Teen Drama Genre

→  Teen drama is  a vibrant and emotive sub-genre of the broader drama category, which uniquely captures the tumultuous journey of adolescence through young adulthood. It usually has a main focus on the angst and rebellion associated with teenage life offering a cinematic voice to the youth’s challenges and triumphs. 

Main Themes

• The quest for identity

• The bittersweet pangs of love 

• Familial responsibilities and expectations

• The struggle against societal pressures

These themes are meant to resonate deeply with both its target audience and a wider demographic, reflecting the universal nature of teenage life experiences and issues

Common Settings

• School/College

• Bedroom 

• Streets of neighborhood

Stereotypical characters

• Popular male/female lead

• Rebellious outsider

• Geeky male/female lead

• Misunderstood jock

• Love interests
  

• Antagonists

These characters, while occasionally veering into the territory of cliché, serve to explore various facets of youth identity and social dynamics. The interaction among these archetypes, set against the backdrop of high school or a similar microcosm of society, forms the crux of many teen drama narratives.

Narrative

It is often centered in a main character/s or a group of teenagers and navigates through the challenges of their lives. There is usually a  central problem or event that will interfere in their lives and change them for the good or the bad. The problem tends to be resolved leaders to the characters into self-discovery and personal growth.

Films with Teen Drama Genre

Sources: 

https://prezi.com/-3cvslenkvcn/teen-drama-definition/

https://www.europeanstudios.com/encyclopedia/teen-drama-film/