The Virgin Suicides (1999)
Directed by: Sofia Coppola
This melancholic drama, based on Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel, follows the five Lisbon sisters in 1970s suburban America. Isolated by their strict parents, the girls become a source of fascination for neighborhood boys. The film explores themes of repression, longing, and adolescent tragedy.
Kids (1995)
Directed by: Larry Clark
A controversial film about a day in the life of reckless, sexually active teenagers in New York City during the 1990s. It follows Telly, a teen who spreads HIV unknowingly, and his friend Jenny, who is desperately trying to find him after discovering she’s been infected. The film is raw, unfiltered, and unsettling in its portrayal of youth culture.6
Big Mouth (2017–present)
Created by: Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett
An animated comedy about puberty, following a group of preteens as they navigate hormonal changes with the help (and chaos) of "hormone monsters." The show is known for its absurd humor and educational take on growing up.
Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2015, Canada)
Created by: Yan Moore, Linda Schuyler
A long-running Canadian teen drama that follows students at Degrassi Community School. It tackles serious issues like teen pregnancy, mental health, LGBTQ+ identity, addiction, and bullying, making it one of the most impactful teen shows of its time.
"Girl, Interrupted" (1999) – A psychological drama based on a true story. Susanna (Winona Ryder) is hospitalized in a psychiatric institution in the 1960s, where she meets Lisa (Angelina Jolie), a charismatic and dangerous girl. The film deals with mental health, freedom, and identity. Jolie won an Oscar for her performance.
Thirteen (2003) – A powerful and realistic coming-of-age drama about a 13-year-old girl, Tracy, who befriends Evie, a rebellious and popular classmate. Their friendship leads Tracy to experiment with risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and stealing, while growing distant from her mother and facing emotional struggles. Co-written by Nikki Reed, based on her own experiences, the film was praised for its raw portrayal of the complexities and pressures of adolescence.
Directed by: Sofia Coppola
This melancholic drama, based on Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel, follows the five Lisbon sisters in 1970s suburban America. Isolated by their strict parents, the girls become a source of fascination for neighborhood boys. The film explores themes of repression, longing, and adolescent tragedy.
Kids (1995)
Directed by: Larry Clark
A controversial film about a day in the life of reckless, sexually active teenagers in New York City during the 1990s. It follows Telly, a teen who spreads HIV unknowingly, and his friend Jenny, who is desperately trying to find him after discovering she’s been infected. The film is raw, unfiltered, and unsettling in its portrayal of youth culture.6
Big Mouth (2017–present)
Created by: Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett
An animated comedy about puberty, following a group of preteens as they navigate hormonal changes with the help (and chaos) of "hormone monsters." The show is known for its absurd humor and educational take on growing up.
Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2015, Canada)
Created by: Yan Moore, Linda Schuyler
A long-running Canadian teen drama that follows students at Degrassi Community School. It tackles serious issues like teen pregnancy, mental health, LGBTQ+ identity, addiction, and bullying, making it one of the most impactful teen shows of its time.
"Girl, Interrupted" (1999) – A psychological drama based on a true story. Susanna (Winona Ryder) is hospitalized in a psychiatric institution in the 1960s, where she meets Lisa (Angelina Jolie), a charismatic and dangerous girl. The film deals with mental health, freedom, and identity. Jolie won an Oscar for her performance.
Thirteen (2003) – A powerful and realistic coming-of-age drama about a 13-year-old girl, Tracy, who befriends Evie, a rebellious and popular classmate. Their friendship leads Tracy to experiment with risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and stealing, while growing distant from her mother and facing emotional struggles. Co-written by Nikki Reed, based on her own experiences, the film was praised for its raw portrayal of the complexities and pressures of adolescence.
