There's a good, bad, and ugly to everything, including movies. And while people rush to the theaters to watch new releases like Wicked or perhaps One Of Them Days (featuring SZA!), it's unfortunate that many fan-favorite classics lack from the big screen. Here's a list of the most famed films that every teen should watch.

Fantasy

From flying brooms to ethereal-like vampires, fantasy is an easy escape from the world we live in. It's a way to detach from your AP coursework and picture yourself somewhere else, devoid of studying and MCQs.

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Maturity Rating: PG

I'll first recommend Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001). Even if you're not a Potterhead, the first of the 8-film franchise is one to cherish. Imagine living with your insufferable cousin for your entire life, then receiving not one-not two-but probably hundreds of letters inviting you to a school dedicated to the magical arts. The film also has a brilliant "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 3 Oscar Nominations.

The 8 Harry Potter movies are directly connected to each other, so the Sorcerer's Stone will get you started on a world full of magic.

Image Credit: Reilly Brown from Wikimedia

Twilight (2008)

Maturity Rating: PG-13

Unless you've read or watched Twilight (2008), you probably don't know what Team Edward or Jacob is. Twilight is a film series based on Stephanie Meyer's books of the same title. It follows Bella, a seemingly ordinary teen in rainy, gloomy Forks.

She meets Jacob, a Quileute member who warns her of the danger of vampires. Edward, Bella's love interest, is, of course, a vampire, 104 years old, and is at odds with the Quileute tribe. Bella eventually becomes entangled in this love triangle, which is more deeply explored in the other four films. The first film mostly consists of Bella running from imminent danger.

If you're looking for an easy, time-to-wind-down movie, Twilight has got you. It's got a lot of action, and you won't be able to take your eyes off the screen.

Image Credit: Gage Skidmore from Wikimedia

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Action

These movies are guaranteed to make you wonder, "How the heck did he survive that," but still ensure your eyes are attached to the screen.

Mission Impossible (1996)

Maturity Rating: PG-13

Starring the legendary Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible follows Ethan Hunt, who is framed for the demise of his fellow IMF (Impossible Missions Force) team. Suspected of his own mentor's death, Ethan recruits tech-genius Luther Stickell and pilot Franz Krieger to sneak into a CIA building, which contains a file that proves his innocence.

With engaging characters and an exciting plot, this first Mission Impossible is only the first of a seven-film series, but don't fear! There's no need to watch all seven. Each movie only loosely follows the previous one, and it's easy to understand the plot without knowledge of the others.

I'll warn you, though; once you watch one of these addicting movies, you may finish the other six the same night.

Image Credit: Eric Ruel from Wikimedia

The Dark Knight (2008)

Maturity Rating: PG-13

The Joker is worse than the mafias present in Gotham City. So much so that the mafias actually plot to stay safe from him. Combine that with Batman, who is trying to retire from his demanding role as protector of Gotham.

He helps out district attorney Harvey Dent, who tries to rid Gotham of crime. Batman believes that if Dent succeeds, Batman will be able to leave his role as a superhero and continue being Bruce Wayne, a billionaire and owner of Wayne Enterprises.

Image Credit: Nathan Hilton from Pexels

There are 13 movies in which Batman is a major character, but they're not all connected to each other. According to the DC official website, there are different universes whose films follow their own storyline. The Dark Knight is part of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Saga, which is a trilogy of the three movies Nolan directed: Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises (in order).

The Dark Night won 2 Oscars and has received 165 nominations for countless awards, and won 164. This better be on your watch list.

Image Credit: Kasra Askari from Pexels

Drama

You might shed a tear or two and throw a pillow at the TV because of a character's dumb decision...but it's all worth it in the name of movie watching.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Maturity Rating: PG-13

Forrest recounts his life to us, and it's certainly an interesting tale. Born with an intellectual disability, as well as needing braces on his legs, he tells us about his experience in football, in which he's able to get a scholarship. From there, the U.S. army is his next destination, and with one of his fellow recruits, Bubba Blue, he opens Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. He also longs for his best friend, Jenny, who has known since elementary school.

Oh, and he's completely unaware of his presence at monumental times of American history, such as when he met JFK.

Full of life lessons and laughs, Forrest Gump is worth every minute of your time.

Image Credit: Alan Light from Wikimedia

Mean Girls (2004)

This list wouldn't be fetch if it didn't have Mean Girls on it. We follow Cady Heron, who, until her junior year, has been homeschooled her entire life. She meets Regina, Gretchen, and Karen, the Plastics, the trio who have the school wrapped around their fingers.

But Janis Ian, who befriends Cady, sees the Plastics appeal to Cady. Using this to her advantage, she decides to work through Cady to get revenge on Regina George.

Recently, this movie was remade into a musical...and didn't do very well with critics and fans alike. If you've never watched Mean Girls, I beg of you to skip the 2024 remake and watch the original. Trust me, you're not missing out on anything.

Image Credit: Brianna Taylor from Pexels

Cut!

These six movies are legendary. They've won countless awards, acquired large fanbases, and are some of the most-watched films of all time. If you have any suggestions for movies that were arguably underwhelming-even terrible- please drop a comment. I'd love to criticize our fan-hates. Now, it's time to get the popcorn out...