If The Fault in Our Stars St... With You, These Teen Dramas Go Just as Deep (2025/2026)

Few movies manage to capture the bittersweet ache of youth quite like The Fault in Our Stars. It’s a film about love and loss, about feeling small in a huge, confusing world — yet somehow, finding moments of beauty that make it all worthwhile. Hazel and Gus’s story wasn’t just a teen romance; it was a reminder that life’s toughest challenges can be met with courage, humor, and heart.

If The Fault in Our Stars stayed with you long after the credits rolled — maybe even left you reaching for tissues — then you’re not alone. And if you’re on the hunt for more teen dramas that aren’t afraid to go deep, to tackle big feelings and messy realities, you’ve come to the right place.

Here’s a carefully curated list of 12 films that, like The Fault in Our Stars, invite you into the emotional whirlwind of adolescence — full of love, heartbreak, growth, and the kind of moments that shape us forever. Perfect for your 2025/2026 watchlist, these movies don’t shy away from the raw, real stuff.

1. A Walk to Remember (2002)

At its heart, this film is a classic tearjerker — a story of a rebellious teenager falling for a quiet, faith-filled girl with a secret. A Walk to Remember has that timeless quality: it’s simple, sweet, and devastating all at once. If you loved the emotional journey in Fault, this one’s a natural next step.

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

This film is a tender exploration of mental health, friendship, and the power of finding your people. Logan Lerman’s portrayal of Charlie is nuanced and deeply human, while Emma Watson and Ezra Miller bring warmth and complexity. It’s a story about healing through connection — something every teen needs.

3. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

This quirky, offbeat film mixes humor with heartbreak in a way that feels genuine and fresh. It’s about an awkward friendship between a high schooler and a girl battling leukemia. Expect laughs, tears, and moments of surprising tenderness.

4. The Spectacular Now (2013)

Realistic and unfiltered, this coming-of-age story dives into the messy parts of growing up: addiction, love, and self-discovery. Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley’s chemistry makes the emotional highs and lows feel incredibly authentic.

5. Now Is Good (2012)

Dakota Fanning leads this tearjerker about a young girl with a terminal illness who makes a bucket list and chooses to live fully despite the odds. It’s a film that celebrates life’s precious moments while confronting death head-on.

6. If I Stay (2014)

This one centers on a talented young cellist caught between life and death after a tragic accident. Chloë Grace Moretz’s performance grounds this supernatural-tinged drama with real emotion, exploring themes of memory, choice, and love.

7. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

While lighter than some films on this list, this Netflix hit stands out for its heart and relatability. Lana Condor’s performance as Lara Jean is both charming and refreshingly imperfect — proof that teen romance can be fun and meaningful.

8. Flipped (2010)

This nostalgic look at first love is told from two perspectives — a girl and boy growing up as neighbors. It’s sweet, funny, and perfectly captures those awkward moments that make adolescence so memorable.

9. My Sister’s Keeper (2009)

This intense drama about family, illness, and ethics digs deep into the consequences of tough choices. The performances by Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin make it a heavy but compelling watch for those who appreciate emotional depth.

10. Before I Fall (2017)

A unique blend of teen drama and fantasy, this film follows a girl who relives the day of her death over and over, learning to make amends and find meaning in small moments. It’s thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

11. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Hailee Steinfeld delivers a sharp, honest portrayal of teenage awkwardness, grief, and the struggles of finding your place. This film balances humor and heart with spot-on realism.

12. Beautiful Boy (2018)

Though more mature than the others, this deeply affecting drama about addiction and family resilience strikes an emotional chord for anyone who’s experienced loss or struggle. Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet’s performances are gut-wrenching and powerful.