Top 10 Shocking Teen Movie Moments
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VOICE OVER: Saraah Hicks
WRITTEN BY: Shaina Higgins
These teen movie moments get an S for shocking. For this list, we'll be looking at those times we were reminded that just because teen movies have a formula doesn't mean they can't take us by surprise. Our countdown includes "Easy A," "Carrie," "Kids," and more!
#10: The True Source of Micah’s Itchy Situation “Easy A” (2010)
Though Olive Penderghast willingly assumed the role of high school seductress, she didn’t anticipate that everyone would start to think the worst of her. But when Micah is diagnosed with an STI, even the dim-witted super senior realizes he can use her as a scapegoat. His lie obviously gets people clutching their pearls. However, the real shock comes when his actual sexual partner is revealed to be guidance counselor, Mrs. Griffith. Obviously, the breach of trust between a student and authority figure is abhorrent, regardless of how old he is. And at first Mrs. Griffith seems to realize her actions are destructive. Unfortunately, when Olive offers to take the wrap, Mrs. Griffith is quick to let her. And her willingness to pass the blame is truly appalling.
#9: Eleanor’s True Colors “Do Revenge” (2022)
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“Do Revenge” is a movie that leans gleefully into the classic tropes of a ‘90s teen film. And at its heart are Drea and Eleanor, a dethroned queen bee and a nerdy new girl, teaming up to strike a blow against the people who wronged them. As Eleanor infiltrates the popular clique on Drea’s behalf, it seems like their plan is working…a little too well. But it’s only after the two have fallen out that Drea realizes she and Eleanor have a past. Turns out the whole plot was a setup for Drea, and the former “Nosy Nora” was the true puppetmaster pulling the strings all along. We have to give it up to this movie for subverting archetypes as well as it uses them.
#8: A Killer Twist “Scream” (1996)
Drew Barrymore was already an established name when she appeared in “Scream.” So nobody expected to see her become the first victim of the killer known as Ghostface. Right from the jump…scare, Scream had us on edge, and off guard. But we still weren’t ready when we got a look under the mask. Two killers? Sure, it’s unusual, but it makes sense. However, we never could have predicted that Sidney’s boyfriend, slasher film aficionado, Billy, was less a fan of on screen killers than a student of them. Not to agree with Billy, but the mind-blowing revelation does up “Scream”’s horror quotient. After all, the only thing scarier than being stalked by a serial killer is learning you regularly made out with one.
#7: Battle Shock “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” (2012)
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With an army of voracious book fans at the core of its fandom, the Twilight movies made a lot of effort to be faithful adaptations. So it shook fans to their core when the finale’s climactic meeting of the Cullens and the Volturi swerved suddenly into unexpected territory. The death of Carlisle Cullen at the hands of Aro landed like a physical gut punch. And what had been a tense conversation on the page turned into a chaotic brawl. Twilighters watched in dismay as beloved characters fought for their lives, and losses piled up on both sides. At times it seemed downright apocalyptic. Luckily, it was all just one of Alice’s visions. But it really got hearts racing for a few minutes there.
#6: “Cruel Intentions.” That’s it. That’s the Entry. “Cruel Intentions (1999)
Where to begin with a story that seems designed to elicit shock and outrage? Kathryn Mertueil’s tutoring session with Cecile certainly raised eyebrows, especially in the ‘90s. It’s Kathryn’s relationship with her step brother, Sebastian Valmont that really gets our skin crawling, though. The way these two use people for ego and revenge isn’t great, but the fact that they do it as a form of foreplay makes it so much worse. True, they’re not actually related, but everything about this duo is wrong. That said, Sebastian at least is able to grow as a person when he falls for Annette. He shows real signs of redemption, making his sudden death in a car accident that much more gutting.
#5: The Truth About Miles “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023)
As thousands of Spider people unite to keep the multiverse intact, Miles Morales is eager to help. But from the minute he arrives at HQ, Miguel O’Hara makes it clear he is not welcome. In light of the potential unraveling of space and time, we suppose Miguel’s frustration is not unwarranted, but it turns out that his antipathy towards Miles goes deeper. And where better than mid-chase to lay it all out. Not only does Miles have a habit of causing disruptions, but his very being is a disruption. This revelation adds a heavy weight to Miles’ shoulders, while also opening up dizzying new questions. And nothing prepared any of us for the moment he comes face to face with his own variant. That’s what we call a dangling conclusion.
#4: The Bus Stops Here “Mean Girls” (2004)
Don’t get us wrong, Regina George has done some bad stuff. In fact, throughout “Mean Girls” she frequently stuns with just how devious she can be. From her two faced behavior to the way she manipulates and intimidates everyone around her, Regina is very clearly an antagonistic character. Though we hate to see Cady fall to the dark side to beat her, we want to see Regina taken down a peg as much as anyone. We did not, however, expect karma to come for her in the form of an errant school bus. “Mean Girls” had several fantasy sequences that primed us for a fake out. And that’s what makes this moment so jaw-droppingly unforgettable. It’s the smart writing that makes this movie so fetch.
#3: Seeing Red on Prom Night “Carrie” (1976)
Carrie White can’t seem to catch a break. Her mentally unstable mother makes her home life unbearable, and at school she is targeted by her peers. But her luck seems to turn when the cute Tommy Ross asks her to prom. The night starts out like a dream. Indeed, Carrie is even named prom queen. But it’s then that the dream becomes a nightmare. When she is doused by pig’s blood on stage she realizes that the entire evening was part of an elaborate prank. The stunt alone is staggering in its viciousness, but, incredibly, the scene continues to escalate. Finally pushed past her limit, Carrie snaps, and takes out the whole gym in a supernatural rage. Turns out torment and telekinesis are a bad mix.
#2: The Kids Are Not Alright “Kids” (1995)
With its DIY feel and inexperienced young cast, this movie has a raw quality that is almost too realistic. Set in the wide streets and cramped apartments of New York City, “Kids” offers a frank portrayal of teenagers engaging in risky behaviors like substance use, and unprotected sex. As well as showing in no uncertain terms the potential consequences of those actions. You would think that such a diagnosis would be enough for one character to contend with, but Jenny goes on to suffer a sexual assault later in the film that plays out right before our eyes. No part of “Kids” is comfortable to watch, but its graphic, unblinking portrayals of these events is something viewers can’t easily shake. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. The Root of Charlie’s Trauma, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012) Charlie’s Repressed Memories Reveal He Suffered Abuse at the Hands of His Aunt Helen Augustus Waters’ Terminal Diagnosis, “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014) We Were So Busy Worrying for Hazel, It Didn’t Occur to Us We Could Lose Gus The Toros are Cheaters, “Bring It On” (2000) Torrance’s Entire World is Rocked by the Revelation that Her Team’s Legacy is Stolen The Real Rat at Poise, “13 Going on 30” (2004) Jenna Learns That Her Future Self Was the Magazine’s Secret Saboteur A Night to Forget, “Never Been Kissed” (1999) The Flashback to Josie’s Prom Is So Cruel That It Physically Hurts to Watch
#1: Heather Chandler’s Unexpected Demise “Heathers” (1989)
Just as mean as she is popular, Veronica’s frenemy Heather Chandler seems like the obvious villain of the film that shares her name. That was until J.D. blew into Veronica’s life. When J.D. flippantly suggests poisoning the clique leader Veronica laughs it off. Yet J.D. 's mug is the one that ends up in Heather’s hand, sending her to an early exit. Though Heather's presence looms large over the rest of the movie, the plot takes off in a very different direction as high school social dynamics take a back seat to J.D’s increasingly unhinged mayhem. But in a movie built on upending expectations, it’s the death of Heather Chandler that will always be its most iconic surprise.
