This dark, satirical comedy takes a cynical look at high school social dynamics. Veronica is part of the popular clique, the Heathers, but grows disillusioned with their cruelty. When she meets the rebellious J.D., things take a deadly turn. While the film deals with themes like suicide and social hierarchy, it's presented through a highly stylized, exaggerated lens of satire rather than a realistic portrayal of teenage depression. It's a cult classic for its sharp writing and subversive take on the teen movie genre.

John Hughes' classic coming-of-age film brings together five high school students from different cliques for a Saturday detention. As they spend the day together, they break down stereotypes and reveal their insecurities, pressures, and struggles with identity. While not every character is depicted as clinically depressed, the film touches on themes of parental pressure, social isolation, and the feeling of being misunderstood, which can certainly contribute to teenage angst and sadness. It's a foundational film about the teenage experience.

Diablo Cody's quirky and acclaimed screenplay, brought to life by director Jason Reitman, follows Juno MacGuff, a witty and unconventional teenager who finds herself pregnant. While she faces a challenging and stressful situation, Juno navigates it with a unique blend of sarcasm and vulnerability. The film's tone is more comedic and offbeat than explicitly focused on depression, but it portrays a young person dealing with unexpected life events and finding her own way through them. Ellen Page (now Elliot Page) is iconic in the title role.

Based on John Green's bestselling novel, this romantic drama centers on Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. While dealing with terminal illness is their primary challenge, the film touches on the emotional toll it takes, including feelings of isolation and grappling with a difficult future. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort have undeniable chemistry, bringing warmth and humor to a story that could easily be overwhelmingly sad. It's a poignant look at living life fully, even when facing immense hardship.

Terry Zwigoff's adaptation of Daniel Clowes' comic book follows Enid and Rebecca, two cynical, artsy outcasts navigating the awkward summer after high school graduation. Feeling disconnected from the world and everyone in it, they drift through life, observing and critiquing suburban banality. While not solely focused on depression, it perfectly captures the feeling of alienation and disillusionment common in late adolescence. Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson are perfectly cast as the witty, disaffected friends, and Steve Buscemi is fantastic as the eccentric record collector who becomes entangled in their lives.

Sofia Coppola's directorial debut is a hauntingly beautiful and melancholic film based on Jeffrey Eugenides' novel. Told from the perspective of a group of neighborhood boys fascinated by the mysterious Lisbon sisters, the movie explores the isolated lives and tragic fate of these young women in the 1970s. It captures a sense of collective despair and the suffocating atmosphere of suburban life. The dreamy cinematography and atmospheric soundtrack create a unique mood that lingers long after viewing, portraying a specific kind of teenage melancholy.

Richard Kelly's enigmatic debut is a blend of science fiction, psychological thriller, and coming-of-age drama centered around a troubled teenager named Donnie. Plagued by visions of a giant rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world is ending, Donnie grapples with existential questions, family dysfunction, and the complex reality around him. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a captivating performance as the intelligent but disturbed protagonist. The film's ambiguous nature and philosophical undertones have made it a lasting cult favorite, sparking endless discussion about its meaning.

While Susanna Kaysen is 18 and technically just entering adulthood, this film deeply resonates with the struggles of late adolescence, particularly regarding mental health. Based on Kaysen's memoir, it follows her time in a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s. The ensemble cast is incredible, featuring Winona Ryder as Susanna and an Oscar-winning turn from Angelina Jolie as the charismatic and rebellious Lisa. The film explores themes of diagnosis, conformity, and the search for identity among a group of young women grappling with various psychological issues.

Todd Solondz's dark comedy introduces us to Dawn Wiener, an unpopular and relentlessly bullied middle schooler in suburban New Jersey. Dawn is the definition of an outcast, struggling with her family, her peers, and her own self-worth. The film is deliberately uncomfortable and brutally honest about the cruelty of adolescence and the pain of feeling invisible. Heather Matarazzo is unforgettable in the lead role, creating a character that, while often pathetic, earns our sympathy for her resilience in the face of constant misery. It's a cult classic for a reason.

Hailee Steinfeld shines as Nadine, a teenager who feels perpetually out of sync with the world, especially after her best friend starts dating her older brother. Nadine's journey is filled with awkward social interactions, failed attempts at connection, and a healthy dose of teenage angst and self-pity. What makes this film stand out is its sharp, witty dialogue and Steinfeld's pitch-perfect performance, capturing the chaotic internal landscape of a teenager convinced she's the only one suffering. Woody Harrelson also provides excellent deadpan wisdom as her history teacher.

This intense drama, co-written by its then-teenage star Nikki Reed, is a visceral look at a good girl's rapid spiral into rebellion and self-destructive behavior. Tracy, feeling invisible, falls under the influence of the popular but troubled Evie. The film doesn't shy away from difficult themes and showcases the desperation for acceptance that can lead teenagers down dangerous paths. Evan Rachel Wood and Nikki Reed are fearless in their portrayals, and Holly Hunter gives a powerful performance as Tracy's struggling mother. It's a tough watch but a potent exploration of teenage vulnerability.

Bo Burnham's directorial debut is a raw, unflinching, and incredibly honest portrayal of modern adolescence. Kayla Day is navigating the terrifying landscape of middle school, social media, and trying desperately to connect with others. Elsie Fisher is absolutely phenomenal as Kayla, capturing every awkward glance, every forced smile, and the deep-seated anxiety of being 13 today. The film perfectly illustrates how isolation can feel even more profound in the age of constant digital connection. It's cringe-inducingly relatable and ultimately very moving.

Based on Ned Vizzini's novel, this film offers a surprisingly warm and witty look at mental health. Craig, a stressed-out teenager, checks himself into a psychiatric hospital and ends up on the adult ward. What could be heavy is instead a hopeful story about connection and finding your way. Keir Gilchrist is fantastic as Craig, and the supporting cast, including Zach Galifianakis and Emma Roberts, bring depth and humor. It's a reminder that sometimes hitting rock bottom is the first step towards getting better, and that help can come from unexpected places.

This film is an absolute must-watch for anyone who felt like an outsider in high school. Based on the beloved novel by Stephen Chbosky (who also directed!), it follows Charlie, a shy freshman dealing with past trauma and navigating the tricky waters of friendship, love, and mental health. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller deliver powerful, authentic performances that truly capture the feeling of finding your tribe. The movie is set in the early 90s, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the nostalgic, emotional journey. It's a story about finding hope and realizing you're not alone, even when you feel like a wallflower.