If you found Adolescence on Netflix real, raw, and hard to shake off—you’re not the only one. Being a teen today is tough, and parenting one can feel even tougher. Between phones, peer drama, school pressure, and figuring out who they are, our kids are going through a lot. As Indian parents, it’s easy to feel like we just don’t “get it” sometimes.
That’s where stories can help. Watching the right shows and movies can give us a peek into what teens are really feeling—even when they don’t say it out loud. In this blog, we’ve put together a list of shows and films that’ll help you see the world through your teenager’s eyes.
Class
Class follows three working-class teens navigating an elite Delhi school, exposing deep divides of class, caste, and privilege. It’s a sharp lens into teen identity, peer pressure, and the emotional toll of fitting in.
Where To Watch: Netflix
13 Reasons Why
A teenage girl’s suicide sparks a ripple effect through her school, revealing issues like bullying, mental health, peer pressure, and consent. A powerful (though intense) watch for parents to understand the emotional landscape teens often keep hidden.
Where To Watch: Netflix
Beautiful Boy
Based on a true story, this film explores a father’s journey as he tries to help his teenage son battling drug addiction. A raw and emotional take on how love and understanding play a role in healing and recovery.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Defending Jacob
A seemingly perfect family is thrown into crisis when their teenage son is accused of murder. It’s a gripping reflection on parenting, loyalty, and the fear of not truly knowing your child.
Where To Watch: Apple TV
Presumed Innocent
A psychological thriller that unfolds around crime, truth, and trust. While not teen-focused, it highlights how secrets and family dynamics influence young minds.
Where To Watch: Apple TV
The Night Of
A college student’s night spirals into a legal and emotional nightmare. Shows how a single poor decision can derail a young life—important for parents navigating boundaries and consequences with their teens.
Where To Watch: HBO
Toxic Town
Based on a true story, this upcoming series explores environmental injustice and community activism. Relevant for teens who care about social causes and for parents trying to understand their child’s passion for advocacy and justice.
Where To Watch: Netflix
One Of Us Is Lying
Based on a true story, this upcoming series explores environmental injustice and community activism. Relevant for teens who care about social causes and for parents trying to understand their child’s passion for advocacy and justice.
Where To Watch: Netflix
Gifted
A single man raises his niece, a math prodigy, while navigating the question of what’s best for her childhood vs. her genius. Offers great insight for parents on nurturing talent without compromising emotional growth.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Boyhood
Filmed over 12 years, this film captures a boy growing up in real-time. It’s a gentle, honest look at growing pains, parent-child relationships, and how moments shape identity.
Where To Watch: Apple TV
Best Interests
A heartbreaking story about a family fighting for their child’s future. While more medical/legal in nature, it beautifully portrays parental resilience and moral dilemmas.
Where To Watch:
When They See Us
The true story of the Central Park Five—teens wrongfully accused and convicted. A must-watch for every parent to understand how systems can fail our children, and how teens of color are especially vulnerable.
Where To Watch: Netflix
Janani S Koushik
Antara Parekh
Harshit Malik
Anusha Veluswamy
Rushita Sheth
Parul Gupta
