Navigating Adolescence: Must-Watch Films and Series

1. Superman (2025 movie)

"Superman" (2025) is a reboot of the iconic superhero franchise, introducing a fresh take on the Man of Steel's origin story. Directed by a visionary filmmaker, the film explores Clark Kent's journey from his Kryptonian heritage to becoming Earth's protector. With groundbreaking visual effects and a compelling narrative, this adaptation aims to resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences.

2. The Rehearsal (2022 TV show)

'The Rehearsal' is a unique docu-comedy series created by and starring Nathan Fielder, which premiered on HBO in 2022. The show explores the lengths one man will go to reduce the uncertainties of everyday life, allowing ordinary people to prepare for life's biggest moments by 'rehearsing' them in meticulously crafted simulations. Blending reality and fiction, the series offers a humorous yet thought-provoking look at human behavior and the desire for control.

3. The Midnight Gospel (2020 TV show)

Created by Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell, 'The Midnight Gospel' is an American adult animated series that premiered on Netflix in 2020. The show follows Clancy Gilroy, a spacecaster who uses a multiverse simulator to explore bizarre worlds on the brink of disaster, interviewing their inhabitants for his spacecast. The series uniquely blends surreal animation with real podcast interviews from Trussell's 'The Duncan Trussell Family Hour,' featuring guests like Phil Hendrie and Stephen Root. Praised for its vibrant visuals and philosophical depth, the show offers a thought-provoking journey through existential themes.

4. The Mandalorian (2019 TV show)

"The Mandalorian" is a 2019 "Star Wars" series that follows a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic. The series has been acclaimed for its storytelling, visual effects, and the introduction of the beloved character Grogu.

5. Rick and Morty (2013 TV show)

"Rick and Morty" is an American adult animated science fiction sitcom that premiered in 2013. Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the series follows the interdimensional escapades of the eccentric, alcoholic scientist Rick Sanchez and his good-hearted but anxious grandson, Morty Smith. Together, they traverse an infinite number of realities, encountering bizarre creatures and navigating complex family dynamics. The show is renowned for its sharp wit, inventive storytelling, and satirical take on science fiction tropes. Notable voice cast includes Chris Parnell as Jerry, Spencer Grammer as Summer, and Sarah Chalke as Beth. The series has received critical acclaim, winning multiple awards and amassing a dedicated fanbase.

6. The Venture Bros. (2004 TV show)

"The Venture Bros." is an American adult animated action-comedy series that premiered in 2004 on Adult Swim. Created by Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer, the show follows the misadventures of Dr. Thaddeus "Rusty" Venture, a former boy adventurer turned unsuccessful scientist, his dim-witted twin sons Hank and Dean, and their ultra-violent bodyguard Brock Samson. The series is renowned for its sharp satire of classic adventure cartoons like "Jonny Quest," blending dark humor with complex storytelling and a rich array of eccentric characters. The voice cast includes James Urbaniak as Dr. Venture, Patrick Warburton as Brock Samson, and Michael Sinterniklaas as Dean Venture. The show concluded in 2018 after seven seasons, leaving a lasting impact on adult animation.

7. Stranger Things (2016 TV show)

"Stranger Things" is a science fiction horror series created by the Duffer Brothers, first released in 2016. Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the show follows a group of young friends as they encounter supernatural forces and secret government experiments. The ensemble cast includes Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin. The series masterfully blends elements of horror, mystery, and nostalgia, paying homage to 80s pop culture. It has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, acting, and atmospheric setting.

8. What We Do in the Shadows (2019 TV show)

A hilarious mockumentary that exposes the mundane lives of vampire roommates living in Staten Island, blending comedy and horror in a unique and entertaining way.

9. The Boys (2019 TV show)

"The Boys" is a provocative and darkly comedic series that deconstructs the superhero genre. Set in a world where superheroes are celebrities with questionable morals, the show follows a vigilante group known as "The Boys" as they seek to expose the corrupt underbelly of the superhero industry. With its sharp satire and intense action, "The Boys" has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.

10. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022 movie)

'Everything Everywhere All At Once' is a genre-defying film directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. It stars Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American laundromat owner who discovers the existence of parallel universes and must connect with alternate versions of herself to prevent a multiversal catastrophe. Blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, martial arts, and comedy, the film explores themes of existentialism, identity, and family dynamics. It received widespread acclaim, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Yeoh.

11. Donnie Darko (2001 movie)

Directed by Richard Kelly, "Donnie Darko" is a 2001 science fiction psychological thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal as the titular character. The film follows Donnie, a troubled teenager who begins experiencing visions of a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume after narrowly escaping a bizarre accident. As he delves deeper into these hallucinations, Donnie uncovers unsettling truths about time travel, destiny, and his own reality. The film also features performances by Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, and Patrick Swayze.

12. Kenny vs. Spenny (2003 TV show)

'Kenny vs. Spenny' is a Canadian reality comedy series that aired from 2003 to 2010, featuring childhood friends Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice. In each episode, they engage in outrageous competitions—such as who can stay awake the longest or who can wear a dead octopus on their head the longest—with the loser facing a humiliating punishment chosen by the winner. Kenny, known for his cunning and often underhanded tactics, frequently bends or breaks the rules to secure victory, while Spenny adheres to the rules, striving to win through honest effort. This dynamic creates a blend of humor and tension, as the duo's contrasting personalities and approaches lead to unpredictable and entertaining outcomes. The show gained a cult following for its unique blend of reality competition and comedy, showcasing the lengths to which friends will go to outdo each other.

13. Mr. Robot (2015 TV show)

"Mr. Robot" is an American techno-thriller television series that aired from 2015 to 2019. Created by Sam Esmail, the show stars Rami Malek as Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer and hacker with dissociative identity disorder and depression. Elliot is recruited by an insurrectionary anarchist known as "Mr. Robot" (Christian Slater) to join a group of hacktivists called "fsociety." Their mission: to erase all debts by encrypting the financial data of E Corp, the world's largest conglomerate. The series is renowned for its complex narrative, psychological depth, and commentary on capitalism and technology. It received critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama and an Emmy for Malek's performance.