Top 10 Teen Movies of the 2000s
The 2000s had some of the best teen movies! From dance movies like Step Up, to vampire romances like Twilight, to body switching comedies like Freaky Friday! We've also included iconic teen musicals like High School Musical, time traveling films like 13 Going on 20 and sad romances like A Walk to remember.
#10: “Step Up” (2006)
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In this dance movie, Tyler has to do community service at the Maryland School of the Arts. He meets aspiring ballerina Nora, who needs a dance partner for her big audition. The competition is fierce, so she’ll need to stand out. After some hesitation, she picks Tyler, incorporating his breakdancing into her routine. Even though the pair soon falls for each other, their personal and professional struggles put their act in jeopardy. When the street finally meets the stage, however,Tyler and Nora bring down the house. Four sequels and a decade later, the original still makes all the right moves.
#9: “High School Musical” (2006)
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In this first instalment of this Disney trilogy, we meet basketball player Troy and smart kid Gabriella. They may be from two different cliques, but they bond over their love of singing – and the chance to star in the high school musical. It won’t be as simple as auditioning, though. Prima donna Sharpay will do anything to get the lead, and Troy and Gabriella have championships coming up. Torn between sports, school, and song, Troy and Gabriella break free from peer pressure and follow their true passion,motivating their classmates to do the same. In the end, they’re all in this together!
#8: “A Walk to Remember” (2002)
Top 20 Teen Movies of the 2000s
In this romantic drama, Landon Carter falls head over heels for minister’s daughter Jamie Sullivan. He’s a rebellious teen, and she keeps to herself, but the two start dating. Jamie soon comes out of her shell, only to reveal a devastating secret – she has terminal leukemia. Knowing their time together is limited; Landon helps Jamie fulfill her bucket list. After an out-of-this-world proposal, the two get married, but she sadly passes away a few months later. While this movie is an undeniable tearjerker, it also shows us that love transcends our lives here on earth.
#7: “13 Going on 30” (2004)
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In 1987, the sweet and impressionable Jenna Rink just wants to be popular. After queen bee Lucy “Tom-Tom” Wyman humiliates Jenna at her thirteenth birthday party, she wishes to be thirty, flirty and thriving. To her surprise, Jenna wakes up in 2004 as a 30-year-old magazine editor. She slowly adjusts to her new life, but learns that all that glitters is not gold. She has distanced herself from her parents and Matty, her former best friend, and replaced them with Lucy, who’s as awful as ever. As grown-up Jenna’s life falls apart, her teen self takes responsibility for her future self’s actions, and finally realizes what truly matters the most.
#6: “Freaky Friday” (2003)
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Anna and her mom Tess don’t often see eye to eye. Anna isn’t ready for Tess to remarry, and Tess doesn’t approve of Anna’s band or her crush. All this changes when mom and daughter experience a reversal of fortune at a Chinese restaurant. After eating enchanted fortune cookies, Anna and Tess switch bodies. While under the spell, the two live in each other’s shoes, learning a lot about themselves and each other in the process. It’s that newfound appreciation and mother-daughter bond that helps to break the spell, and what makes this teen flick both funny and heartwarming.
#5: “Twilight” (2008)
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In the first movie of the supernatural romance saga, teen girl Bella Swan moves to the town of Forks, Washington. She meets the mysterious Edward Cullen, who ends up saving her life, but hesitates to be friends with her. The reason? He’s actually a 108-year-old vampire. Even though the Cullens don’t want to harm Bella, the cruel vampire James and his coven are on her trail. Now a couple, Edward will risk life and limb to protect his new love, while Bella’s life will change forever. Spawning four sequels, this movie is one to sink your teeth into.
#4: “The Princess Diaries” (2001)
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Geeky teen Mia Thermopolis is an ordinary girl in high school – except she’s a princess! As next in line to the fictional Genovian throne, the modest Mia gets a glamorous makeover, and suddenly finds herself in the tabloids. Her newfound popularity proves to be a royal pain, however, and a series of embarrassing events makes her want to give up the throne altogether. But with her family and friends by her side, Mia comes to accept herself for who she is. Whether she’s wearing a bucket hat or a tiara, this princess is noble in more ways than one.
#3: “Bring It On” (2000)
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Torrance Shipman is the Toros’ new head cheerleader. After her teammate gets hurt, she finds a replacement in Missy Pantone, the new girl in school who’s also a gifted gymnast. They learn that the Toros’ former leader, Big Red, stole their current routine from the Clovers, a talented rival squad. Torrance has to invent a brand new routine in time for the regional championships. At the same time, she becomes best friends with Missy while falling for her twin brother Cliff. With the Toros’ reputation on the line, Torrance motivates them to bring their A-game. Big Red puts the “itch” in “bitch,” but Torrance puts the “leader” in “cheerleader.”
#2: “The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants” (2005)
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Carmen, Bridget,Tibby and Lena are lifelong best friends. This summer is the first time they’ll be apart, so they decide to keep in touch in a unique way. While out shopping, the girls find a pair of jeans that fits them all perfectly despite their different body types. Each friend wears the jeans for a few weeks and then sends them on to the next one. Their time apart is full of challenges and heartbreak, and they’ll need each other’s support more than ever. Through the power of friendship and the magic of the travelling pants, these friends are as close as can be, even when they’re miles away. Before we get to our #1 teen movie from the 2000s, here are some honorable mentions: “Crossroads” (2002) “Save the Last Dance” (2001) “Superbad” (2007)
#1: “Mean Girls” (2004)
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New girl in school Cady Heron just moved from Africa, and finds her first friends in social outcasts Janis and Damian. With their help, she infiltrates the Plastics, and eventually ousts queen bee Regina George. Now a queen bee herself, Cady learns that it’s lonely at the top. She alienates Janis and Damian, and a rumour involving her and Regina ruins her reputation. Starting from scratch, Cady comes back down to earth, and atones for her past wrongs. While “Mean Girls” shows us the consequences of social hierarchies, it’s also full of laughs and is endlessly quotable. This movie isn’t just an iconic teen comedy…it is so fetch!
