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 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 remember memories attending high schools placing me under pressure that proved very cruel. No matter how hard I often tried, I couldn’t cope with the tense pressure of my academic studies that had often left me terrified. Being a shy teenager, I struggled to fit in a big 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 the dark struggles faced by teenagers in 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 schooling. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes used innovative cinematic techniques to capture teenagers in a high school 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 rebel teen stuck in a detention. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” my favourite film about schooling of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which often tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. 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 commemorated genre that definitely deserves immense celebration.
2. 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 schools. Weir uses montages to capture the impact of teachers on boarding schools. 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 definitely deserve to be celebrated today.
3. Matilda
Abusive schools that treat students with cruelty shaped my identity. From an early age, I attended a prestigious college in Pakistan which often mistreated students facing emotional damage. A strict all-boy school, it was supervised by cruel teachers that would treat students with ridicule. No matter how hard I tried, I could never please strict teachers that left me terrified. As someone treasuring memories of an abusive school that caused trauma, I adored “Matilda”. Released in 1996, Danny DeVito’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of schools mistreating children. DeVito used captivating voice-over narration capturing the struggles of a gifted girl mistreated by abusive schools without affection. For instance, the scene in which Matilda is abused by Miss Trunchbull in her school causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Matilda” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most Roald Dahl adaptations targeted towards children only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about consequences faced by orphans which would resonate with everyone. As strong as powers possessed by Mathilda, it’s a magical reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about schools that experience a dilemma which commonly attract audiences towards Cinema.
4. 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. 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 audiences consider to be extremely precious.
5. 10 Things I Hate About You
Romantic relationships often face cruel consequences in school. At an early age, I developed a crush on a girl in school with dreams of having a marriage. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was an attractive girl that my entire school would always admire. However, she rejected my love abandoning me from her life forever. As someone treasuring memories of a girl in school I used to value, I adored “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie captured the lives of teenagers seeking romance in school. Junger used captivating montages capturing teenagers falling in love in a school setting. For instance, the scene in which Patrick publicly confesses his love for Kat in a football stadium causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Heath Ledger, who embodied a lovesick teenager. Ultimately, what makes “10 Things I Hate About You” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most teen comedies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Patrick’s desire to survive high school, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies that are cool.
6. Bad Education
Frank Tassone is a corrupt educator that committed crimes in schools which are well-known. 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 absolutely celebrating.
7. Clueless
Clueless teenage girls shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with a cruel girl that was clueless in high school. Her aimless life lacked a clear direction. 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. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Clueless” stand out is its depiction of teen girls. Heckerling uses captivating montages capturing hardships a teen girl in high school is facing. Assisted by Alicia Silverstone who is amazing in the lead role, Heckerling created a compelling teen drama. A captivating portrait of teen girls that are clueless, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about troubled high schools that are definitely timeless.
8. Eighth Grade
Eighth grade is a pivotal time in school that shaped my identity. I remember being a socially awkward teenager that struggled to fit in with peers. It was a frightening time that came with complicated emotion. As someone treasuring memories of eighth grade, I adored “Eighth Grade”. Released in 2018, Bo Burnham’s movie captured teen girls in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Bo Burnham uses his experience as a comedian to capture a troubled time when teenagers face tension. Assisted by Elsie Fisher who is excellent, Burnham creates a powerful portrait of teenagers. An extraordinary portrait of awkward teenage girls that are afraid in eighth grade, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated genre in which interest has rarely begun to fade.
9. Taare Zameen Par
Teachers with charisma often guide children in India. India has built an image of being a nation that values teachers providing a strong schooling. The roles that Indian teachers play guiding children with intellectual disabilities facing disaster is beautifully depicted in the film “Taare Zameen Par”. Released in 2007, Aamir Khan’s Bollywood movie depicted children with disability. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Taare Zameen Par” stand out is its strong depiction of India. Khan used montages capturing hardships children with Dyslexia in India are facing. Assisted by Darsheel Safary who is superb in the lead role, Khan captures intellectual disabilities. A powerful portrait of the painful burden teachers in India bear, it’s an insightful reminder of a genre that has produced great movies about which audiences always deeply care.
10. Whiplash
Few movies ever made about schools that change students’ lives in a flash are as beloved as “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured jazz drummers facing abusive schools causing adversity. Chazelle used captivating montages capturing a student abused by teachers. Assisted by Miles Teller who is exceptional in the lead role, Chazelle created a captivating musical drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a jazz drummer abused by schools has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Andrew’s love for jazz music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre manufacturing terrific movies about tragic hardships experienced by schools which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 