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10 Must-See Teen Romantic Comedies That Need a Modern Remake

10 Must-See Teen Romantic Comedies That Need a Modern Remake

Teen romance films hold a special place within cinematic history, as they encapsulate the essence of first love and the complexities of coming-of-age—universal themes that resonate across generations. While many viewers may have moved beyond their teenage years, the allure of these young adult rom-coms often draws them back, evoking memories of that frequently tumultuous, yet nostalgic chapter of life. The combination of love, humor, and drama in these films is captivating, and the performances of their charismatic casts elevate them further. Importantly, the introduction of fresh talent could breathe new life into the genre, presenting an opportunity for audiences to reconnect with these timeless stories.

Across various decades, some of the most iconic teen and young adult films have aged gracefully, while others reveal aspects that feel rather dated by today’s standards. Nevertheless, this doesn’t warrant their erasure from film history. Instead, it opens the door for creative reimaginings that align these timeless narratives with today’s societal context. With recent remakes such as She’s All That reinterpreted as He’s All That, coupled with the rising trend for contemporary adaptations, the timing has never been better for a renaissance of the rom-com genre.

10 What A Girl Wants (2003)

Directed by Dennie Gordon

The cast of What a Girl Wants, featuring a youthful Amanda Bynes alongside Colin Firth, adds to the film’s legacy. The story navigates the cultural divide between Daphne, an American teen, and her father, Henry, who represents British aristocracy. This engaging narrative reveals that Daphne and Henry share more common ground than they initially believe, allowing for mutual acceptance within their contrasting worlds.

At the heart of this story lies a profound familial love that lends the film its emotional resonance. Bynes is celebrated for many teen rom-coms in the early 2000s, such as She’s The Man and Easy A, but What a Girl Wants stands out as particularly ripe for a modern retelling. Although romance blossoms around Daphne, the core theme revolves around her relationship with her father, reinforcing its emotional depth.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

What a Girl Wants (2003)

35%

62%

9 A Cinderella Story (2004)

Directed by Mark Rosman

A myriad of contemporary interpretations of the Cinderella tale exist, but none quite capture the essence of A Cinderella Story, starring Hilary Duff as the titular character, Sam. This film portrays her struggle to break free from her oppressive reality while unknowingly falling for Austin, portrayed by Chad Michael Murray, who dynamics with Sam add intrigue. Additionally, Jennifer Coolidge excels as Sam’s wicked stepmother.

With the evolution of romance and the rise of social media, a new adaptation of this story could introduce fascinating layers. Although A Cinderella Story touched on digital connections, the landscape has changed dramatically in the two decades since its release, and the current market clearly favors fairy tale adaptations, as evidenced by numerous recent Disney live-action remakes.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

A Cinderella Story (2004)

11%

53%

8 Aquamarine (2006)

Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum

Aquamarine diversifies the mermaid narrative by exploring themes of friendship alongside romance. The bond between JoJo and Claire drives the story, while Aquamarine herself introduces an exciting twist. As Aquamarine engages in a whimsical love story with Raymond, it’s JoJo and Claire’s influence that illustrates to her the meaning of love and connection.

Given the recent wave of nostalgia surrounding mermaid tales thanks to the live-action version of The Little Mermaid, Aquamarine could benefit significantly from a revival. Although it remains lesser-known relative to Emma Roberts’ other work, it vividly showcases her early talent and deserves consideration for a modern adaptation, especially with advances in visual effects that could enhance the underwater experience.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Aquamarine (2006)

53%

62%

7 John Tucker Must Die (2006)

Directed by Betty Thomas

The engaging revenge narrative in John Tucker Must Die united notable names from the early 2000s teen film landscape, including Brittany Snow, Penn Badgley, and Sophia Bush. This film remains a classic story of scorned women coming together to outsmart the boy who wronged them, and while it has aged, it still resonates.

Although there have been murmurs of a sequel, few original cast members have confirmed their involvement (via Deadline). Given the inherent misogyny presented in the storyline, reimagining the narrative with a modern perspective on how sexism has evolved within schools could offer fresh insights. The theme of female solidarity also plays a vital role, making it an ideal focal point for any reworkings.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

John Tucker Must Die (2006)

28%

69%

6 Warm Bodies (2013)

Directed by Jonathan Levine

In a unique fusion of genres, Warm Bodies intertwines the classic story of Romeo and Juliet with a zombie apocalypse backdrop. The film stars Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer as star-crossed lovers who discover that love has the potential to heal even the most dire circumstances. While Hoult’s character R exhibits limited dialogue, the chemistry he shares with Julie is palpable, transcending the lines of both narrative and genre.

As a modern take on a timeless Shakespearean tale, Warm Bodies illustrates the enduring appeal of these archetypal stories. Its recent resurgence in the popularity of zombie narratives, exemplified by spin-offs of The Walking Dead and The Last of Us, suggests that a remake could capture audience interest on a grand scale.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Warm Bodies (2013)

81%

73%

5 The Prince & Me (2004)

Directed by Martha Coolidge

Julia Stiles stars in The Prince & Me, a film that originally claimed the spotlight in the teen rom-com category. Unlike her other iconic role in 10 Things I Hate About You—which still feels quintessentially timeless—The Prince & Me could certainly benefit from a modern adaptation. The narrative follows Paige, who unexpectedly falls for Edvard, a Danish prince attending college alongside her, as he strives to improve himself and win her heart.

Although the film inspired lesser-known sequels, Stiles did not reprise her role. The fairytale aspect continues to captivate audiences, and an updated version of The Prince & Me could resonate particularly well in today’s world. The combination of romance and the enemies-to-lovers trope offers comparisons to numerous contemporary romance novels, enhancing the narrative’s allure.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

The Prince & Me (2004)

29%

59%

4 Ice Princess (2005)

Directed by Tim Fywell

While Ice Princess centers around figure skating rather than a typical romantic narrative, the romantic subplot serves to enrich Casey’s journey throughout the film. Caught in a dilemma between her academic ambitions and her passion for skating, Casey grapples with her identity as she strives to excel in a sport she abandoned for years. While the idea of suddenly excelling in skating may seem unrealistic, the fantasy woven through the narrative allows viewers to indulge in Casey’s journey.

A remake of Ice Princess that highlights the dedication and skill required in figure skating could effectively reignite interest in this narrative. Casey’s love interest, Teddy, offers a source of comfort rather than conflict, allowing their relationship to blossom amid her other challenges.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Ice Princess (2005)

52%

58%

3 Monte Carlo (2011)

Directed by Thomas Bezucha

Considered an underrated gem, Monte Carlo sports a stellar cast featuring Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, and Katie Cassidy. The plot hinges on mistaken identity, allowing three young women to embark on a dream vacation through Europe, where they also discover romance. The film melds elements of traditional fairytales while invoking the thrill of a high-stakes caper.

With ample opportunities for fresh talent to capture the essence of the original characters, a new rendition of Monte Carlo could enhance the globe-trotting adventure’s appeal. Beyond romance, this narrative emphasizes the importance of friendship and self-discovery, which are components worth exploring in a modern context.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Monte Carlo (2011)

41%

50%

2 Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen (2004)

Directed by Sara Sugarman

Taking inspiration from My Fair Lady, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen offers a distinctive narrative that diverges from the traditional rags-to-riches story. Lindsay Lohan’s character, Mary Elizabeth, is unconventional, utilizing theatrics and deception to navigate a new high school environment, ultimately leading to a climactic battle against the school’s queen bee, Carla, for a coveted role in the musical.

Despite its mixed critical reception, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen holds potential for a remake that could attract a fresh audience. Given Lindsay Lohan’s recent resurgence, her involvement in a new take on this project would resonate with long-time fans and new viewers alike. Such a revisit to this whimsical world would introduce new discoveries while paying homage to its roots.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004)

14%

35%

1 Saved! (2004)

Directed by Brian Dannelly

Saved! is a biting commentary on the struggles of adolescence that tackles themes of religious influence and teen sexuality through a candid lens. Following Jena Malone’s character, Mary, as she grapples with an unplanned pregnancy within the confines of a strict Catholic school, the film provides a raw and honest exploration of her journey toward self-acceptance and love, particularly through her relationship with Patrick, who stands by her during this challenging time.

This 2004 film, ahead of its time, broached topics such as teen pregnancy and LGBTQ+ identities from a darkly humorous perspective. A contemporary remake of Saved! could delve deeper into these issues, as the need for such narratives remains strong today. While romance takes a back seat, it’s uplifting to witness Mary’s discovery of connection amid societal pressures against it.

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Saved! (2004)

61%

78%

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