If you’re looking for movies like Thirteen (2003) for its raw, unfiltered take on teenage rebellion and emotional chaos, you’re in good company. This coming-of-age classic is a wild ride, and lucky for you, we’ve scoured the ultimate source of wisdom—aka Reddit—to curate this handpicked list. Buckle up, buttercup, because these films are angsty, gritty, and everything you didn’t know you needed. Let’s dive in!
1. Kids (1995)
“It’s just one night; nothing bad’s gonna happen.” – Telly
Ah, Kids—the movie that made everyone question whether they were actually a “good kid” or not. If you thought Thirteen made you anxious, this one cranks it up to eleven. It’s like a punch to the gut wrapped in chaos and raw energy, and no, it doesn’t give you a chance to catch your breath. Directed by Larry Clark, this film dives headfirst into the lives of a group of NYC teenagers—skipping school, hitting the skate parks, hooking up, and doing all the things that make you wonder how the hell they got away with it. The dialogue? Pure gold.
So real, you’ll feel like you’re eavesdropping on something you really shouldn’t be hearing. Telly, the charming yet utterly clueless protagonist, tells everyone that “nothing bad’s gonna happen”—but we all know where that road leads, and spoiler alert: it’s nowhere good. This movie is like a snapshot of ’90s teen rebellion with no filters, no rules, and no safety net. Watch it once, and you’ll be left with a thousand thoughts about choices, consequences, and the fine line between living in the moment and completely losing it.
2. Skins (2007)
“It’s just a phase.” – Cassie
You know what they say: “Youth is wasted on the young,” and Skins takes that idea and runs wild with it. The show follows a group of teenagers making questionable life choices in the most dramatic, chaotic ways possible. Drugs, heartbreak, identity crises—if you were worried about your own teenage angst, this series will make you feel a little better about your choices. But don’t get it twisted: this isn’t all fun and games—Skins dives into some seriously dark places.
The characters are messy, and you’ll probably want to facepalm at their decisions, but that’s exactly what makes it so addictive. Buckle up for an emotional rollercoaster that feels less like a ride and more like a high-speed chase through your teenage brain, with a soundtrack that’ll make you want to punch the air in angst.
3. The Virgin Suicides (1999)
“Obviously, Doctor, you’ve never been a 13-year-old girl.” – Cecilia
Mic drop, anyone? The Virgin Suicides isn’t just a film about five mysterious sisters—it’s a haunting meditation on the struggles of adolescence, the quiet chaos of suburban life, and the way girls’ lives are often viewed as a puzzle to be solved by outsiders. The Lisbon sisters, led by the beautiful yet profoundly tragic Cecilia, exist as both an enigma and a reflection of something far deeper: the suffocating, misunderstood pressure of growing up as a girl.
Cecilia’s unforgettable line to the doctor? Yeah, it stings because it gets straight to the heart of what makes growing up so brutal and isolating. You know that feeling of not being seen or understood? That’s what The Virgin Suicides captures so perfectly. And those dreamy, ethereal visuals? They fade, but the emptiness they leave behind? That sticks with you long after the credits roll. It’s equal parts surreal and gut-wrenching—like a memory you can’t quite shake off, even when you try.
4. Speak (2004)
“Everything you say will be used against you.” – Melinda
Melinda’s got a voice, but she’s too traumatized to use it. Based on the novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak tells the story of a high school freshman who shuts herself off after a traumatic event, but her journey to find her voice is painfully relatable.
This film is like the slow burn of a candle flickering in the dark—it doesn’t scream for attention, but it leaves a haunting glow that sticks with you. If you’ve ever felt like your silence was louder than your words, this one will hit deep. It’s like emotional quicksand—soft, subtle, and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in it, reflecting on the things you’ve buried. Keep a tissue nearby, because this one’s a heart-ripper.
5. Foxfire (1996)
“It’s not the boys who run this world, it’s us.” – Legs
You’ve got a group of rebellious girls, a little bit of a fight-the-power vibe, and a whole lotta cool. Foxfire is the girl power movie you didn’t know you needed in the ’90s. With Angelina Jolie in her prime, this one’s got a mix of rebellion, friendship, and freedom that feels like the ultimate teenage dream.
It’s The Craft meets Thelma & Louise, but with more grunge, leather jackets, and a sense of wild, unstoppable energy. These girls break all the rules, and Foxfire captures that rebellious spirit—fuelled by friendship, chaos, and a desire to rewrite the world on their own terms. Dangerous? Absolutely. But it’s that danger that makes it so delicious.
6. 2:37 (2006)
“You ever wonder why things go wrong?” – Melanie
2:37 doesn’t just hold back—it grabs you by the shoulders and slaps you awake. This Australian film dives deep into the lives of a group of high schoolers, each teetering on the edge of something dark. What starts as an ordinary day spirals into pure emotional mayhem, where each character’s choices—or lack of choices—push them past a point of no return.
This movie has the unsettling effect of watching a car crash in slow motion—you know something bad is coming, and yet you can’t look away. The fragmented storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat, piecing together the mess little by little. It’s dark, raw, and unapologetically intense—just don’t expect a feel-good ending.
7. Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)
“Why do you hate me?” – Dawn
Welcome to the Dollhouse—the darkly hilarious coming-of-age film that makes middle school feel like an actual nightmare. Dawn Wiener, the awkward, painfully earnest protagonist, is every middle schooler’s worst fear brought to life in one gut-wrenching line: “Why do you hate me?” You’ll probably cringe, laugh, and then find yourself dialing up your younger self to say, “Sorry for all that.” This movie perfectly captures the endless social landmines of adolescence—those awkward years when you’re just trying to figure out who you are, but all the wrong people seem to have a problem with it.
It’s uncomfortable in all the right ways, balancing cringe-worthy moments with biting humor and moments of pure, painful honesty. You won’t just watch Dawn struggle through the hell of junior high—you’ll feel it. So, if you’re looking for a film that makes you laugh, cringe, and think about the mess of growing up, Welcome to the Dollhouse is your jam.
8. Girlhood (2014)
“There are girls who walk straight, and there are those who walk sideways.” – Marieme
Girlhood shows you what it’s like to be a girl in a world that expects you to play by its rules—until you decide to make your own. Marieme is just trying to survive, but when she joins a gang of girls who are all about power, style, and attitude, her world flips upside down.
This French film is like the perfect soundtrack to your teenage rebellion—it’s about carving your identity out of the chaos and figuring out where you fit when everything around you feels like it’s falling apart. Full of bold style, fierce sisterhood, and a soundtrack that’ll make you want to shout along, Girlhood shows how freeing—and terrifying—those teenage years can be. It’s like standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to jump, knowing it’s either going to be liberating or a free fall.
9. Euphoria (2019)
“Can you be happy if you’re not in control of your own life?” – Rue
If you haven’t seen Euphoria, what are you even doing? It’s like taking all the chaos of teen angst, cranking it to 11, and wrapping it in a neon glow. This isn’t just a show; it’s a deep dive into addiction, love, identity, and trauma, told in the most beautiful, gut-wrenching way possible.
Zendaya’s Rue is magnetic, and every episode feels like you’re riding shotgun through a wild trip of emotional highs and devastating lows. It’s like trying to catch your breath while someone keeps throwing more heavy emotions at you. You’ll find yourself emotionally shredded by the end of each episode, but in the best possible way. Euphoria isn’t just a teen drama; it’s a modern masterpiece of chaos and catharsis.
10. Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015)
“This is what it feels like to be free.” – Minnie
Minnie’s opening line isn’t just a statement—it’s a revelation. Diary of a Teenage Girl is all about navigating the messy, confusing waters of adolescence, and that raw honesty hits you like a sledgehammer wrapped in velvet. This film doesn’t sugarcoat anything—whether it’s love, lust, or the boundaries of what’s right and wrong.
Minnie’s journey through her teenage years is awkward, uncomfortable, and unapologetically real, much like a confessional you didn’t know you needed to hear. Fans of Thirteen will vibe with the emotional chaos and the pure, unfiltered mess of growing up. The film explores the kind of teen confusion that makes you question everything, from your relationships to your own identity. It’s a beautifully flawed ride, and like any great coming-of-age story, it leaves you with a mix of “What did I just watch?” and “I need to process that for a minute.”
11. Mid90s (2018)
“We’re all just trying to get through the day.” – Stevie
Mid90s is a love letter to the ’90s, but it’s not all flannel shirts and skateboards—it’s about survival. Directed by Jonah Hill, this indie flick follows a young boy, Stevie, as he falls in with a group of older skaters who are as carefree as they are reckless.
This film feels like finding an old mixtape that instantly takes you back to a simpler time—only that time’s not always as simple as it seems. Growing up feels like a collection of mini-breakdowns and fleeting moments of clarity, and Mid90s perfectly captures that bittersweet feeling. It’s the kind of film that makes you want to relive your teenage years, if only to get it all right the next time.
12. Girl, Interrupted (1999)
“I’m not crazy. I’m just a little unwell.” – Susanna
Girl, Interrupted is like peeling back the layers of a tightly wound onion—except instead of tears, you’re left reflecting on the messy, complex realities of mental health. With Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie leading the cast, this film takes you through the life of Susanna, a young woman navigating life in a psychiatric hospital.
It’s dark, twisted, and surprisingly funny at times—like a tragic comedy that makes you laugh through your own discomfort. The characters are all broken in their own way, and you’ll find yourself questioning the fine line between sanity and madness. The performances are top-notch, and while the film is tough to watch, it’s equally thought-provoking, leaving you thinking long after the credits roll.
13. Skate Kitchen (2018)
“Girls don’t skate? I skate.” – Camille
Camille’s line isn’t just defiance; it’s a declaration of freedom. Skate Kitchen is a love letter to skateboarding, but more importantly, it’s a celebration of women carving their own paths in a world that often tells them they don’t belong. The film follows Camille, a skater with an unapologetic attitude that’s as refreshing as it is inspiring. It’s like Thirteen on wheels—full of independence, raw emotion, and a deep sense of self-discovery.
The characters are tough, vulnerable, and navigating a world that doesn’t always see them as equals, but that doesn’t stop them. Skate Kitchen captures that perfect mix of rebellion and heart as the girls bond, struggle, and find their footing both on the board and in life. If you’ve ever felt like you had to prove yourself in a space that wasn’t made for you, this movie’s got your back. Plus, the skating? Absolutely sick.
14. Christiane F. (1981)
“If you want to survive, you have to get hooked.” – Christiane
Christiane F. isn’t just a movie—it’s like a jarring wake-up call. This brutally honest film tells the story of Christiane, a teenager caught in the hellish cycle of addiction and prostitution in 1970s Berlin. Based on a true story, it’s a raw, unflinching look at how easy it is to fall into destructive patterns when you’re lost, searching for a place to belong.
It’s like watching a trainwreck unfold in slow motion—the more you watch, the harder it is to turn away. The film’s grim tone and gritty realism will stay with you long after it’s over. It’s not a film to make you feel good; it’s a film that forces you to face the ugly truths of adolescence gone off the rails. If you want a harsh lesson on the cost of bad decisions, this one’s got your number.
15. Wassup Rockers (2005)
“Skate or die.” – Kico
Kico’s battle cry might sound like the motto of a rebellious teen movie, but honestly, it’s the perfect tagline for Wassup Rockers. This film is a love letter to rebellion, friendship, and the raw, unfiltered spirit of skate culture. The South Central crew, with their carefree attitude and fearless energy, live life like it’s one long skate session—always pushing boundaries, and always staying true to themselves.
It’s not just about the tricks; it’s about finding your tribe and sticking it to a world that’s constantly trying to tell you who you should be. The mantra “Skate or die” embodies their wild ride through LA, full of misadventures and moments of pure freedom. The film’s energy is infectious, blending the gritty with the gleefully absurd, and showing just how powerful it can be when a group of outsiders come together to make their own rules. It’s a vibrant snapshot of youth that’s equal parts heart and havoc.
Why These Movies Hit the Spot
What makes these flicks stand out is their no-holds-barred approach to the beautiful disaster that is adolescence. Like Thirteen, they pull no punches—giving us the rebellion, the heartbreak, and the friendships that feel larger than life. These stories aren’t here to sugarcoat growing up; they’re here to say, “Yeah, it’s messy, but it’s also worth it.”
Your Turn to Dive In
Snag some popcorn (or, let’s be real, whatever snack’s within arm’s reach), pick a title, and let the binge begin. Whether you’re reliving your own teenage chaos or just along for the drama, these movies like Thirteen are here to serve all the feels. So, which one’s calling your name? Let us know what you think—and don’t hold back!
