The Best Movies Made About High School Ranked

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 high school that put me under pressure which was cruel. No matter how hard I often tried, I couldn’t cope with the tense pressure of academic studies that often left me terrified. Being a shy teenager, I struggled to fit in a high school where all the odds were often stacked against my favour. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the fact that high school did play a big role in shaping the person that I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured emotions of teenagers struggling to fit into a high school 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 film ever made about high school. 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 the danger of 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 causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role 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 bold appeal. Unlike most movies about high school which are targeted towards teens only, it tackles strong themes that would resonate with everyone. Despite taking place in the 1980’s, its themes of adolescence remain relevant today. The film delivers a bold message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about teens lacking a life direction forming bonds in detention, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has manufactured 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. As someone that faced severe anxiety as a teenager, I appreciated “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie honoured a beloved book about anxious teenagers in high schools. Chbosky successfully used montages to capture hardships that anxious teenagers in high school go through. For instance, the scene in which Charlie faces a 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 embodied a teen struggling to fit in high school.  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 breathtaking 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. A professor with a larger-than-life presence, he always offered students valuable guidance. 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 commemorated genre that has produced films which deserve to be celebrated today.

5. Clueless

Clueless teenage girls shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with a cruel girl that was clueless in high school. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was an attractive girl that my entire school would admire. Concerned about public appearance, she always sought to form relationships with a strong sense of self-confidence. As someone treasuring fond memories of a girl that was clueless, I adored “Clueless”. Released in 1995, Amy Heckerling’s movie captured lives of clueless teenage girls. Heckerling used captivating montages to capture the life of a clueless teen girl. For instance, the scene in which Cher becomes aware that she has fallen in love with Josh causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Alicia Silverstone, who portrayed a teenage girl in a league of her own. Ultimately, what makes “Clueless” a high school classic is its appeal. Despite focusing on teen girls in the 1990’s, it tackles commemorated themes that resonate with teenagers today. A captivating portrait of teen girls that are clueless, it’s a compelling reminder of a genre that has made movies that are timeless.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Superbad

High school movies rarely ever capture the dark side of education that’s cruel. The genre has always captured positive aspects of high school without showing its dilemma. In a genre avoiding discussing aspects of high school that are bad, it’s worth praising “Superbad”. Released in 2007, Greg Mottola’s movie offered a captivating portrait of high school. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Superbad” stand out is its depiction of teen partying. Mottola uses montages capturing rebellious teens engaging in bad behaviour. Assisted by Jonah Hill who is amazing in the lead role, Mottola created a high school comedy that’s compelling. A comical portrayal of rebellious teenagers that break rules with consequences that are painful, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre making memorable movies that audiences consider special.

10. 10 Things I Hate About You

Few movies ever made about high school have managed to captivate audiences like “10 Things I Hate About You”. Since its release in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie has become a high school classic. Junger used montages capturing cruel teenagers falling in love in high school. Assisted by Heath Ledger who is amazing in the lead role, Junger created a captivating coming-of-age classic. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of teachers facing extramarital affairs without any penalty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Kat’s love for Patrick, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre manufacturing iconic movies about tragic hardships faced by teens in high school which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of being a film critic.