1. "The Forger" (2012)
There's a little town in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where art is BIG business. Now, imagine a teenager with an extraordinary talent for art forgery thrown into the mix. Young Joshua Mason, after bouncing from one foster home to another, discovers this world when he moves in with his grandfather. When he gets wrapped up in an art heist, things take a thrilling turn. Instead of your typical 'bad boy' story, this movie serves a palette of crime, art, and a splash of family drama. Remember the old saying, "Fake it till you make it?" Well, sometimes, that can get you in heaps of trouble, especially if we're talking about forging art.
2. "Detention" (2011)
Time travel and teenage angst? Say no more. Set in Grizzly Lake High School, the students have more to worry about than just exams. There's a serial killer, aptly named Cinderhella, who's wreaking havoc. And if that wasn't enough, some students discover a time machine and accidentally travel back to the 90s. Mix in a bit of romance, a prom night, and you've got a whirlwind of a movie.
Who knew high school could be this complicated? Imagine dealing with regular teenage drama, and then, oh, also having to find a murderer.
3. "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant" (2009)
A trip to a freak show changes Darren Shan's life forever. Curiosity, as they say, killed the cat. Well, in Darren's case, it turned him into a half-vampire. Bitten by a spider and thrust into a dark underworld, he becomes the assistant to a vampire named Larten Crepsley. A war between the vampires and their counterparts, the Vampaneze, looms, and Darren finds himself right smack in the middle.
Wouldn't we all love to have a slightly less ordinary life? Maybe not half-vampire level of extraordinary, but still.
4. "The Disaster Artist" (2017)
Dive into the making of one of the most infamous 'so bad it's good' movies ever, "The Room." While Tommy Wiseau, the genius behind "The Room," takes center stage, Josh Hutcherson portrays Philip Haldiman, an actor in the original film. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how Wiseau's vision (or lack thereof) led to an unexpected cult classic.
Think back to any home video you made with your friends that was an absolute disaster. Now, imagine that video became a sensation for all the wrong reasons. That's essentially "The Room."
5. "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (2008)
When Sean Anderson teams up with his uncle to follow his dad's last known footsteps, they find themselves, quite literally, in the center of the Earth. Yes, we're talking about a world filled with bizarre creatures, golden volcanoes, and enough danger to make anyone wish they'd just taken a regular vacation.
Remember when you wished for a bit of thrill on those mundane family trips? Well, Sean got more than he bargained for.
6. "Red Dawn" (2012)
North Korea invades Spokane, Washington, and a group of youngsters ain't having it. They form a guerrilla resistance to stand up against the North Korean soldiers. Hutcherson's character, Robert, joins forces with Jed, played by Chris Hemsworth, and together they turn from ordinary teenagers into unlikely heroes.
Who said you need superpowers to be a hero? Sometimes, just a little courage and teamwork can do the trick.
7. "The Kids Are All Right" (2010)
Laser and Joni have two moms. But teenage curiosity has its ways, and the siblings decide to seek out their biological father, Paul. Once they find him, family dynamics take a twist. While Paul tries to form a bond with his newfound children, the moms are, understandably, not too thrilled about his sudden intrusion into their lives.
Family dramas, right?
8. "RV" (2006)
Family vacations. Are they ever as smooth as planned? Meet the Munros. A simple family vacation turns into a chaotic road trip when Bob Munro rents an RV. While trying to bond with his family, they face one hilarious obstacle after another. And Hutcherson? He's the typical teenager, DJ, who's less than excited about the whole ordeal.
9. "Bridge to Terabithia" (2007)
Jess Aarons befriends the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, and together they create the magical world of Terabithia. It's a kingdom filled with giants, trolls, and all kinds of fantastical creatures. But in reality, they're just escaping to the woods behind their homes. It's a tale of friendship, imagination, and the bittersweet moments of growing up.
10. "Zathura: A Space Adventure" (2005)
Two bickering brothers, Walter and Danny, find an old board game that's not just your regular board game. With each roll of the dice, they find their house catapulted into space, facing off against meteors, robots, and reptilian aliens. Their only hope? Finish the game.
It's a thrilling space odyssey that serves suspense, sibling rivalries, and a pinch of nostalgia for anyone who's ever wished their board games could come to life.