Top 10 Teen Movies With the Best Soundtracks
#10: “Booksmart” (2019)
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As overachievers Amy and Molly navigate their final and only crazy night of high school, they’re accompanied by songs by artists like Perfume Genius, Lizzo, LCD Soundsystem, and Alanis Morissette. Director Olivia Wilde reportedly took an interesting approach for this fun, energetic tracklist, with unplanned additions and playlists put on repeat on the set. According to Wilde, it was crucial to have a wide range of music to reflect the unpredictability and variety of teenagehood. For this blend of a girls’ night out and coming-of-age film, the soundtrack had to match the chaotic energy of the emotional rollercoaster plot, and it delivered.
#9: “Boyz n the Hood” (1991)
In this emotional and influential film, a group of seventeen-year-olds face economic struggles, gang violence, and racial inequality in the ‘90s in South Central LA. Hip hop and R&B were central to this soundtrack, highlighting the nuances of the Black experience in the movie. Ice Cube, who was still just in his twenties at the time, played the teenage Doughboy. He also contributed to the soundtrack with the song "How to Survive in South Central." On this excellent hip-hop-heavy tracklist, he’s joined by greats such as 2 Live Crew, Compton’s Most Wanted, and Prodigy. The result is a collection of music that truly bolsters the story.
#8: “Sixteen Candles” (1984)
In his directorial debut, John Hughes included over 30 songs over the course of this teen rom-com. Interestingly, the soundtrack was initially only put out as a sort of EP with a grand total of five tracks. There’s no denying that the breadth of music in the movie itself is something to behold, though. Even if you weren’t born in time, it should give you a pretty good idea of what it was like to grow up in the 1980s. You might feel some nostalgia hearing songs by artists such as Billy Idol, Wham!, and David Bowie. And don’t worry, you’re not alone; we also wish we were slow dancing to “True” by Spandau Ballet.
#7: “Empire Records” (1995)
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Centered on the fate of an independent record store in Delaware, this film was bound to have a winning tracklist. Despite its initial poor reception, “Empire Records” has achieved status as a cult film, perhaps thanks in part to its inclusion of young stars such as Renée Zellweger and Liv Tyler. Who could forget Zellweger belting “Sugarhigh” from the rooftop and the gang getting ready for the day with “Seems” by Queen Sarah Saturday? With artists Cranberries, Gin Blossoms, and Edwyn Collins, this soundtrack will take you back to the days of ‘90s radio rock.
#6: “Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
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In this adaptation, the soundtrack is an intense, soulful complement to the original Shakespearean script that’s maintained throughout the film. The most romantic scenes are underscored by songs that completely immerse us into the mood. When Romeo and Juliet first see each other, for instance, Des’ree sings “Kissing You,” the film’s love theme. A young Quindon Tarver also delivers a choir version of “Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good)” when the two star-crossed lovers elope. The soundtrack album itself was also exceptionally popular in Australia. With singles such as the Cardigans’ “Lovefool” and Kym Mazelle’s cover of “Young Hearts Run Free,” it’s easy to see why.
#5: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
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It’s always a treat when authors direct and write the adaptations of their own books. This coming-of-age film follows Charlie, a freshman struggling through his first year of high school in the early ‘90s. Soon, he meets two seniors who take him under their wing. Interestingly, there’s some overlap between the tunes in the novel and the ones we see on-screen – the Smiths’ “Asleep,” anyone? And who could forget the importance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”’s music? Viewers who have read the 1999 novel might be confused about the “tunnel song”, though. In the film, David Bowie’s “Heroes” plays, but in the book, it was “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. Regardless, the movie’s soundtrack feels thoughtful, aptly accompanying our characters on their journey.
#4: “Grease” (1978)
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Even if you aren’t typically the biggest fan of musicals, you can’t deny the impact and energy of this romantic comedy. With a title track by Frankie Valli and duets such as “You’re the One That I Want” and “Summer Nights,” the sonic stylings of “Grease” have everything one could want. And that’s saying nothing of the solo masterpiece that is "Hopelessly Devoted to You." So it’s no surprise that a sing-along version of the film was released in 2010. However, you might be shocked to hear that this soundtrack was only 1978’s number two best-selling album. First place went to the soundtrack album from a different John Travolta movie: “Saturday Night Fever.”
#3: “Clueless” (1995)
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This film’s eclectic mix of ska, hip hop, rock, and indie show off the range of musical tastes that exist in any high school population. Set primarily in Beverly Hills, the tale of Cher’s it-girl life has gifted audiences with musically memorable scenes. Of course, there’s Tai’s makeover montage with Jill Sobule’s “Supermodel.” And we’d be remiss not to mention Coolio’s “Rollin’ with My Homies” at the party in the Valley. The soundtrack as a whole highlights a certain nostalgia for decades past, while also completely tuning into what made the ‘90s musical landscape so engaging. With a tracklist as bubbly as the most popular girl in school, “Clueless”’s tracklist gets an A.
#2: “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
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Just a year after “Sixteen Candles” was released, director John Hughes delivered another coming-of-age story. This one is centered on a mismatched group of students serving detention on a Saturday. The film’s new wave and rock soundtrack captured the blazing sense of angst felt by each individual character, in all their seemingly opposing personalities. Even though the soundtrack was negatively received by critics at the time, tracks such as Karla DeVito’s “We Are Not Alone” and Wang Chung’s “Fire in the Twilight” were essential to the more energetic scenes. And of course, we can’t forget Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” which served as the iconic musical backdrop for the beginning and end of the film. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Save the Last Dance” (2001)
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“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
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“Dazed and Confused” (1993)
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“Mean Girls” (2004)
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“Cruel Intentions” (1999)
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#1: “Juno” (2007)
For the soundtrack of this teen pregnancy story, director Jason Reitman reportedly turned to Elliot Page and asked, “What do you think Juno listens to?” Thanks to Page, The Moldy Peaches and Kimya Dawson are heavily featured. The lo-fi melodies and playful lyrics of “Tire Swing,” “My Rollercoaster,” and “So Nice So Smart” notably reflect Juno’s dry humor and charming personality. And let’s not forget the iconic use of "Anyone Else But You." That’s not all though. Audiences are also treated to songs by Cat Power, the Kinks, and the Velvet Underground, to name a few. Fans were also treated to “Juno B-Sides: Almost Adopted Songs,” which included another 15 tracks that weren’t included in the final cut.
