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.
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.
20 Bring It On (2000)
Hold up, isn’t Bring It On that cheerleading comedy that brought us the iconic cheer “give me an R, give me an E!”? Absolutely. The movie follows the rivalry 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.
19 The 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 Diaries waves 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.
18 The 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. In The 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.
17 To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Based on the YA romance novel series written by Jenny Han is this first installment in an adorable trilogy. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before chronicles 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.
16 Mean Girls (2004)
The quintessential teen movie that is hilarious but honest in its depiction of the perils and pleasures of high school popularity, Mean Girls tells 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.
15 Grease (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 of Grease is 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.
14 Superbad (2007)
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. Superbad is 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.
13 The 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 It is quite relevant and honest in its examination of sexuality, identity, and belonging.
12 Dazed and Confused (1993)
A criminally underrated classic by now-acclaimed director Richard Linklater who broke through because of his realistic portrayal of love in the Before trilogy, Dazed and Confused charts 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.
11 She’s the Man (2006)
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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 in order to play on the boys team. She’s The Man challenges 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 can only get through high school if you dismantle old rules and unleash the limitless potential hidden within you.
10 High School Musical (2006)
When you’re in high school, musicals are hardly fun to indulge into. But this Disney Channel original created a massive impact not only on television but also on the entire film industry. And it has many things working for that popularity. The opposites-attracts trope, the catchy song-and-dance numbers, the pitfalls and pleasures of friendships. Troy Bolton is the captain of the East High Wildcats basketball team, and Gabriella Montez is the model student who happens to audition for the drama club at the same time as Troy. High School Musical is an infectiously joyful celebration of first love, teenages dreams, and the young hearts that beat so loud. Moreover, it has an uplifting message about standing out from the rest.
9 Clueless (1995)
With Clueless, Amy Heckerling decides to put a satirical spin on Jane Austen's Emma and delivers artfully updated themes of romance, friendships, and social politics in a 1990s high school setting. In the middle of this story is Cher, a wealthy spoiled teen played by Alicia Silverstone in her breakout role. Cher is popular as the matchmaker among her friends. When she and her best friend decide to help a new student get a new makeover and become popular, Cher also realizes her own romantic feelings for Josh. The movie strikes a perfect balance between comedy and insight by poking fun at the “valley girl” stereotype in a social terrain that is more nerve-wracking than hilarious. Overall a guilty pleasure, Clueless champions the voice of teens.
8 Lady Bird (2017)
Written and directed by the one, the only, Greta Gerwig is this bitingly funny and deeply introspective coming of age story. Lady Bird is a portrait of a fiercely independent teenage girl who is grappling with identity, her relationship with her opinionated but loving mother, and dreams of escaping her hometown. Brought to life brilliantly by Saoirse Ronan, Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson is an adventurous and unforgettable senior from the wrong side of the tracks. But she longs to get into a prestigious college and make her mother proud of, and accepting of who she is. Slightly sentimental for those who related to Ronan’s character the most, the film beautifully captures the yearning to break free coupled with the ache and nostalgia for all the familiar things and people we must leave behind in order to grow up.
7 Almost Famous (2000)
Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous is like an homage to the intense, all-consuming power of music on adolescent hearts and minds. It centers around 15-year-old William Miller who dreams of becoming a music journalist. When he’s given a chance to write about an up-and-coming rock band, Stillwater, during their 1973 tour, he jumps at the chance and travels with them. Through the eyes of our wide-eyed protagonist, we witness the wonders of first independence and the important experiences they offer in order to shape our destinies. Along the way, William learns about their relationships and their dynamics. Almost Famous was released during an era when thrill-seeking cinema was walking hand-in-hand with heart-warming stories. And the film blends the two together.
6 The Breakfast Club (1985)
One Saturday morning. Five Students. Library detention at Shermer High School. That’s the premise of The Breakfast Club, an enduringly profound and humorous classic that portrays teenage stereotypes as they transcend their labels through opening up about their shared struggles. The story follows five high school students – socially sensitive Brian Johnson, easily frustrated Andrew Clark, loner girl Allison Reynolds, infamous delinquent John Bender, and arrogant snob Claire Standish – from vastly different groups forced to show up to school at seven in the morning to spend the Saturday together in detention. In the process, they tap into each other’s individual stories, their vulnerabilities, and strengths with sheer honesty and heart. We begin rooting for the group of misfits and see them become the best version of themselves within an hour and a half.
5 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is an ode to the joyful art of bunking school and teenage rebellion. Written and directed by John Hughes, the film follows Ferris, a charming yet incorrigible high school student who connives an elaborate scheme to skip school for the day and instead, spend it with his best friend and girlfriend. But Ferris has his own evil sister and the tyrannical headmaster ruining the day for him by following him around, trying to catch him red-handed. We are instantly swept up in his misadventures that are delicately interwoven with reflections on wisdom as a young person and what truly matters in life. Ferris understands the drudgery of high school routine but appreciates the freedom and fun of creating precious moments more, and the movie captures that very feeling perfectly.
4 The Edge Of Seventeen (2016)
Nadine is not your usual shy, awkward, insecure teen who is always found eating her lunch in the library or in class. Well, she is all that but she’s also achingly honest and funny and vulnerable when it comes to showing her pain while coursing the minefield that is high school. We follow Nadine as she’s dealing with feelings of invisibility and the crushing weight of her older brother’s popularity. But all of that is amplified when her best friend Krista starts dating her brother, leaving her to confide about her depression to her teacher. The Edge of Seventeen tackles themes of self-worth, self-discovery, and family in a way that nurtures hope in your heart and teaches you to see past your insecurities. Hailee Steinfeld is truly phenomenal as Nadine because she not only brings nuance to her distant feelings but also to her most self-absorbed moments.
3 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Let’s be honest: Patrick Verona made serenading cool again by getting on those bleachers and surprising Kat with his own adorable version of "I Love You Baby" by Frankie Valli. A splendid and clever modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this movie focuses on Bianca and Kat, two high school age sisters with contrasting dreams and personalities navigating love and independence. Bianca is the shy, studious sister who longs for a normal high school experience and Kat is the rebellious teen trying to break free from her overprotective father’s grasp. 10 Things I Hate About You is more than just a chick flick. It is an exploration of the complex dynamics within families and the challenges of finding your voice against the weight of those who love you the most. Oh, and there’s some healthy, lighthearted romance thrown in there too.
2 Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart is an exuberantly funny and wildly relatable movie about two overachieving best friends, Amy and Molly, determined to let loose on their last night of high school because they have spent years grueling after grades and classes, missing out on all the fun their peers were having. Their new decisions cruises them around on a night of chaotic misadventures as they two nerdy girls pursue partying, drinking, and potential romance for the first time in their lives. Director Olivia Wilde seems to know just how to capture the awkward fumblings as well as the authentic feelings that sometimes only come when one fully abandons carefully crafted plans. In a way, the film is a gentle reminder for teens to spare time for spontaneity and to seize little moments that allow them to jump out of their comfort zones. Because at the end of the day, life is all about the memories we make.
1 The Spectacular Now (2013)
Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley have an incredible on-screen chemistry and it is a shame that no-one except James Ponsoldt has nurtured that with so much care. In The Spectacular Now, Teller plays Sutter Keely, the aimless, high school stud who is the life of every party. But the truth is that he’s only relying on alcohol to avoid problems at home. As for Woodley, she brings an honest compassion to Aimee Finicky, the intelligent yet insecure student who is desperately planning for a better future while dealing with an overbearing mother. The two meet by chance, with Sutter waking up on Aimee’s lawn and what follows are bittersweet joys and painful awakenings amidst a burgeoning romance where the two learn to see each other.