Not many genres have earned the appreciation of education. Since the 1990’s, the genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s rebellious teenagers, magical teachers or historical figures, the genre has produced many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite high school movies of all-time that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Breakfast Club
High school is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I recall memories of attending a school that put me under pressure which was cruel. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t cope with the tense pressure of academic studies that left me terrified. Being a shy teenager, I struggled to fit in a school where all the odds were stacked against my favour. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the fact that high school did play a big role in shaping the person I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured emotions of teenagers struggling to fit into a club as powerfully as “The Breakfast Club”. Ever since its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest high school movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes used innovative cinematic techniques to capture teenagers facing a burden to bear. Hughes has always had an aptitude for making movies about high school, and “The Breakfast Club” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the confession scene in which the teens sit together revealing why they are in detention is one of the greatest moments of the high school genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Judd Nelson, who embodied a rebellious teenager stuck in a detention. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” my favourite high school film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about high school which are targeted towards teens only, it tackles strong themes that would resonate with everyone. The film delivers a profound message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about rebellious teens lacking a life direction forming bonds in detention, it’s a strong reminder of a great genre that has made memorable movies which are worthy of celebration.
2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. As far as I remember, I’ve always been an anxious teenager. My anxiety first began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced a nervous breakdown affecting my success. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture pressure teenagers face in school as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie honoured a beloved book about high schools. Chbosky successfully used montages to capture hardships that anxious teenagers in high school go through. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a nervous breakdown after bidding farewell to his friends causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, who captures a teen facing depression. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a famous book about teens that are anxious, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies which are precious.
3. Lady Bird
Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I shared a complicated bond with my mother. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do things is irritating. Despite her demanding parenting, I admired a mother I find inspiring. As someone treasuring a mother that made me feel heard, I adored “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Greta Gerwig’s movie captured impact of mothers on teenage girls in high school. Gerwig has always had an aptitude for telling stories of teenage girls, and “Lady Bird” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Lady Bird has an argument with her mother in a road trip is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodies a teen girl facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Lady Bird” a high school classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about motherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Lady Bird’s bond with her mother, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
4. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I grew up to cherish a teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. His wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my personality, I loved “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured the impact of teachers on boarding school students. Weir uses montages to capture the impact of teachers. For instance, the final scene in which John Keating bids emotional farewell to his students standing on top of chairs in salute is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robin Williams, who reminds us of how great an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about seizing the day that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of pivotal roles professors play inspiring students to seize the day, it’s a profound reminder of a genre making timeless films which deserve to be celebrated today.
5. 10 Things I Hate About You
Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school seeking marriage. We always got along well together sharing a love for art. However, immigration brought our bond to a sudden closure. When my family immigrated to Canada, I lost all contact with my crush leaving me devastated. As someone treasuring a crush I value, I adored “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s romantic comedy captured teenage lovers in high school. Junger effectively used montages to capture romance among teenagers in school. For instance, the scene in which Patrick expresses his love for Katarina by singing in a stadium in front of the entire school is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Heath Ledger, who proved how great of an actor he once was before his passing. Ultimately, what makes “10 Things I Hate About You” a classic is its strong message. The film delivers a meaningful message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. An engaging portrait of teens listing 10 things they hate about each other in high school, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured timeless movies which audiences consider cool.
6. The Spectacular Now
Realism is a rare quality that’s seldom seen in high school movies. Movies often portray high school as a safe haven without adversities. Offering escapism, movies set in high schools are rarely ever rooted in realism. In a genre that has rarely shown how high school can be harmful, it’s worth praising “The Spectacular Now”. Released in 2013, James Ponsoldt’s movie offered a spectacular portrait of high school teenagers in love. Ponsoldt uses naturalistic dialogue to create a realistic teen romance that’s believable. Assisted by Shailene Woodley who is sensational in the lead role, Ponsoldt created a realistic teenage romance in high school. A realistic portrait of teenagers falling in love in high school in relationships that deteriorate, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies audiences appreciate.
7. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Terminal illness is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell stories about terminally ill patients facing tragedies. In a genre ignoring terminal illnesses that unfurl, it’s worth praising “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”. Released in 2015, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s movie depicted teenagers in school with terminal illness. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” stand out its its depiction of terminal illness. Gomez-Rejon uses engaging narration to capture teens with terminal illness facing tension. Assisted by Thomas Mann who is amazing in the lead role, Gomez-Rejon created a portrait of terminally ill teens that’s compelling. A terrific portrait of teens facing terminal illness, it’s a tremendous reminder of a genre giving audiences happiness.
8. Eighth Grade
Eighth grade is a pivotal period in school that shaped my identity. I recall memories of being an afraid teenager in eighth grade. Under pressure to succeed in school, I faced obstacles which were cruel. As someone treasuring memories of my time in eighth grade, I admired “Eighth Grade”. Released in 2018, Bo Borunham’s movie captured teenagers in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Burnham effectively uses humour to capture teen girls in eighth grade facing disaster. Assisted by Elsie Fischer who is fantastic in the lead role, Burnham created a strong portrait of adolescence. An extraordinary portrait of teenage girls in eighth grade, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies in which interest has rarely begun to fade.
9. Bad Education
Few educators in American history that committed crimes are as well-known as Frank Tassone. During the early 2000’s, Tassone was a principle that stole money from the Rosalyn school system. A clever con-artist, Tassone built a lasting legacy. In 2019, Cory Finley honoured the bad educator in his movie “Bad Education”. Unlike most movies about high schools, what makes “Bad Education” stand out is its negative depiction of teachers. Finley used captivating montages to create a complex portrait of teachers that’s compelling. Assisted by Hugh Jackman who is superb in the lead role, Finley honoured an educator that engaged in corruption. Nearly 20 years after Frank Tassone committed crimes which were shocking, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies that are worth celebrating.
10. Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret
Few books about teens that are upset are as beloved as Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. Since its publication in 1970, Judy Blume’s book has become a classic. In 2023, Kelly Fremon Craig honoured the book in her movie “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret”. Craig used narration to capture teenage girls seeking religion. Assisted by Abby Ryder Fortson who is amazing in the lead role, Craig celebrated literature. Although I’m a fan of the movie, it isn’t quite perfect. Due to its sensitive depiction of religion, it won’t please everyone. Nevertheless, it remains a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Margaret’s relationship with God, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about high school which are rarely flawed that I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema that I applaud.
The Film Buff 