Buzz
The chaotic world of adolescence, often abandoned and misunderstood by society, has always found solace in the cinematic universe. Countless films have been crafted, showcasing these fiery, emotionally charged young individuals, driven by their raw instincts, wild dreams, and deepest desires. The movies curated here hail from diverse corners of the globe, yet they remain largely overlooked by mainstream audiences. In my opinion, these films capture the very essence of teen angst: their characters, though often perplexing, are brimming with life; their values may appear destructive or even morally ambiguous at times; and their moments are fleeting yet deeply impactful, forever anchored in the immediacy of the present. Some trailers below contain unsettling content. If you enjoy this list, you might also want to explore our Top 10 Dark Themed Teen Movies.
(Most of these films are not available on commercial DVDs, but they can be found online if you know where to search).
10. Throw Away Your Books Shuji Terayama, 1971
Full Title: Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets
This film, crafted by one of Japan’s leading avant-garde filmmakers, serves as a powerful anthem for disenfranchised youth. Through a fragmented and non-linear narrative, it delves into the psychological turmoil of alienation and societal exclusion experienced by many Japanese citizens during that period. It also issues a radical rallying cry for revolution among the counter-cultural youth of Japan, all wrapped in a visually stunning, psychedelic aesthetic. The film underscores the idea that when history stands on the brink of transformation, it is the young who will seize the moment. The NSFW trailer can be found here.
9. Don’t Deliver Us From Evil Joel Seria, 1971
Undeniably one of the most blasphemous and sacrilegious films ever committed to celluloid, it stands as one of the finest portrayals of the irrational and chaotic nature of adolescence. The story follows two best friends, Anne and Lore, who attend a convent school and pledge their allegiance to Satan. What unfolds is a series of increasingly dark and destructive acts, far more sinister than the mischievous antics seen in films like Problem Child. As a bold rebellion against religion, parental authority, suburban life, and virtually every societal norm, this film unquestionably earns its place on this list. The unsettling trailer is available here.
8. Cold Water Olivier Assayas, 1994
Teenage romances often carry a bittersweet thrill, tinged with desperation and melancholy. Olivier Assayas’ semi-autobiographical film might just be the epitome of such a romance. Set in 1972, it follows Gilles and Christine, two sixteen-year-old lovers yearning to escape their bleak lives. They seek solace in rock and roll, experiment with various hard drugs, and eventually turn to crime. Despite their efforts to find happiness, their only remaining choice is to flee into the cold, unforgiving night. The film’s portrayal of wistful, ultimately tragic love is deeply relatable.
7. A Swedish Love Story Roy Andersson, 1970
Another tale of young love, this time set in Sweden, but unlike the previous French film, it carries a gentle, understated tone rather than one of urgent tragedy. Against the backdrop of an older generation fading into history, the time is perfect for new love to flourish. Defying the conformity and dissatisfaction of their parents, fifteen-year-old Pär and fourteen-year-old Annika fall passionately in love. The film is tender and delicate, filled with fleeting yet meaningful glances between the young lovers, capturing the awkwardness and fragility of first love.
6. Fudoh: The New Generation Takashi Miike, 1996
At first glance, many might not categorize this as a film about teenage angst, as Takashi Miike’s signature extreme violence and surreal madness take center stage, overshadowing other themes in this early work by the acclaimed director. After witnessing his brother’s murder at the hands of their yakuza father, the surviving son vows revenge against everyone involved. Beyond being a veiled critique of patriarchal structures in contemporary Japan, the film is a visceral proclamation of the younger generation overthrowing the corrupt old guard by any means necessary.
5. Timeless, Bottomless Bad Movie Jang Sun-woo, 1997
Alongside the first entry, this Korean film stands out as one of the most experimental on this list. It explores the dynamics between the old and new generations—the former embodied by a group of homeless individuals and the latter by a gang of juvenile delinquents. Rather than focusing on their conflicts, the film highlights their shared traits. Centering on the chaotic and frenzied lives of the young gang, it becomes clear that these characters, like wandering animals, have no future and never will, as they are entirely consumed by the immediacy of the present.
4. Deep End Jerzy Skolimowski, 1970
Is there a character more excruciatingly awkward than Mike, the fifteen-year-old protagonist of Deep End? Mike takes a job at a local bathhouse, where he becomes infatuated with an older, engaged woman. Despite her relationship, Mike’s obsession grows unchecked. Few coming-of-age stories capture the raw pain of adolescence with such intensity and desperation as this underrated gem from the seventies.
3. Times Square Allan Moyle, 1980
Two teenage girls cross paths in a mental institution—one the privileged daughter of a politician, the other a struggling aspiring rock star. Together, they decide to run away for good. This film stands out for its portrayal of teenagers embracing their outsider status, reveling in their defiance, chaos, and rejection of societal norms. With a soundtrack featuring iconic artists like Talking Heads, Lou Reed, XTC, and Roxy Music, music becomes their driving force as they navigate a world that fails to understand them. Their bond gives them life, and in that, they find the essence of what it means to be a teenager.
2. A Brighter Summer Day Edward Yang, 1991
Set during the director’s youth, this film follows Xiao S’ir as he becomes entangled with a local gang and falls for the gang leader’s girlfriend. However, this summary barely scratches the surface of this four-hour Taiwanese epic, which delves into themes of rock music, family struggles, violence, and history. At its core, the film explores how teenagers, desperate to escape their era, are often the ones most profoundly shaped by it, often in devastating ways. A personal favorite, this masterpiece ranks second only to one other film that captures teen rebellion with even greater intensity.
1. Zero for Conduct Jean Vigo, 1932
Directed with infectious enthusiasm by one of cinema’s most celebrated anarchists, this early work stands as one of the most impactful acts of rebellion in film history. Drawing from the director’s own teenage experiences, this 41-minute short film captures the chaos of boarding school students spiraling into mayhem. It features an iconic surreal sequence—a slow-motion pillow fight—that brilliantly encapsulates the unrestrained vitality of youth. Overflowing with joy and defiance, this film is a definitive exploration of teen angst. It’s a tragedy that Vigo’s filmography remains so limited. The full movie is embedded above.
