100 Best Teen Dramas Part 1: The Foundation (90s Icons)

The 1990s was the decade that truly invented the modern teen drama. Before this, teenagers were often side characters or caricatures. The 90s gave them voices, angst, and high-stakes problems. Here are the first 10 shows in our countdown of the 100 best.

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1. Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)

The blueprint for every “wealthy teens in high school” show that followed. It followed Brandon and Brenda Walsh as they moved from Minnesota to the glitzy world of Beverly Hills.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It tackled serious issues—from drug abuse to date rape—long before it was common on TV.
• Best Character: Dylan McKay (The ultimate 90s bad boy).

2. My So-Called Life (1994–1995)

Often cited as the most realistic portrayal of teenage angst ever filmed. Claire Danes stars as Angela Chase, a girl navigating the awkwardness of being fifteen.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It feels honest. There are no tidy endings, just the messy reality of growing up.
• Best Character: Jordan Catalano (The man of very few words).

3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

A masterpiece that used supernatural monsters as metaphors for high school horrors. Buffy Summers is a “Slayer” destined to fight vampires, but she also just wants to pass her math test.

• Why it’s a must-watch: The writing is sharp, funny, and deeply emotional. It changed television forever.
• Best Character: Spike (The vampire with a soul-crushing arc).

4. Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003)

Known for its hyper-articulate teenagers who talked like philosophy professors. It’s the ultimate show about first loves and the “soulmate” dynamic.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It defines the “Will they/Won’t they” trope with the Joey/Dawson/Pacey love triangle.
• Best Character: Pacey Witter (The underdog who won everyone’s heart).

5. Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

A cult classic that launched the careers of Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Jason Segel. It focuses on two groups of outsiders in a 1980s high school.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It’s painful, hilarious, and deeply relatable for anyone who wasn’t in the “popular” crowd.
• Best Character: Lindsay Weir (The mathlete trying to find herself).

6. Party of Five (1994–2000)

A tear-jerker about five siblings who have to raise themselves after their parents are killed in a car accident.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It explores grief, responsibility, and family loyalty with incredible depth.
• Best Character: Bailey Salinger.

7. Felicity (1998–2002)

Created by J.J. Abrams, it follows Felicity Porter as she follows her high school crush to a university in New York.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It perfectly captures the terrifying freedom and uncertainty of the college transition.
• Best Character: Ben Covington.

8. Roswell (1999–2002)

A sci-fi twist on the teen drama. It’s about three alien teenagers living in secret in Roswell, New Mexico, and the girl who falls for one of them.

• Why it’s a must-watch: The “star-crossed lovers” theme taken to an intergalactic level.
• Best Character: Max Evans.

9. Sister, Sister (1994–1999)

While technically a sitcom, its later seasons delved deep into the complexities of teenage sisterhood, identity, and dating.

• Why it’s a must-watch: Tia and Tamera Mowry’s chemistry is unmatched.
• Best Character: Roger Evans (Go home, Roger!).

10. Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996–2003)

A lighthearted but essential 90s staple about a girl who discovers she has magical powers on her 16th birthday.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It’s the ultimate 90s comfort watch with a talking cat (Salem) who stole every scene.
• Best Character: Salem Saberhagen.

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Next: Part 2 - The Y2K Revolution: 2000s Essentials