowering narrative, making it a notable entry in the teen movie landscape.
The success of Booksmart exemplifies a growing trend where teen films are not just about nostalgia; they engage with current social themes while entertaining audiences. Movies such as Easy A and Bottoms also exemplify this shift, blending classic literature references and meta-commentary on the teen genre itself, respectively.
While the teen movie genre has often been dismissed as trivial, films that challenge this perception prove that there is more beneath the surface. This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift, indicating that the stories told in high school settings can be both relevant and thought-provoking.
As audiences continue to seek content that resonates with their experiences, these smarter teen films highlight the potential for deeper storytelling within a genre traditionally seen as lighthearted. The success of such films encourages filmmakers to push boundaries and redefine what a teen movie can be, opening doors for future narratives that resonate with both young and older viewers alike.
