The recent premiere of the film Sex Drive is yet another chapter in Hollywood’s obsession with movies about losing your virginity. From Porkies to American Pie the never-ending quest for tail is a staple for modern cinema going audiences.

For many it’s how we first learn about what will become the single focus of our teenage years. Unfortunately, the films rarely provide an uplifting journey but rather one filled with embarrassment, public humiliation and severe awkwardness.

Thankfully, if these films have taught us anything it is that by the end of the 90 minutes the lonely teenager’s deepest wishes will be fulfilled in a gloriously triumphant, forever lasting copulatory moment. Just like real life.

We have compiled a top ten list of our favourite films about losing it. Realism is sorely lacking from most of these films but they serve a social purpose in preparing younglings for the wonders of what it means to be a teenager.

10. Girl Next Door
The stunning Elisha Cuthbert is the object of virginal Emile Hirsch’s desire in this unconventional tale of teen love. The film starts well enough but becomes preposterous by the finish line.




9. The Graduate
Absolute classic that creates a convoluted love triangle including the infamous Mrs. Robinson.


 

8. 40 Year old Virgin
Clearly not about teen angst but a great film none the less.




7. Can’t Hardly Wait
Underrated '90s teen film with Seth Green in a great role foreshadowing his great comic skill later put to good use in Family Guy and Robot Chicken.




6. Weird Science
These guys were so desperate to lose their virginity they resorted to the wonders of “modern” technology and created their own lady.




5. Road Trip
DJ Qualls in all his nerdy, skinny and virgin glory.




4. Superbad
Michael Cera (George Michael in Arrested Development) is somehow outdone in the comedy stakes by the brilliant Fogell a.k.a “McLovin” in this hilarious film.




3. Sixteen Candles
Set the standard for '80s films and gave nerds everywhere a hero in Anthony Michael Hall.




2. Puberty Blues
Australia’s entry into the genre with this tale of teen angst set in 1970s Cronulla. The image of Wazza’s panel van defined a generation of Australian teens and set expectations pretty low in the setting and comfort department.




1. American Pie
Basically ripping off all the clichés of the genre yet still managed to somehow redefine them. As with most teen films, it has aged poorly but definitely a modern classic for our generation.