Based on the classic animated series, this live-action film brings the Mystery Inc. gang – Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and of course, Scooby-Doo – to Spooky Island, a popular horror-themed tropical resort. They've been individually invited to investigate a series of bizarre occurrences that are scaring away the tourists. Though slightly older than typical teenagers, they retain their youthful energy and distinct personalities as they reunite to uncover the truth behind the monsters, using Velma's brains, Fred's traps, Daphne's resourcefulness, and Shaggy and Scooby's unique ability to find clues (usually while running from danger). It's a fun, campy take on the familiar formula of unmasking villains.

This beloved 80s adventure classic sees a group of kids, facing foreclosure on their homes, stumble upon an old treasure map. Believing it could save their neighborhood, they embark on a wild quest to find the hidden fortune of the legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy. Their journey is filled with booby traps, secret tunnels, and run-ins with a family of criminals, the Fratellis, who are also after the treasure. While not strictly 'solving crime' in a detective sense, the Goonies are definitely teenagers (and younger) investigating a historical mystery and outsmarting villains, making it a quintessential tale of youthful amateur sleuthing and adventure.

Set in the summer of 1979, J.J. Abrams' film follows a group of kids making a Super 8 movie when they witness a catastrophic train crash. This event unleashes something strange and dangerous into their small town, leading the young friends to investigate the mysterious occurrences that follow. Blending Spielbergian wonder with thrilling sci-fi mystery, the film captures the spirit of youthful adventure and curiosity as the kids use their filmmaking equipment and ingenuity to uncover the truth behind the strange events, highlighting the power of friendship and courage in the face of the unknown.

After a string of disciplinary issues, Kale (Shia LaBeouf) is grounded and confined to his house with an ankle monitor. Boredom quickly turns into suspicion when he starts spying on his neighbors with binoculars and suspects one of them might be a serial killer. Along with his friends, he begins a thrilling, often terrifying, investigation from the confines of his home and yard. The film effectively uses its premise to build suspense, tapping into the voyeuristic nature of spying and the isolation of being grounded, turning a suburban street into a landscape of potential danger and mystery for these teenagers.

Director Rian Johnson's debut film is a unique and stylized take on the noir genre, set entirely within a modern-day high school. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Brendan, a teenager who plunges into the underworld of his school's social scene to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend. The dialogue is a fascinating, hard-boiled patois, and the film adopts classic detective tropes, from the femme fatale to the dangerous kingpin, all through the lens of adolescent life. It's a gritty, smart, and incredibly atmospheric mystery that reimagines what 'teenagers solving crime' can look like, earning it a cult following and critical acclaim.

America's favorite teenage sleuth gets a modern update in this fun adaptation starring Emma Roberts as Nancy Drew. Moving from her quaint hometown to the bustling, mysterious world of Los Angeles, Nancy finds herself embroiled in the unsolved death of a famous movie star. While navigating typical high school challenges, she can't resist putting her deductive skills to work, much to the chagrin of those around her. The film captures the spirit of the classic books with a blend of mystery, charm, and Nancy's unwavering determination to find the truth, proving that curiosity and intelligence are timeless tools for solving crimes.

Stepping back into the shoes of the whip-smart, sarcastic private eye Veronica Mars was a treat for fans, and this movie delivered! Funded largely through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, it proved the enduring love for this character and her knack for uncovering dark secrets in Neptune, California. Kristen Bell effortlessly slips back into the role that made her a cult icon, navigating a complex mystery rooted in her past while attending her ten-year high school reunion. It's a perfect blend of noir sensibility, sharp dialogue, and genuine heart, showing that Veronica's investigative skills are just as sharp as ever, even years after her high school days.