Reelixa Logo

Reelixa

Your source of reviews and news about movies

Best teen romance movies like Wattpad stories

Dive into a world of passionate first loves, heartbreaks, and relatable high school drama with these movies that capture the feel of popular Wattpad narratives. Get ready for swoon-worthy moments and emotional rollercoasters.

The Fault in Our Stars
After
Five Feet Apart

The realm of teen romance movies has seen a significant resurgence, often mirroring the themes and narrative styles that have captured millions on platforms like Wattpad. These films tap directly into the zeitgeist of young adult emotions, presenting stories centered around intense first loves, navigating complex relationships, and confronting challenging life circumstances, all within the often-dramatic backdrop of high school.

What makes these movies resonate so strongly, much like their Wattpad counterparts? It's the focus on raw emotion, wish fulfillment, and relatable character struggles. They explore everything from secret crushes and love triangles to dealing with illness, family issues, or finding your place in the world. Many are adaptations of wildly popular YA novels, demonstrating the power of the written word, often amplified by online communities, to translate successfully to the screen.

These films often feature charismatic young casts, memorable soundtracks, and highly stylized cinematography that enhances the romantic and emotional stakes. They provide a space for young audiences to see their own hopes, fears, and desires reflected back at them, offering both escape and validation. The success of this niche highlights a clear demand for stories that prioritize heartfelt connection and personal growth alongside the central romantic plot, proving that the dramatic, often angsty, world of teen love remains a compelling subject for filmmakers and audiences alike.

14. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

A unique and heartfelt story about friendship. This film follows Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann), a high school senior who makes quirky short films with his friend Earl (RJ Cyler). His life changes when his mother forces him to spend time with Rachel (Olivia Cooke), a classmate diagnosed with leukemia. While there are elements of connection and care, the core of the film is the evolving friendship between Greg, Earl, and Rachel, and how it impacts their lives. It's witty, creative, and ultimately very moving.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

13. The Spectacular Now (2013)

A more grounded and complex look at teen life and relationships. Miles Teller plays Sutter Keely, a charming high school senior living for the moment, and Shailene Woodley plays Aimee Finecky, a quiet, bookish girl he meets. Their unexpected relationship develops, challenging Sutter's carefree attitude. Based on the novel by Tim Tharp, the film offers a realistic portrayal of young love and the struggles of growing up, featuring nuanced performances from its leads. It's less overtly dramatic than some, but deeply affecting.

The Spectacular Now

12. Before I Fall (2017)

Imagine reliving the same day over and over. Zoey Deutch plays Sam Kingston, a popular high school student who finds herself stuck in a time loop after a fatal car crash. She is forced to repeat the same day, the day of her death, trying to figure out what happened and how to break the cycle. While not strictly a romance, the film involves relationships and personal growth as Sam examines her life and choices. It's a thought-provoking story about consequence and empathy.

Before I Fall

11. If I Stay (2014)

What would you do if you had to choose? Chloƫ Grace Moretz stars as Mia Hall, a talented young cellist with a promising future and a loving boyfriend (Jamie Blackley). After a tragic car accident leaves her in a coma, she experiences an out-of-body phenomenon, observing her life and loved ones. She must decide whether to wake up and face a drastically changed reality or let go. The film is a poignant drama with a central romance that explores themes of love, loss, and the difficult choices we face.

If I Stay

10. Paper Towns (2015)

Another adaptation of a John Green novel, this film follows Quentin "Q" Jacobsen (Nat Wolff) who has been in love with his adventurous neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman (Cara Delevingne) for years. After she mysteriously disappears, leaving behind cryptic clues, Q and his friends embark on a journey to find her. While it has romantic undertones, the film is more of a mystery and coming-of-age story about the difference between the idea of a person and who they really are. It's a thoughtful road trip adventure.

Paper Towns

9. The DUFF (2015)

More of a romantic comedy, but definitely fits the high school drama mold! Mae Whitman stars as Bianca Piper, who discovers she's the 'DUFF' (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) of her friend group. To reinvent herself and survive senior year, she enlists the help of her popular jock neighbor Wesley Rush (Robbie Amell). It's a clever and funny take on high school cliques and self-acceptance, with a charming friends-to-more romance. The film is witty and features strong performances, particularly from Whitman.

The DUFF

8. Love, Simon (2018)

A groundbreaking teen romance that broke barriers! This film follows Simon Spier (Nick Robinson), a closeted high school student who is blackmailed by a classmate threatening to expose his secret and his anonymous online relationship with a fellow student known only as "Blue." It's a warm, funny, and genuinely moving story about self-discovery, friendship, and finding the courage to be yourself. The movie was praised for its positive representation and became a significant cultural moment in YA film.

Love, Simon

7. The Sun Is Also a Star (2019)

Fate brings them together, but will immigration tear them apart? Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton star in this romantic drama based on the novel by Nicola Yoon (who also wrote 'Everything, Everything'). Natasha is a Jamaican immigrant facing deportation, while Daniel is a Korean-American student heading to a Yale interview. They meet and spend a single, whirlwind day falling in love in New York City. The film explores themes of fate, destiny, and the challenges faced by immigrant families, all wrapped up in a heartfelt romance.

The Sun Is Also a Star

6. Everything, Everything (2017)

What happens when you can't go outside? Amandla Stenberg plays Maddy, a teenager who is medically confined to her house due to a rare illness. Her world changes when a new family moves next door, and she falls for the boy, Olly (Nick Robinson). Their budding romance unfolds through texts, emails, and glimpses through windows, creating a unique kind of connection. The film is a sweet and hopeful story about daring to experience life and love, even when facing significant obstacles.

Everything, Everything

5. Five Feet Apart (2019)

A romance with a unique challenge. Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse star as Stella and Will, two teenagers with cystic fibrosis who must stay five feet apart from each other to avoid cross-infection. Despite the physical barrier, they develop a deep connection and fall in love. The film explores the difficulties of navigating a relationship under such restrictive circumstances, highlighting the emotional rather than physical closeness. It's a poignant story about finding love and connection in challenging situations.

Five Feet Apart

4. After (2019)

Straight from Wattpad to the screen! This film is based on Anna Todd's massively popular novel, which famously started as One Direction fan fiction before evolving into its own story. It follows Tessa Young (Josephine Langford), a good girl who meets the mysterious and brooding Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) in college. Their intense, tumultuous relationship is the core of this drama-filled romance. The movie leans into the 'bad boy meets good girl' trope and has a dedicated fanbase, spawning several sequels.

After

3. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Prepare your tissues! This adaptation of John Green's bestselling novel is a tearjerker that resonated deeply with audiences. It tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), two teenagers who meet and fall in love in a cancer support group. The film beautifully balances humor, romance, and heartbreaking reality. Woodley and Elgort have incredible chemistry, making their characters' journey feel incredibly real and poignant. It's a powerful exploration of life, love, and loss that stays with you long after the credits roll.

The Fault in Our Stars

2. The Kissing Booth (2018)

Another Netflix sensation that captured the hearts of many! Based on the Wattpad novel by Beth Reekles, written when she was just 15, this film follows Elle Evans (Joey King) as her friendship with her best friend Lee (Joel Courtney) is tested when she starts a secret relationship with his older brother, Noah (Jacob Elordi). It's a classic high school romance filled with drama, forbidden love, and a central friendship dynamic. The movie's immense popularity led to two sequels, solidifying its place in the teen romance landscape.

The Kissing Booth

1. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

This Netflix hit is an absolute must-watch for fans of the genre! It stars Lana Condor as Lara Jean Covey, a teen whose secret love letters are accidentally mailed out, throwing her quiet life into romantic chaos. The film is charming, sweet, and features a fantastic fake-dating trope that feels fresh and utterly swoon-worthy. Noah Centineo became an instant heartthrob as Peter Kavinsky. The movie's success kicked off a popular trilogy, proving the power of a well-told, heartfelt high school romance.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

More related articles about recommended movies and TV shows