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71 Netflix Teen Shows That Will Take You Straight Back to High School
There are few things as enjoyable as settling down on your couch with a comfy blanket and a bunch of snacks for a Netflix marathon. Some of the streamer’s biggest standouts are their high school-set shows featuring lovable, messy teen characters you can’t help but root for. And many of the shows have multiple seasons, letting you immerse yourself in their world for hours at a time. From laugh-until-your-stomach-aches comedies to teen romances, the streaming platform’s high school lineup is endless.
No, you don’t have to be a teen to love watching TV shows (or movies) about high school. Years after getting my diploma, high school drama and comedy series are still among 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 current shows like “Never Have I Ever,” “Elite,” “Stranger Things,” “Young Royals,” or “Heartstopper,” there are tons of great high-school-centric series you can watch right now on Netflix.
Ahead, these are the best high school series on Netflix, now available for your streaming pleasure!
– Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes, Lauren Harano, Amanda Prahl, Kalyn Womack, and Naomi Parris
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "XO, Kitty"
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before“‘s Kitty Song-Covey takes her high school experience to the other side of the world in this romance-fueled spinoff series. In the show, Kitty moves all the way to Korea to chase after her boyfriend, Dae, whom she met in the final “To All the Boys I Loved Before” movie. But her exciting junior year gets off to a rocky start when she discovers her beau is hiding a huge secret (aka, another girlfriend), prompting her to embark on a quest of life, love, and identity.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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 Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. 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. All four seasons of the high school-set series are now streaming.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Wednesday"
Wednesday Addams tackles a variety of monsters, as well as the ups and downs of high school life at her new private school Nevermore in this Netflix show, which premiered in November. Full of creepy fun, intrigue, and romance, this show has introduced the Addams Family to a new generation of fans.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Heartstopper"
“Heartstopper” is a super-sweet Netflix series about a group of British teens who fall in love for the first time. Fans fell not just for the loving LGBTQ+ storylines, but also for the gorgeous way their friendships are represented. Netflix greenlit both seasons two and three.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Rebelde"
This reinterpretation of an iconic early aughts teen soap opera of the same name follows a group of students trying to win the Battle of the Bands while at a famous boarding school. The students grapple with their feelings for each other as well as a secret society in their midst as they try to kickstart their paths to fame and fortune.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "First Kill"
“First Kill” is a paranormal, high school romance between a teenage vampire and a teenage vampire killer. It’s campy, over-the-top fun combines the drama of “Elite” with the hijinks of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Unfortunately, Netflix canceled the series after the first season, but the eight episodes we have are delicious.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Heartbreak High"
Netflix’s “Heartbreak High” is a reboot of the classic Australian high school series, but you don’t have to be familiar with the old version to dive into the new one. The show follows the students and teachers at Hartley High. At the start of the series, someone graffitis a list of who slept with who on a bathroom wall, and everyone whose name is on it has to attend a new sex-ed course. The show’s diverse cast is full of characters you’ll fall for.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Mismatched"
“Mismatched,” loosely based on the YA novel “When Dimple Met Rishi,” is a Hindi-language series about Dimple, a tech wiz who’s focused on developing her own app, and Rishi – who’s convinced Dimple is the only girl for him. Season two was just released in October.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Boo B*tch"
The Netflix limited series “Boo, B*tch” is about an introverted teen played by Lana Condor who finally decides to have a wild night. Unfortunately, she wakes up the next morning as a ghost. She and her best friend Gia (Zoe Colletti) have to figure out her unfinished business, so she can move on.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Fakes"
Netflix’s “Fakes” is about two best friends who accidentally build a massive fake ID empire, with major consequences on their life and their relationship with each other.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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). You can stream all three seasons now.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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. Season two was released in 2021.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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. Season two premiered in 2021 and the third and final season is on the way.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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. The third season premiered in November.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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 three was released in July.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "The Club"
What happens when a group of weird (and wildly rich) teens decides 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. The 10 episodes are a wild ride.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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?
Best Teen Shows on 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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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. There are four seasons of this to enjoy.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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”!
Related: Here's Who Rory Ends Up With on "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life"
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Everything Sucks!"
In the late 1990s, a rivalry between a high school drama club and the AV club erupts into typical teen shenanigans.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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).
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Alexa & Katie"
As Alexa battles cancer, Katie has her back for whatever comes their way as they begin their first year of high school.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "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.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Moesha"
Starring R&B singer Brandy, Moesha navigates her life at home and at school after her dad, a widower, marries her vice principal.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Friday Night Lights"
In Dillon, TX, all anyone cares about is Football. This drama follows Coach Eric Taylor and his players as they navigate life’s challenges – all while trying to win the state championship.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Sister, Sister"
Take it back to the ’90s with “Sister, Sister!” When two twin girls who were separated at birth and adopted into different families with different lifestyles cross paths, they convince their families to move in together so they can get to know each other. Hijinks absolutely ensue!
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "The Get Down"
Enjoy a good dose of nostalgia? Take it back to 1977, when a talented group from the South Bronx navigate familial relationships and love to chase their passion to be musical trailblazers!
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Mr. Iglesias"
Stand-up comedian Gabriel Iglesias plays a witty high school teacher whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of his students at his alma mater.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Young Royals"
Prince Wilhelm of Sweden adjusts to life at his new boarding school, Hillerska, while battling between societal expectations and his heart’s true desires. Season two was released Nov. 1.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Fate: The Winx Saga"
A group of teens must master their enchanting powers at a magical boarding school, Alfea. Season two was released in September, but the show was canceled weeks later.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "Colin in Black & White"
This teen drama recounts the inspiring journey of Colin Kaepernick as he triumphs over racism and cultural stereotypes on the path to greatness.
Best Teen Shows on Netflix: "All of Us Are Dead"
“All of Us Are Dead” follows a high school overtaken by a zombie attack. A small group of students has to fight against them, while also fighting against the more run-of-the-mill difficulties of growing up.