32 Heart-Melting Movies and Shows That Capture the Essence of Young Love!

In this discussion, we’ll delve into movies and television series primarily centered around youthful romance. These stories feature characters who are often teenagers, exploring their first loves and relationships. So, let’s dive right in!

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Trilogy (2018 – 2021)

The “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” trilogy resonated deeply with many young women, including myself, who fantasize about finding a charming fellow like Peter Kavinsky. We all concurred that Noah Centineo became the internet’s ideal partner for quite some time following this—certainly, it brought about a change in culture.

Teen Wolf (2011 – 2017)

As a seasoned movie critic, let me share my take on the captivating show, “Teen Wolf.” This series undeniably earns its place among supernatural teen dramas, primarily due to its intriguing premise – a high school student transforming into a werewolf. However, what truly sets it apart is the overwhelming emphasis on romantic entanglements. Love stories are woven so skillfully throughout this series that they become the primary driving force, making “Teen Wolf” an exceptional example of blending romance and supernatural elements in a compelling narrative.

Grease (1978)

Sure thing! Although none of the actors in the Grease cast were actually high school students during filming, the movie itself focuses on teenage romance. Despite my occasional feeling that Grease is overhyped, I appreciate how it portrays the impact of young love on teenagers, presented in a catchy and entertaining musical format.

One Tree Hill (2003 – 2012)

When considering teen romance in general, it’s often One Tree Hill that comes to mind first. Spanning over eight full years, this series delves into the tale of two brothers with a shared paternal lineage who both aim for the same spot on their school’s basketball team. However, as fate would have it, their personal lives become intertwined and complicated, adding layers of drama to an already captivating storyline. This show truly delivers on high-stakes emotion.

Easy A (2010)

Among Emma Stone’s standout films, I always find myself returning to “Easy A.” Despite her impressive performances in dramatic roles, there’s an extra appeal when she stars in comedic romances like this one. The film cleverly weaves humor into the portrayal of young love, and it enhances the bond between her character and another, making their relationship all the more captivating.

Gilmore Girls (2000 – 2007)

Indeed, some might argue that Gilmore Girls isn’t primarily about young romance as it delves deeper into the bond between mother and daughter. Yet, it’s hard to deny that throughout the series, one couldn’t help but ponder who Rory would eventually choose between Dean and Jess, long before the rise of Team Edward and Team Jacob. And for the record, many believe Jess was the superior choice.

X.O. Kitty (2023 – Present)

In a new twist on “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”, we have the series “X.O. Kitty”. This show focuses on Kitty, Lara Jean’s younger sister, and her exciting journey through South Korea. Romance is certainly a key element, but it also offers a delightful blend of comedy as Kitty navigates her way through her teenage years. It’s a series that anyone can enjoy!

Dawson’s Creek (1998 – 2003)

For six consecutive seasons, “Dawson’s Creek” has remained a significant and enduring teen romance television series. Similar to many other teen romances, it focuses on the lives of a tight-knit group of high school friends and their intertwining relationships. However, let me tell you, this show was massive and catapulted its cast members into stardom.

She’s All That (1999)

Actually, we’re not referring to “He’s All That.” We’re discussing the original film, “She’s All That,” starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook. This movie revolves around a high school student who boasts he can transform any girl into a prom queen in six weeks, only to find himself falling for his makeover subject. It’s a delightful teenage romantic comedy that’s full of charm.

Twilight (2008)

The Twilight films mainly focus on the romantic relationship between Bella and Edward, making them essentially teenage romances. Despite Edward being much older, this series still falls under the category of young love stories, as Bella is a teenager and Edward is essentially a youthful character. However, let’s not dwell on his actual age, as that’s beside the point – what matters most is the romantic aspect. In other words, it’s a teen romance story.

Glee (2009 – 2015)

As I brainstormed concepts for this piece, “Glee” was one of the initial ideas that sprang to mind. Of course, everyone adored the cover songs on the show, but the romances between characters like Blaine and Kurt, Santana and Brittany, Rachel and Finn were what truly captured our hearts when the series aired. Even though this article is about a Glee club, it’s clear that we’re all here for the relationships.

Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)

As the actors of “Gossip Girl” progressed beyond their teenage years during filming, the show remained a fan favorite due to its complex relationships, regardless of how incredibly tangled they became. Indeed, things often took a turn for the complicated on this series.

My So-Called Life (1994 – 1995)

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I must confess that despite only having one season, “My So-Called Life” has indelibly etched itself into the annals of pop culture history. It offered an uncannily authentic depiction of teenagers, delving deeply into the complexities and nuances of young love in a way that felt refreshingly natural. Admittedly, it wasn’t as flamboyant or dramatic as some other shows, but its subtlety is precisely what makes it stand out. Today, it’s not just a great show – it’s a beloved cult classic.

She’s The Man (2006)

For a spell, Amanda Bynes seemed to rule the roost when it came to teen romance comedies, and “She’s The Man” stands out as her finest work. This film narrates the tale of a female soccer enthusiast who disguises herself as a male to participate in the men’s team. The movie is side-splittingly funny and weaves a delightful young romance that’s hard to resist.

Never Have I Ever (2020 – 2023)

Over four seasons, “Never Have I Ever” stands out as an engaging teenage romantic series. Rumor has it that the plot is inspired by the experiences of Mindy Kaling, one of its co-creators, and her time in Boston. The story unfolds around a high school student navigating the complexities of personal and academic life following her father’s demise. The romance element is equally captivating as the rest of the show.

Ginny & Georgia (2021 – Present)

In a similar vein, both shows, Ginny & Georgia and Gilmore Girls, focus on the dynamic between a mother and daughter. However, unlike Gilmore Girls, Ginny & Georgia dives deeply into romantic relationships, often creating a rollercoaster of emotions – from admiration to frustration. Yet, despite these ups and downs, it’s an enjoyable ride overall.

The O.C. (2003 – 2007)

Spanning across four distinct seasons, “The O.C.” stands as another captivating teen drama that primarily revolves around romance. This television show chronicles the life of a teenager who finds himself in a prosperous household following an adoption, portraying his struggles adapting and managing relationships within this new environment. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend giving it a watch as it is considered one of the finest teen series available.

Crush (2022)

Titled “Crush,” this Hulu original movie showcases the lively performance of Rowan Blanchard. The film revolves around a high school student who decides to join the track team with the intention of getting closer to her crush. However, an unexpected turn of events occurs as she finds herself falling for her crush’s twin sister instead, leading to a series of complications.

The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 2017)

Let me tell you, I could go on and on about that series! Despite its supernatural theme, The Vampire Diaries is primarily a love story. You’ve got this ordinary girl falling for a vampire who she thinks is human, only to find out his brother has feelings for her too – it’s quite the romantic triangle! And oh, it was all over the place during its peak. Despite their ages being centuries old, the romance in this show feels young and contemporary.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

10 Things I Hate About You, featuring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, is one of the most delightful interpretations of a Shakespearean work due to its entertaining nature. The film revolves around a high school student who seeks the assistance of the town’s troublemaker to win over the sister of the person he admires—essentially, it’s a formula for an exciting romance.

Dash & Lily (2020)

It’s unfortunate that the Netflix series, Dash & Lily, didn’t receive the recognition it deserved during its release. Starring Austin Abrams and Midori Francis, this delightful show follows the story of two young hearts who fall in love through exchanged messages and challenges across various New York City locales. Simply put, it’s a heartwarming tale that I highly recommend you check out if you haven’t already.

Warm Bodies (2013)

In a slightly different wording: I couldn’t resist sharing a fun choice here. The film “Warm Bodies” is one of Nicholas Hoult’s standout performances, and it’s downright hilarious. Essentially, it follows the heartwarming story of a teenage zombie and a human teenager falling in love. Honestly, that’s just too cute!

The Secret Life Of The American Teenager (2008 – 2013)

The American teen drama “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” was hugely popular for ABC Family upon its release, boasting five distinct seasons. At its core, the narrative in the first season revolves around a high school student who finds herself pregnant following a summer at band camp and a single night’s encounter. However, as you might expect, the series offers numerous surprises and plot twists that keep viewers hooked from start to finish, with romantic entanglements being a significant draw.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022 – Present)

This novel, titled “The Summer I Turned Pretty“, is an engaging choice for young romance enthusiasts. Drawing from the original books, it narrates the tale of a teenage girl who becomes entangled in a romantic triangle involving two brothers. As you might expect, it’s quite dramatic and highly appealing to me with each reading.

Euphoria (2019 – Present)

Is Euphoria significantly more mature compared to other selections on this list? Absolutely, given that it’s a young romance series on HBO. The program primarily revolves around Rue’s experiences with drugs, yet the romantic element is a crucial component, notably involving other characters and also Rue and Jules.

Love, Victor (2020 – 2022)

This series, a continuation from the film “Love, Simon,” is genuinely fantastic and leaves me wishing for additional seasons. Known as “Love, Victor,” this show primarily focuses on the protagonist, Victor, who navigates his journey of self-discovery regarding his sexuality across three seasons. It’s an excellent TV series that delves into LGBTQ+ themes, which I find incredibly engaging.

The Kissing Booth (2018)

Indeed, The Kissing Booth has garnered a certain level of popularity, often being referred to as a meme due to several scenes that leave viewers puzzled about the dynamics of its relationships. However, this doesn’t diminish the fact that the initial film is an absolute blast and offers an enjoyable take on young romance.

A Cinderella Story (2004)

Among all the variations of Cinderella that exist, I particularly cherish “A Cinderella Story.” This movie tells the tale of two teenagers who correspond online and arrange to meet for the first time at a school’s Halloween party. It’s just so heartwarming and endearing—oh, how much I enjoy it!

Sex Education (2019 – 2023)

This program primarily revolves around themes of romance, affection, and intimacy, neatly packaged together. The series predominantly focuses on a teenager navigating his school life amidst the revelation that his mother is a sex therapist. However, it offers some exceptionally well-executed depictions of young love that truly stand out – portrayals I genuinely appreciate.

Love, Simon (2018)

This outstanding teen romance film, titled “Love Online Blackmail,” centers around Nick Robinson’s character, a high school student hiding his true self while being blackmailed at school. Simultaneously, he seeks to discover the identity of the person he has fallen for online and juggles his own personal affairs. The movie excellently portrays young love, making it a favorite of mine.

Heartstopper (2022 – Present)

Drawing inspiration from its graphic novel counterpart, “Heartstopper” spans across three captivating seasons, primarily focusing on the burgeoning romance between Charlie and his affection towards Nick, a classmate with whom he shares more than just a classroom. As the story unfolds, however, it delves deeper into various relationships that add layers of excitement to the narrative.

Literally, Any Romeo & Juliet Adaptation

Is it necessary for me to elaborate on that? Regardless if you are referring to the one from the 60’s, Leonardo DiCaprio’s Romeo + Juliet, or any other version, they all revolve around the theme of adolescent romance and its impact on us.

Here are a few wonderful suggestions that came to mind, though there are plenty more. I believe they’d make an ideal choice for a cozy evening out or a lengthy viewing marathon over the weekend.

2025-01-16 16:37