No, you don’t have to be a teen to love watching TV shows (or movies) about high school. Years after getting my diploma, teen dramas and comedies are still one of my favorite TV genres. Lucky for me, they’re all over Netflix. Whether you’re looking for a boost of nostalgia (like Gilmore Girls) or you’re hoping to catch up on a show that’s still on, there are tons of great high-school-centric series you can watch right now. Take a look to get our recommendations!
– Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes, Lauren Harano, Amanda Prahl, and Kalyn Womack
Firefly Lane
In this adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s novel of the same name, the relationship between two best friends – Kate Mularkey and Tully Hart – is traced from its beginning in the 1970s in high school over three decades. Katherine Heigl plays current-day Tully, while Sarah Chalke costars as current-day Kate.
How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)
Inspired by real events, this German series tells the story of how a 17-year-old high school student created Europe’s largest online drug business from his bedroom with his best friend, Lenny – and all to impress his American pill-popping party-animal ex-girlfriend, Lisa. This coming-of-age story will likely remind you of Sex Education (if the series replaced sex advice with pills, that is). You can stream the first two seasons of this series, though you’ll have to wait until fall 2021 for season three.
Jinn
In Netflix’s first-ever Arabic original series, a group of teenagers unexpectedly come face to face with a supernatural threat while on a class trip to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. When that threat becomes deadly, they must take it upon themselves to stop the spiritual force from killing others. It’s unlikely that we’ll get a second season of this one, but the first season is definitely worth a watch.
Love Alarm
Based on the digital comic of the same name by Chon Kye-young, this South Korean drama revolves around a mysterious developer who creates an app, which tells users if someone near them has romantic feelings for them – as well as if you don’t like someone. For Kim Jo-jo, high school becomes even more complicated when the app ropes her into a love triangle with two classmates.
Luna Nera
Set in 17th-century Celleno – a ghost village in the province of Viterbo, Italy – this drama centers on a teenage midwife who’s accused of using witchcraft after she has a dark premonition while helping her grandmother deliver a baby. Ade is then forced to flee from her village with her younger brother in tow. She then meets a group of ancient witches – as well as a really cute boy named Pietro. Here’s hoping we get a second season of this one.
Mortel
In this dark French series, a trio of teenagers – Sofiane, Victor, and Luisa – find themselves bound together by a supernatural force, and together, they attempt to figure out what happened to Sofiane’s missing brother. Of course, in between solving crimes and testing out their new powers, the teens must contend with the usual high school drama. We’re still standing by for news on a potential second season.
Quicksand
Based on the novel of the same name by Malin Persson Giolito, Netflix’s first Swedish-language series is set at a Stockholm prep school, telling the story of a student who finds herself on trial for murder following a tragic school shooting. As the trial unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the case isn’t as straightforward as it initially seemed. It’s unclear whether we’ll get a season two, but we have our fingers crossed.
Ragnarok
Inspired by Norse mythology, this Norwegian coming-of-age series takes place in the fictitious town of Edda following bizarre weather patterns caused by global warming. As the town faces the threat of pollution and melting glaciers, it becomes clear that only a teenager gifted with the embodiment of Thor can save the people of Edda. The best part: it’s returning for a second installment.
Blood & Water
Netflix’s second original series from South Africa revolves around Puleng, a crafty 16-year-old on a mission to find her older sister, who was abducted at birth 17 years before. This series may contain the same tropes as other teen-centric series, but the fact that human trafficking (which is a huge issue in South Africa) is at the center of this drama gives it a depth that other teen shows lack. Good news: it’s officially coming back for a second season.
Sintonia
In this Brazilian drama, three friends since childhood – Nando, Doni, and Rita – take different paths in their teens in an attempt to distance themselves from their São Paulo backgrounds. However, no matter how far they travel from home, they still must rely on one another to avoid self-destruction. Season two is officially happening, though it’s unclear when we can expect to see it.
Switched
Based on a manga series by Shiki Kawabata, this thrilling drama tells the story of high schooler Ayumi, who has the perfect life and the perfect boyfriend – so perfect, in fact, that a jealous classmate decides to steal Ayumi’s body and take over her life. Though Zenko claims not to know how the body switch happened, her scheme (and what motivated it) is slowly revealed.
The Rain
In this postapocalyptic Danish series, two teenage siblings, Simone and Rasmus, navigate the world alongside a ragtag team of survivors five years after a virus spread by rainfall wipes out almost all of Scandinavia. Expect a lot of drama, a lot of struggle, and a lot of raging hormones. There won’t be a fourth season of this one, but you can watch all three seasons of the series now.
The Club
What happens when a group of weird (and wildly rich) teens decide to start selling ecstasy? This Mexican dramedy has the answer, and as you can imagine, it involves some run-ins with the law – and some angry narcos. There’s no word on whether this series will get a second installment, but the first season is a wild ride.
The Stranded
The Stranded is Netflix’s first original series from Thailand, telling the story of 18-year-old Kraam, who survives a devastating tsunami along with 36 of his fellow high schoolers, only to be left stranded on a remote island in the Andaman Sea. When it becomes clear that no one is coming for them, they must figure out how to rescue themselves. Can we get a second season please, Netflix?
We Are the Wave
This German coming-of-age drama, which is loosely based on the novel The Wave by Todd Strasser (originally released under a pen name, Morton Rhue), centers around a group of teens who fall under the influence of a mysterious new classmate and dream up an idealistic revolt against nationalism. However, those lofty ideas eventually evolve into dangerous action. There’s still no word on whether we’ll get a second season of this one.
On My Block
Spend some time with best friends Monse, Ruby, Jamal, and Cesar as they confront the challenges of puberty and growing up in their predominantly Hispanic and black neighborhood in South Central LA.
Riverdale
This dark and gritty adaptation of the Archie comics is oftentimes ridiculous, but watching Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead solve mysteries in their permanently misty town is addicting nonetheless.
The Vampire Diaries
Like your teen soaps with a side of fangs? Sure, this show is mostly about vampire-y love triangles, but there’s a prom thrown in there.
13 Reasons Why
Hannah Baker posthumously sends 13 cassette tapes to her classmates following her suicide, and gradually they all come to discover how their inconsiderate actions lead to her death. It’s a well-acted, heartbreaking mystery.
Gilmore Girls
There’s nothing quite like watching Rory and Lorelai bond over their morning coffee that gives you the warm fuzzies. You might not want to attend Chilton Preparatory School, but at least it’s fun watching Rory navigate the halls. If you’ve already conquered the original series, it’s time to tackle A Year in the Life!
Elite
This Spanish import focuses on a trio of working-class teens who are admitted to an elite private school for only the wealthiest of families. Naturally, class conflicts and major drama (and even murder) ensue.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Teenage witch Sabrina Spellman is torn between her mortal life and friends and the dark allure of the Academy, where warlocks and witches like her train to serve their Dark Lord.
Everything Sucks!
In the late 1990s, a rivalry between a high school drama club and the AV club erupts into typical teen shenanigans.
Sex Education
When a pair of teens decide to start an underground sex advice clinic at their high school, things get far more complicated (and hilarious) than either of them ever could’ve imagined.
Glee
Come for the acerbic wit of the early episodes, stay for the popcorn value of the later years of this musical comedy about a small-town high school glee club and the big personalities that populate it.
Never Have I Ever
Produced by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, this comedy series tells the story and struggles of a modern first-generation Indian-American teen, played by newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishna. Tennis legend John McEnroe narrates the series; Ramakrishna’s character’s late father was a big fan of the tennis bad boy, as were Kaling’s parents.
Outer Banks
Starring Madelyn Cline (whom you might recognize from Boy Erased and Vice Principals) and several other up-and-coming young actors, this YA drama is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, following a close-knit group of teens as they attempt to find the father of their ringleader – who went missing while trying to salvage a sunken ship – and instead find a mysterious treasure map.
The Society
A group of wealthy teenagers find themselves in a version of their town where all the adults have vanished, and they start forging their own rules.
Degrassi: Next Class
The modern-day version of Degrassi, Degrassi: Next class is about the daily struggles of high school life and all the drama that comes with it.
Derry Girls
Looking for a laugh? The girls of Derry are here to give you two seasons of adventures so wild, you won’t be able to hold back the laughter. This British sitcom follows the personal exploits of 16-year-old Erin Quinn and her four best friends during the tough times that her small town face in the early ’90s.
Trinkets
Three teenagers from vastly different backgrounds and levels on the high school social hierarchy strike up an unlikely friendship after running into each other at a shoplifters anonymous meeting.
Greenhouse Academy
If you’re looking for a good teen drama, this is it. Set in an elite boarding school in Southern California, teen siblings Hayley and Alex find romance, friends, and even a few rivalries while solving a mystery that relates to their mom.
Summertime
Inspired by Federico Moccia’s novel Tre Metri Sopra il Cielo and set on Italy’s Adriatic coast, this romantic Italian series follows the love story that blossoms between a street-racing motorcyclist and a woman determined to leave her small town behind and see the world.
Anne With an E
Based on Anne of Green Gables, Anne With an E features a young, bold, imaginative, and strong-willed female lead: an orphan named Anne who finds an “unlikely home with a spinster and her soft-spoken bachelor brother,” transforming their lives in the process.
Insatiable
This super controversial comedy series tells the story of formerly overweight teen Patty (played by Debby Ryan) and her disgraced civil lawyer turned beauty pageant coach (played by Dallas Roberts) as they battle their inner demons and try to escape their past (which now requires covering up a murder).
GO! Live Your Way
Mia, who lives with her godmother, gets into the dance school of her dreams. Excited to fit in, Mia quickly learns the hardest person to please is the owner of the school’s daughter.
Haters Back Off
Comedian Colleen Ballinger is best known for her fictional YouTube personality, Miranda Sings, an eccentric and delusional narcissist who unabashedly performs on the internet despite having no talent. Named after her catchphrase, Haters Back Off is an over-the-top satire on modern-day fame that delves into Miranda’s life on her so-called journey to stardom. A hypochondriac mother, meddling uncle, zany best friend, and unusually sane sister are just a few of the characters that, along with Miranda, make comedy series Haters Back Off laugh-out-loud hilarious.
American Vandal
This true crime satire revolves around amateur filmmakers Peter and Sam as they take on teenage deviants – such as the phallic-tagging prankster and the mystery “Turd Burglar” – at local high schools. It may sound totally bizarre in premise, but believe us when we say it’s very smart and totally original.
I Am Not Okay With This
Sophia Lillis stars in this YA series, which comes from the from the creator/director of The End of The F***ing World and the producers of Stranger Things. Based on the Charles Forsman graphic novel of the same name, the series follows a teenage girl as she deals with high school, family drama, her budding sexuality, and the mysterious superpowers that she’s gradually developing.
The A List
Fans of The Society will love this British series, which takes place at a seemingly idyllic summer camp on Peregrine Island and follows the battle waged between camp queen bee Mia and mysterious latecomer Amber, who threatens to take Mia’s place.
Stranger Things
This insanely popular sci-fi series follows an adolescent crew living in 1980s Indiana as they discover supernatural forces, secret government threats, and a young girl with telekinetic powers. Don’t be too surprised if you find yourself looking for the Demogorgon around every corner after watching this one.
Get Even
This British drama revolves around a group of teens who decide to team up to expose their school’s bullies – though things become complicated when the girls are framed for one of their target’s murders.
All American
Teen football player Spencer James from LA is recruited to the Beverly Hills football team, an opportunity his family agrees he cannot miss. Spencer packs his bags, but once he arrives at his new school, it’s clear he’s not welcome by anyone, especially the quarterback.
Control Z
In this Mexican drama, a mystery hacker starts releasing confidential information about students from the same high school, and savvy social recluse Sofía decides to figure out the identity of the person responsible.
Legacies
Though we’re not sure we’ve ever seen a spinoff of a spinoff before, that is just what Legacies is. The drama centers around Hope Mikaelson (reprised by Danielle Rose Russell) in a spinoff of The Originals (which followed Hope’s father and his two siblings), which is a spinoff of The Vampire Diaries. This CW series picks up two years after the events of The Originals, with a now-17-year-old Hope attending the Salvatore School For the Young and Gifted.
The End of the F***ing World
The End of the F***ing World is just as funny as it is disturbingly dark. Fortunately, it will only take you a few seasons to blaze through the adventures of 17-year-old James and Alyssa, who go on the run after stealing a car and maybe-possibly-accidentally murdering someone.
Daybreak
Based on Brian Ralph’s graphic novel of the same name, this dark comedy follows a 17-year-old high school outcast who goes on a mission to find his missing girlfriend in postapocalyptic Glendale, CA. Matthew Broderick makes his regular TV gig debut as the high school’s good-natured principal.
Sister, Sister
Take it back to the ’90s with Sister, Sister. Tia and Tamera, twin sisters who were separated at birth, reunite after 14 years and eventually move in together, blending both families and personalities.
The Order
A secret society, werewolves, magic – The Order has all of that and so much more. Belgrave University student Jack Morton is on a mission to bring justice to those responsible for his mother’s death, but when he joins the Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose, he finds himself in an ancient battle between werewolves and those who practice dark magic.
Between
In this Netflix original, a group of teens try to cope when everyone over the age of 21 is killed off by a mysterious disease.
Baby
Loosely based on the real-life scandal of two high school students from Rome’s wealthy Parioli district engaging in part-time prostitution, protagonists Chiara and Ludovica attempt to gain a sense of identity and financial independence by selling sex.
Atypical
This coming-of-age series follows Sam Gardner, a teenager on the autism spectrum who decides that he’s ready to shake off his doting parents and gain some independence – especially in his love life. As he experiences everything from his first girlfriend to his first job, and eventually, his first college classes, Atypical is both heartwarming and hilarious. Though actor Keir Gilchrist is not on the autism spectrum himself, the series started incorporating actors who are actually on the spectrum in season two, giving the series new depth and complexity.
Grand Army
At a large public high school in Brooklyn, five students encounter a series of events that turn their social and personal lives upside down.
Watch Grand Army on Netflix now.
Ginny & Georgia
Georgia moves her children Ginny and Austin up north to start a new life. However, they are in for a rude awakening as they try to settle into their new home.
Watch Ginny & Georgia on Netflix now.
Alexa & Katie
As Alexa battles cancer, Katie has her back for whatever comes their way as they begin their first year of high school.
Watch Alexa & Katie on Netflix now.
One on One
Breanna decides to live with her father after her mother takes a job overseas. The two learn not only how to live with one another but also how to build their father-daughter relationship as Breanna approaches womanhood.
Watch One on One on Netflix now.
