Films about teenage anxiety often delve into the complex emotional and psychological struggles that adolescents face as they navigate the challenges of growing up. These films explore themes of self-doubt, social pressure, identity, and the search for belonging, offering an authentic portrayal of the turbulent teenage experience.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, 2012
Director: Stephen Chbosky
This film follows the story of Charlie, a socially awkward teenager struggling with depression and anxiety as he enters high school. Through his journey of making friends and finding his place in the world, the film addresses themes of mental health and the impact of trauma on adolescent development.
Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Nina Dobrev, Dylan McDermott, Kate Walsh, Paul Rudd, Mae Whitman, Adam Hagenbuch, Johnny Simmons, Erin Wilhelmi, Tom Savini, Joan Cusack, Melanie Lynskey, Tom Kruszewski, Zane Holtz, Reece Thompson, Nicholas Braun, Patrick de Ledebur, Brian Balzerini, Julia Garner, Emily Marie Callaway, Chelsea Zhang, Jesse Scheirer, Justine Nicole Schaefer, Jules Atlas, Leo Miles Farmerie, Isabel Muschweck, Jordan Paley, Timothy Breslin, Mark McClain Wilson, Atticus Cain, Stacy Chbosky, Dihlon McManne, Laurie Klatscher, Landon Pigg, Jennifer Enskat, William L. Thomas, Morgan Wolk, Tony Amen, Diedra Arthur-O'Ree, Tiffany Bell, Matt Black, Zachary Bolen, Andre Brassil, Ralph Browning, Lisa Buckley, Owen Campbell, Roberto Capriotti, Daniel Clayton;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” on the website imdb.com
“Eighth Grade”, 2018
Director: Bo Burnham
This coming-of-age film captures the anxiety and self-consciousness of an introverted teenage girl named Kayla as she navigates the challenges of her last week in middle school. The movie offers a raw and honest portrayal of social anxiety, self-esteem issues, and the pressure to fit in during the formative years of adolescence.
Starring: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, Emily Robinson, Jake Ryan, Daniel Zolghadri, Fred Hechinger, Imani Lewis, Luke Prael, Catherine Oliviere, Nora Mullins, Missy Yager, Shacha Temirov, Greg Crowe, Thomas John O'Reilly, Frank Deal, J. Tucker Smith, Tiffany Grossfeld, David Shih, Trinity Goscinsky-Lynch, Natalie Carter, Kevin R. Free, Keith Maurice Davis, Deborah Unger, William Alexander Wunsch, Marguerite Stimpson, Phoebe Amirault, Veronica Bikowicz, Dan Chen, Castor Feinberg, Shira Fisler, Andrew Geher, Katie Jandrasits, Gerald Jones III, Emma Kathryn, Jalesia Martinez, Luke Mulligan, Dina Pearlman, Kaileen Quinones, Shane Stackpole, Tom Stratford, Kathryn Zimmer;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Eighth Grade” on the website imdb.com
“Lady Bird”, 2017
Director: Greta Gerwig
Set in Sacramento in 2002, this film follows the life of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a high school senior who grapples with the complexities of family, friendship, and romance while dealing with the insecurities and uncertainties that come with transitioning into adulthood. The movie poignantly captures the emotional turbulence of teenage years and the desire for independence and self-discovery.
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Lois Smith, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Odeya Rush, Jordan Rodrigues, Marielle Scott, John Karna, Jake McDorman, Bayne Gibby, Laura Marano, Marietta DePrima, Daniel Zovatto, Kristen Cloke, Andy Buckley, Paul Keller, Kathryn Newton, Myra Turley, Bob Stephenson, Abhimanyu Katyal, Chris Witaske, Ben Konigsberg, Gurpreet Gill, Richard Jin, Joan Patricia O'Neil, Robert Figueroa, Carla Valentine, Roman Arabia, Monique Edwards, Matthew Maher, Anita Kalathara, Debra Miller, Georgia Leva, Derek Butler, London Thor, Shaelan O'Connor, Christina Offley, Sabrina Schloss, Connor Mickiewicz, Erik Daniells, Cynthia Cales, Giselle Grams, Ithamar Enriquez, Luisa Lee, Danielle Macdonald, Adam Brock;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Lady Bird” on the website imdb.com
“The Edge of Seventeen”, 2016
Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
This film centers around Nadine, a high school junior struggling with feelings of isolation, insecurity, and anxiety in the aftermath of a personal tragedy. Through her journey of navigating friendships, romance, and family dynamics, the movie portrays the challenges of adolescence with wit, authenticity, and emotional depth.
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner, Kyra Sedgwick, Woody Harrelson, Hayden Szeto, Alexander Calvert, Eric Keenleyside, Nesta Cooper, Daniel Bacon, Lina Renna, Ava Grace Cooper, Christian Michael Cooper, Jena Skodje, Josh Simpson, Kavandeep Hayre, Meredith Monroe, Katie Stuart, Lyle Reginald, Chris Shields, Christian Lagasse, Lauren K. Robek, Paul Herbert, Laine McNeil, Peter Brown, David Hardware, Raylene Harewood, Kelsey Marsland-Anderson, Brayden Snow, Kayzhia Snow, Laura Ward;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Edge of Seventeen” on the website imdb.com
These films offer compelling and relatable narratives that shed light on the multifaceted nature of teenage anxiety, resonating with audiences through their honest portrayal of the adolescent experience.
The selection of films about teenage anxiety offers a poignant and raw portrayal of the challenges and struggles faced by adolescents in today's society. Each film delves deep into the complexities of teenage emotions, relationships, and the pressure to conform, providing a nuanced exploration of anxiety and its impact on young individuals. Through compelling storytelling and authentic performances, these films not only shed light on the harsh realities of teenage anxiety but also offer a sense of empathy and understanding, encouraging audiences to confront and address these issues with compassion and support. This collection of films serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations surrounding teenage anxiety in our modern world.
