55 Best High School Movies of All Time
If you’re a fan of coming-of-age stories that capture the highs and lows of teenage life, then our curated list of the “55 Best High School Movies of All Time” is for you. These films, from timeless classics to modern hits, offer a perfect blend of drama, comedy, romance, and the sometimes awkward, always memorable moments that define those formative years. Whether you’re reminiscing about your own high school days or simply love the genre, this collection is sure to transport you back to the locker-lined halls and cafeteria chatter. Let’s dive into the ultimate list of high school movies that have left an indelible mark on pop culture
Top High School Movies of All Time
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club (1985) is one of those rare coming-of-age films that simply never gets old. Five high school students from different walks of life —” the brain,” “the athlete,” “the basket case,” “the princess” and the US/world/war criminal—are brought together in a Saturday afternoon detention by John Hughes. Over the day, these polar opposite characters begin to divulge more about themselves and their struggles and insecurities to one another before they quickly figure out that in a not-so-close sight as it would have seemed they are very similar. The movie resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outcast or pigeonholed by clichéd high school stereotypes.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Ferris Bueller is the high school hero we all secretly wish he could be. Ferris (Matthew Broderick) — the slickest truant on earth, has one hell of a day off. The film chronicles his epic quest as he fakes illness, lines up best buddies Ben (Matthew Broderick) and Cameron Frye(Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), commandeers a snazzy Ferrari, abducts girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) from school and then races to wait on Chicago — all the time trying to outwit angry principal Ed Rooney. It is a joyous, fun movie that exudes the excitement of playing it loose and taking things as they go.
Clueless (1995)
The place where Alicia Silverstone glitters is probably the brightest, channelling her utter brilliance as wealthy airhead high school girl Cher Horowitz of Beverly Hills. CLUELESS (2018) (Series Premiere)Based on the 1995 movie, it is a present-day update of Jane Austen’s Emma, in which Alicia Silverstone will be playing Cher Horowitz. It’s chock-full of ’90s fashion and clever quips with a charming depiction of what it was like to be in high school at the time. Read More: Best Cerebral Comedy Movies on HuluIt is an essential viewing for all those who are fans of intelligent and sassy comedies.
Mean Girls (2004)
No doubt Mean Girls is the best high school movie of the 2000s generation. Written by Tina Fey and starring Lindsay Lohan, the movie is about Cady Heron — a girl who has been homeschooled all her life — entering public school for the first time, only to become part of “The Plastics” (the most popular group in school). Sharp-witted humor,) some iconic one-liners and an interesting reflection on high school society all embodied in the film. This makes it both uproariously funny and painful true to the high school experience.
Superbad (2007)
No take on teen buddy comedies would be complete without the high school-centric Superbad. Seth (Hill) and Evan (Cera) are high school seniors eager to have one unforgettable night before graduation. The film deals with all of the awkwardness of youth, feeling left out and leaving high-school life behind. Raunchy and hilarious, Superbad is a hilariously truthful look at teenage friendship.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Modelled on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You is a smart and funny high school romance. Heath Ledger stars as a typical bad-boy school hero-contemporary, one Patrick Verona, who is recruited to charm the rebellious Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles). What starts as a mutually beneficial relationship quickly blossoms into true love, complete with clever dialogue, grand gestures of affection and iconic moments — including Ledger singing on the school bleachers A movie that somehow manages to walk the tightrope between being light-hearted and heartfelt, it is self-explanatory why this high-school ritual remains everyone’s favourite.
Heathers (1989)
Heathers is not like any other high school film; it’s a dark, satirical take on the life of teenagers. Heathers / Veronica (Winona Ryder) is a girl who’s sick of the school bully tactics used by her high school clique, Heathers. That is until she joins forces with enigmatic new kid J.D. (Christian Slater) which leads them to senselessly kill people. Heathers deals so blatantly with heavy issues such as bullying, peer pressure and suicide that over time it gathered a sheen of exploitation. The Wonder Years is a classic that gives an interesting view of what many teenagers experience in high school.
Easy A (2010)
The modern-day version of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Easy A features a star-making performance by Emma Stone. Stone stars as Olive, a high school student who says she lost her virginity to help out a friend but soon finds herself involved in an even greater flurry of rumours. As rumours fly, Olive slips into the role of… Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) has never been one — until she decides to pick up a rumour enthusiast and take their advice. Rumour Has It Susan Sarandon, Kevin Costner The movie is funny and a bit mean as it overturns every secret about high-school rumours.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
Dazed and Confused (*) A nostalgic trip back to the last day of school in 1976. Following a group of teenagers as they party, haze and cruise their way through the final days of high school in Austin, TexasDirected by Richard Linklater and Boasting an ensemble cast of teen and twentysomething future stars (including Matthew McConaughey, and Ben Affleck), the movie’s free-form narrative is a distillation of youthful carefreeness. It is a Cult classic and one that relies as much on atmosphere as it does on narrative.
All the Boy’s Love Before (2018)
On the surface, this Netflix smash plays like any other high school rom-com: sweet and innocent. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Stars Lana Condor as Lara Jean: A shy high school junior writes secret love letters to each of her crushes, getting them off her chest in longings she doesn’t dare share. Which leads to a whirlwind of pretend dating and actual feelings, the perils of cute teenage love. The film has become a favourite of the new generation due to its fresh approach, multicultural casting and heartfelt story.
Grease (1978)
Urbanity Versions High School Musical: The Movie in this fresh tribute to 1950s teenage life. Featuring John Travolta as the suave greaser Danny Zuko, and Olivia Newton-John at its sweetest Sandy, we follow their summer lovin’ before both Sandra Dee Patty Simcox experience poodle perms in Rydell High. ADI LAMAR / Paramount Pictures Grease is a case of the right cast and crew coming together to create movie magic, so it’s no wonder time can’t keep itself away from this stylized take on 1950s high school romance.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
A moving and powerful film about one great teacher, Dead Poets Society combines satire, inspiration, friendship and tragedy. Summary: In the stirring Dead Poets Society, Robin Williams plays John Keating, a new English professor at an ultra-conservative boy’s prep school. Dealing with themes of conformity, defiance and following your dreams, is undeniably the most moving coming-of-age tale you could see in 2017. It is a film about the transformative power of education and the need to discover one’s voice.
Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
When it came to teenage angst, James Dean, as Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause was really onto something. A movie about an alienated teen yearning to belong, fighting battles with his parents and fellow students as well as the authorities. An intense journey into alienation, rebellion and identity — themes that still cut straight to the bone of audiences today. Rebel Without a Cause deals with the angst and frustration of youth in an undeniable sense.
Rushmore (1998)
Rushmore (1998)On the flip side of Fast Times is Wes Anderson with his ultra-quirky, offbeat look at the high school experience. It is about a precocious yet underachieving student at the prestigious Rushmore Academy, Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman). Max is an irrepressible go-getter: He wants to write plays and form clubs, his feelings for a teacher are agonizingly vague, and there’s always some rich industrialist rubbing him the wrong way. One part silly one part emotional, Rushmore is complete with Anderson’s aesthetic and great Bill Murray performance.
She’s All That (1999)
She’s All That is your late-‘90s teen rom-com filled with all the tropes of that era. Freddie Prinze Jr plays Zack, the most popular boy at high school who makes a bet that he can transform the very square Laney (played by Rachael Leigh Cook) into prom queen. When Zack learns more about Laney, he discovers a depth to her that wasn’t visible at first, and there’s a heartwarming but predictable sweet ending. It is a feel-good movie that will take you back to the time when teenagers dared, dating sites did not exist and love had another level.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
One of John Hughes’s classics, Sixteen Candles is a funny and sweet take on teen life. The story follows Samantha (Molly Ringwald) whose 16th birthday is pretty much ignored by her family as they prepare for the chaos of their sister’s wedding. Throughout the day, Samantha survives crushes and embarrassing moments as she finds insight into her birthday wish of hope well spent at a wild party. Sixteen Candles is a wholesome and relatable coming-of-age film, which encapsulates the right enthusiasm for entering your teenage years.
Love, Simon (2018)
Love, Simon is a shit-rotting first movie because it represents the typical celebratory message of gay teen self-discovery. The movie centres around Simon Spier, played by Nick Robinson as he makes his way through high school life and friendships while attempting to hide a secret correspondence with an unknown boy on the Internet. But when his secret is in danger of being exposed, Simon must face everyone and come out. Love, Simon is a poignant coming-of-age story that speaks to — and about — anyone who ever found themselves spinning into circles just trying to be honest with the world.
American Pie (1999)
Bryan Rebane Once upon a time, before it was referenced to death by just about every comedy released subsequently, American Pie was pretty “fresh” (at least on the tomato meter), one of those rare examples where critics and audiences were more or less in agreement — that is until AP. The plot is that of a typical teen comedy with the premise revolving around a group of high school friends who strike a deal to lose their virginity before they graduate, and it’s funny in places hit oftentimes just plain cringe-worthy. For all its crude humour, American Pie has a lot of heart and resonates with the sadness/embarrassment/excitement of adolescence. It’s one of those defining touchstones for a generation that we love to hate — or is it the other way around.
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
The Edge of Seventeen is set up as an intimate and unvarnished portrait of the life of a high school junior Nadine played winnerly by Hailee Steinfeld. The movie captures the tumult of being a teenager from conflicted family ties to befuddling pitfalls in friendships and romance. Nadine’s epic journey of coming of age is equal parts heartbreaking and humorous while also being very relatable to everyone who is in the process or has gone through it. It’s a daring, honest movie that tells the story of being young in an engaging and universalistic way.
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (2012)
An adaptation of the original novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is a warm and heartfelt coming-of-age narrative. Emma Watson looks fresh-faced as the co-star of ‘Perks,’ playing one of two friends that shy freshman Charlie (the lead character) will have in high school — Ezra Miller has a small part there too. It is a film that trudges through mental health, trauma and the lack of being accepted to tell an incredible story about friendship in its own right.
Footloose (1984)
Footloose — Based on the 1984 movie of the same name, this high-energy musical follows Ren McCormack, a city teenager who moves to a small town where dancing is forbidden. Being the protagonist, Kevin Bacon as Ren invites a controversy in the city by dancing and starting a revolution to let the music play again. With such a provocative idea to hang the plot on, one might wonder how Pulp Fiction transcends being an interesting concept-based film into becoming a pop culture landmark — but look at those all driven by story. Footloose is the type of movie that makes you want to dance and sing along.
Bring It On (2000)
Bring It On is a cheerleader movie, but it asks some tough questions. This follow-up to the low-budget comedy about a cheerleading squad at an upper-crust high school whose championship routines had been pilfered wholesale from a less wealthy district. The competition that ensues, as well as a searching journey for the girls to learn about teamwork more importantly integrity and respect. Bring It On comes from a simpler time when all it took was some catchy cheers, power-packed dance routines and sharp wit to make an entertaining film that resonates beyond the general tropes of your run-of-the-mill teen movie.
Election (1999)
Election is a black comedy that savagely satirizes the high school political scene. Reese Witherspoon plays Tracy Flick a go-getter class presidential candidate, opposite Matthew Broderick as the teacher who will do anything to destroy her. A sharp and biting satire of ambition, morality, and corruption; dryly written and deftly performed. The cynical and satirical Election is just a smart take on the high school which it deems both hilarious and thought-provoking.
A Cinderella Story (2004)
It is a proper modernisation of the Cinderella story with an entire high school cast. Hilary Duff may be the shy, nerdy Sam who falls for popular jock Chad Michael Murray through an anonymous online romance. All hell breaks loose at the school dance, where Sam has to finally learn how to respect and stand up for herself. A fun, feel-good move that takes the magic of Cinderella to high school.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Napoleon Dynamite is a cult comedy film that may be the definition of quirky. Napoleon Dynamite (2004) Next 5 » ADVERTISEMENT A friend recently shared with me that he had just seen Napoleon but loved the film and many of its characters. It features deadpan humour, unforgettable quotes and distinctive characters which were never before seen in sleek-bodied Hollywood comedies. It is all about expressing your personality and having the confidence to just be you.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Based in the early ‘80s, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is an all-timer teen comedy that depicts the highs and lowers of high school life. The Amy Heckerling film, which was written by Cameron Crowe, follows a group of high school teenagers as they face the tribulations and joys associated with young love, teen angst and imprudent decisions. One of the iconic comedies to chart a day in the life of four high school students is Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and with its unforgettable characters (Sean Penn as stoner Jeff Spicoli) and an honest viewpoint on that adolescent period, it’s still one for any cult film enthusiasts.
The DUFF (2015)
The DUFF is a clever new approach to the labels of high school and how everyone can learn to accept themselves. We follow Mae Whitman as Bianca, a high school senior who learns that she has been tagged with the mean-girl appellation “Designated Ugly Fat Friend” by her more glamorous friends. Wanting to have a change of life from this label, Bianca seeks the assistance of one hot bloke in order to talent. From there, it leads down a path where Bianca figures out that real confidence comes from within. The DUFF is a witty, charming and powerful movie that speaks to the struggles of high school.
Carrie (1976)
Carrie A horrifying tale of high school bullying gone terribly wrong. Carrie, an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1974 novel about a shy high school girl with telekinetic powers who takes out her frustrations on the kids in town after being crowned prom queen. One of the all-time classic horror portasd this year, what Stephen King himself has repeatedly referred to as his personal favourite among adaptations of novels is here preserved in its original celluloid glory: Sissy Spacek’s intensely vulnerable yet terrifying titre performance (Carrie). One of the scariest films about teen angst, Carrie is a chilling exploration of high school horror and mean girl chaos.
October Sky (1999)
The inspiring true story of the October Sky. The film is about Homer Hickam, a teenager living in a small coal-mining town who becomes obsessed with rocketry after Sputnik. Thanks to the poor reviews, we may never get closure about Did Homer (Jake Gyllenhaal), finally ignoring his dad and overcoming all odds in order to go on a path laid out towards years of being an engineer at NASA. ~Wes Gehring’s October Sky is an inspiring and uplifting film that will appeal to anyone who dreams of greatness.
Never Been Kissed (1999)
Had Not Been Kissed is an amusing enchanting funny concerning 2nd possibilities and also self-search. Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore) It might have sounded less flattering, but it would also be more reflective of the plotline: Josie is a journalist ordered to go undercover as a high school student for an expose. High school is a challenge for Josie, once more; But she gains some confidence and possible love. A cute, funny rom-com that serves as a reminder to us all: it’s never too late to find your voice.
Say Anything… (1989)
It’s the classic romantic drama that captures first love like no other — Say Anything… The movie opens with John Cusack playing a charming loser named Lloyd Dobler falling in love with this beautiful high-achieving woman, Diane Court (played by Ione Skye). The film is perhaps most famous for Lloyd’s grand romantic gesture, shown when he famously holds a boombox over his head playing Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.” Say Anything… is an authentic romantic tale that others heart out on.
Jawbreaker (1999)
However, as those who have watched these horrific comedies know, “Jawbreaker” was a rather wicked high school comedy with style and troubles on the side. The movie centres around a clique of schoolgirls who unintentionally murder their best friend as part of an idiotic prank. They try to bury the crime but become ensnared in a web of lies and deception. Rose McGowan stars as the demented leader of the Bloods, in this darkly comic social satire that is equal parts humour and horror.
Pump Up the Volume (1990)
Why it’s great: A rebellious, in-your-face exploration of the power struggle between voice and conformity, Pump Up The Volume is an anarchic classic. A shy high school student named Mark (Christian Slater) creates an anonymous pirate radio station to voice his…quirks and connect with the rest of the students. Soon, Mark finds himself the unlikely face of a student body that rallies behind his message to challenge convention and get their lives on track. If you have seen the film, Pump Up The Volume is all about expressing oneself and sticking it to those who try to silence your voice.
Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)
Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)A great look back at the chaos and fun of a high school graduation soirée. A fit as a fiddle) about an assorted gathering of understudies with their possess designs and dreams for nighttime, since they appear together to one final extraordinary cheer. It combines all the elements of a youthful ensemble — awkward romantic strippin’ from Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ethan Embry, maybe too many masturbating jokes, etc. Plus it’s equal parts comedy/romance/drama in a way that we’re not actively seeking out here dressed as emos with constant libidinal displays on social media every day; everybody can get behind this (even real 90s kids gotta love Can’t Hardly Wait).
21 Jump Street (2012)
A great update on the classic TV series 21 Jump Street that made it into an action comedy film. 21 JUMP STREET – Channing Tatum dans le rôle de Morpheus et Jonah Hill en Alien Boy jouent des policiers ratés renvoyé au lycée pour assister à un réseau de drogue. What ensues is a film riddled with over-the-top action scenes, witty banter, and an unexpectedly large amount of heart as the characters stumble through their own high school insecurities while trying to solve this case. 21 Jump Street is a light, swift movie that puts the focus on fun and delivers one of the newest updates on what life at high school looks like.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and hilarious sarcasm. The movie revolves around Hazel Grace Lancaster (Swindon), a smart-alecky teenage girl with cancer whose everything changes when she falls in love with Augustus Waters, the lovably cocky and optimistic fellow teen played by Timarrie Baker Elgort. Love, loss and the meaning of life within terminal illness play out over a number of revelatory days revolving around these two in one powerfully moving portrayal of young love.
Eighth Grade (2018)
Eighth Grade is a testament to how painfully spot-on and heartfelt the best movies on adolescence are. Following an introverted, socially anxious eighth-grade girl as she tries and fails to navigate through middle school in the time of social media. Eighth Grade, written and directed by Bo Burnham — Eighth Grade concerns a middle schooler named Kayla (by the charmingly plainspoken Elsie Fisher) as she awkwardasizes her way through life amidst gut-wrenching levels of social anxiety… however still ekes out small victories that make it all worth living. And a film that speaks to anyone who has ever felt like an odd person out.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Spider-Man: Homecoming, which features a teenager’s life portrayed by Tom Holland and is just another superhero movie in many respects Juggling his life as Spider-Man with the daily challenges of high school, Peter battles evildoers far greater than himself and festering resentment against him. It is just an all-around entertaining, action romp that totally catches the youthful vigour & wisecracks of Spider-Man with sprinklings of high school life in and amongst.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
Another John Hughes favourite, Pretty in Pink explores the frays of high school love and social status. In it, Molly Ringwald plays Andie — a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who knows what to do when she falls for Blane and his posh pals (it’s Andrew McCarthy this time). The story follows the two men embroiled in their culture clash and speaking against societal standards. Complete with its signature fashion, unforgettable soundtrack and heartwarming plot; Pretty in Pink is forever a beloved high school romance.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
The Spectacular Now is a refreshingly gorgeous, angst-ridden coming-of-age movie that delves into both the ecstasy and anguish of being an adolescent. Miles Teller stars as a charismatic but aimless high school senior, Sutter Keely who while contemplating how to approach the rest of his life creates an unlikely friendship with Aimee Finicky (Shailene Woodley), he is an introverted and academically driven girl. We get to know both characters well as they open up, grow and share their insecurities leading to moments of personal discovery. It is achingly realistic and emotionally moving — with a big heart beating for coming of age, love in bloom, and self-discovery.
Project X (2012)
Project X is a Tumblr vision of the wildest, most extreme party movie Cameron Crowe never made. Three high-school friends (Miles Teller, Justin Chon, and Skylar Astin) throw a massive party in order to become part of the popular crowd and things quickly spiral out of control from there. Filmed in a found-footage style, Project X documents the mayhem, debauchery and ultimately fallout of an out-of-control rock. it party. A wild, in-your-face film that tells you not to take things too far or die trying.
Sky High (2005)
Another previous buzzy show for the DISNEY+ service, this Disney Channel original follows a superhero family comedy set in high school. It is an engaging and unique-sounding concept that already had fans talking before it was announced as part of several new collections on the streamer last summer! The film tells the story of Will Stronghold, who is the son of 2 legendary superheroes and he has no powers until one day his power appears as well. California High School is for young people with extraordinary abilities only like the parents of our protagonist. It’s a film that combines action and comedy with (masks) forced confessions and weird adult subplots, while slowly but surely evolving into something more reflective of the coming-of-age implications of how life is when your creator has drawn around you all these heroes and villains.
Paper Towns (2015)
Paper Towns is a thoughtful coming-of-age adventure based on the novel by John Green. Adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name, it follows Quentin, a high school senior who goes on an impromptu road trip with his friends to uncover Margo—whom he secretly loves—the mysterious (and quirky) girl next door. In the course of that time, Quentin and his friends find Margo but also learn something about themselves as they face life choices both simple yet forbidden to complex emotionally complicated decisions for them all. In the novel and movie Paper Towns, Quentin (Q) struggles with acceptance regarding what he can see in reality on one another.
Cruel Intentions (1999)
With a star-studded cast including Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon (!) this seductive reimagining of the French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses is high school drama at its most twisted. When Rich step-siblings, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe indulge in the most disturbing types of seductive betrayal games with their classmates. Themes of power, control and the dangerous edge on those three points breach to surface as the stakes are raised — at what seems like everyone’s cost; also shown off is a dark side of love and desire. Cruel Intentions is a sex-soaked, stylish film that will give you the chills.
The Girl Next Door (2004)
The Girl Next Door is a comedy about growing up and mixing life’s heart cops with romance. An affair to remember Matthew, a straight-laced high school senior whose life is finally graduating when the proper girl next door falls into his lap–beautiful and sexy-year-old Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert), only just fastidiously revealing that she used to be an adult-language actress. When Matthew gets tangled up in her seedy past surroundings while trying to unravel his developed feelings for Danielle the movie explores relationships and rejection taking chances. The Girl Next Door, while maintaining its raucous comedic tendencies at an almost consistent clip, also has a surprising amount of heart given what the setup might imply.
Lady Bird (2017)
A personal coming-of-age tale beautifully written and directed by Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird. Starring Saoirse RonanThe film follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Ronan), a high school senior who longs to leave her mundane town and go to college on the East Coast. Lady Bird follows Lady Bird McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), a high school senior as she deals with the ins and outs of adolescence, such as her up-and-down relationship with her mom, first loves and friendships offering an unapologetically genuine depiction of what it means to go from being a teenager to becoming an adult. For everyone who has ever felt unsettled in their own skin, Lady Bird is a movie that hits all the right notes.
Varsity Blues (1999)
The Ye Olde XFL Show takes a drastic turn when host Scott Criscuolo has Professor Mike Wendt switch seats and get in front of the DVDR! It’s Varsity Blues, as we are hit with this gritty sports drama about high school football in small-town Texas. It tells the story of a backup quarterback, Jonathan Moxon (played by James Van Der Beek) who is ultimately thrust into action when the star player goes down. As Moxon grapples with the pressures of his sport, those from his town and what he hopes for beyond football in real life, Varsity Blues begins to deal frankly with identity, ambition and toxic high-school athletics culture. Take out the car chases and explosions, however, and you have a film that tells stories of teenagers with some measure of realism behind it.
Teen Wolf (1985)
Special Did You Know: Teen Wolf is a fun and high school blended comedy of supernatural aspects. Michael J. Fox stars as high school student Scott Howard, who realizes he’s a werewolf that comes with its ups and downs in this classic film. When Scott is approached more as a humanoid he must juggle his human & wolf bag shadows and still earn the girl of his dreams. Teen Wolf is a fun film that taps into the thrills and frustrations of youth in an original fashion.
Juno (2007)
All in all, Juno is a gem of a film that brings something new to the coming-of-age genre and thankfully this time it comes with heart! Juno, played by Ellen Page is a smart and witty high school girl who unexpectedly finds herself pregnant and decides on adoption. While Juno is forced to face pregnancy and the trials of relationships in all its touch-comes as she comes of age, the movie also provides a genuine look into teenage life.
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Grosse Pointe Blank is a dark comedy that merges your typical high school reunion movie with the shocking existence of an ill-tempered hitman. The movie features John Cusack as Martin Blank, a hitman whose personal crisis leads him to his twentieth high school reunion.
goes back to his hometown for the 20th reunion of his high school while dealing with unfinished business and a reignited flame. Navigating the nuances between home and space, Martin explores his past/the present in a one-of-a-kind comedic reflection on going back to where you came from. This is where Grosse Pointe Blank excels: it’s a blend of action, comedy and romance that keeps things thrilling but feels relentlessly earnest.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Donnie Darko (2001) — This is a psychological thriller which focuses on the darker side of teenage life. The movie centres on Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal), a maladjusted teenager who starts to see weird visions of some bunny-suited man, Frank. Donnie finds himself caught up in a series of strange meta-world-ending events, allowing the film to explore themes like time travel (kinda), mental illness and philosophy within an increasingly fucked-up world. Donnie Darko A creepy and clever cult classic, this movie is even more complex than it appears on the surface with its haunting vibes and twisted storyline.
The Outsiders (1983)
Without a doubt an all-time classic based off of the book by SE Hinton, The Outsiders is truly one for generations and takes place in Tulsa Oklahoma with two rival gangs, Greasers vs. Socs! Ponyboy Curtis, a young Greaser, lives with his brothers in 1960s Oklahoma and must squabble to fit into the neighbourhood of morally ambiguous rich kids known as “Socs” while maintaining loyalty to his friends who also have no preset place from which their allegiance is derived. The Outsiders With a cast featuring future heavy-hitters like Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze (to scratch the surface), The Outsiders is more than just another coming-of-ager about class warfare, brotherhood and growing up. This is a movie that sits with anyone who has ever felt like they do not belong.
Romancing the Teenage Dream (2014)
Romancing the Teenage Dream is a fun and playful high school rom-com with an element of fantasy. The movie tackles the ideas of a high school student who wants to have an ideal love life only for reality slamming her with how complicated and unpredictable it truly is. Navigating the struggles and triumphs of being a teenager in love, this film is a very relatable portrayal of high school relationships. Romancing the Teenage Dream, is a happy ending movie that tells that love can happen in a most unpredictable way.
Accepted (2006)
This high-concept comedy really hit the mark, as it hilariously lampooned the harsh conditions of college admissions in being Accepted. Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long) is a high school slacker who’s been partying, drinking and even renting for his next year in college. The college does, in fact, come into being and surprisingly many other ‘alternative’ students who previously didn’t make the grade at run-of-the-mill colleges find their way to it. Moreover, The Great Release is a feature film in which Bartleby and his friends are trying to keep their fake college open means that it may also be more of an examination of the present education system (US as basis) itself.
High School Musical (2006)
Disney Channel broke the unbreakable series that is High School Musical. Troy Bolton, the star basketball player and Gabriella Montez, a shy academic meet while trying to discover their shared love of singing during auditions for the school musical. High School Musical is a joyful and inspiring movie that encourages you to chase your dreams and be rebellious while staying true to yourself through some very catchy songs and colourful choreography.
For more Entertainment News, stay updated with Cine Celebrity.