American Teen

Year: 2008

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Nanette Burstein

Documentary

In a typical Indiana town, five high school seniors experience the complexities of adolescence as they face social pressures and personal challenges. A popular athlete, a seemingly perfect student, a creative loner, and an intelligent observer all grapple with insecurities, budding romances, and the anxieties surrounding their post-graduation plans. The film offers a glimpse into their lives, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the transition into adulthood.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – American Teen (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of American Teen (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Main Characters – American Teen (2008)

Meet the key characters of American Teen (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Major Themes – American Teen (2008)

Explore the central themes of American Teen (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

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Intimate Coming-of-Age Documentaries like American Teen

Raw and authentic films that capture the universal anxieties of adolescence.If you liked the authentic portrayal of high school in American Teen, explore other documentaries that capture the real-life anxieties, social pressures, and hopeful moments of adolescence. These films provide a similar fly-on-the-wall perspective into the complex world of teenagers.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a chronological, observational structure, often centered around a pivotal life period like a school year. They focus on character-driven arcs as individuals navigate social hierarchies, personal goals, and the bittersweet process of leaving childhood behind.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their documentary realism, their focus on the adolescent experience, and their bittersweet, introspective tone. They share a steady pacing and a medium emotional weight, balancing genuine struggles with the inherent hope of new beginnings.

Bittersweet High School Chronicles like American Teen

Stories about the mixed emotions of leaving high school and facing adulthood.Find more movies like American Teen that explore the emotional rollercoaster of senior year. These films and shows capture the nostalgia, first loves, academic pressures, and bittersweet feeling of endings and new beginnings typical of this life stage.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows an ensemble or central character through the milestones of senior year—applications, prom, graduation—juxtaposing personal triumphs with the sadness of parting ways. The journey is defined by self-discovery and the emotional complexity of transition.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects stories through their shared setting, the universally relatable theme of senior year transition, and a consistent bittersweet tone. The pacing is steady, focusing on character development and the emotional weight of change, rather than high-stakes plot.

Unlock the Full Story of American Teen

Don't stop at just watching — explore American Teen in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what American Teen is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

American Teen Summary

Read a complete plot summary of American Teen, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

American Teen Timeline

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American Teen Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About American Teen

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about American Teen: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like American Teen that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.