The movie that launched a global phenomenon! Based on Stephenie Meyer's bestselling novel, this film introduces us to Bella Swan, a shy teenager who moves to a perpetually cloudy town in Washington and becomes captivated by the mysterious Edward Cullen. He turns out to be a centuries-old vampire, leading to a dramatic and intense forbidden romance. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson became instant superstars playing the central couple. While it has its supernatural elements, at its core, it's about an all-consuming, slightly obsessive first love that feels like the entire world when you're a teenager. The moody atmosphere and angsty romance defined a generation.

This is a really interesting take on romance because it's told from the perspective of Tom, a hopeless romantic, looking back on his relationship with Summer, a woman who doesn't believe in true love. While not strictly a high school film, it captures the feeling of being utterly infatuated with someone and analyzing every moment of the relationship, much like a intense crush. The film uses a non-linear structure and visual gags to explore the ups and downs. Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are fantastic together, showcasing the complexities and sometimes painful realities of falling for someone who might not feel the same way. It's a quirky, honest look at modern love.

Based on the hugely popular novel by John Green, this film tells the poignant story of Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet and fall in love in a cancer support group. While dealing with serious themes of illness and mortality, the heart of the film is a beautiful, witty, and realistic portrayal of young love. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort deliver powerful performances as they navigate their feelings for each other, travel together, and experience the highs and lows of a relationship under extraordinary circumstances. It's a tearjerker, but also full of sharp humor and genuine emotion about finding connection and love in unexpected places.

A modern classic romance that starts with an intense summer crush! While the film spans many years, the initial spark between Noah and Allie, played by the incredibly talented Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, is pure, passionate first love set against the backdrop of a charming Southern summer. Their chemistry is legendary (they famously had a tumultuous relationship off-screen too!). Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, the story follows their epic love affair through separation, war, and time. It's a sweeping, emotional saga that reminds you of the power of a first crush that turns into something truly enduring.

Adapted and directed by the author of the novel, Stephen Chbosky, this film is a sensitive and authentic portrayal of navigating high school as an outsider. It follows Charlie, a shy freshman dealing with past trauma, who finds friendship and belonging with a group of seniors, including the charismatic Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). While it delves into deeper themes, it beautifully captures the feeling of first crushes, awkward school dances, finding your people, and those moments that make you feel infinite. The performances from the young cast are outstanding, making it a deeply resonant coming-of-age story.

Get your tissues ready for this one! Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, this film tells the story of Landon Carter, a popular, rebellious high school senior, who is forced to participate in after-school activities as punishment. There, he meets Jamie Sullivan, the quiet, religious daughter of the town minister, played by Mandy Moore in a role that showcased her acting chops. A romance blossoms between them, defying expectations and teaching Landon profound lessons about love, faith, and life. It's a touching, emotional story of unexpected connection and finding love in the most unlikely place during your high school years. The soundtrack is also beautiful.

Based on the Wattpad sensation, this Netflix hit follows Elle Evans, whose lifelong friendship with her best friend Lee is tested when she starts a secret romance with his older brother, Noah, the school's bad boy crush object. It all kicks off with a kissing booth at the school carnival! Joey King and Jacob Elordi have undeniable chemistry that fueled the film's massive popularity. It's full of classic teen movie tropes – secret dating, forbidden love, school drama, and romantic misunderstandings. It's a fun, breezy watch that perfectly captures the excitement and confusion of first loves and breaking the rules.

Written by the brilliant Tina Fey, this movie is more than just a high school comedy; it's a sharp, hilarious look at female social dynamics and cliques. Cady Heron, played by Lindsay Lohan, is new to public school after being homeschooled in Africa and has to navigate the tricky world of 'The Plastics', led by Regina George. While it's famous for its biting humor and quotable lines, it also features significant plotlines involving crushes, school dances, and the awkwardness of liking someone while trying to fit in (or not). It's smart, incredibly funny, and holds up remarkably well as a cultural touchstone.

A quintessential 90s teen rom-com! This movie takes the classic Pygmalion/My Fair Lady trope and sets it in a high school, where the popular jock makes a bet to turn the 'unpopular' art geek into the prom queen. Rachael Leigh Cook gets a stunning transformation (though let's be honest, she was gorgeous all along!), and Freddie Prinze Jr. is peak 90s heartthrob. While the premise is a bit dated, the chemistry between the leads and the sheer fun of the high school drama makes it a beloved classic. And who can forget that scene set to Sixpence None the Richer's 'Kiss Me'? It's pure, feel-good nostalgia.

As if! This iconic 90s film is a must-watch for anyone who loves high school movies. Alicia Silverstone is effortlessly charming as Cher Horowitz, a fashionable and popular Beverly Hills teenager who loves giving makeovers and meddling in the love lives of others, often overlooking what's right in front of her. It's a clever update of Jane Austen's 'Emma', brilliantly capturing the social hierarchy and slang of the time (which is now hilariously nostalgic!). The fashion is legendary, the dialogue is quotable, and it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of navigating friendships, crushes, and figuring yourself out during those formative years. Paul Rudd's agelessness is also a wonder to behold here!

This movie is a modern classic that catapulted Emma Stone into leading lady status, and for good reason! She is absolutely hilarious and relatable as Olive Penderghast, a high schooler whose little white lie about losing her virginity spirals into a full-blown social experiment, loosely inspired by 'The Scarlet Letter'. The script is razor-sharp, full of quick wit and clever references. It’s a smart take on reputation, rumors, and owning your narrative, all wrapped up in a high school setting with plenty of awkward crushes and romantic hopefuls. Plus, the supporting cast, including Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson as Olive's incredibly cool parents, is just perfection. It's laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly heartfelt.

Seriously, this movie is a masterpiece of late 90s teen cinema and a brilliant adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew'! Set in the halls of Padua High, it follows Kat Stratford, the sharp-tongued sister who must date before her younger sister Bianca can. Enter Patrick Verona, played by the late, great Heath Ledger in one of his most charming roles. His grand gesture of singing 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' on the bleachers is pure cinematic magic! The film is full of witty banter, fantastic characters (hello, young Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Julia Stiles delivering that powerful poem!), and captures the angst and excitement of high school crushes and finding someone who truly sees you. It's smart, funny, and has a killer soundtrack.

Oh my gosh, if you've ever secretly written down your crushes and tucked them away, this movie is your soulmate! It's all about Lara Jean, whose private love letters somehow get mailed out, throwing her life into charming chaos. Lana Condor is utterly captivating as Lara Jean, navigating fake dating that feels very real. And let's talk about Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky – he became an instant internet boyfriend sensation for a reason! It’s based on the fantastic book by Jenny Han, and it perfectly captures that fluttery, awkward, wonderful feeling of first love and putting yourself out there. The aesthetic is cozy and sweet, and it’s just the perfect comfort watch.