The 20 best teen dramas to watch on Netflix

Netflix description: "A plucky orphan whose passions run deep finds an unlikely home with a spinster and her soft-spoken bachelor brother. Based on 'Anne of Green Gables.'"

Why you should watch it: It can be difficult to adapt a classic story, but "Anne with an E" succeeds by bringing a surprisingly modern sensibility to Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved series and heroine. Although the series aired its last episodes in early 2020, all three seasons can be enjoyed on Netflix now.

Netflix description: "When a teen on the autism spectrum decides to get a girlfriend, his bid for more independence puts his whole family on a path of self-discovery."

Why you should watch: "Atypical" has an all-around strong ensemble cast, and incorporates main character Sam's (Keir Gilchrist) autism into the show's larger questioning of what it means to be "normal" without ever othering him or making jokes at his expense. The dramedy has only gotten better with each of its three seasons, and a fourth and final season will hit Netflix next year.

Netflix description: "Trapped in adolescent bodies, feuding vampire brothers Stefan and Damon vie for the affection of captivating teenager Elena."

Why you should watch it: Released back in 2009, when vampires were in their heyday thanks to the "Twilight" series, "The Vampire Diaries" is fueled by a juicy young adult love triangle typical of the early 2010s. Come for the supernatural gossip, stay for the show's witty dark comedy (which is somewhat reminiscent of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer").

Netflix description: "When everyone else mysteriously vanishes from their wealthy town, the teen residents of West Ham must forge their own society to survive."

Why you should watch it: Chances are you caught "The Society" star Kathryn Newton on "Big Little Lies" or in the 2019 Pokémon film "Detective Pikachu," but the actress really gets to shine here as Allie, a girl who's tasked with helping her peers survive in their guardians' absences.

An interesting modern riff on "Lord of the Flies," the show balances its fast-paced melodrama with a thoughtful exploration of what happens when teenagers are forced to grow up too fast.

Netflix description: "Culture clashes and brewing rivalries test a teen football player from South Los Angeles when he's recruited to the Beverly Hills High School team."

Why you should watch it: Like many sports dramas before it, "All American" uses football to tackle social issues — in this case, how race and class intermingle in one wealthy Los Angeles high school. This show stands out from the pack thanks to standout performances by Diggs and newcomer Daniel Ezra.

Netflix description: "Angsty Syd navigates high school awkwardness, family drama and an unrequited crush on her best friend while trying to rein in her budding superpowers."

Why you should watch it: On its surface, "I Am Not Okay With This" may seem like a retread of other nostalgic Netflix originals like "Everything Sucks!" and "Stranger Things," since it takes place in the 20th century and follows a girl (Lillis) with burgeoning supernatural abilities.

However, the show more than stands its own thanks to a strong lead performance from Lillis, a streamlined runtime, and a compassionate view of just how terribly awkward adolescence can be.

Netflix description: "A budding teen psychopath and a rebel hungry for adventure embark on a star-crossed road trip in this darkly comic series based on a graphic novel."

Why you should watch it: "The End of the F***ing World" expertly balances bleak nihilism and outlandish comedy, telling an unconventional love story about two young outsiders. It's also a quick watch, with a series runtime of less than six hours.

Netflix description: "Magic and mischief collide as half-human, half-witch Sabrina navigates between two worlds: mortal teen life and her family's legacy, the Church of Night."

Why you should watch it: This Netflix original was developed by the creator of "Riverdale" (Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa) and is just as bingeable. "Mad Men" star Kiernan Shipka leads this macabre yet campy romp, which is an engrossing supernatural teen show for a new generation.

Netflix description: "Fiercely independent single mom Lorelai raises gifted, Ivy League-bound daughter Rory amid a continual stream of quick-witted repartee."

Why you should watch it: While "Gilmore Girls" focuses on a mother-daughter duo, much of the action revolves around Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) attempting to fulfill her dreams of attending a top university, as she comes of age along the way.

The show is a classic for a reason — its quirky characters and the relationships that they form feel strikingly real, and the quick-paced stream of jokes hold up well on your first or fifth viewing.

Netflix description: "This incisive series centers on the tense lives of a group of teenagers as the friends and wannabe lovers weather their final two years of school."

Why you should watch it: Featuring recognizable actors like Dev Patel and Nicholas Hoult, the British series was one of the first teen dramas to explore issues of eating disorders, mental health, substance abuse, and sexuality as they pertain to young adults.

Netflix description: "After a trio of sisters discover an ancient text in their mansion attic, revealing they possess latent supernatural powers, mischief and drama ensue."

Why you should watch it: The witchy teen drama is a poignant ode to sisterhood, and as a bonus, a reboot is currently airing on The CW.

Netflix description: "A century after Earth was devastated by a nuclear apocalypse, 100 space station residents are sent to the planet to determine whether it's habitable."

Why you should watch it: "The 100" manages to blend heady young adult drama and political intrigue within an absorbing futuristic version of Earth that's full of surprises. While the later seasons of the show are admittedly debatable in quality, the first two seasons, in particular, are well worth a watch.

Netflix description: "It's 1996 in a town called Boring, where high school misfits in the AV and drama clubs brave the ups and downs of teenage life in the VHS era."

Why you should watch it: Although "Everything Sucks!" was unfortunately canceled after one season, it maintains a passionate fanbase to this day. The emotional, nostalgic comedy has a great throwback soundtrack and was particularly hailed for its LGBT representation. It's also a quick binge — you can watch the entire show in just under four hours.

Netflix description: "Amid relationship woes and personal attacks from a wicked cheerleading coach, a teacher fights to turn underdog glee club members into winners."

Why you should watch it: Aside from making prominent stars out of cast members like Lea Michele and Darren Criss, the first few seasons of "Glee" in particular boast entertaining satire of high school social hierarchies, and catchy song covers that occasionally even rival the original versions.

Netflix description: "When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl."

Why you should watch it: If you haven't yet immersed yourself in the nostalgically creepy small-town world of "Stranger Things," what are you waiting for? Apart from being one of Netflix's most popular originals, the show perfectly evokes classic 1980s coming-of-age movies thanks to its charismatic teen leads.

Netflix description: "In a rough inner-city Los Angeles neighborhood, four smart, funny and streetwise teens find their lifelong friendship tested as they begin high school."

Why you should watch it: Season three premiered in March, making it a great time to catch up on this Netflix dramedy. "On My Block" showcases all of the familiar trials and tribulations of high school within the context of an often-underrepresented American community.

Netflix description: "While navigating the troubled waters of sex, romance, school and family, teen Archie and his gang become entangled in a dark Riverdale mystery."

Why you should watch it: Since the 1940s, the Archie Comics have told the wholesome story of all-American teenager Archie Andrews, whose biggest problem is deciding whether to date classmates Betty Cooper or Veronica Lodge. In 2017, The CW plopped those classic characters into a live-action teen noir filled with murder mysteries and organized crime.

Sure, the soapy, melodramatic antics of "Riverdale" can get pretty unhinged, but it's undeniably fun to watch a show take a familiar story and swing for the fences.

Netflix description: "When three working-class teens enroll in an exclusive private school in Spain, the clash between them and the wealthy students leads to murder."

Why you should watch it: With its compelling crime mysteries and twisty teenage gossip, this international Netflix original was made for binge-watching. Season three of "Elite" recently premiered on the streaming service, with a fourth season set to debut in 2021.

Netflix description: "Insecure Otis has all the answers when it comes to sex advice, thanks to his therapist mom. So rebel Maeve proposes a school sex-therapy clinic."

Why you should watch it: Raunchy, heartfelt, and delightfully offbeat, "Sex Education" is a sex-positive coming-of-age dramedy for teens and adults alike.

Netflix description: "A group of hyperprivileged Manhattan private-school kids seem to get away with everything. Except an anonymous blogger is watching their every move."

Why you should watch it: With its A-list leads (such as Blake Lively and "You" star Penn Badgley) and cutting one-liners, the show is an engrossing teen drama for the ages.

Plus, it's worth catching up on "Gossip Girl" before a 10-episode reboot of the show debuts on HBO Max later this year.