100 Best Teen Dramas Part 8: International Hits

The teen experience is universal, but different cultures bring unique flavors to the genre. Thanks to streaming, we now have access to incredible stories from all over the globe. From the glamorous scandals of Spain to the quiet intimacy of Norway, here are 10 international masterpieces.

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71. Elite (Spain) (2018–Present)

When three working-class students enroll in Las Encinas, the most exclusive private school in Spain, the clash leads to murder.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It is “Gossip Girl” on steroids. It is incredibly high-stakes, sexy, and features a new murder mystery every season.
• Best Character: Lucrecia “Lu” Montesinos.

72. Skam (Norway) (2015–2017)

A groundbreaking show that used real-time social media posts and clips to tell the stories of teenagers in Oslo. Every season focused on a different character.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It felt incredibly intimate and real. It spawned dozens of remakes around the world, but the original is still the best.
• Best Character: Noora Sætre.

73. Heartstopper (UK) (2022–Present)

A gentle, heartwarming story about two boys at an all-girls/all-boys school who discover their friendship might be something more.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It is “radical kindness.” In a world of dark and gritty teen dramas, Heartstopper is a warm hug that celebrates queer joy.
• Best Character: Charlie Spring.

74. Young Royals (Sweden) (2021–2024)

Prince Wilhelm of Sweden is sent to an elite boarding school where he unexpectedly falls in love with a fellow student, Simon.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It features a remarkably realistic portrayal of teenagers—including skin textures and awkwardness—contrasted with the weight of the monarchy.
• Best Character: Prince Wilhelm.

75. Baby (Italy) (2018–2020)

Loosely based on a real-life scandal in Rome, it follows two wealthy high school girls who become involved in the world of underage prostitution.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It’s an atmospheric, stylish, and often uncomfortable look at the search for identity and rebellion.
• Best Character: Ludovica.

76. Control Z (Mexico) (2020–2022)

A hacker begins releasing the darkest secrets of students at a high school, and it’s up to an observant outsider to find out who is behind it.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It’s a fast-paced “Gossip Girl” style thriller with a modern, digital twist.
• Best Character: Sofía Herrera.

77. How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (Germany) (2019–Present)

To get back his ex-girlfriend, a nerdy teenager starts a multi-million euro online drug business from his bedroom.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It is incredibly fast-paced, funny, and technically creative in how it visualizes the internet.
• Best Character: Moritz Zimmermann.

78. Quicksand (Sweden) (2019)

After a tragedy at an elite prep school, a normal student finds herself on trial for murder. The show reconstructs the events leading up to the incident.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It is a haunting, psychological look at how toxic relationships can lead to catastrophe.
• Best Character: Maja Norberg.

79. Summertime (Italy) (2020–2022)

A beautiful, sun-drenched series about two teenagers from very different worlds who fall in love on the Adriatic coast during summer.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It’s the ultimate “summer vibes” show—visually gorgeous and emotionally poignant.
• Best Character: Summer.

80. Dark (Germany) (2017–2020)

While it’s a mind-bending sci-fi about time travel, the heart of the first season is a small-town mystery involving four families and their teenage children.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It is one of the most complex and rewarding shows ever made. Jonas’s journey as a teenager is tragic and epic.
• Best Character: Jonas Kahnwald.

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Next: Part 9 - Genre-Benders: Sci-Fi, Dystopia & Horror