1. The Edge of Seventeen 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 142219, ID: 1878870 Photo by quartaparetepress.it, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Hailee Steinfeld’s portrayal of Nadine in ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ is a masterclass in teenage angst and authenticity, capturing the raw, unfiltered emotions of adolescence. Her performance makes it a standout in the coming-of-age genre, with the film’s witty script and relatable characters making it a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt out of place during their teenage years.
2. Eighth Grade 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 83146, ID: 7014006 Photo by filmwonk.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Elsie Fisher’s performance in ‘Eighth Grade’ is nothing short of extraordinary. She perfectly embodies the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence, making her character, Kayla, incredibly relatable. Bo Burnham’s direction and Fisher’s authentic portrayal make this film a poignant and realistic depiction of the struggles of growing up in the digital age.
3. The Kings of Summer 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 84785, ID: 2179116 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, and Moises Arias shine in ‘The Kings of Summer,’ a charming coming-of-age film about three friends who escape to the woods to build their own house. Their performances are heartfelt and genuine, capturing the essence of teenage rebellion and friendship, with the film’s humor and heart making it a delightful watch.
4. Honor Society 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 10176, ID: 16491324 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Angourie Rice shines as Honor in ‘Honor Society,’ delivering a witty and edgy performance that elevates this high school caper. Her portrayal of an ambitious overachiever navigating the complexities of teenage life is both relatable and entertaining, with Rice’s ability to balance humor and depth making her performance one of the most underrated in recent teen films.
5. Booksmart 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 132733, ID: 1489887 Photo by laventanaciudadana.cl, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever deliver exceptional performances in ‘Booksmart,’ a film that redefines the high school comedy genre. Their chemistry and comedic timing bring to life the story of two best friends determined to make the most of their last night before graduation, making this film a must-watch for its fresh take on teenage friendship and standout performances.
6. Cadet Kelly 2002，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 15630, ID: 0294425 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Hilary Duff’s role as Kelly Collins in ‘Cadet Kelly’ is a delightful and underrated performance that showcases her versatility as an actress. Duff’s portrayal of a free-spirited teenager adjusting to military school life is both charming and heartfelt. This Disney Channel Original Movie remains a nostalgic favorite for its positive messages and engaging storyline.
7. Rosaline 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 10197, ID: 1777606 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Kaitlyn Dever’s performance in ‘Rosaline’ is a refreshing and witty take on Shakespeare’s classic tale. Dever brings a modern twist to the character of Rosaline, making her both relatable and endearing. Her comedic timing and charisma make this film a standout, and her performance is one of the most underrated in recent adaptations of classic literature.
8. Girl Asleep 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 2890, ID: 3955894 Photo by cineinvisible.wordpress.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Girl Asleep (2015) is a quirky coming-of-age film that delves into the surreal world of a teenage girl’s dreams. Bethany Whitmore’s portrayal of Greta is both endearing and captivating, as she navigates the challenges of adolescence with a unique blend of vulnerability and strength, making her performance a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.
9. Grave 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 90396, ID: 4954522 Photo by diggita.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Grave (2016), also known as Raw, is a French horror film that tells the story of a young veterinary student who develops a craving for human flesh. Garance Marillier’s performance as Justine is nothing short of extraordinary, as she masterfully captures the character’s transformation from innocence to primal instinct. Her portrayal is both haunting and mesmerizing, making it a standout in the genre.
10. Hot Summer Nights 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 24061, ID: 3416536 Photo by deepestdream.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Timothée Chalamet’s performance in ‘Hot Summer Nights’ is a standout in this otherwise uneven film. His portrayal of a teenager caught in a whirlwind of drugs and romance during a scorching summer in Cape Cod is both captivating and nuanced. Despite the film’s flaws, Chalamet’s ability to convey vulnerability and ambition makes it a memorable watch.
11. The Last Summer 2019，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 14449, ID: 7957694 Photo by deepestdream.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 KJ Apa’s performance in ‘The Last Summer’ stands out in this ensemble cast, capturing the essence of a teenager navigating the complexities of love and friendship during their final summer before college. Apa’s charm and relatability make this film an enjoyable and nostalgic watch.
12. The Way Way Back 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 158032, ID: 1727388 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Liam James delivers a heartfelt performance as Duncan, a shy and awkward teenager who finds his voice during a transformative summer. His portrayal is both endearing and relatable, capturing the essence of teenage insecurity and growth. The film’s blend of humor and emotion, along with standout performances by Sam Rockwell and Toni Collette, makes it a must-watch for families.
13. Pleasantville 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 137210, ID: 0120789 Photo by blog.aladin.co.kr, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Tobey Maguire shines as David, a teenager transported into a 1950s sitcom world, bringing depth to the character and highlighting the contrast between the idealized past and the complexities of the present. The film’s innovative use of color and its social commentary make it a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience.
14. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2005，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 65495, ID: 0403508 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 America Ferrera’s performance as Carmen, a teenager dealing with family issues and self-acceptance, is both powerful and relatable. The film’s exploration of friendship and personal growth, along with its diverse cast, makes it a touching and inspiring watch for families. The magical realism of the traveling pants adds a unique charm.
15. Do Revenge 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 51757, ID: 13327038 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke deliver standout performances in this dark teen comedy about revenge and high school politics. Their chemistry and comedic timing elevate the film, making it a fresh and entertaining take on the genre, with the film’s clever plot twists and social commentary adding depth to its humor.
15 Must-See Teen Performances That Deserve More Recognition
