12 Tragic Teen Movies on Netflix That Will Emotionally Tear You Apart
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We're overjoyed we're no longer teenagers navigating the ups and downs of high school life, but that doesn't mean we don't enjoy spending a few hours in the middle of a dramatic teen movie. We've come to the realization that sad teen movies are one of the most cathartic film categories, and they're the best way to tap into our every emotion. While these films feature characters that wouldn't know the difference between a 401K and a Roth IRA, there is no shortage of tension, conflict, tenacity, perseverance, adversity, and ultimately, inspiration. So grab some ice cream and check out these sad teen movies the next time you need a good cry.
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The Spectacular Now
If we could recast every teen movie to star Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley, we would. These two are the masters of teen romance, and their unexpected bond in this film will both warm your heart and shatter it to pieces in a matter of minutes.
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Some Freaks
That transition from high school to college can be tough, but it's even more difficult when you're trying to juggle a long-distance relationship, too. This is the struggle one-eyed high school senior Matt endures when his overweight girlfriend Jill goes to college on the other side of the country. After Jill loses weight and adjusts to college life, the two must decide if they've outgrown each other.
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The Lovely Bones
We're not going to sugarcoat this for you: The Lovely Bones is a devastating film about the aftermath of 14-year-old Susie's (Saoirse Ronan) murder. From above, she watches as her family attempts to track down the murderer and cope with her death, but it's up to Susie to ensure her killer doesn't attack again.
6 Years
Produced by the Duplass brothers, 6 Years stars Taissa Farmiga and Ben Rosenfield as a long-term couple whose relationship suddenly turns violent when faced with new challenges and obstacles. It's a heartbreaking look at the highs and lows of first love, and how it becomes all too easy to lose ourselves in our most meaningful relationships.
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To the Bone
To the Bone is a controversial Netflix original film that takes a deep dive into one woman's battle with anorexia. Lily Collins gives a stunning performance as Ellen, a 20-year-old college dropout who returns home after a rehabilitation program.
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Charlie St. Cloud
We pretty much worship any movie Zac Efron is in, but we have to admit, Charlie St. Cloud is a must-see film in its own right. It's based on a book by Ben Sherwood and tells the story of teenage sailor Charlie St. Cloud, who must choose between keeping a promise to his deceased younger brother or pursuing a relationship with Amanda Crew's character.
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Dumplin'
While not a conventional teen drama, Dumplin' examines the relationship between an overweight teenager and her looks-obsessed beauty pageant mother (Jennifer Aniston). It's a stunning look at what it means to fit in, and how important it is to stand out.
Hope Springs Eternal
Mia Rose Frampton will warm your heart in Hope Springs Eternal. She plays Hope Gracin, who has gained a following as a result of her cancer diagnosis. But now that her test results show she's in remission, she struggles to realize her own identity and has trouble gaining the confidence to tell the world.
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Roxanne Roxanne
Netflix original film Roxanne Roxanne will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride you won't believe. Chante Adams stars as 14-year-old Lolita "Roxanne Shante" Golden who becomes the best battle MC in Queens, NY. For the young rap sensation, the rap battle is only one side of her struggle, as she must learn to survive the tough streets of her Queensbridge Projects neighborhood.
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The UnMiracle
If you grew up spending Saturday afternoons watching Kevin Sorbo in Hercules, you'll be excited to know he's got a starring role in The UnMiracle. Stephen Baldwin and Amy Lyndon also star in this film about a small suburban town thrown into chaos after the accidental drug overdose of a local teenager.
Kiss & Cry
Based on the true story of figure skater Carley Allison, Kiss & Cry is one of those films that requires the Costco-sized box of tissues. When skater and singer Allison is diagnosed with a rare form of throat cancer, her family and her boyfriend rally together to keep the hope alive while she discovers new ways to find her voice.
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1 Mile to You
Based on Jeremy Jackson's novel Life at These Speeds, this film tells the story of a young teenager who copes with losing his girlfriend in a tragic accident the only way he knows how: running. He finds that the accompanying "runner's high" is the only way he's able to feel close to her memory, but the more miles he logs, the more local attention he receives.