Genre and Conventions

Genre and Conventions

Teen films is a genre targeted at teenagers and young adults in which the plot is based upon the special interests of teenagers. The majority of viewers are teenagers and young adult as they may be able to relate to the themes and characters that are depicted in the film. However, older adults may watch teen films to create a nostalgic feeling of once being a teenager and possibly trying to relate to the themes being explored in the film. In a typical teen movie, a teen must always overcome personal obstacles that result into him/her becoming a better person.

Common themes/topics explored in teen films

- Romance
- Relationships
- Friendship
- Crime
- Parental conflict
- Competition (within sports and groups of friends)
- Rebellion
- Cliques (Jocks, Nerds, Cheerleaders, etc)
- Loyalty
- Prom

Teen films are categorised into many sub-genres, such as:

- Comedy
- Fantasy
- Thriller
- Romcom
- Action
- Horror

All teen films generally have the same stereotypical character types, such as:

- Jock
- Popular cheerleader/princess
- Nerd
- Outcast
- New girl
- Class clown
- Rebel
- Dumb girl
- Boy/girl next door

Teen films are generally filmed in school/college and also other typical conventional places, such as:

- Someone's house (Bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc)
- Park
- Cafe/diner
- School bus
- Football field
- Gym
- Library
- Mall
- Locker rooms
- Headteacher's office
- Theme park