High school movies have been around for decades, giving us all a glimpse into teenage life and the struggles that come with growing up. But not all high school movies are created equal, and some stand out for their compelling stories and iconic characters. In this blog post, we’ll be looking at the ten best high school movies of all time. From cult classics to heartfelt comedies, these films have shaped our understanding of adolescence and formed part of our collective nostalgia. So grab some popcorn and join us as we take a journey through the greatest high school movies of all time!
The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is a 1985 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by John Hughes. The film stars Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald and Ally Sheedy as high school students from different social groups who spend a Saturday in detention together.
The Breakfast Club is considered one of the greatest teen films of all time. It has been ranked #1 on several lists of the best high school movies, including those by IGN, Complex, and Mental Floss. The film was also nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Pretty in Pink
1. Pretty in Pink
Molly Ringwald cemented her place as the ultimate ’80s high schooler in this John Hughes-penned classic. When Andie (Ringwald) is dumped by her wealthy boyfriend Blane (Andrew McCarthy), she finds comfort in the arms of her best friend Duckie (Jon Cryer). But when Blane comes back into her life, she has to choose between him and Duckie. Will she go for the rich guy or the loyal friend? Pretty in Pink is the perfect movie for anyone who’s ever been stuck in that confusing stage of life.
Sixteen Candles
The 1984 classic “Sixteen Candles” is one of the most beloved high school movies of all time. The story follows Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald), a 16-year-old who is struggling to deal with her family forgetting her birthday and being in love with the most popular boy in school. “Sixteen Candles” is funny, heartwarming, and relatable, making it a must-watch for any high school movie fan.
The Outsiders
The Outsiders is a 1983 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, an adaptation of the novel of the same name by S. E. Hinton. The film stars Matt Dillon, Diane Lane, and Tom Cruise.
It was released on March 25, 1983 in the United States. The film grossed $47 million against its $10 million budget and received mixed reviews from critics.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
1. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
If there’s one movie that perfectly captures the spirit of being a teenager, it’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The John Hughes classic follows Ferris (Matthew Broderick) as he ditches school and takes his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) on a wild adventure in Chicago. Along the way, they outwit Ferris’ Principal Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), evade Ferris’ sister Jeannie (Jennifer Grey), and have the time of their lives. It’s a coming-of-age story that’s funny, heartwarming, and endlessly quotable.
Say Anything
There are a lot of great high school movies out there, but Say Anything is definitely one of the best. The movie follows Lloyd Dobler (played by John Cusack), a high school senior who is in love with Diane Court (played by Ione Skye). When Diane’s father (played by John Mahoney) is transferred to Seattle for work, Lloyd decides to try and win her over before she leaves.
The movie is funny, heartwarming, and features some great performances from its cast. If you’re looking for a great high school movie to watch, Say Anything is definitely one of the best.
Can’t Hardly Wait
The 1998 classic “Can’t Hardly Wait” is a must-watch for any high schooler. The film follows a group of friends on the last day of their senior year, as they all prepare for the big party that night. While the movie may not be entirely realistic, it’s still a hilarious and heartwarming look at teenage life.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
In 1982, director Amy Heckerling released Fast Times at Ridgemont High, a coming-of-age movie set at a California high school that featured a then-unknown cast including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, and Phoebe Cates. The film’s frank depictions of teenage sexuality–including masturbation, oral sex, and pregnancy–were controversial at the time, but Heckerling’s sharp writing and the naturalistic performances by her young cast helped make Fast Times one of the most influential teen movies of all time.
Dazed and Confused
It’s the last day of school in 1976, and everyone is just trying to make it through the day. The seniors are ready to graduate and move on to the next phase of their lives, but the underclassmen are just trying to survive the day. The jocks are bullying the nerds, the girls are trying to find their place in the world, and everyone is just trying to figure out who they are. It’s a confusing time, but it’s also a time of great opportunity.
For the seniors, it’s a time to reflect on their four years of high school and all that they’ve accomplished. They’re about to embark on a new journey and they’re feeling both excited and scared. For the underclassmen, it’s a time to look ahead at the next three years and all that they have yet to experience. They’re also feeling both excited and scared.
It’s an emotional day for everyone involved, and one that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
American Graffiti
American Graffiti is a 1973 American coming-of-age comedy film directed and co-written by George Lucas starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Harrison Ford, Charles Martin Smith, Mackenzie Phillips, Cindy Williams, and Suzanne Somers. Set in 1962 Modesto, California, American Graffiti is a nostalgic portrait of the last night of high school graduation before most of its protagonists leave for college or join the military.
The film follows a group of recent high school graduates as they spend their last summer night cruising around town in their cars and listening to rock and roll on the radio. The film was Lucas’s directorial debut and became a box office hit following its release in August 1973. It helped launch the careers of several young actors including Lucas himself, Dreyfuss, Howard, Ford, and Williams.
Critical reception was positive; reviewers praised its writing, acting, soundtrack, cinematography, and production design. Roger Ebert called it “a perfect little movie” while Gene Siskel said it was “one of the best films I’ve seen this year.” American Graffiti won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for Best Picture but lost to The Sting.