10 Teen Movies That Nailed The Novel They Were Based On

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Behind seemingly silly fun, there's a beautiful deeper meaning.

1. "Flipped" (2010)
Based on "Flipped" by Wendelin Van Draanen

So, there's this boy, Bryce, and this girl, Juli. Juli's head-over-heels for Bryce from the moment they meet, but Bryce? Not so much.

Fast-forward a few years, and Bryce can't help but flip for Juli. Meanwhile, Juli's starting to see Bryce's true colors. It's a back-and-forth love story, narrated by both protagonists, unfolding from their individual perspectives.

Set against the backdrop of the '60s, this charming tale of young love will leave you reminiscing about your first crush.


2. "How I Live Now" (2013)
Based on "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff

Now, imagine this: a New Yorker named Daisy is sent to the English countryside to live with her cousins.

What starts as a summer of freedom and fun takes a sinister turn as war breaks out. Suddenly, Daisy and her youngest cousin, Piper, are left alone to fend for themselves. Amid the chaos, Daisy's love for her cousin Edmond deepens.

As the war rages on, Daisy must make heart-wrenching decisions to protect those she loves. With love and survival intertwined, Daisy discovers the meaning of family and the strength within herself.


3. "The Spectacular Now" (2013)
Based on "The Spectacular Now" by Tim Tharp

Meet Sutter Keely: the life of the party, a senior in high school with no plans for the future. When he wakes up on a stranger's lawn, he meets the introverted, diligent Aimee.

An unlikely friendship blossoms between them. Sutter, played by the charismatic Miles Teller, teaches Aimee to live in the moment, while Aimee shows Sutter that there's more to life than just the present.

Their love story, however, faces its own set of hurdles as Sutter's addiction to alcohol threatens their relationship.


4. "It's Kind of a Funny Story" (2010)
Based on "It's Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

Here's the thing: Craig is just a typical teenager dealing with typical teenage problems – except, his stress lands him in a mental hospital.

Not exactly where he expected to spend his school break, right? But it turns out, this hospital is where Craig truly finds himself. With the help of fellow patients, including the charming Noelle, Craig learns that he's not alone in his struggles.


5. "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" (2008)
Based on "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

So, picture this: Nick, the only straight member of an all-gay punk band, is still nursing a broken heart. Norah, the daughter of a music producer, is tired of pretending. On a fateful night in New York City, they cross paths.

After a few awkward moments and a shared kiss, they embark on an all-night adventure to find their favorite band's secret gig. In the process, they discover a connection that goes beyond their shared musical taste.


6. "The Art of Getting By" (2011)
Based on "Homework" by Gavin Wiesen

You know that feeling of being on the brink of adulthood and not having a clue about what to do next? That's George. He's an underachieving high schooler who meets Sally, the popular girl he never thought he'd get to know.

But life throws them together, and they form an unlikely friendship. Sally pushes George to break out of his comfort zone, and George helps Sally navigate the challenges of teenage life.


7. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (2012)
Based on "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

Enter Charlie, a high school freshman struggling with depression and the loss of his best friend. It's no surprise that Charlie struggles to fit in.

But when he befriends a group of eccentric seniors, including the free-spirited Sam and the enigmatic Patrick, Charlie finally finds a place where he belongs. Through this newfound friendship, Charlie learns to embrace life, love, and the beauty of being different.


8. "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" (2018)
Based on "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by Emily M. Danforth

Set in the '90s, Cameron Post, a teenage girl, is sent to a gay conversion therapy center after being caught with her female best friend. At the center, she befriends fellow "disciples" Jane and Adam, who have their own ways of coping with the oppressive environment.

Despite the center's attempts to "re-educate" them, the three friends find solace and strength in one another. Together, they learn to navigate their way through a world that isn't always accepting of who they are.


9. "The DUFF" (2015)
Based on "The DUFF" by Kody Keplinger

Bianca is a high school senior who's blindsided when she's labeled as the "DUFF" (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) in her friend group. Determined to break free from this label, she enlists the help of her neighbor, the popular jock Wesley.

In exchange for helping him pass his classes, Wesley agrees to give Bianca a makeover and teach her how to be more approachable. As they spend time together, sparks fly, and Bianca discovers that there's more to Wesley than meets the eye.


10. "The Virgin Suicides" (1999)
Based on "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides

In suburban Michigan, the lives of the five Lisbon sisters are forever changed when the youngest, Cecilia, takes her own life.

Under the watchful eye of their overprotective parents, the remaining sisters become objects of fascination and desire to a group of neighborhood boys.

Told from the perspective of these boys, now grown men, the film captures their obsession with the enigmatic Lisbon sisters and their futile attempts to unravel the mystery of their deaths.