Gray Hairs, Great Ideas: When I Realized the Adults Were Right in Teen Flicks

By Krystal Brown

In the world of teen movies, the adults often find themselves portrayed as clueless, out-of-touch, or downright wrong. However, there are instances where the adults in these films shine with wisdom and make decisions that prove they are, in fact, right. These movies provide refreshing narratives that challenge the stereotype of adults as mere obstacles or party-poopers, showcasing the valuable guidance and insight they can offer to the younger generation.

Mean Girls

Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

In “Mean Girls,” the adults are actually the unsung heroes amidst all the teenage chaos. Ms. Norbury, the math teacher played by Tina Fey, deserves a gold medal for her efforts in promoting kindness and squashing toxic behavior. She’s like a superhero with a calculator, swooping in to mediate conflicts and drop wisdom bombs left and right. Meanwhile, the poor principal and teachers are just trying to do their jobs, but end up being caught in the crossfire of teenage drama. It’s a comedy of errors where the adults are competent and nice, while the teens are, well, a hot mess. So, while some young viewers may relate to the kids, let’s give a round of applause to the adults who keep the ship from sinking into a sea of teenage insanity. You go, Ms. Norbury, the queen of math and wisdom!

Juno 

Image Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures

When sassy teenager Juno finds herself with an unexpected bun in the oven, the adults in her life are initially like, “Whoa, Nelly!” But hey, they may seem a little clueless at first, yet they bring the wisdom and support like superheroes in parenting capes. Juno’s parents and the adoptive couple prove that even in the midst of crazy situations, adults can step up and show they’ve got the love and guidance to handle the baby bumpin’ rollercoaster ride. It’s a comedic and heartwarming reminder that when life throws you a curveball, the grown-ups can be more than just “you’re grounded” machines—they can be the ones who help you find your way through the unexpected twists and turns.

10 Things I Hate About You

Image Credit: Touchstone Pictures

Ah, “10 Things I Hate About You,” where the wise dad drops a truth bomb with his unforgettable line, “You’re 18. You don’t know what you want.” And boy, does that resonate even as we approach the fabulous forty club! I mean, who needs a crystal ball when you can have an overprotective dad who sees through the haze of teenage hormones and knows that figuring out what you want is like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded? It’s like he’s saying, “Sweetie, I’ve lived a few more decades, and I’m still not entirely sure what I want for dinner tonight, let alone the meaning of life!”

The Little Mermaid

Image Credit: Walt Disney Pictures

In the underwater kingdom of “The Little Mermaid,” Ariel is feeling a serious case of wanderlust and wants to ditch her fins for some feet. But her overprotective dad, King Triton, is not having it. He’s all like, “Stay in the sea, young lady!” But Ariel, being the rebellious mermaid she is, strikes a deal with a sketchy sea witch. She’s like, “Hey, Ursula, take my voice so I can have a shot at snaring that handsome prince.” Talk about extreme measures! Now, let’s be real here. In any normal parent-child relationship, this would not fly. Can you imagine going up to your dad and saying, “Hey, Dad, I’m gonna give up my voice and chase a stranger on land for three days. Cool with that?” Yeah, good luck with that conversation.

Grease 

Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

Danny and Sandy’s love story unfolds in a time when adults were about as cool as a milkshake without the cherry on top. But hold your jukebox! As the hip-shaking musical plays out, it turns out those grown-ups had some valuable lessons to teach. They showed Danny and Sandy that finding love isn’t just about slicked-back hair and leather jackets—it’s about staying true to yourself, even if it means busting out a spontaneous song and dance number. So grease up your wheels and get ready for a rockin’ revelation: sometimes the adults know a thing or two about finding your groove. It’s electrifying!

Dirty Dancing

Image Credit: Great American Films

In “Dirty Dancing,” poor Baby gets caught up in a whirlwind romance with the dashing Johnny Castle. But let’s be real, her dad had every reason to be concerned about their forbidden love affair. I mean, who wouldn’t question their teenage daughter hanging out with a super suave, hip-swiveling dance instructor? It’s not like her dad woke up one day and said, “You know what would be fun? Let’s ruin Baby’s life by forbidding her from canoodling with a grown man who dances for a living.” Nope, that’s not how it works in the real world, folks! Sorry, Baby, but no amount of fancy footwork can change the fact that your dad was just looking out for you, even if it meant crushing your dance floor dreams.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

In “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the principal and Ferris’ sister may seem uptight, but they’re actually justified in their concerns. Sure, the principal goes to extremes to catch Ferris, and his sister is jealous of his freedom, but deep down, they just want to enforce the rules and ensure the well-being of the students. So, while Ferris is having the time of his life, let’s give a nod to the grown-ups who are doing their best to keep things in order, even if they’re a little intense about it. Kudos to them for trying to tame the Ferris Buellers of the world!

Twilight

Image Credit: Temple Hill Entertainmen

In the Twilight series, Bella is like a magnet for trouble. She’s out there, chillin’ with vampires and werewolves, just casually risking her life on a regular basis. And her poor dad, all he wants is some basic information about these questionable boys she’s hanging out with. But does she calmly explain? Nah, she snaps at him like a sassy pro. I mean, come on, Bella! Your dad just wants to make sure you’re safe and sound, not turning into a midnight snack for some fanged creature. He’s the real MVP, looking out for his daughter’s well-being while she’s busy falling for immortal beings. And let’s not forget, Bella ends up becoming a vampire herself! So, Dad’s concerns were totally valid. He saw the writing on the wall, or should I say, the fangs on the teeth.

The Breakfast Club

Image Credit: Universal Pictures

In “The Breakfast Club,” the principal’s disciplinary approach is actually justified. He’s tasked with maintaining order and discipline in the school, and let’s face it, dealing with a bunch of rebellious teenagers is no easy feat. So, hats off to the principal for trying to instill some much-needed structure, even if the students challenge his authority. Keep up the good work, Mr. Principal, and remember, sometimes tough love is the way to go!

The Karate Kid

Image Credit: Columbia Pictures

In this kick-ass martial arts gem, Daniel, the new kid in town, finds himself in the ring of bullying torment. Enter Mr. Miyagi, the maintenance maestro who takes Daniel under his wing. At first glance, the grown-ups around Daniel, including his mom and the local karate instructor, seem about as useful as a punching bag with no stuffing. But hey, plot twist alert! As the story unfolds, it turns out those adults were actually onto something, dropping life lessons harder than a roundhouse kick. Daniel learns that sometimes the wisest path is the one guided by those who’ve seen a few more sunsets. Who knew karate could also teach us the importance of listening to our elders? Wax on, wisdom!

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