If you loved the sexy, funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story in The Girl Next Door, you’re probably craving more feel-good teen romcoms in the same vein. This 2004 film starring Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert captured the giddy thrills and bittersweet emotions of first love and growing up.
Luckily, there are plenty of other great movies that deliver the same irresistible mix of raunchy humor, sweet romance, and relatable teenage struggles. Get ready to laugh, swoon, and reminisce with this list of the 18 best films like The Girl Next Door.
1. American Pie (1999)
The raunchy comedy that launched a franchise, American Pie follows a group of high school seniors determined to lose their virginity before graduation. Filled with awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly touching moments, it captures the same bittersweet tone as The Girl Next Door.
While cruder and more farcical, at its heart American Pie is also a sincere story about the pains and joys of adolescence. The charming ensemble cast and quotable one-liners make this an endlessly rewatchable classic.
2. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A clever modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this ’90s favorite stars Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger as mismatched love interests Kat and Patrick. Their electric chemistry and biting banter light up the screen.
Like The Girl Next Door, 10 Things I Hate About You deftly balances teen movie tropes with smarter-than-average writing and well-drawn characters. Kat’s feminist sensibilities and complicated family dynamics add depth to the central romance. It’s a film with both humor and heart.
3. Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)
Set at a wild graduation party, Can’t Hardly Wait is a fun romp filled with ’90s nostalgia. The huge ensemble cast is a who’s who of young stars at the time, including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry, and Seth Green.
While the plot is pretty thin, the film coasts on the charisma of its young actors and its affectionate, humorous look at high school life. For sheer entertainment value and a snapshot of the era, you can’t beat this bubbly comedy.
4. She’s All That (1999)
Another modern spin on a classic story, She’s All That reimagines Pygmalion as a teen romcom. Popular jock Zack (Freddie Prinze Jr.) makes a bet that he can transform nerdy artist Laney (Rachael Leigh Cook) into the prom queen.
While the setup is pure wish fulfillment, the film has enough wit and charm to make it work. Cook is utterly winning as Laney, and her chemistry with Prinze is palpable. She’s All That may be predictable, but it’s a sweet, satisfying fantasy.
5. Bring It On (2000)
This sleeper hit made stars out of Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union as rival cheerleading captains. While ostensibly about the cut-throat world of competitive cheer, Bring It On is really a sharp satire of race and class in America.
Endlessly quotable and unabashedly fun, the film brings depth to its teen movie archetypes. The romance is more of a subplot, but the strong friendships between the girls give it just as much heart as The Girl Next Door.
6. Superbad (2007)
While raunchier and more male-centric than The Girl Next Door, Superbad has the same bittersweet undercurrent. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera play best friends on the verge of college and the rift in their codependent relationship.
Underneath the crass jokes and slapstick hijinks is a poignant story of growing up and growing apart. The two leads have fantastic chemistry, making both the humor and the heartbreak resonate. Like The Girl Next Door, Superbad is smarter and more soulful than its premise suggests.
7. Easy A (2010)
This clever riff on The Scarlet Letter made a movie star out of Emma Stone. She shines as Olive, a clean-cut high schooler who lets rumors of her promiscuity spiral out of control.
Elevated by Stone’s luminous charisma and a whip-smart script, Easy A is both a sharp social satire and a sweet story of self-acceptance. The romance is secondary to Olive’s journey, but Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson nearly steal the movie as her hilariously supportive parents. For a teen comedy with real substance, Easy A is an easy A.
8. Clueless (1995)
The gold standard of teen movies, Clueless is both a pitch-perfect snapshot of ’90s adolescence and a timeless coming-of-age story. Loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma, it follows sweet but shallow Cher (Alicia Silverstone) as she navigates the ups and downs of high school life.
Writer-director Amy Heckerling has an uncanny ear for teenage slang and an empathetic eye for the inner lives of her characters. The clothes and references may be dated, but the emotions still feel fresh and raw. Like The Girl Next Door, Clueless is a teen movie with real depth beneath its glossy surface.
9. Say Anything… (1989)
The oldest film on this list, Say Anything… set the template for teen romcoms to come. John Cusack is endlessly endearing as Lloyd Dobler, an earnest everyman determined to win the heart of valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye).
With its iconic boombox serenade and swoonworthy romance, Say Anything… captures the ache and excitement of young love. But it’s also a clear-eyed look at the realities of growing up and making hard choices. The film’s emotional honesty makes it resonate as much today as it did 30 years ago.
10. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
This underrated gem follows two music-obsessed teens over the course of one wild night in New York City. Michael Cera and Kat Dennings are charming as the titular couple, bonding over their shared love of a cult band.
While the premise may be slight, the film coasts on the effortless chemistry of its leads and the infectious energy of its indie soundtrack. Like The Girl Next Door, it’s a sweet, funny ode to the thrills and heartbreaks of young romance.
11. Sixteen Candles (1984)
John Hughes practically invented the modern teen movie with this 1984 classic. Molly Ringwald stars as Sam, a girl whose family forgets her 16th birthday amid the chaos of her older sister’s wedding.
While some elements of the film haven’t aged well, Ringwald’s heartfelt performance still resonates. The bittersweet tone and empathetic look at teenage angst would set the template for decades of teen romcoms to come, including The Girl Next Door.
12. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)
Like She’s All That, this ’80s favorite puts a teen movie twist on Pygmalion. Patrick Dempsey stars as Ronald, a nerdy outcast who pays popular cheerleader Cindy (Amanda Peterson) to pretend to be his girlfriend.
While the premise is pure wish fulfillment, Dempsey and Peterson sell it with their sweet chemistry. The film also has some surprisingly dark undertones, hinting at the class differences and social pressures lurking beneath the surface of its fairy tale romance. It’s a classic for a reason.
13. Juno (2007)
This indie hit tackled a taboo subject with humor and heart. Elliot Page stars as Juno, a snarky teenager who finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand with her best friend Paulie (Michael Cera).
Anchored by Page’s star-making performance, Juno is a funny, moving look at a young woman navigating a difficult situation. The romance between Juno and Paulie is understated but deeply felt, much like the central relationship in The Girl Next Door. It’s a small film that leaves a big impact.
14. Pretty in Pink (1986)
Another John Hughes classic, Pretty in Pink stars Molly Ringwald as Andie, a working-class girl who falls for rich kid Blane (Andrew McCarthy). Their romance is complicated by the class differences between them and the interference of Blane’s snobbish friend Steff (James Spader).
While the ending is notoriously divisive, the film’s sensitive portrayal of teenage insecurity still hits home. Ringwald is luminous as always, and her chemistry with McCarthy is palpable. Like The Girl Next Door, Pretty in Pink is a sweet, sincere look at the ups and downs of young love.
15. The Spectacular Now (2013)
This coming-of-age drama has more in common with Say Anything… than American Pie, but its emotional honesty earns it a spot on this list. Miles Teller stars as Sutter, a charming but aimless high school senior who falls for shy good girl Aimee (Shailene Woodley).
While the film doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Sutter’s life, it’s ultimately a hopeful, even romantic story. Teller and Woodley are fantastic together, capturing the tentative sweetness of first love. Like The Girl Next Door, it’s a teen movie that respects the intelligence and depth of its characters.
16. The DUFF (2015)
This recent romcom puts a modern spin on the classic teen movie formula. Mae Whitman stars as Bianca, a girl who discovers she’s the “Designated Ugly Fat Friend” to her more popular besties. She enlists the help of jock Wesley (Robbie Amell) to give her a makeover and show everyone how awesome she really is.
While the premise may be clichéd, the film’s empowering message and Whitman’s winning performance make it feel fresh. Like The Girl Next Door, it’s a funny, feel-good ode to being yourself and following your heart.
17. Adventureland (2009)
This nostalgic comedy stars Jesse Eisenberg as James, a recent college grad who takes a summer job at a local amusement park. There he falls for co-worker Em (Kristen Stewart), who’s dealing with her own post-adolescent ennui.
While the will-they-won’t-they romance drives the plot, the film is really a wistful look at that liminal time between childhood and adulthood. With its killer ’80s soundtrack and bittersweet tone, Adventureland captures the same mix of humor and heart as The Girl Next Door.
18. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
This Netflix romcom became an instant classic when it premiered in 2018. Based on the YA novel by Jenny Han, it follows shy teenager Lara Jean (Lana Condor) whose secret love letters accidentally get sent to her crushes, including popular jock Peter (Noah Centineo).
While the fake dating setup is a well-worn trope, the film feels fresh and modern thanks to its diverse cast and sensitive performances. Condor and Centineo have crackling chemistry, and the film’s focus on family and female friendship sets it apart. Like The Girl Next Door, it’s a sweet, smart update of the classic teen romcom formula.
Whether you’re in the mood for raunchy fun or bittersweet romance, these 18 films are sure to satisfy any fan of The Girl Next Door. From ’80s classics to modern Netflix hits, they all capture the humor, heart, and growing pains of teenage life. So queue up your favorites, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the awkward, exhilarating ride of young love.
