The 150+ Best Teen Romance Movies, Ranked

10 Things I Hate About You stands as a quintessential teen romance movie, blending humor, heart, and a touch of Shakespearean flair. Set in a high school, the film is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, reimagined in a contemporary setting. The story revolves around the Stratford sisters: the outspoken and independent Kat (played by Julia Stiles) and her more popular younger sister, Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). The plot kicks off with a unique twist: Bianca isn't allowed to date until Kat does, leading to a series of schemes by Bianca's would-be suitors to set Kat up with a boyfriend.

The film shines through its stellar cast, with Heath Ledger delivering a breakout performance as Patrick Verona, the rebellious teen who is paid to woo Kat. Ledger's charismatic portrayal, combined with Stiles' strong-willed and intelligent Kat, creates a dynamic and engaging on-screen chemistry. The movie skillfully balances its romantic elements with witty dialogue and relatable teenage dilemmas, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone. The supporting cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt and David Krumholtz, adds depth and humor to the high school setting, making the characters and their interactions feel authentic and endearing.

What elevates 10 Things I Hate About You into the echelon of the top teen romance movies is its timeless appeal and the way it resonates with its audience. Unlike many of its contemporaries, the film doesn't rely on clichés but instead offers a smart and insightful look into teenage relationships and the challenges of growing up. Its clever adaptation of a classic play into a modern setting is both innovative and entertaining. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its quality, as it continues to be celebrated for its humor, heart, and the memorable performances of its cast.

She's the Man is a teen romcom that has captured the hearts of audiences since its release in 2006. Directed by Andy Fickman, this film is another modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's works – this time: Twelfth Night. The story revolves around Viola Hastings (Amanda Bynes) who disguises herself as her twin brother to play on the boys' soccer team after her own team gets cut. This setup leads to a series of comedic and complicated scenarios, especially when Viola, as her brother, falls for her roommate Duke (Channing Tatum).

The film excels in its clever blend of humor and romance, with Bynes delivering a standout performance. Her portrayal of both Viola and her alter ego, Sebastian, showcases her versatility and comedic timing. The chemistry between Bynes and Tatum adds a charming and believable romantic element to the movie. She's the Man also features a strong supporting cast, including Laura Ramsey, David Cross, and Julie Hagerty, who contribute to the film's overall appeal with their engaging performances and add depth to the story's various subplots.

What makes She's the Man one of the best teen romance movies is its unique blend of humor, heart, and a progressive take on gender roles and stereotypes. The film not only provides a hilarious and entertaining experience but also delivers a meaningful message about being true to oneself and challenging societal norms. Its modern twist on a classic Shakespearean play, combined with a talented cast and a well-crafted script, ensures that She's the Man stands out in the genre.

A Walk to Remember is a poignant and heartwarming film that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Released in 2002, this movie is based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. It tells the story of two North Carolina teens, Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan, who are thrown together after Landon gets into trouble and is forced to participate in various school activities. Jamie, a reverend's daughter, is a sweet, kind-hearted, and unassuming girl, while Landon is more of a rebellious and aimless teenager. As they spend time together, their initial indifference and even disdain for each other gradually turn into a deep, complex love that transforms both their lives.

The film is beautifully directed by Adam Shankman and features outstanding performances by its lead actors, Mandy Moore and Shane West. Moore, in her role as Jamie, brings a sense of innocence and strength to her character, making her both relatable and inspirational. West, as Landon, effectively portrays the transformation of his character from a troubled teen to a mature and loving individual. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, adding depth and authenticity to their romance. The movie is also known for its memorable soundtrack, which perfectly complements the emotional tone of the story. Songs like "Only Hope" and "Cry" performed by Mandy Moore herself, have become synonymous with the film, enhancing its emotional impact.

What makes A Walk to Remember one of the best teen romance movies is its ability to resonate with its audience on a profound level. Unlike many teen romances that focus solely on the surface-level aspects of young love, this romance delves into deeper themes such as acceptance, transformation, and the power of love to overcome life's greatest challenges. It's a film that doesn't shy away from the realities of life, including illness and loss, yet it handles these themes with a delicate balance of hope and realism.

2001's The Princess Diaries is a charming and heartwarming movie that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Directed by Garry Marshall, this film is based on Meg Cabot's novel of the same name and stars Anne Hathaway in her breakout role as Mia Thermopolis, a shy, awkward high school student. The story unfolds in San Francisco, where Mia lives a relatively unnoticed life until she learns a life-changing secret: she is the heir to the throne of a small European kingdom called Genovia. This revelation sets Mia on a transformative journey filled with both comedic and touching moments.

The film excels in its portrayal of teenage life, blending humor and relatable coming-of-age struggles. Hathaway's portrayal of Mia is both endearing and authentic, capturing the essence of a teenager grappling with newfound responsibilities and unexpected fame. Julie Andrews delivers a stellar performance as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Mia's grandmother, adding a touch of elegance and wisdom to the film. The chemistry between the characters, combined with the movie's light-hearted yet meaningful script, makes The Princess Diaries a must-watch movie for teens and tweens. The film also includes a memorable makeover scene, which has since become iconic in teen movie culture, symbolizing Mia's transition from an ordinary girl to a princess.

What elevates The Princess Diaries to one of the top teen romance films is its unique blend of fairy tale elements with realistic teenage experiences. Unlike many teen movies that focus solely on romance, this film also emphasizes self-discovery, personal growth, and the importance of family and friendship. The romantic subplot, though significant, is handled with a subtlety that complements Mia's overall journey. The film's enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal appeal – it's not just a story about a girl becoming a princess, but about a young woman learning to embrace her true self, making it a timeless classic in the teen romance genre.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before is a charming and heartwarming teen romance movie that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Based on the novel of the same name by Jenny Han, the film was released in 2018 and quickly became a favorite among the teen romance genre. The story revolves around Lara Jean Covey, a high school junior played by Lana Condor, who writes secret love letters to her crushes but never intends to send them. However, her world turns upside down when these letters are mysteriously mailed out, leading to a series of romantic entanglements and revelations.

The film's appeal lies in its relatable characters and authentic portrayal of teenage life. Lara Jean, as the protagonist, is a relatable and endearing character who navigates the complexities of high school, family dynamics, and first love with a genuine and heartfelt approach. The chemistry between the characters, especially between Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky, portrayed by Noah Centineo, adds a delightful and engaging dynamic to the story. The movie does an excellent job of balancing humor, romance, and the trials of growing up, making it a refreshing take on the teen romance genre.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before is on this list of teen romance movies because of its unique blend of innocence, charm, and a modern take on teenage romance. Unlike many teen movies that rely on clichés and over-dramatization, this film presents a more realistic and wholesome and grounded portrayal of young love. The movie resonates with its audience because it captures the essence of teenage years - the awkwardness, the intensity of feelings, and the journey of self-discovery. Its success lies in its ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level, reminding them of the sweetness and excitement of first love.

Love, Rosie is a captivating teen romance film that beautifully captures the essence of young love and the complexities of growing up. The story revolves around Rosie and Alex, two best friends who have known each other since they were five years old. As they navigate the tumultuous waters of adolescence, their friendship endures various trials and tribulations, often teetering on the brink of romance. The film is based on the novel "Where Rainbows End" by Cecelia Ahern, which adds a layer of depth and emotion to the narrative. The characters are relatable and their journey is filled with moments of joy, sorrow, and self-discovery.

The charm of Love, Rosie lies in its realistic portrayal of relationships and life's unpredictable nature. Rosie and Alex's story is not just about romance; it's also about the choices we make and how they shape our lives. The film does an excellent job of depicting the ups and downs of growing up, the impact of timing, and the importance of following one's heart. The lead actors, Lily Collins and Sam Claflin, deliver outstanding performances, bringing a genuine and heartfelt quality to their characters. Their chemistry is palpable, making every scene they share a delight to watch.

Love, Rosie is widely considered one of the top romance movies for teens because of its ability to resonate with a wide audience. It's not just a simple love story; it's a tale of enduring friendship, missed opportunities, and the journey to finding oneself. The movie strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartache, making it a relatable and memorable experience. Its portrayal of love as something that is both beautiful and complicated is what makes it stand out.