Top Ten Teen Movies of All Time

It has been a long time since I have been a teenager. But, I remember the films I enjoyed at that time very well. In fact, for the most part, I still like them.

Here are my picks for the top ten films that will appeal to this special age group. I deliberately left out the obvious two, Harry Potter and Twilight, and tried to go for less known. The special word for this set of movies would be (mostly) angst. I guess that's the decisive feeling for many of the best teen movies around. See if your top picks are on this list.

10. Legend of Billie Jean (1985) - This is not the best movie around. However, it gives a feeling of hope for the teenager that feels overwhelmed by those in authority. Here, a young girl is Corpus Christi, Texas who rails against a system that would find her family guilty because they are poor and for no other reason. Her fight against the system causes her to become a popular figure on T.V., where you see the iconic cutting of the hair to show her coming of age. Put in some hawking of Billie Jean products and you have the all-American story.

You will find the typical teen angst and rebellion as they continually foil the inept police and make fools of the actual bad guys. The Legend of Billie Jean is definetely made for the teenage viewer, and they will enjoy this movie.

9. Over the Edge (1979) - Before his more famous movies like The Outsiders or Something about Mary, there was this underappreciated gem. Over the Edge was his first movie and it nailed the angst and emotional turmoil that overwhelms some teenagers.

In Over the Edge, we find ourselves in the peaceful and seemingly idyllic town of New Grenada, which is being planned for growth and development. There is one place only for the bored teenagers in this town and that's the recreation center.

When they close the rec center so the developers who are going to invest don't feel the town has "too many" teenagers all sorts of havoc ensue.

The soundtrack pounds through your psyche, as hard-hitting as the action. Some of the plot, especially the fiery ending, is improbable, but what you do get is a wave of teenage frustration and paranoia that pervades everything. And for this reason, it has made it to my top ten list.

8. Animal House (1978) - This movie is mean, vulgar, and altogether silly. It also happens to be one of the funniest movies around. Who doesn't root for the underdog, and you can't get much lower than the deltas.

Who didn't applaud as they got their revenge or cheer when the rich snobs got their comeuppance? With a great soundtrack and a cast that fit the characters perfectly, Animal House is one of the classic movies of all time, and, of course, what teenager doesn't want to start a food fight in the cafeteria?

7. Revenge of the Nerds (1984) - Most of us have known, at some point in our lives, what it feels like to be taken advantage of and picked on. Here is the ultimate comeuppance movie.

We also feel vindicated as Lewis, Gilbert and the rest of those loveable nerds start winning and making fools of those jocks. This movie gives us the hope that sometimes the have nots can win over those who have everything.

6. Risky Business (1983) - Joel Goodson is the "good son" gone a little awry. He does everything he is supposed to and is now getting ready to go to college and start his journey to adulthood. He is about to live the American dream.

When his parents go away for a trip, Joel sows some wild oats. And, I know all of us have tried the side sliding bit with the glasses, singing with the radio.

But, Joel doesn't stop there. From getting drunk, he moves onto calling a sex line, having a memorable scene on a train, and then upsetting a call girl's pimp. And as he gets farther and farther from the right track, his life is turned upside down.

Tom Cruise was made for the role of Joel Goodson, but Rebecca De Mornay stands out in hers. She transcends the stereotypical hooker and creates a true portrayal of a very complex person, who helps Joel learn some very important lessons.

This movie depicted a dark side behind the American dream and it did so in a very funny and believeable way.

5. Rebel Without a Cause (1955) - No list of teen movies would be complete without this classic starring James Dean and Natalie Wood. It was the role of Jim Stark that made James Dean an iconic role model for teenage angst and rebellion.

What made this character so angry? We are not sure and probably neither does he. That was the point. It was this unfocused energy that epitomized the teenager of the fifties and James Dean was perfect for this part.

4. Heathers (1989) - This movie is nasty, which is why I like it so much. Sometimes, it's enjoyable to show the darkness inside. We all feel it at some point in our lives. And it is even more enjoyable when the unlikeable and mean-spirited are the ones who are victimized by it.

These mean girls, the "Heathers" are snobby rich girls who make life miserable for everyone else. And, when Veronica, our heroine, decides to join in with the rebel, J.D. and murder these conniving cretins, we secretly relish their comeuppance.

What makes this such a great movie is that this dark comedy is shot in a very bright and cheery manner. The dynamic is just directing brilliance. This is one movie that needs to be on your list of must-sees.

3. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) - We have all been there. Tired of being forced to go to school, dealing with grown-ups who don't seem to remember what it was like to be a teenager, we wanted to just get away for a little while.

And, our boy Ferris does this, of course causing mayhem and disruption along the way. We savagely grin with glee as he gets away with playing hooky and makes a fool of the principal as well.

It's a fun, goofy whirlwind ride and we are very glad we were able to join him along the way. A favorite of every teenager who needs a break from the routine of everyday life, this movie screams teenager from the rooftops.

2. Princess Bride (1987) - This is one of my most favorite movies. And who wouldn't love it, as you hear in the beginning of the movie you will experience "fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles,..." and much more.

This movie is charming and does not take itself too seriously. It's every girl's dream to have a Wesley in her life, someone to save her from the big bad bad who tries to rule over everything and everyone.

Crossing over any age barrier The Princess Bride is not just a movie for teenagers but for anyone with a bit of fantasy in their hearts. One of the few "feel good" movies on this list, you can't help but smile at the antics of this zany group of adventurers. What are the chances that someone WON'T like this movie? Well, obviously, "it would take a miracle..."

1. Breakfast Club (1984) - The 80s was frought with "brat pack" movies, from Pretty in Pink and 16 Candles to this gem. The Breakfast Club epitomizes what a teenage movie should be.

The Breakfast Club didn't need the cataclysmic violence of Over the Edge or the nastiness of Heathers to be my top choice. It's a tried and true formula. Bring 5 people (a tough guy, an insecure neurotic flake, a jock, a prom queen, and a brainy type) who seemingly have nothing in common and see what happens.

Nothing in this movie is terribly surprising, but the acting is first class and you find yourself caring about these teenagers. It left you with an authentic feel and that is why it is my number one choice.

This list was very hard for me to make. There are many movies I left off that could have made the list. But, I am interested in hearing what you think. Anything you feel I should have added or left off? Let me know...