From rom-com favorites to smash-hit originals, these love stories are certainly swoon-worthy.

The 23 best teenage romance movies on Netflix

From rom-com favorites to smash-hit originals, these love stories are certainly swoon-worthy.

By Chris Snellgrove,

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

and James Mercadante

on July 16, 2025 05:43AM EDT

Hadley Robinson as Vivian Carter in 'Moxie'; Ryan Gosling as Noah Calhoun and Rachel McAdams as Allie Hamilton in 'The Notebook'; Rebel Wilson as Stephanie Conway in 'Senior Year'. Credit:

Colleen Hayes/Netflix; Melissa Moseley/New Line; Boris Martin/Netflix

Eager to return to a simpler time? Hitch a ride on the young love express, where every kiss feels like the first kiss, and every goodbye is emotional enough to bring you to your knees. The films on this list run the gamut from fantastical romances and wholesome comedies, to coming-of-age stories like *You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah *and musical adaptations like *The Prom*.

Read on for the 23 best teenage romance movies on Netflix right now.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Ally Sheedy as Allison Reynolds and Molly Ringwald as Claire Standish in 'The Breakfast Club'.

Universal/Courtesy Everett

Teenage angst of the '80s variety is on full display in *The Breakfast Club*, an indie coming-of-age dramedy about five high school students who share a memorable Saturday detention together. Writer and director John Hughes knows his way around a teenage trope, but while the film’s characters are easily and intentionally put into boxes (the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess, and the criminal) their inner lives and the connections they make elevate the story so it’s far more than just another teen movie. *The Breakfast Club* is the second movie Hughes ever directed and, as EW’s critic says, it’s “the greatest high school movie of all time.” *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *The Breakfast Club*: Netflix through July 31

**Director: **John Hughes

**Cast: **Emilio Estevez, Paul Gleason, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy

The Notebook (2004)

Ryan Gosling as Noah Calhoun and Rachel McAdams as Allie Hamilton in 'The Notebook'.

New Line/Courtesy Everett Collection

Based on Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling romance novel, *The Notebook* is a period drama on a personal mission to make you cry. Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) meet as young people in the 1940s and fall in love. The audience learns the story of how their relationship unfolds from Duke (James Garner), an older man who relays the tale in the present to a nursing home resident (Gena Rowlands).

Set before, during, and after World War II,* The Notebook* is a story about the life circumstances that pull people in relationships apart — and the choices that push them back together. A period romance led by actors whose chemistry sizzles regardless of what decade they’re in, you don’t have to be going through a breakup to enjoy* The Notebook*, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Notebook*: Netflix

**EW grade:** N/A (read the review)

**Director:** Nick Cassavetes

**Cast: **Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands, James Marsden, Kevin Connolly, Sam Shepard, Joan Allen

Dumplin’ (2018)

Jennifer Aniston as Rosie Dickson in 'Dumplin''. Netflix

A coming-of-age Southern charmer imbued with the soul of Dolly Parton, *Dumplin’ *is the story of Willowdean Dickson (Danielle Macdonald), a teenager who enters a local pageant overseen by her mom as an act of protest. When Willowdean’s rebellion spurs other misfits to sign up for the pageant, too, Willowdean struggles to manage the relationships in her personal life, especially with her semi-estranged mother Rosie (Jennifer Aniston).

Parton wrote 12 new songs for the movie, filled with mantras, melodies, and the motivation to just be yourself. EW’s critic promises, “Like a pillow cross-stitched with sassy aphorisms, *Dumplin’ *is kitschy and squishy and, if you let yourself, pretty sweet to sink into.” *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Dumplin'*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B (read the review)

**Director: **Anne Fletcher

**Cast: **Danielle Macdonald, Jennifer Aniston, Odeya Rush, Maddie Baillio, Bex Taylor-Klaus, Luke Benward, Dove Cameron

Moxie (2021)

Hadley Robinson as Vivian Carter in 'Moxie'.

Netflix channels the rebellious spirit of '90s magazines like *Sassy* with *Moxie*, their adaptation of Jennifer Mathieu's YA novel. Vivian Carter (Hadley Robinson) is a 16-year-old who befriends Lucy (Alycia Pascual-Peña), a new student who awakens her to all the harassment and abuse the girls at their school face. Inspired to make a change, Vivian starts an anonymous feminist zine, which helps her discover her voice as she contends with a new relationship and familial challenges.

Amy Poehler appears in a supporting role as Vivian's mother, but it's her directorial work that lends this project its progressive and feisty backbone. EW's writer says, "With a killer riot grrrl soundtrack and earnest message of inclusivity, *Moxie* is a sweet, rebellious adventure that's both earnest and uplifting." *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Moxie*: Netflix

**EW grade:** N/A (read the review)

**Director: **Amy Poehler

**Cast: **Hadley Robinson, Alycia Pascual-Peña, Lauren Tsai, Nico Hiraga, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Amy Poehler

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky and Lana Candor as Lara Jean Song-Covey in 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before'. Netflix

*To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before* has a nightmare premise: A young teen (Lana Condor) writes intense love letters to five boys she fancies (including Noah Centineo) but never sends them. That changes when her little sister (Anna Cathcart) mails each confession and unleashes chaos as each crush confronts her about their unrequited love. Even with its fluffy plot, the film still has much to say about dating, friendship, and the line between them.

EW’s critic admits this is “strictly Disney Channel stuff, but it’s got more substance than you expect. And Condor as Lara Jean has a winning, be-true-to-yourself sense of independence that’s infectious.” *—Chris Snellgrove*

Where to watch *To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B (read the review)

**Director:** Susan Johnson

**Cast: **Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart

Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)

Shannon Purser as Sierra Burgess and Noah Centineo as Jamey in 'Sierra Burgess Is a Loser'. Netflix

A high school rom-com based on the 19th-century French play *Cyrano de Bergerac*, *Sierra Burgess Is a Loser* is a modern love story in the style of literary adaptations like *Clueless* or *10 Things I Hate About You*. Sierra Burgess (*Stranger Things’ *Shannon Purser) is an average looking American kid, which in rom-com land, makes her worthy of ridicule. Unlike other high school movie protagonists, however, Sierra isn’t looking for a glow-up or an invitation to the popular crowd. But when she lands herself in the middle of a romantic mix-up, Sierra finds herself pretending to be someone else for the first time in her life.

The film might not break genre conventions, but EW’s reviewer writes that “Purser is refreshingly relatable, and Peter Kavinksy-obsessed fans will love getting [Noah] Centineo as another jock with a heart of gold.” *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Sierra Burgess Is a Loser*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B (read the review)

**Director:** Ian Samuels

**Cast: **Shannon Purser, Kristine Froseth, RJ Cyler, Noah Centineo

Senior Year (2022)

Joshua Colley as Yaz, Avantika as Janet, Rebel Wilson as Stephanie Conway, Michael Cimino as Lance, and Jade Bender as Bri Loves in 'Senior Year'. Boris Martin/Netflix

In 2002, Stephanie (Rebel Wilson) was on the cusp of securing her legacy as the most popular girl in school. She was one Prom Queen win away from success when a cheerleading stunt gone awry sent her into a 20-year coma. Now 37 years old and determined to get a second shot at her perfect senior year, Stephanie returns to high school and discovers the rules she once played by no longer apply.

A goofy commentary on the ways social and cultural priorities have shifted during the last two decades, the movie's strongest asset is its cast, which is stuffed with underrated comedic snipers. EW's critic writes that the film is "Fun, nonsensical, and meant to be consumed with neither guilt nor pants." *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Senior Year*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B (read the review)

**Director: **Alex Hardcastle

**Cast: **Rebel Wilson, Angourie Rice, Mary Holland, Sam Richardson, Zoë Chao, Justin Hartley, Chris Parnell**

The Prom (2020)

James Corden as Barry Glickman, Nicole Kidman as Angie Dickinson, Andrew Rannells as Trent Oliver, and Meryl Streep as Dee Dee Allen in 'The Prom'.

Thanks to director Ryan Murphy, *The Prom* has a very specific audience in mind, and if you sang along to every episode of *Glee*, you might be a part of it. This film is about a school dance that’s canceled after one girl (Jo Ellen Pellman) wants to take another girl (Ariana DeBose) as her date. Soon enough, washed-out Broadway stars (including Meryl Streep and James Corden) head to this sleepy town to save the prom (and maybe save their careers, too).

Though undeniably cheesy, EW's writer still notes how “the songs have charm” and “the cast is undeniably talented.” *—C.S.*

Where to watch *The Prom*: Netflix

**Director:** Ryan Murphy

**Cast:** Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023)

Adam Sandler as Danny Friedman (center) and Sunny Sandler as Stacy Friedman (right) in 'You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah'. Courtesy of Netflix

Producing and starring in this full-blooded Sandler soirée, Adam Sandler steps aside for his daughter Sunny to shine in her debut starring role as Stacy Friedman: a seventh grader experiencing a world of firsts — from trading Converses for heels to planning the ultimate bat mitzvah, complete with a private yacht on the Hudson River and Olivia Rodrigo cruising by on a jet-ski. However, when Stacy's parents (Sandler and Idina Menzel) disapprove of her grand plans, and her BFF Lydia (Samantha Lorraine) defects to the middle school's popular clique — dating Stacy's longtime crush (Dylan Hoffman) in the process — the soon-to-be woman won't let anything prevent her from hosting a "kick-ass party."

*You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah *presents a charming yet cringe-worthy peek into pre-teen shenanigans through fierce Gen-Z wit while also providing insights on Jewish culture. Not to mention, the praiseworthy performances of Sandler's daughters prove how, *sometimes*, nepotism works wonders. —*James Mercadante*

Where to watch *You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah*: Netflix

**Director: **Sammi Cohen

**Cast: **Idina Menzel, Jackie Sandler, Adam Sandler, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler

20th Century Girl (2022)

Park Jung-woo as Baek Hyun-Jin and Kim Yoo-jung as Na Bo-Ra in '20th Century Girl'.

*20th Century Girl* features many of the teen romance movie tropes you grew up with, but this Korean film energizes even the most tired clichés. The story is familiar: A young girl (Kim Yoo-jung) plays matchmaker for her ill friend (Roh Yoon-seo) by learning everything about her crush (Park Jung-woo). It doesn’t take long, of course, for her to fall in love with the boy she’s investigating.

Between the charms of first love and the nuances of friendship, this teen movie is a winner. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *20th Century Girl*: Netflix

**Director:** Bang Woo-ri

**Cast:** Kim Yoo-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Jung-woo, Roh Yoon-seo

After (2019)

Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott and Josephine Langford as Tessa Young in 'After'.

Quantrell D. Colbert/Aviron Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Many teen romance movies involve a girl trying to answer that eternal (if not archetypal) question: Does she want a safe boyfriend or a sexy bad boy? That’s the basic plot of *After*, a film where Tessa (Josephine Langford) has a solid relationship with her high school sweetheart Noah (Dylan Arnold), but things quickly get complicated when she goes to college and meets brooding rebel Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) who transforms her views on life, love, and learning. Solid chemistry between our leads elevates this tale, and it’s hard not to cheer (and swoon) alongside our protagonist. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *After*: Netflix

**Director: **Jenny Gage

**Cast:** Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Selma Blair, Inanna Sarkis, Dylan Arnold

Anonymously Yours (2021)

The cast of 'Anonymously Yours'.

Most modern teen romances fall flat because they simply copy the formula that has existed for decades. *Anonymously Yours*, however, is more attuned to our present digital dating landscape. The plot centers around two teens (Annie Cabello and Ralf Morales) who develop a deep friendship (maybe a little *too* deep) through anonymous text messages. The twist? Neither knows they hate each other in real life.

This Spanish-language movie alternates between humor and heartfelt meditations on identity, romance, and technology, making it rise above its teenybopper competition. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Anonymously Yours*: Netflix

**Director:** Maria Torres

**Cast:** Annie Cabello, Ralf Morales, Estefi Merelles, Harold Azuara, Alicia Vélez

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Candy Jar (2018)

Jacob Latimore as Bennett and Sami Gayle as Lona in 'Candy Jar'.

Curtis Baker/Netflix

What’s the dividing line between ideology and socioeconomic status? That’s the underlying question of *Candy Jar*, a movie where a shy, working-class girl (Sami Gayle) discovers that the wealthy, preppy debate team co-captain she’s been butting heads with (Jacob Latimore) is actually someone she’d rather be locking lips with. The movie succeeds largely because it transforms subtext into text, and our debate devotees soon discover that the key to any successful relationship is working together.

*Candy Jar* is likely to please anyone looking for a good teen romance, but its messages will particularly hit the introverts watching at home. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Candy Jar*: Netflix

**Director:** Ben Shelton

**Cast: **Sami Gayle, Jacob Latimore, Uzo Aduba, Helen Hunt

Caught by a Wave (2021)

Elvira Camarrone as Sara and Roberto Christian as Lorenzo in 'Caught by a Wave'.

*Caught by a Wave* is a beautiful romance movie, but be warned: You’re going to need a box of tissues. The plot starts with two American teens (Elvira Camarrone and Roberto Christian) who meet and fall in love at a summer camp in Sicily. But when one of them is diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, the couple must test the strength of their love. This coming-of-age story is a tearjerker, but it also has plenty of things to say about connection. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Caught by a Wave*: Netflix

**Director:** Massimiliano Camaiti

**Cast:** Elvira Camarrone, Roberto Christian, Donatella Finocchiaro

The Half of It (2020)

Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu and Daniel Diemer as Paul Munsky in 'The Half of It'. KC Bailey/Netflix/Everett

*The Half of It* is about a Chinese American ace student (Leah Lewis) who overcomes her shyness enough to help a tongue-tied jock (Daniel Diemer) win over the girl of his dreams (Alexxis Lemire). There’s just one problem: She’s fallen in love with her, too! The result is both refreshing and bittersweet; as EW’s critic notes in their review, the movie’s “examination of first love, and how our messy, well-intentioned attempts to do right by our own hearts can both wound and help us fumble toward the people we're meant to be, lands nicely.” *—C.S.*

Where to watch *The Half of It*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B (read the review)

**Director:** Alice Wu

**Cast:** Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire, Enrique Murciano, Wolfgang Novogratz

Endless Love (2014)

Gabriella Wilde as Jade Butterfield and Alex Pettyfer as David Elliot in 'Endless Love'.

This remake of 1981’s *Endless Love* successfully translates the charming tale for a new generation. Here, we follow a privileged girl (Gabriella Wilde) who falls in love with a working-class rebel (Alex Pettyfer), but their relationship is attacked by their parents (Bruce Greenwood and Robert Patrick, respectively). The film sands off the original movie’s rough edges, leaving something akin to chicken noodle soup for the hopelessly romantic soul.

As EW’s critic said in their review, the movie works “as a swoony love story threatened by a basic, cornball Oedipal drama.” *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Endless Love*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B (read the review)

**Director:** Shana Feste

**Cast:** Alex Pettyfer, Gabriella Wilde, Bruce Greenwood, Joely Richardson, Robert Patrick

He’s All That (2021)

Tanner Buchanan as Cameron Kweller and Addison Rae as Padgett Sawyer in 'He's All That'.

*He’s All That* really shouldn’t work; after all, this is an adaptation of *She’s All That* (1999), which was an adaptation of *My Fair Lady *(1964), which was an adaptation of *Pygmalion*, so you’d think there is little left to say. But this film feels original by casting the makeover maven Addison Rae to help a geeky guy (Tanner Buchanan) shine as a TikTok influencer. Just like that, we have an answer to why a popular kid would devote so much time and energy to a nobody outside of their social circle: It’s all about the online clout and follower counts, baby! *—C.S.*

Where to watch *He’s All That*: Netflix

**Director:** Mark Waters

**Cast:** Addison Rae, Tanner Buchanan, Madison Pettis, Rachael Leigh Cook, Peyton Meyer

Into the Wind (2022)

Jakub Sasak as Michal and Sonia Mietielica as Ania in 'Into the Wind'.

*Into the Wind* is about a sheltered teen (Sonia Mietielica) who can’t help but fall for a surfing instructor whose carefree ways help to open her mind and her heart. As Joe Bob Briggs might say, sure, we’ve seen it before, but have we seen it in Poland? This feature film debut from Polish director Kristoffer Rus updates this tired teen romance plot with beautiful locations and just enough unexpected twists to keep things interesting. It turns out that being hot for one's tutor is a genre that translates into every language. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Into the Wind*: Netflix

**Director: **Kristoffer Rus

**Cast:** Sonia Mietielica, Jakub Sasak

The Kissing Booth (2018)

Jacob Elordi as Noah Flynn and Joey King as Shelly 'Elle' Evans in 'The Kissing Booth'.

The later films in this successful franchise feel more phoned in, but this first tale involving a teenage girl (Joey King) whose desire for the local bad boy (Jacob Elordi) threatens her friendship with his younger brother (Joel Courtney) still feels fun and fresh. When she ends up running the titular fundraiser, she must face her feelings far sooner than she was expecting. It’s cheesy and over-the-top, but the characters are quite charismatic, and the idea that love can be very, very messy remains evergreen. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *The Kissing Booth*: Netflix

**Director:** Vince Marcello

**Cast: **Joey King, Joel Courtney, Jacob Elordi, Meganne Young, Molly Ringwald, Taylor Zakhar Perez

Love at First Sight (2023)

Haley Lu Richardson as Hadley Sullivan and Ben Hardy as Oliver Jones in 'Love at First Sight'.

Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

People can endlessly debate whether love at first sight exists, but this film asks what would happen if two teens (Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy) fell head over heels on a plane and then lost touch immediately afterward. The answer is simple: They move heaven and earth to find one another again. Everything about the plot is saccharine-sweet, of course, but there is something strangely motivational about watching these love birds refuse to let life get in the way of their inevitably sappy reunion. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Love at First Sight*: Netflix

**Director:** Vanessa Caswill

**Cast: **Haley Lu Richardson, Ben Hardy, Jameela Jamil, Rob Delaney, Sally Phillips, Dexter Fletcher

Metal Lords (2022)

Jaeden Martell as Kevin and Adrian Greensmith as Hunter in 'Metal Lords'.

Scott Patrick Green/Netflix

First and foremost, this is a film about two social outcasts (Adrian Greensmith and Jaeden Martell) who want nothing more than to earn respect by winning the upcoming Battle of the Bands. But when a girl (Isis Hainsworth) enters the picture, it’s an open question as to whether she’ll complete this rock ensemble or tear it apart. This R-rated comedy is filled with raucous laughs and rocking jams, and it’s a cut above your standard teenybopper romantic films. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Metal Lords*: Netflix

**Director:** Peter Sollett

**Cast:** Jaeden Martell, Isis Hainsworth, Adrian Greensmith, Brett Gelman, Noah Urrea, Joe Manganiello

See You on Venus (2023)

Virginia Gardner as Mia and Alex Aiono as Kyle in 'See You on Venus'.

Vertical Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection

*See You on Venus* may seem cookie-cutter at first; if you’ve seen one movie of broken young people (Virginia Gardner and Alex Aiono) falling in love while trying to heal, it may feel like you’ve seen them all. But this film is more substantial than most because it emphasizes the need for the couple to focus on their own trauma rather than relying on someone else to fix them. The beautiful Spanish setting also helps sell the film’s narrative; after all, who wouldn’t fall in love when the views are even more stunning than your traveling partner? *—C.S.*

Where to watch *See You on Venus*: Netflix

**Director:** Joaquín Llamas

**Cast:** Virginia Gardner, Alex Aiono, Rob Estes

You Get Me (2017)

Halston Sage as Alison Hewitt and Taylor John Smith as Tyler Hanson in 'You Get Me'.

Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

The line between love and obsession is paper-thin. Here, we follow a boy (Taylor John Smith) who has a bad breakup with his significant other (Halston Sage) and ends up hooking up with a new girl (Bella Thorne). When he and his ex patch things up, though, he discovers that his one-time fling will do *anything* to keep him in her life. *You Get Me* is a roller coaster with many twists and turns, and you’ll soon understand why the boy desperately wants off this ride. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *You Get Me*: Netflix

**Director: **Brent Bonacorso

**Cast:** Bella Thorne, Halston Sage, Taylor John Smith, Anna Akana, Nash Grier

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Source: “AOL Movies”