Top 10 High School Movies Of All Time

The Breakfast Club (1985)

“The Breakfast Club” is a classic coming-of-age film directed by John Hughes and released in 1985. The movie follows five high school students from different cliques who are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention.

The five students include the popular but rebellious John Bender (Judd Nelson), the jock Andrew Clark (Emilio Estevez), the geeky Brian Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall), the quirky Allison Reynolds (Ally Sheedy), and the popular princess Claire Standish (Molly Ringwald). Throughout the day, they begin to open up to each other and realize that they are more similar than they initially thought.

The movie is known for its iconic soundtrack and its exploration of teenage angst, stereotypes, and social dynamics. It has become a beloved classic and a cultural touchstone for many who grew up in the 80s and beyond.

Mean Girls (2004)

“Mean Girls” is a teen comedy film directed by Mark Waters and released in 2004. The movie is based on the non-fiction book “Queen Bees and Wannabes” by Rosalind Wiseman and follows the story of Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), a 16-year-old homeschooled girl who moves to a new school and falls in with the popular crowd known as “The Plastics”.

The Plastics are led by Regina George (Rachel McAdams) and include Karen Smith (Amanda Seyfried) and Gretchen Wieners (Lacey Chabert). Cady becomes friends with The Plastics as part of a plan to take down Regina, but soon finds herself becoming just like them.

The movie explores themes of teenage social hierarchy, cliques, and the pressure to fit in. It also touches on issues such as bullying, peer pressure, and the consequences of rumor-spreading.

“Mean Girls” has become a cult classic and has been praised for its sharp writing, quotable dialogue, and standout performances, particularly from McAdams as Regina. It has also spawned a Broadway musical adaptation and a sequel, “Mean Girls 2”.

Clueless (1995)

“Clueless” is a 1995 American coming-of-age romantic comedy film written and directed by Amy Heckerling. The movie is loosely based on Jane Austen’s 1815 novel “Emma” and stars Alicia Silverstone as the wealthy and popular high school student, Cher Horowitz. The film follows Cher as she navigates through the ups and downs of high school life in Beverly Hills, California, trying to improve her grades, make new friends, and play matchmaker for her teachers and friends. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, love, and the importance of being true to oneself.

The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $56 million at the box office and earning Silverstone a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. “Clueless” also became a cultural phenomenon, with its fashion, music, and slang becoming iconic of the 1990s era. It has since been regarded as a classic teen film and has influenced many other coming-of-age movies and TV shows.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is a classic American comedy film directed by John Hughes and released in 1986. The film stars Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller, a high school student who decides to skip school and spend the day exploring Chicago with his girlfriend, Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara), and his best friend, Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck).

Throughout the day, Ferris and his friends visit various landmarks and attractions in the city, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Sears Tower, and Wrigley Field, all while being pursued by the strict and suspicious Dean of Students, Edward Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), who is determined to catch Ferris in the act of playing hooky.

The film’s themes revolve around teenage rebellion, friendship, and the importance of living life to the fullest. It has become a cultural touchstone and is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

“10 Things I Hate About You” is a beloved 1999 teen romantic comedy directed by Gil Junger. Adapted from Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” the film became an instant classic and remains popular with audiences today. With a talented cast, a witty script, and an unforgettable soundtrack, the film offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

“Dazed and Confused” is a coming-of-age comedy film directed by Richard Linklater and released in 1993. The movie is set in 1976 and follows a group of high school students in Austin, Texas, on the last day of school before summer break.

The film features an ensemble cast including Jason London, Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Parker Posey, Matthew McConaughey, and others. The plot revolves around various groups of students who navigate their way through parties, hazing rituals, and other activities on the last day of school.

The movie has become a cult classic and is known for its nostalgic depiction of the 1970s, as well as its soundtrack featuring classic rock songs of the era. “Dazed and Confused” has been praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and has been cited as a major influence on other coming-of-age films that followed.

Easy A (2010)

“Easy A” is a 2010 American teen comedy film directed by Will Gluck and written by Bert V. Royal. The film stars Emma Stone as Olive Penderghast, a high school student who becomes entangled in a web of rumors and lies that ultimately reshape her reputation. Drawing inspiration from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel, “The Scarlet Letter,” “Easy A” provides a fresh, contemporary take on the themes of reputation, morality, and societal expectations.

Grease (1978)

Grease is a popular musical film released in 1978, directed by Randal Kleiser and produced by Allan Carr. The film is based on the 1971 musical of the same name by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.

The movie tells the story of Danny Zuko (played by John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (played by Olivia Newton-John), two high school students who fall in love during the summer but are separated when Sandy has to go back to Australia. When they unexpectedly reunite at Rydell High School in the fall, they struggle to reconcile their different personalities and social circles.

The film features many memorable musical numbers, including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” and “You’re the One That I Want.” It also stars Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, and Didi Conn, among others.

Grease was a huge commercial success and is considered a cultural phenomenon, with its songs and characters remaining popular to this day. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Hopelessly Devoted to You”) and a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Heathers (1988)

“Heathers” is a dark comedy film released in 1988, directed by Michael Lehmann and starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. The film follows Veronica Sawyer, a high school student who is part of a popular clique known as the Heathers, but becomes disillusioned with their shallow and cruel behavior.

After meeting J.D., a new student who shares her distaste for the Heathers, Veronica finds herself drawn into a series of escalating pranks and murders, as J.D. seeks to take revenge on the Heathers and their corrupt social hierarchy.

The film was controversial upon its release for its portrayal of teenage violence and suicide, but has since gained a cult following for its witty dialogue, satire of high school culture, and memorable performances by Ryder and Slater. It has also inspired a successful musical adaptation, as well as several spinoff projects.

Bring It On (2000)

“Bring It On” is a comedy film released in the year 2000. It was directed by Peyton Reed and written by Jessica Bendinger. The film follows the story of a high school cheerleading squad, the Toros, who find out that their previous captain has stolen their routines from an inner-city school’s cheerleading team, the Clovers.

The Toros, led by their new captain, Torrance Shipman (played by Kirsten Dunst), attempt to create new routines in time for the national cheerleading championship. Along the way, they face various challenges, including the rivalry with the Clovers and the discovery that some of their own team members are not as committed to cheerleading as they thought.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $90 million at the box office. It also spawned several sequels and became a cult classic among cheerleading enthusiasts. “Bring It On” is known for its catchy cheerleading routines, comedic performances, and themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.