Not every movie needs to be a billion-dollar franchise or a viral TikTok moment to matter. Some of the best stories are the ones that hit when you’re not expecting it — about ambition, fear, failure, love, and just trying to figure out your place in the world.

Here are 10 underrated movies every Gen Z viewer should watch before they turn 25. These aren’t just entertaining — they might actually stick with you long after the credits roll.

1. Sing Street (2016)

Stream it: Prime Video, Apple TV

An Irish teenager starts a band to impress a girl — and accidentally changes his entire life. It’s pure creative energy, filled with hope, heartbreak, and the DIY spirit Gen Z thrives on.

2. Ghost World (2001)

Stream it: Tubi, Amazon (rental)

A brutally honest, darkly funny portrait of teenage alienation. Perfect if you’ve ever felt like you’re just drifting, disconnected from everything around you.

3. Election (1999)

Stream it: Paramount+, Amazon (rental)

Sharp, savage, and way ahead of its time. This high school election satire nails ambition, burnout, and fake virtue in a way that feels even more relevant today.

4. Yes Man (2008)

Stream it: Netflix, Max

Sometimes life changes when you just say yes. A perfect reminder that even if you’re exhausted and cynical, opening up to small possibilities can reshape your world.

5. I Love You, Man (2009)

Stream it: Prime Video, Paramount+

Friendship doesn’t get enough attention in movies. This one does — awkwardness, vulnerability, and all. A warm, funny reminder that it’s okay to be weird while trying to connect.

6. The Disaster Artist (2017)

Stream it: Max, Apple TV (rental)

Celebrates spectacular failure in the most hilarious way possible. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit in but still want to create something — this is your movie.

7. Clueless (1995)

Stream it: Paramount+, Apple TV (rental)

It’s not just about fashion and quotable one-liners. Clueless sneaks real emotional growth and empathy under its glossy exterior — and it’s still one of the funniest teen movies ever made.

8. Sideways (2004)

Stream it: Starz, Amazon (rental)

A little older, a little quieter, but brutally real about failure, friendship, and aging dreams. Watch it now, and it might just help you understand future you a little better.

9. Three Months (2022)

Stream it: Paramount+

A rare, heartfelt coming-of-age story about health, fear, and love — without over-explaining or over-dramatizing. Quiet, honest, and closer to real life than most teen movies dare to get.

10. Rushmore (1998)

Stream it: Max, Apple TV (rental)

Max Fischer might be the original gifted burnout. Wes Anderson’s early classic is a reminder that ambition is good — but letting life happen to you matters just as much.

Final Thought

These movies aren’t about superheroes or special effects. They’re about ambition, connection, self-sabotage, and messy, imperfect growth — basically, everything you’ll face navigating your 20s.

Watch them. Let them hit you. You’ll be glad you did.