When we think of teen movies, we picture poignant coming-of-age stories filled with relatable characters navigating life, friendships, first love, heartbreak, and the ups and downs of high school. The genre has something truly mesmerizing about it – it keeps the audience feeling nostalgic and invested in the narrative.
Usually, teen movies have thatsame lighthearted, cringe-worthy“boy meets girl, they fall in love” theme we’ve all experienced at least once in our life. But what makes a movie stand out from the lot is a satisfying ending, when the story wraps up in a way that feels complete and brings a smile to your face. The best teen flicks don’t just show their protagonists dealing with life, they show them conquering it.
A fulfilling teen movie ending brings the story to a full circle. Subplots are neatly resolved, jokes or subtle clues from the beginning make more sense, and character arcs show genuine personal growth. When taking a fond look back at some teen movies, we only appreciate how perfectly pitched these conclusions are and how cathartic you feel when these cinematic gems come to an end.
20Easy A (2010)
First on our list of teen movies with intensely satisfying endings is the 2010 high school comedy starring the one and only Emma Stone. InEasy A, she plays Olive, a goody-two-shoes with no record of messing up or being noticed at school. However, when one day, she’s prompted to tell how her weekend went, she says she lost her virginity to a college guy. The little white lie gets out of hand and kickstars a high school rumor mill. Thrust into the spotlight for over an hour, Olive eventually learns the meaning of keeping one’s life private and how it is more important to figure out who you are than to map a false idea for people so they think you’re cool. Easy A ends with Olive kissings the boy of her dreams, Todd, and riding off with him on a lawnmower.
Available to stream on Hulu
19Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Another film that brings its band of lovable misfits to a superb conclusion is the beloved ‘80s classic,Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Matthew Broderick brings this charismatic energy to the titular role, and it is infectious from the get go. He embarks on a daring adventure by dodging school and choosing to spend time and roam around town with his girlfriend and best friend. But the school’s principal and his sister, Jeanie, are on his heel the entire time. Towards the end, despite narrow escapes, Ferris manages to get home before his parents. The next day, when he gets on the school bus, there’s an air of new appreciation for living in the moment. And when the credits roll, thismodern teen classicproves that the best lessons are learned after being in the most embarrassing situations.
Available to stream on Netflix
18She’s the Man (2006)
She’s the Man
She’s the Manis a hilarious romantic comedy that takes Shakespeare’s classic drama soaring to new heights. Amanda Bynes plays Viola, a teenager who disguises herself as her twin brother to play on his soccer team after her school cuts its female program. What ensues is a series of unexpected hijinks and friendships, which eventually leads to feelings for a handsome teammate named Duke, played equally well by Channing Tatum.
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At one point, Viola starts to question what she really wants – both on and off the field. In an uproarious climax that combines heart and humor, we see Viola outing herself as a double. When the team sees that she’s not Sebastian, she has to finish the game by herself and with the talent she’s got, Viola scores an impressive goal.
Available to stream on Paramount+
17Bring It On (2000)
Bringing sass and spunk to the big screens just when the cinematic industry was seeing a breathtaking shift in storytelling,Bring It Onbecamean instant fan favorite. Newly elected captain of her competitive cheerleading squad, Kirsten Dunst’s Torrance shines as the dynamic role model for Rancho Carne High School in San Diego. That is until she learns that her previous captain stole their winning routines from another team. In a hilarious hail mary, Torrance must not only develop a new material in time for the next competition but also redeem her cheerleading team’s lost reputation. The rousing end sees the Clovers and Toros perform in a final contest. The choreography of both the teams is incredible, and when Dunst’s team wins second place, there’s no regret because they achieved something righteous and it is all very wholesome.
Available to buy/rent on Apple TV
16Grease (1978)
Few films manage to whip the audiences into a frenzy and still come out victorious in becoming a cult classic.Greaseis undoubtedly a musical masterpiece. Set around the misadventures of a bunch of high school kids in the 1950s, the film follows Australian exchange student Sandy and a handsome hunk Danny, played by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, sizzling on screen with a chemistry that had everyone fanning their faces. Their summer romance turns into a tumultuous deal as they encounter obstacles like family, society, and distance. In the finale for the ages, Sandy arrives in a new and iconic bad-girl look to counter Danny’s attempt with that letterman sweater, and together they sing “You’re the One that I Want.”
Available to stream on Max
15Cruel Intentions (1999)
Cruel Intentions
Cruel Intentionsis a 1999 thrillerstarring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon. Jumping between charming and wicked in every other scene, the film follows Sebastian trying to seduce the headmaster’s daughter Annette. Their corrupt private school hides a lot of secrets but none of those games are as deadly as the bet Sebastian makes with his step-sister Kathryn. In the stunning final scene, we see Sebastian getting in a car accident and dying, which was totally unexpected but deserved. Then, Annette makes Kathryn pay in what can only be one of the most satisfying ways ever – by revealing the step-siblings’ secrets in front of an entire crowd in a eulogy before driving off in Sebastain’s car.
14Sixteen Candles (1984)
Sixteen Candles
Transporting us back to the lovely era of bold fashion choices and teased perms, John Hughs’Sixteen Candlesfollows the innocent and angst-ridden Samantha, who knows that her 16th birthday is going to be a downer in the event of her sister’s wedding day adventures. Juggling her first crush – a senior she secretly pines for – and facing a family that has forgotten her birthday, Sam has nothing but her resilience and good humor to sit with. And Ted, the nerdy boy who seems to take a lot of interest in her. Sixteen Candles has that signature 80s finale that is heartwarming and satisfying. We see Sam attending the wedding with a pout on her face, but as soon as she gets out, Jake Ryan, the boy she thought was so glorious he was untouchable, is waiting for her with a cake.
13Mean Girls (2004)
Mean Girls
“On Wednesdays we wear pink,”and more one-liners defined a generationof teens and empowered women, all courtesy ofMean Girls, an iconic 2000s comedy that blended the perfect amount of laughter and love in its 100 minute runtime. Cady is the protagonist navigating the murky waters of the high school social hierarchy after being homeschooled her entire life. When she learns of the Plastics, a manipulative clique of girls led by Regina George, she knows better than to get in trouble with them. But a crush on a boy who turns out to be Regina’s ex makes things tough for Cady.
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In the final showdown, she arrives at the Spring Fling and gives a speech we never saw coming. Having learnt the right lesson the wrong way, Cady shares pieces of her crown with every girl, giving them an equal place in the social pyramid.
12The Breakfast Club (1985)
Breakfast Club
When it comes to nailing the complexity of teenage emotions,The Breakfast Clubis a film that finds its place among the top of the list. Playing around one Saturday in detention, the movie follows five teenagers from different archetypes breaking past surface impressions to open up about their lives and understand each other better. Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson have backstories that are equal parts poignant and hilarious, and by the time the final scene arrives, the club has shared more laughs and tears than they’d have imagined, knowing they are really all very similar on the inside. The group essay has the tone that conveys confidence, connection, and completeness. Plus, with the Simple Minds song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” playing in the background, what more could we ask for?
11Booksmart (2019)
Olivia Wilde earned the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature forthis directorial debut, so it is only obvious that the film has something truly remarkable about it.Booksmartis a modern classic that captures the joy and bittersweet beauty of graduating. On the eve of high school’s final chapter, two overachieving best friends, Amy and Molly, realized that they have missed out on all the teenage detours and f-ups while striving to get good grades. So they decide to have one unforgettable night of throwing a party, confessing to their crushes, and having a total blast. Kaitlyn Dever is the main character of the film, sure, but the ending shines the spotlight on Beanie Feldstein’s Molly, who not only kisses Jared in front of everyone, but also gives a resonant, funny, and symbolic valedictorian speech thatshows the true meaning of friendship.
