Top 10 Most Underrated Teen Movies of the 2000s
#10: “Accepted” (2006)
“Accepted” takes the college coming-of-age story and spins it with a unique twist. It follows Justin Long’s Bartleby Gaines, a high school prankster who is rejected from every college he applies to. To gain admiration from his strict father, he decides to create his own post-secondary institution, which is soon populated with a host of outcasts, including a typically hilarious Jonah Hill. It adds an overarching story to the usual college shenanigans, and it gives the movie a ticking clock, as we wait patiently for Bartleby’s scheme to blow up in his face. Pair an interesting twist on the college movie with some truly gifted comedic actors, and you have a solid way to pass ninety minutes.
#9: “Stick It” (2006)
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“Stick It” is like a spiritual successor to “Bring It On.” It was written and directed by the same writer, Jessica Bendinger, and it follows the squad of a physical sport – only this time it’s gymnastics instead of cheerleading. Missy Peregrym plays the rebellious Haley Graham, who is enrolled in an elite gymnastics program and trained by the always brilliant Jeff Bridges. We have no idea what Jeff Bridges is doing in a movie like this, but who cares, he’s awesome. The movie is good, lighthearted entertainment, and it’s filled with some incredible gymnastics action that awes and dazzles. If you liked “Bring It On,” you should definitely check out “Stick It.”
#8: “Slackers” (2002)
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“Slackers” was another gross-out movie trailing on the heels of “American Pie,” complete with a surprisingly solid cast that includes Laura Prepon, Jason Schwartzman, and Jason Segel. But while those movies had some semblance of a heart at their centers, “Slackers” is full-on stoner comedy grossness, so your mileage may vary with this one. Graphic sex jokes abound, as do classless things like extended loud farts and old lady breasts. It’s certainly not Shakespeare, but sometimes you just want to unwind, have a few drinks, and watch a stupid movie, and when a day like that comes around, you could do a lot worse than “Slackers.”
#7: “Manic” (2001)
“Manic” is like “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” only with a cast of teenagers and young adults. It stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Lyle Jensen, a smart young man prone to violent outbursts who is sent to a psychiatric facility. While there, he gets to know his fellow patients on a personal level, including love interest Tracy, who is played by Zooey Deschanel. It’s a beautiful movie centered around many powerful and well-acted characters, each of whom have an interesting story, and it’s all shot with a gritty, low-budget documentary style that helps convey a sense of realism and humanity. It’s poetic, it’s difficult, but above all, it’s gorgeous.
#6: “Charlie Bartlett” (2007)
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“Charlie Bartlett” pleases audiences with a deft blend of comedy and heavy drama. The late Anton Yelchin stars as Charlie Bartlett, a rich, private school student who transfers to a public school and begins doling out advice and prescription drugs to the student body. Meanwhile, he must battle the school’s alcoholic principal, who is wonderfully played by Robert Downey Jr. Downey’s casting here is a stroke of utter brilliance, considering his past issues with addiction and substance abuse, and his advice and presence lends the movie melancholic themes and a sorrowful heart. “Charlie Bartlett” is a comedy with meaning, depth, and complexity.
#5: “The Girl Next Door” (2004)
Top 20 Most Underrated Teen Movies of the 2000s
“The Girl Next Door” is deceiving. The story follows a high school student who falls for his hot new neighbor, only to discover that she is an admired pornographic actress. And while it was marketed as a raunchy teen comedy in the vein of “American Pie” and “Slackers,” it is actually a surprisingly sweet story concerning prejudices, the loss of innocence, and falling in love. Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert have crackling chemistry, and the movie is littered with a notable cast that includes now-famous and acclaimed actors like Paul Dano and Timothy Olyphant. Don’t let the marketing fool you – there’s a lot more to “The Girl Next Door” than dirty jokes and Elisha Cuthbert looking sexy.
#4: “Ghost World” (2001)
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We don’t think it’s hyperbole to call “Ghost World” one of the greatest teen dramas of all time. It’s a movie for both teenagers and adults, and it provides a rich tapestry of a story that will leave viewers in absolute tatters. It stars Thora Birch as Enid and Scarlett Johansson as Rebecca, two directionless teenagers fresh out of high school who decide to prank a lonely man, played with heartbreaking brilliance by Steve Buscemi. What results is a touching but ultimately tragic story about the complications of growing up, social isolation, and the tempting call of direction and ultimate meaning. Few teen movies are as mature as “Ghost World,” or as good.
#3: “Whip It” (2009)
“Whip It” shares its DNA with many “outcast falls in love with a niche sport” movies, including “Stick It” (heck, even the titles are similar!) That said, it has enough individual charm and personality to transcend its rather trope-y story. “Whip It” was directed with aplomb and infectious energy by Drew Barrymore, and it stars Ellen Page as a misfit who finds meaning and acceptance in a roller derby league. While the movie features dizzying camera work and frenetic derby action, it’s a deeply personal coming-of-age story based around writer and professional derby skater Shauna Cross’ real life. With this movie, Drew Barrymore proved that she had learned a thing or two from all the esteemed directors she has worked with over the years.
#2: “Orange County” (2002)
You really can’t go wrong with Colin Hanks and Jack Black. Colin stars an overachieving high school student named Shaun who desperately wants to attend Stanford to study under his favorite writer. However, he is rejected after his airheaded guidance counselor mixes up his transcript with that of a lesser student. Determined, he, his girlfriend, and his stoner brother scheme of various ways to get into Stanford without a legitimate acceptance. The script is smart while still finding time for wacky antics, and Shaun is a surprisingly deep and complex protagonist. Therein lies the magic of “Orange County” – it’s a teen romp that still finds time for things like logic, character, and emotion. It’s refreshing, much like a juicy orange. Before we give light to the most underrated teen movie of the 2000s, let’s look at a few honorable mentions. “Sky High” (2005) “Loser” (2000) “Brick” (2005) “EuroTrip” (2004) “Crazy/Beautiful” (2001)
#1: “Saved!” (2004)
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“Saved!” is much heavier than most teen comedies. While it’s certainly cute and funny, it also touches on some pretty controversial and complex themes such as religious ostracism and teen pregnancy. The story concerns Mary Cummings, a senior at a Christian high school who suddenly finds herself pregnant and subsequently demonized and shunned by the religious community. “Saved!” conveys a unique and rewarding story that is biting and fiercely satiric in its approach to religious intolerance. It’s a movie about proper Christian values and the virtues of love and acceptance, and it’s masked by a heartwarming and hilarious high school comedy. If only all teen movies could be this smart.
