Image credit: Screen Gems, Lions Gate Films, SPE, STX Entertainment, Fox Searchlight, Warner Bros., Oscilloscope, United Artists Releasing, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal Pictures
Starring some of the today's most famous actors, these teen comedies somehow didn't get the popularity they surely deserve.
Here are some of the great teen movies of 2010s totally deserving a watch (or rewatch, even).
1. Easy A (2010) Who knew that a little white lie could spiral so out of control? In "Easy A," Emma Stone plays Olive, a high schooler who lies about losing her virginity to her best friend. The rumor spreads like wildfire, and before you know it, Olive becomes the talk of the town – for all the wrong reasons.
Olive decides to roll with it and starts accepting gift cards in exchange for pretending to hook up with her socially awkward classmates. Despite the newfound attention, Olive soon realizes that her reputation comes at a cost, as her friendships and personal life get complicated.
2. The DUFF (2015) High school can be tough, especially when you find out you're the DUFF – Designated Ugly Fat Friend.
Meet Bianca, played by Mae Whitman, who learns this harsh truth from her hunky next-door neighbor, Wesley (Robbie Amell). Determined to shed her DUFF label, she asks Wesley to help her gain some social traction and become dateable. In return, she helps him pass science class. They makeover her wardrobe, improve her social skills, and, well, let's just say sparks fly but not in the direction you'd expect.
This film made a modest $43.5 million at the box office but deserved so much more love.
3. 21 Jump Street (2012) This isn't your typical teen comedy because the teens are, well, undercover cops. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum play Schmidt and Jenko, who go undercover at a high school to bust a drug ring. They think they know what teens are like, but boy are they wrong. Schmidt gets in with the nerdy crowd, while Jenko hangs out with the jocks.
Hilarity ensues as they try to fit in and complete their mission without blowing their cover. From botched arrests to wild house parties, it's one misstep after another.
4. The Edge of Seventeen (2016) Hailee Steinfeld stars as Nadine, a high school junior who feels like an outsider. She's already having a tough time dealing with her dad's death when her popular older brother starts dating her best and only friend, Krista. Feeling abandoned, Nadine befriends her grumpy teacher (played by Woody Harrelson) and a classmate who has a crush on her.
Amid failed dates and awkward social encounters, Nadine tries to cope with the messy world of being a teenager.
5. Project X (2012) The mother of all house parties, "Project X" is about three high school friends – Thomas, Costa, and JB – who decide to throw the ultimate birthday bash to make a name for themselves. They aim for a night that nobody will forget and, oh, do they achieve it.
The party quickly spirals out of control, turning their suburban neighborhood into a war zone of debauchery. We're talking flamethrowers, police raids, and even a news helicopter. The crazy night brings them the popularity they longed for, but at what cost?
6. Booksmart (2019) Amy and Molly are two overachieving high school seniors who realize on the eve of graduation that they've missed out on all the fun stuff. Determined to cram four years of high school parties into one night, they set out for a legendary bash. Along the way, they encounter a boat party, a drama club murder mystery, and even get into a car with their eccentric principal.
In their quest for the ultimate party, they get arrested, confess their crushes, and learn some hard truths about their friendship.
7. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016) This one's a mockumentary-style comedy following the rise and fall of pop/rap star Conner4Real, played by Andy Samberg. Once part of the popular trio "The Style Boyz," Conner goes solo, and his first album is a hit. But the second one? Not so much.
Between bizarre stage gimmicks like magical costume changes and signing fans' skin with a tattoo gun, things start to go south. With his tour failing and his celebrity entourage abandoning him, Conner has to figure out how to salvage his career.
8. It's a Disaster (2012) What happens when a couples' brunch turns into an apocalyptic nightmare? You get "It's a Disaster," a dark comedy where eight friends gather for a monthly get-together, only to learn that outside their cozy home, the world is coming to an end. Terrorist attacks, chemical spills – you name it.
They seal themselves in, ration their snacks, and as the reality of their impending doom sets in, secrets and relationships unravel in the most hilarious ways possible.
9. The Way Way Back (2013) Fourteen-year-old Duncan is in for a tough summer vacation as he's dragged along by his mom, Pam, to her boyfriend Trent's beach house. Duncan finds solace at a local water park, where he starts working and befriends the manager, Owen.
From faking drownings to breakdance battles, his time at the park is packed with the type of friendships he never had before. But as the summer winds down, Duncan has to confront his family situation and figure out where he fits in.
10. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016) Brothers Mike and Dave, played by Zac Efron and Adam Devine, are notorious for ruining family events with their reckless behavior. Given an ultimatum to bring dates to their sister's wedding in Hawaii, they seek well-behaved women. They think they've struck gold with Alice and Tatiana, played by Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza. Little do they know, these women are wilder than they are.
