These 10 High School Dramas Will Make You Miss Your Teenage Years

"Submarine" (2010)

Directed by Richard Ayoade, this is not your everyday high school drama. We journey with Oliver Tate, a Welsh teen set on two missions: saving his parents' marriage and losing his virginity before his next birthday. Darkly comedic, the film flits between Oliver's quixotic teenage world and the much murkier adult realm.

Craig Roberts dazzles as the idiosyncratic protagonist, with Yasmin Paige lighting up the screen as his fiery love interest. The film's moody aesthetics perfectly mirror the unpredictable tides of teenagehood. Though its pace may be slower than your average high-school film, Submarine boasts a depth many others lack.

"Electrick Children" (2012)

In the vast desert of Utah, Rebecca, played by the luminous Julia Garner, believes she's had an immaculate conception after hearing rock music on a forbidden cassette tape. This indie gem by Rebecca Thomas navigates the chasm between religious orthodoxy and the wild allure of teenage rebellion. Skating through Las Vegas's neon-lit nights, the storyline takes numerous unexpected turns.

Billy Zane's portrayal as the cultish patriarch is gripping, and while the premise seems quirky, the film remains rooted in earnest emotion. Some critics felt the conclusion was ambiguous, but isn't that the beauty of indie cinema?

"Girl Asleep" (2015)

Set in the '70s, Rosemary Myers directs this imaginative coming-of-age tale, where Greta Driscoll is unwillingly hurdled into the chaos of adolescence. The quirk? It's all set against the backdrop of her 15th birthday party, which plays out like a fever dream. Greta's real and dream worlds merge, creating a phantasmagoria of teenage angst and wild fantasy.

The film's set designs are a visual treat, capturing the disco-era in its full glory. Some might argue it verges on being too stylized, but beneath the kaleidoscope lies a heartfelt story of growth and acceptance.

"The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet" (2013)

Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the genius behind Amélie, directs this adaptation of a novel by Reif Larsen. T.S. Spivet, a 12-year-old cartographer, wins an award from the Smithsonian and embarks on a cross-country journey, unbeknownst to his family. The visuals? Absolutely spellbinding, merging the charm of Midwest landscapes with Jeunet's iconic whimsy.

Kyle Catlett's portrayal of T.S. is honest and compelling. The film occasionally loses its footing amidst its grandeur, but its innate innocence makes up for any narrative missteps.

"The Fits" (2015)

Anna Rose Holmer's debut feature is as mystifying as it is captivating. Toni, an 11-year-old boxer, becomes intrigued by a dance team practicing in the same Cincinnati gym. However, the team starts experiencing mysterious fainting spells, turning the narrative on its head.

A study of conformity, gender, and adolescence, The Fits leans more into the abstract than most high school dramas. It's a slow burn, but Royalty Hightower's central performance is mesmeric. A few might itch for a more concrete explanation, but the film's refusal to provide easy answers is part of its allure.

"Sleeping Giant" (2015)

The angst of teenage summers is brilliantly captured in this Canadian drama by Andrew Cividino. Adam, a city boy, spends his summer in a sleepy lake town and gets drawn into the world of two local boys.

Their adventures oscillate between innocent fun and dangerous antics. The wild, untamed Canadian landscapes mirror the unruly, unpredictable nature of teenagehood. The tension bubbles just below the surface, with the climax hitting hard. It's a raw depiction of youth, though some viewers might find its languid pace testing their patience.

"Wet Season" (2019)

Singapore's underbelly is showcased in this poignant story by Anthony Chen. Centered around a teacher, Ling, and her bond with one of her students, the story delves into taboo topics with sensitivity. Yeo Yann Yann delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Ling.

There's a quiet intensity to the film, interspersed with moments of unspoken tension. Some critics have argued it treads too safely around controversial issues, but its beauty lies in its subtlety.

"Somers Town" (2008)

Shane Meadows, known for gritty British dramas, crafts a heartwarming tale of two boys forging an unlikely friendship in London. Tomo and Marek navigate the challenges of their respective lives while developing a bond thicker than the city's fog.

Shot entirely in black and white, the film has a timeless charm. Piotr Jagiello and Thomas Turgoose offer endearing performances. A critic's quibble? Perhaps its brisk runtime leaves some threads hanging, but the heart of the story remains untouched.

"Mouth to Mouth" (2005)

Directed and written by Alison Murray, this film sweeps us into the chaotic world of European street kids. Sherry, played by Elliot Page in one of their earliest roles, joins a group of youngsters rebelling against societal norms. It's a wild ride, filled with heady romance, disillusionment, and the quest for identity.

The raw energy is palpable, with Page proving why they're one of the best. While the movie's portrayal of street life is gripping, some may find the narrative veering into clichéd territories occasionally.

"Blue Gate Crossing" (2002)

Set in Taipei, this Taiwanese drama directed by Yee Chin-yen is a nuanced exploration of unrequited love and sexual identity. Meng, smitten with Lin, is unaware that Lin is in love with their male classmate, Zhang.

The narrative is gentle, bittersweet, and gorgeously shot. Bolin Chen's portrayal of Zhang stands out amidst the quiet turmoil. While some might crave a more resolute ending, the film's charm lies in its poetic ambiguity.