High School Films that will make a great start to your year

Summer has ended, and we now have to start another school year. Homework every night, tests to study for, college applications, and lots of other stresses are under our wing. Movies are always a great way to relax during the rare free time, and what could be better suited than a high school flick? A good installment in this genre has sharp humor, great music, and a story that almost every student can relate to. Below is a list of what are renowned as some of the best high school movies of all time.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”- While this 1986 classic actually features the complete opposite of going to school, it is definitely one of the most famous in this genre. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is the story of the title character and his friends cutting school to have the greatest day of their lives. With laugh-out-loud dialogue, to scenes that will really touch the viewer, this film is a triumph in every way. Bueller has since been one of the most beloved characters in film, and has been influential to the masses.

“The Breakfast Club”- Not surprisingly being the second John Hughes film on the list, “The Breakfast Club” has earned a reputation as one of the greatest teen movies of all time. Also an unorthodox film about school, this classic tells the story of a Saturday detention that became much more meaningful than intended. With the classic “Brat Pack” cast of Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, and Ally Sheedy, this group of friends all became some of the most likable characters in film history. There are so many quotable lines in this movie, and there are also many scenes that will have you thinking very deeply.

“Say Anything”- Director Cameron Crowe has been one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of modern time. His most popular film is definitely the 1989 classic “Say Anything.” Telling the story of a recently graduated boy named Lloyd and his lover Diane, the movie touches the viewer perfectly. With a great soundtrack, a classic graduation scene that will excite the viewer for this event in his own life, fantastic casting, and one of the most notorious moments ever, this is a back to school film that you cannot miss.

“Sixteen Candles”- John Hughes returns to this list for the third time with one of the funniest movies of all time. “Sixteen Candles” tells the story of a girl named Sam. Everyone has forgotten her birthday, and she is absolutely crushed. Throughout the rest of the film, we see the crazy antics of her fellow classmates, and her attempts to be with the guy that she likes. This movie scores with its wild and off color sense of humor, the classic 80’s score, and hilarious performances by all of the cast members.

“Napoleon Dynamite”- There are times when a film is so offbeat and hilarious that it becomes the cult-classic comedy of the decade. “Napoleon Dynamite” is about the title character’s high school experience. The viewer gets to see his growing friendships, his first dance with a date, and his dysfunctional family. There are so many quotes and scenes in this movie that are memorable to the core. Jon Heder gives a hilarious performance as the lead, with his gawky personality coming out as natural as can be. I highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a laugh, because you will not be disappointed.

“The Karate Kid”(1984)- Danny is new in school, and things seem okay. He meets a great girl, and he makes some new friends. To his bad luck, he begins to get tormented by a martial arts gang that are his classmates, and he doesn’t know what to do. After witnessing Danny being beat up, the maintenance man of his apartment area Mr. Miyagi begins to teach him martial arts. This movie is action packed, 80’s fun, and it has a great message that will inspire many.

“Back To The Future”- This is the only time travel movie on the list, but it is also one of the finest movies about high school to be made. Instead of just being in school, the main character is faced with the shock of having his parents as classmates. With hilarious scenes, great special effects, classic music, and awesome characters, this is definitely a movie that can not be missed.

“Grease”- It is very rare for me to watch a movie-musical multiple times, but “Grease” is definitely an exception. Being one of my favorite films of all time, this one has a special place in my heart. With great songs, acting, writing, and hilarious scenes, this one is a treasure. There are also so many realistic scenes about high school life. Whether it is relationships, prom, or sports try-outs, there is so many parts that the viewer can relate to. If you have not seen “Grease,” then definitely check it out right away, because it is perfect.

“Dead Poet’s Society”- Probably the saddest on the list, this film was a masterpiece in every way. Robin Williams gave his best performance as a boarding school teacher that inspires his students to be creative and passionate with their education. This movie will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will touch you in every way. I definitely recommend it, but it is a heavy movie that is not for the faint of heart.

“American Graffiti”- “Where were you in ‘62?” This slogan was perfect for this nostalgic 1973 classic about the wild nights of high school students. Cruising in cars, staying out until sunrise, and drag racing were all activities depicted in this hilarious film. There is a great cast, beautiful direction by George Lucas, one of the best soundtracks ever, and witty dialogue that all make this movie a success. There are also some really touching scenes like the dance, and some deep quests to find the purpose in each student’s life. This film is not as well known as some of the others on this list, but it is possibly the most masterful of them all. I totally recommend this, because it is a rowdy and exciting experience.

“Carrie”(1976)- It may be unusual to have a supernatural horror film on this list, but if you really look at the big picture, there is also a very realistic story of the high school experience. Like “The Karate Kid,” “Carrie” tells the story of someone that got the bad end of the stick in school, but Carrie White makes Danny seem like he has VIP treatment. White is tormented every day by almost everyone, and she even has a hard home life to make matters even worse. To her surprise, she is invited to prom by the most popular boy in school, and the story follows the time up to this event. While there are many unsettling scenes throughout, there are also some very touching moments, which sets it apart from your typical horror flick. There are also great performances by the entire cast, and some of the most amazing filming that I have ever seen. I definitely recommend this movie, but not for the faint of heart. There have also been two remakes and a sequel of this film, and they have all have been a moderate success compared to the original.

While my list could go on, I really feel that these are the best high school films to watch. There are comedies, dramas, musicals, and horror films. Each one has a special touch to it, and I feel each person will appreciate them differently. So when you’re done with your homework, and you need to relax, put in one of these movies, and I guarantee a blast.