Teen-focused films are just starting to emerge as a distinct genre

Characters often still resemble young adults rather than fully developed teen stereotypes

Storylines explore rebellion, freedom, and youth counterculture

Tone: experimental, reflective of social change, sometimes gritty

Strong cliques and social hierarchies

Clear, fixed stereotypes (jock, nerd, rebel, popular girl)

Limited questioning of labels or social roles

Tone: earnest, melodramatic, often moralising

Cliques still present but more comedic or exaggerated

Stereotypes start to include more nuance (e.g., “nerd can be cool”)

Exploration of outsider or misfit characters begins

Tone: mix of comedy and drama, irony emerging slowly

More self-aware characters; irony becomes common

Blending of stereotypes — characters may cross categories

Focus on social media, fashion, and popularity culture

Teen identity explored more explicitly, but still structured by peer groups

Heavy use of irony and satire in stereotypes

Characters aware of social labels and sometimes challenge them

Identity portrayed as fluid; diversity in gender, race, and sexuality appears

Tone: witty, meta, often socially conscious

Even more diversity and inclusivity; stereotype subversion is common

Characters often multi-dimensional, avoiding “one-note” labels

Social media and digital culture heavily influence story and identity

Tone: authentic, self-reflective, and culturally relevant