Teen film

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The teen film (also called teen movie or teenpic) is a film genre in which the plot is based upon the special interests of teenagers, such as coming of age, first love, rebellion, conflict with parents, teen angst and alienation. Films in this genre are often set in high schools, or contain characters that are of high school age. Sexual themes are also common, as is nudity and crude forms of humour. Not surprisingly, the genre is particularly popular with teenagers and young adults, who can better relate to the subject matter than a mature audience.

The genre can trace its roots back to "beach films" of the 1950s and 60s, such as the Gidget series. The genre gained more credibility in the 1980s with the appearance of the writer/director John Hughes. His legacy of teen films (which includes:The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and Sixteen Candles) proved to be popular not only with audiences, but with critics also.

Codes and conventions of the teen film genre include: proms, alcohol, illegal substances, high school, slow-motion entrances, "token black guys", parties and all night raves, losing virginity, relationships, jocks, cheerleaders, geeks, goths, preps, American culture and cars.