The history of teen movies is a long one. While the genre hit its peak in the ’80s, it’s been a mainstay of cinema since the birth of the medium. The teen genre has undergone many changes to become exciting, mature and relatable – with teenagers as its focus. These films often have a sense of fun that draws viewers in as they explore themes of fitting in, first love, and finding one’s identity. Every year has its fair share of teen movies, and 2023 is no exception.
In addition to relating to younger audiences, teen movies allow older viewers to relive their teenage years through the stories and characters portrayed in these movies. The genre’s distinct and entertaining mix of comedy, drama, action, and fantasy may be the reason for its popularity, and 2023 has plenty of exciting teen movies to offer.
10/10 “Teen Wolf: The Movie”
Jeff Davis has created another thrilling supernatural drama in which the Beacon Hills wolf pack battles a new evil. With this threat emerging, the one true Alpha werewolf Scott McCall must rally new allies and trusted friends to fight it. To make this story more interesting, supernatural creatures such as banshees, hellhounds, werecoytes and kitsunes join him in his fight.
Realized by Russell Mulcahy and which will be released on January 26, 2023, the new teen wolf presents its original cast of Tyler Posey, Shelly Henning, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Rodeand the surprising return of Crystal Reed as Allison Argent. Although Scott McCall is still an Alpha, he is no longer a teenager; however, this movie may introduce a new teen wolf to stay true to its name.
9/10 “Cry VI”
The sixth installment of Scream The franchise will be released on March 10, 2023, with yet another terrifying and thrilling horror story. The new Scream follows Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Mason Golding and Jasmine Savoy Brown, four survivors of the Ghostface murders, as they leave Woodsboro and try to make a new life for themselves in New York.
With the franchise’s original writer and creator, Kevin Williamson back as executive producer and directors Matt Bettnelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillette of this classic American Slasher film, many fans are delighted to see this new installment reserved for them. Horror fans are certainly hoping for a scarier Ghostface and a bloodier showdown.
8/10 ‘The little Mermaid’
In this upcoming American musical fantasy, Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, is curious about the world beyond the sea and makes a deal with the malevolent sea witch Ursula to become human. On earth, Ariel falls in love with the charming Prince Eric and finds herself in trouble.
This live-action adaptation of the 1989 Disney animated film, directed by Rob Marshall and written by David Magee, stars Hailey Bailey like Ariel, Jonas Hauer King as Prince Eric, David Diggs, Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafinaand many more.
7/10 ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballards of Songbirds and Snakes’
After a six-year hiatus since the last installment of this sci-fi series, a new installment is set to release on November 17, 2023. Based on Suzanne Collins‘ novel of the same name, this prequel film tells the story of the young and charming Coriolanus Snow before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem. It follows his plot to help Lucy Gray, a tribute from District 12, win the game.
Like the others in the series, this new movie will be set in a futuristic dystopian world with a darker and more brutal Hunger Games. The film will feature an all-star cast, including Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, Tom Blyth, and more, and it will be led by Francois Lawrence. While some fans may be hesitant about a story centering on the tyrannical President Snow, the film should be thrilling. It might even become as popular as the other movies in the series.
6/10 “Prom Pact”
Written by Anthony Lombardo and led by anya adams, prom pact follows the story of a feminist (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) who only cares about getting into Harvard and doesn’t believe in falling in love but ends up falling hard. This teen rom-com is slated for release in the spring of 2023 and might be perfect for fans of teen rom-coms.
Following previous shows led by anya adamssuch as Fresh off the boat, Blackishand the success of Netflix Ginny and Georgiamany expect a colorful and entertaining film from this director. prom pact should capture the teenage experience of dealing with issues of falling in love and self-discovery.
5/10 ‘Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret
This initiatory comedy, based on the 1970 novel by Judy Blume, follows a sixth-grader as she grapples with issues of religious identity and other common early-teen anxieties. The protagonist’s mother is Christian, while his father is Jewish, causing the protagonist to feel uncertain about his religious affiliation.
Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, this upcoming American coming-of-age drama will be released on April 28, 2023. Although it is a lighthearted teen movie, it touches on important topics such as religion and sexuality. Despite this, fans of Judy Blume won’t want to miss.
4/10 ‘Barbie’
A Barbie doll living in a Barbie world is kicked out of the world because she’s not perfect enough: Barbie embarks on an adventure to find true happiness in the human world.
Written and directed by the Oscar nominee Greta Gerwigthis upcoming romantic comedy features movie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling alongside an impressive ensemble cast. Slated to release on July 21, 2023, this film has sparked theories and speculation among fans. However, from the images and trailer released by the film’s producers, one thing is certain: it will undoubtedly be visually vibrant and reminiscent of the Barbie style.
3/10 ‘Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse’
In this epic adventure, Miles Morales joins forces with Gwen Stacy and other Spider-people to battle a powerful villain like none of them have faced before. The new entry in the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse saga, directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp powersand Justin K. Thompsonwill be released on June 2, 2023.
2018 entertainment, Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse was highly praised for its heartwarming storyline, imaginative and colorful style, and endearing characters. Fans are eagerly awaiting an equally impressive story in the upcoming 2023 release. For many viewers, Spider-Verse was the best superhero movie ever made. The question now is whether this new opus can live up to its legacy?
2/10 ‘Wonka’
This fantasy tale follows the early adventures of young Willy Wonka and how he met Oompa-Loompas. There isn’t much plot information, but the film will focus on the eccentric young inventor’s formative years before he became the imaginative chocolatier.
This prequel will be directed by Paul King and written by King and Simon Farnaby. The film is set to release on December 15, 2023, so viewers will have to wait a bit to see Timothée Chalamet as young and fun Willy Wonka in his iconic top hat and brightly colored jacket.
1/10 “Shazam! Fury of the gods’
This superhero tale follows Billy Batson, a teenager who, after reciting the magic word “SHAZAM”, transforms into his adult alter ego, Shazam. In this sequel, Shazam and his family of superheroes must battle the villainous Hespera (Helene Mirren) and Kalypso (lucy liu) to save the day.
The first Shazam movie was well received, with a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and many are hoping the new one will follow in its footsteps. Shazam! Fury of the godsis set to release on March 17, 2023, so fans won’t have to wait long to see what the new installment has to offer. Asher Angel will play Batson, while Zacharie Levi will play his alter ego.