In recent years, high school movies have become a genre on their own. With brilliant stories and heartwarming protagonists, they show us everything we have been through or longed for. The awkward first crushes, the early dating disasters, the hallway drama, and the epic end-of-the-year parties. But what really makes these films stand out from the crowd is when they make us feel deeply human, normal, and relatable. We see ourselves (or the people we were known to be back then) reflected on screen. And it’s truly a beautiful feeling.
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Beyond the common high school motifs painted with report card stress, prom kings and queens,unfair teachers, and styrofoam cups, there are movies that hold our hearts and carry us on the universal quest to figure out who we are. What makes a high school film resonate so strongly, beyond the nostalgic appeal alone, is the depth of emotion put to display through a character’s journey. Once you connect with them, the rest of the film is smooth sailing. The high school movies on this list have stood the test of time and given us something to relate to, whether it is through small victories or epic failures.
20Bring It On (2000)
Hold up, isn’tBring It Onthat cheerleading comedy that brought us the iconic cheer “give me an R, give me an E!”? Absolutely. The movie follows therivalry between two high school cheerleading groups, Rancho Carne Toros, led by Torrence, and East Compton Clovers, a brilliant squad led by Isis. When the former learn that their ex-cheer captain had stolen the routines from the latter, the group is forced to hustle up new routines under budget constraints, social pressure, and the annual championship just around the corner. Under Peyton Reed’s direction, the story highlights the cutthroat and competitive nature of cheerleading as well as a friendship between the girls, reminding us of all that teamwork can overcome.
19The Princess Diaries (2001)
An unconventional fairy tale that took every moment of a girl’s awkward teenage years and placed them alongside the novelty and joys of royal splendor,The Princess Diarieswaves a magical wand at the cliched high school trope. The story revolves around Mia, an awkward and unpopular 15-year-old who is often ignored at school but one day suddenly discovers she’s a princess and must learn etiquette, walking in heels, and feeling comfortable in her whole skin. Even though the premise seems extraordinary and nothing like you’d ever experience yourself, the movie’s spunky yet uncertain heroine who finds her confidence with her help of her loyal friends creates massive relatability. Anna Hathaway is lovely as an individual navigating self-acceptance in a way only teenage imagination allows.
18The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Through the tenderly human eyes of Charlie, this poignant coming-of-age story shows us just how real high school can get – it confuses us, it hurts us, but it’s crucial for nurturing us into the kind of people we become as adults. InThe Perks of Being a Wallflower, we follow a lonely teenage boy learning to find his place in this great, big world. But to help him are two free-spirited friends who not only urge him to put himself out there but act as a safety net for whenever he feels like falling back. Touching important subjects about mental health, family issues, and the anxiety of seeking first love, the movie is an overwhelmingly honest portrayal of the beauty and pain of teenage years.
17To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Based on the YA romance novel serieswritten by Jenny Han is this first installment in an adorable trilogy.To All the Boys I’ve Loved Beforechronicles the chaos and fallout that ensues in the life of Lara Jean Song Covey, a shy teenager who has a habit of writing a letter every time she has an intense crush on someone. But she’s never once sent the letters out. So when one day, her secret love confessions are accidentally sent to their respective recipients, LJ must either hide from them or face them head on. From getting into a fake relationship with the high school jock to breaking her sister’s heart, the endearing protagonist experiences every possible clique and drama. In the end, the movie shows just how important it is to find the courage and lay your true self bare.
16Mean Girls (2004)
The quintessential teen movie that is hilarious but honest in its depiction of the perils and pleasures of high school popularity,Mean Girlstells the story of Cady, a homeschooled girl who has just joined the North Shore High School. Her new friends Janis and Damian have warned her about the treacherous group of girls led by Regina, the Plastics, but somehow Cady gets involved with Regina’s ex and must now handle the social hierarchies and vicious rumors that follow her around. The movie gives a humorous commentary on the pettiness and the meanness that lurks below surface-level, but there’s never judgment. Overall, it creates a balance between themes of insecurity, jealousy, and peer pressure through lighter-than-air comedy.
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15Grease (1978)
Featuring the tumultuous highs and lows of first love set against the backdrop of an irresistible rock ‘n roll beat is this enticing musical rom-com. The premise ofGreaseis set around a summer fling between two high school students during a vacation in Australia. They go separate ways, but when destiny puts them in the same place one again, a newfound chemistry erupts.Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as the lead couple, the film has the kind of charm that makes you root for their star-crossed romance. But at its heart, it highlights themes of young desire, rebellion, and the subtle transformation from adolescence to adulthood. Plus, there are those iconic dance numbers to go with it.
We cannot think of one single soul on Earth who would look back to their high school days and not cringe. But for Seth and Even, the sitch might be worse.Superbadis a raunchy, big-hearted comedy that focuses on two insecure teenage boys who are desperate to lose their virginity before graduating and going their separate ways. We follow their comic misadventures as they attempt to buy alcohol for a party in hope of impressing their love interests and scoring a chance with them. While the movie is packed with countless laughs, it makes sure to tap into male vulnerability and the tenderness of teenage friendships. Both Jonah Hill and Michael Cera bring a proper relatability factor to their characters while leaning on each other for comfort and support. Not to forget Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s McLovin who also stole the hearts of many for his deft use of a fake ID.
13The Half Of It (2020)
Netflix has its own share of original movies, and not many of them are great, but the ones that are, leave an indelible taste. Written and directed by Alice Wu, this coming-of-age movie is centered on a shy, straight-A student who strikes a deal with a popular football player and writes love letters for him so he can win the girl of his dreams. But along the way, she realizes her own feelings for the girl, resulting in a deeply affecting story about unexpected friendship and first love. Leah Lewis is incredible as the reserved protagonist as she struggles with her own desires and finds solace in the unlikely bond she’s beginning to forge with the jock.The Half Of Itis quite relevant and honest in its examination of sexuality, identity, and belonging.
12Dazed and Confused (1993)
A criminally underrated classic by now-acclaimed director Richard Linklater who broke throughbecause of his realistic portrayal of lovein theBeforetrilogy,Dazed and Confusedcharts the final day of high school and all the fun, adventure, and rebel that ensues. Set in 1976 Texas, the film followed different groups of incoming freshmen, rule-following sophomores, and soon-to-be seniors, all being made fun of by those about to graduate as they celebrate the eve of summer break. While featuring some really cool scenes and harmless rebellion, Linklater’s whole idea was to make a film that was anti-nostalgic. One that would capture the sheer boredom felt by every teenager – from the stoner to the jock – in the face of fleeting youth.
11She’s the Man (2006)
Andy Fickman orchestrates this modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Set in the astonishing world of high school soccer, the drama centers around a talented soccer player named Viola, whose own team is unexpectedly dissolved and she’s left with no choice but to disguise herself as her twin brother to play on the boys team.She’s The Manchallenges gender norms and the idea of “fitting in” but it does so in spectacular, sassy fashion to reel in some serious laughs. Amanda Bynes is at her comedic best in the movie, showing us that sometimes, you may only get through high school if you dismantle old rules and unleash the limitless potential hidden within you.
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