5 Best Netflix shows for teens

Netflix shows for teens: Are you looking for your next Netflix binge? Netflix has a lineup that totally gets what teens want right now either you are supernatural mysteries, high school drama, or powerful coming-of-age stories lover.

These shows mix friendship, love, mystery, and self-discovery which have everything that makes growing up feel like an adventure from the gothic world of Wednesday to the heart-tugging My Life With the Walter Boys.

Here are the 5 best Netflix shows every teen should add to their watchlist:

1. Wednesday (Season 2)

Wednesday

Wednesday Addams navigates life at Nevermore Academy while solving a chilling supernatural mystery tied to her family’s dark past.

Wednesday Cast:

Jenna Ortega, Emma Myers, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Joy Sunday

Wednesday USP: Dark humor + gothic teen mystery + strong female lead with quirky charm.
Genre: Supernatural Mystery / Teen Drama / Comedy Horror

Why it’s worth watching:

The first season of “Wednesday” became one of Netflix’s most-watched English TV shows, especially among teen/YA audiences.

What teens will like:

The mix of supernatural mystery + high-school setting + a strong lead character gives it strong teen appeal (especially for those who like a bit of edge).

Note: If you liked the first season, jumping into season 2 is a good choice although new viewers can join in.

2. My Life With the Walter Boys (Season 2)

My Life With the Walter Boys (Season 2)

My Life With the Walter Boys (Season 2) Story:

15-year-old Jackie Howard moves to Colorado to live with the Walters after losing her family which is a big, boisterous family with 10 sons and discovers love, heartbreak, and new beginnings.

After losing her family Cast:

Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde, Ashby Gentry, Corey Fogelmanis

USP: Warm small-town vibes + romantic drama + relatable teen emotions.

Genre: Teen Romance / Family Drama / Coming-of-Age

Why it’s worth watching:

This was a breakout YA-drama hit, especially among teen viewers, with lots of binge behaviour and social-media buzz.

What teens will like:

The typical high-school heart-drama, moving to a new place, big cast of attractive peers and love triangle energy.

Tip: Good for fans of shows like Riverdale, The O.C., or similar teen ensemble dramas.

3. Boots

Boots

A 17-year-old joins the U.S. Marines in the 1990s who have wrestling with identity, discipline, and belonging as he transitions from boyhood to manhood.

Boots Cast:

Miles Heizer, Dermot Mulroney, Dash Mihok, Alex R. Hibbert

USP: Raw and realistic portrayal of growing up under pressure + nostalgic 90s tone.

Genre: Coming-of-Age / Drama / Military

Why it’s worth watching:

This series focuses on a teenager joining the Marines in the 1990s and you may be slightly outside classic ‘teen high-school’ territory.

What teens will like:

It’s got high stakes, coming-of-age themes, a fairly unique premise (teen enlisting, identity, pressure) so it stands out from typical teen shows.

Tip: If you’re comfortable with somewhat more mature themes (military, identity, pressure) this could be a fresh pick.

4. Geek Girl

Geek Girl

Socially awkward teen Harriet Manners accidentally becomes a model, juggling newfound fame with the chaos of high-school life and self-discovery.

Geek Girl Cast:

Emily Carey, Emmanuel Imani, Liam Woodrum, Tim Downie

USP: Feel-good makeover story + message of self-acceptance + light humor.
Genre: Teen Comedy / Drama / Fashion / Feel-Good

Why it’s worth watching:

Based on a popular YA novel, this is a teen drama with relatable themes of not fitting in, discovering your path, and unexpected changes.

What teens will like:

It’s lighter in tone, charming, with plenty of humour and heart, good relief from heavier titles.

Tip: Perfect for a lighter binge or if you want something feel-good with teen vibes.

5. Adolescence

Adolescence

A gripping limited series about a 13-year-old boy arrested for murder, exposing dark truths about youth, masculinity, and online influence.

Adolescence Cast:

Owen Cooper, Jessica Barden, John Leguizamo, Zoë Kravitz

USP: Powerful storytelling + social commentary + emotional depth.
Genre: Crime Drama / Psychological / Thriller

Why it’s worth watching:

Critically acclaimed and widely discussed among older teens and the four-episode series explores a 13-year-old boy’s arrest for murder and broader issues of teen masculinity and online culture.

What teens will like:

If you’re into something more intense, dramatic, thought-provoking rather than just high-school romance or comedy.

Tip: Content is heavier, so best for older teens and those comfortable with serious themes.

ShowIMDb RatingMaturity/Age Rating*
Geek Girl6.7/10TV-PG (Netflix listing)
Boots7.9/10TV-MA (Netflix listing)
Adolescence8.1/10U/A 16+ on Netflix listing
My Life With the Walter Boys6.8/10TV-14 (IMDb listing)
WednesdayTV-14 (Common Sense recommendation)

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