While as seniors we still have a little over 2 months until graduation, the reality is that high school is coming to a close. It’s a bittersweet feeling–many of us are sad to leave behind all the people we’ve met, but at the same time we are excited to graduate and go on to do great things! And I think one of the best ways to celebrate is by going on a movie marathon. More specifically, a movie marathon featuring movies that center around the topic of high school. Like my last post, these are in no particular order, but I do have a favorite out of the bunch, which you will find out soon.
Anyway, here we go…
1. Ferris Bueler’s Day Off
This movie is a bit older, but that doesn’t make it any less important than the rest of the movies on this list. It features protagonist Ferris Bueler and his attempt at ditching one last day of school before graduation. He calls himself out sick and takes off to the city of Chicago, with the principal following his every move.
2. Clueless
This movie addresses a lot of things that high schoolers face, including (but not limited to) finding love, being yourself, and fitting in. It’s pretty lighthearted, taking you through the experiences of the rich protagonist Cher and her life as a high schooler in Beverly Hills. Despite the lighthearted tone, it packs some good messages.
3. High School Musical 3
I mean, for the true experience I think you have to watch the full High School Musical series (1, 2, and 3), but this particular movie is especially relatable to high school seniors given that it focuses on the hopes and fears that Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton face while their last year of high school comes to an end. The movie features a classic high school experience with events like prom and graduation–and, of course, involves a musical. You’ve probably already seen it, but it’s one of those movies you can watch time and time again so why not see it a 2nd time? It is such a classic, and while I love all the movies on this list I would have to say this one is my favorite of the bunch.
4. Back to the Future
Alright, so this one has less of a focus on highschool than other movies on this list, but it’s still a must see before graduation. It features teenager Marty McFly who is sent 30 years to the past by his scientist friend and has to make sure that his parents fall in love (or else he will no longer exist). And although it is more of a science fiction movie, it still takes you through some of Marty’s experiences as a high school student. It’s an oldie but a goody.
5. The Edge of Seventeen
This is the newest movie on this list, debuting in 2016. Given that it’s more recent, it also features topics like social media, making it a little more relatable. It follows junior Nadine, who has to deal with a falling out of friends, heartbreak, and the death of a parent all in one year. I know this description makes it seem pretty heavy, but it’s actually more of a comedy than anything else. I would give away a little more, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
6. Mean Girls
I’ve probably seen this movie 4 times, and I know others who know practically the whole script by heart. There are just so many great quotes to take from it. It is truly a comedy and this list would not be complete without it. You probably already know the plot, but just in case I’ll give a brief description of the movie: it follows high schooler Cady Heron, who, after moving to a new school in the U.S. from Africa, finds a new group of friends known as “The Plastics.” The movie takes you through the experiences of the friend group and through Cady’s realization that they were not as genuine as she had originally thought.
7. The Breakfast Club
Another older film, but a classic. Even if you haven’t seen it, I can guarantee you’ve heard of it before and at least know a little about the plot. It depicts 5 very different high school students who learn a little more about each other on a Saturday in detention. My description really can’t do it justice though–you’ll just have to see it for yourself. Fun fact: The Breakfast Club was filmed just 30 minutes away from Naperville in Des Plaines, IL!
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There are so many other movies I could mention, but this list is already starting to get long. Anyway, you’ve probably already seen some of these movies, but hopefully I introduced you to a new one as well! And on a side note, these next 2 months are a great time to rewatch any of the movies on this list you’ve already seen. Alright, that’s all for now.
Thanks for reading 🙂