As HBO Max’s library of films continues to grow, there is no shortage of great teen movies to choose from. The streaming service has been slowly adding a selection of best teen movies on HBO Max from the last few decades, such as comedies, dramas, and Sci-fi movies. Additionally, there are a few films that cross over into other genres, such as fantasy and musicals.
Regardless of your preferences, there is sure to be a movie on HBO Max that will appeal to you. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the best teen movies on HBO Max, whether you are a teenager or just an adult seeking a bit of nostalgia.
Can’t Buy Me Love
Can’t Buy Me Love | ||
Genre Comedy, Drama, Romance | Runtime 1 Hour 34 Minutes | |
Director Steve Rash | 6.8/10 | |
Cast Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Peterson, Courtney Gains |
The fake-dating scenario has been a staple of teen films for many years, and the classic romantic comedy “Can’t Buy Me Love” is one of the most enduring examples. The story follows a nerdy young man who hires a popular classmate to pose as his girlfriend to bolster his reputation.
As the process progresses, the two begin to form a genuine bond and must reevaluate their preconceived notions of high school social norms.
Chasing Liberty
Chasing Liberty | ||
Genre Comedy, Romance | Runtime 1 Hour 51 Minutes | |
Director Andy Cadiff | 6.1/10 | |
Cast Mandy Moore, Matthew Goode, Mark Harmon |
Anna Foster has experienced a tumultuous period in her life. At the age of eighteen, she is considered the most secure young woman in the United States, as the First Daughter. She is fed up with her domineering father, the President, and strikes a deal with him. He will only allow two agents to accompany her to a concert in Prague, but when her father backs out on his promise, Anna lashes out and runs away with photographer Ben Calder, whom she meets outside of a music club.
Together, they journey to Berlin to attend the Love Parade. Anna has not revealed her identity to Ben, but more importantly, he has not revealed his to her. Under her father’s orders, Ben is expected to watch over the rebellious girl, but he does not expect to fall in love with her.
Cruel Intentions
Cruel Intentions | ||
Genre Drama, Romance | Runtime 1 Hour 37 Minutes | |
Director Roger Kumble | 6.8/10 | |
Cast Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon |
The plot of the story follows the exploits of two devious, manipulative half-siblings, Kathryn and Sebastian. Initially, Kathryn makes a wager with Sebastian, stipulating that he must sleep with Annette, the daughter of the principal of their school, prior to the conclusion of summer vacation. Annette had previously declared that she would not sleep with a male partner until she was in love and married.
If Kathryn were to win the wager, she would be granted possession of Sebastian’s 1929 vintage Jaguar Roadster, while if Sebastian were to prevail, he would be granted possession of Kathryn, the one girl he knew he would never have. Additionally, the story follows Cecile, an impressionable young woman whose mother has enlisted Kathryn to assist her in adjusting to her new educational environment.
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing | ||
Genre Drama, Music, Romance | Runtime 1 Hour 40 Minutes | |
Director Emile Ardolino | 7.0/10 | |
Cast Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach |
In 1963, Baby Houseman, the daughter of a well-to-do doctor, goes to a resort with her family in the Catskill Mountains of New York. She’s raised in a wealthy family, and everyone expects her to go to college, volunteer for the Peace Corps, and help the world before getting married. But what she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with camp dance instructor Johnny Castle.
He’s from a different background than her, so she lies to her dad to get money for an abortion for him and his dance partner. Then she steps in and does the dance routine, and the two fall in love.
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights | ||
Genre Drama, Music, Romance | Runtime 1 Hour 26 Mintues | |
Director Guy Ferland | 5.9/10 | |
Cast Diego Luna, Romola Garai, Sela Ward |
In 1958, Katey Miller, an American teenager, moved to Havana with her family, including her younger sister. Her dad is an executive for a Ford company that has moved to Cuba and she’s a high school senior who’s missing her friends. They stay at a fancy hotel where Katey meets Javier Suarez, a local waiter.
They dance together in a square and get to know each other, but he’s kicked out of the hotel because his friends have spotted them. Katey asks Javier to take part in a Latin ballroom contest at the Palace Club so she can help him make some money. She secretly meets him at the club for rehearsals.
Eragon
Eragon | ||
Genre Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy | Runtime 1 Hour 44 Minutes | |
Director Stefen Fangmeier | 5.1/10 | |
Cast Ed Speleers, Sienna Guillory, Jeremy Irons |
This book follows Eragon, an orphan farm boy who finds a blue gem sent to him from Princess Arya. He soon finds out it’s a dragon egg, and when it’s hatched, he meets Brom, his mentor, who helps him become the dragon rider that was promised to him in an old prophecy.
It’s a story of how Eragon and Brom fight to free his people from the tyrannical ruler of the Kingdom of Alphagesia, Galbatoix, who was once a dragon rider and then betrayed his friends and family.
Hairspray
Hairspray | ||
Genre Drama, Comedy | Runtime 1 Hour 57 Minutes | |
Director Adam Shankman | 6.7/10 | |
Cast John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky |
After one of the show’s stars passes away, Corny Collins throws an open casting call for the new teen regular. Tracy Turnblad, who has all the moves in the world, is a fan of the show and runs home every day with her best friend Penny to watch it and drool over Link Larkin. Unfortunately, Edna, Tracy’s mom, doesn’t approve of this.
But with the help of Seaweed, a friend of hers, Tracy is chosen and ends up getting into a lot of trouble with Amber von Tussle and Velma, the evil dance queen.
Wrapping it up!
To sum up, HBO Max provides an extensive and enjoyable selection of teen films that appeal to a broad range of viewers. Whether you are looking for a romantic comedy, an action-packed drama, a musical full of catchy tunes, or simply want to relive the nostalgia of a bygone era, HBO Max has a wealth of teen-oriented films to choose from. These films explore the complexities of youth, such as love, friendship, personal growth, and the difficulties of growing up.