Top 10 Most Unforgivable Teen Movie Moments
#10: Wooderson’s Dating Habits “Dazed and Confused” (1993)
Matthew McConaughey was still early in his career when he took on the now-iconic role of David Wooderson. Unfortunately, while his performance is strong, the character makes us say, “Oh no, oh no, oh no.” For one thing, he’s a fully grown man in his early twenties who is still hanging around with the local high schoolers. We get that it’s a small town, but we also notice that no other adult spends their nights cruising with the kids. By far the grossest thing about Wooderson is his proudly stated attraction to the younger girls in particular. That line gives us the creeps every time. It’s almost as bad as watching him in action later on.
#9: Danny Zuko’s Reputation Obsession “Grease” (1978)
Is BOND 25 in Trouble? Danny Boyle LEAVES Movie – The CineFiles Ep. 86
Sandy thought she had the picture perfect summer love story. So of course she was thrilled when she discovered that her beach beau was a student at her new school. Except he appears to be very different from the guy she thought she knew. This Danny Zuko is a total jerk. Keep in mind he’s already been bragging to his friends about what may or may not have happened during their relationship. Though we know he likes Sandy, Danny is more interested in his reputation with his gang, even if it hurts her. Sandy was spot on in her read of him in this moment. We only wish she’d stuck to her guns.
#8: The Prom Plot “Never Been Kissed” (1999)
Top 10 Teen Movie Plot Twists You Didn't See Coming
Like many of us, Josie Geller was a socially awkward ugly duckling as a teenager. For that she often found herself the target of mean-spirited pranks throughout high school. When her crush Billy asked her to the prom though, Josie thought her life might just be turning around. The night of the dance is a rude awakening. In a devastating turn of events, it is revealed that Billy only asked Josie for the express purpose of humiliating her. Though he probably thought nothing of it, this event would go on to affect Josie well into her twenties. No matter how many times we see this movie our hearts break for Josie every single time we watch her get crushed.
#7: Janice Using Cady “Mean Girls” (2004)
Janice obviously suffered a lot of trauma as a result of Regina George. The compulsion for revenge is understandable, especially given how nasty Regina is. Dragging an innocent third party into the mix was not cool though. Cady starts off the movie as a naive but kind-hearted person, which Janice exploits for her own vendetta. Even though Cady is uncomfortable spying on the Plastics, Janice takes advantage of her need to fit in to convince her to stick with it. This sends Cady down a dark path. While she is definitely still accountable for her own actions, Janice never owns up to her role in manipulating Cady to begin with. Yeah, like she would have gone back to that lunch table on her own.
#6: Kissing Without Consent “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser” (2018)
Top 20 Kissing in the Rain Scenes in Movies
There is a lot to unpack in this Netflix romcom. Catfishing is never justifiable, and Sierra’s scheme to get close to Jamey leads to a lot of cringe-worthy moments. The worst one has to be when she stalks Jamey’s date with Veronica, the person he thinks he’s been talking to. When he goes in for the kiss, Sierra intervenes, and Veronica comes up with an idea to get Sierra the smooch instead. It’s played off as a big romantic moment, but there’s no getting around the fact that Jamey doesn’t know who he is actually kissing. It’s not cute, it’s a violation of his trust and his agency. It’s actions like this that make the movie’s happy ending a tough sell.
#5: John Bender’s Harassment Campaign “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
Top 10 Greatest John Hughes Movies
We struggle to see what redeeming features John Bender might have. Claire originally had the right idea about just ignoring him but, well...He does make his presence known, mostly with his constant need to be nasty and obnoxious to everyone around him. Despite that, Claire is on board to help hide him from Vernon. And how does he repay her? Just a little personal violation, that’s all. Naturally Bender doesn’t see anything wrong with his behavior. He continues to harrass Claire throughout the movie, going out of his way to make her cry. Yet somehow we’re supposed to believe these two fall for each other? This is the first chapter of what could only be a very toxic relationship saga.
#4: Big Time Ruse “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” (2003)
Top 10 2000s Teen Movie Moments That Wouldn't Work Today
We can totally sympathize with Lizzie getting swept off her feet when she catches the eye of a handsome Italian popstar. And when he asks her to use her resemblance to his former singing partner, Isabella in order to help him at an awards show? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well it turns out that it is. Paolo is revealed to be using Lizzie in order to sabotage Isabella’s career. Not only is he trying to destroy his more talented partner, but he is actually hoping to humiliate Lizzie in front of the entire world. Thankfully, Lizzie and Isabella are able to turn the tables on him, but we can’t get over how egomaniacal the guy is.
#3: Jake Ryan, Concerned Boyfriend “Sixteen Candles” (1984)
Top 10 Movie Moments That Made Us Love Jake Gyllenhaal
When we first see Jake Ryan it is through Sam’s smitten gaze, and he seems like the ultimate heartthrob. If his attitude to his current girlfriend, Caroline is any indication though, he’s not such a prize. That’s not a great look. However, his disdain extends to straight up pawning her off on Ted. And it keeps getting worse. Jake uses Caroline’s vulnerable state to trick her into believing she’s with someone she knows and trusts. This leads to some later interactions where consent is dubious at best. It’s hard to see Jake as a guy worth having after his total lack of concern for his partner’s physical and emotional safety. Maybe someone should clue in Sam’s dad before she gets in Jake’s car.
#2: Noah Calhoun Won’t Take No For an Answer “The Notebook” (2004)
Who didn’t shed a tear over the story of Noah and his love for his wife Allie as she struggles with dementia? Too bad everything that came before was problematic as all get out. When Noah first lays eyes on Allie, out on a date with another guy, she makes it clear she’s not interested. Noah doesn’t really see that as an obstacle though. When she continues to refuse him, he decides to go to extremes. There is nothing about this that is romantic; this is manipulation. Unfortunately, it’s effective manipulation. Allie and Noah’s story has become a modern example of epic romance, but a lot about the relationship, and especially the beginning, just leaves a bad taste behind. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Spineless Austin Ames, “A Cinderella Story” (2004) Sure, Sam is Being Mocked By the Whole School, But Austin Is Embarrassed. What a Prince. Hilary Faye Frames Cassandra and Mary, “Saved!” (2004) Not Particularly Christ Like Behavior Bad Touch, “Bring It On” (2000) Jan Plays Off His Casual Assault of Courtney Like a Joke
#1: The Agenda “Cruel Intentions” (1999)
Top 10 Shocking Teen Movie Moments
The whole point of this movie is that Kathryn and Sebastian are terrible people, and that fact is hammered home early on. Kathryn is plotting revenge on an ex boyfriend by destroying the reputation of his innocent new love interest, Cecile. Never mind that Cecile is the only one who will be truly hurt by this. Meanwhile, Sebastian has set his sights on Annette, the daughter of their new headmaster who is open about her intention to wait until marriage to have sex. It’s all just a game for these two, which is made obvious by the bet they strike about the success of their separate agendas. Destroying random lives for sport is truly the lowest of the low.
