Summer is fizzing out and it's that time of the year to settle down for another year of making the most of time in class. Semesters await, but that doesn't mean you have to be a grouch about it. Here's a list of some of the best movies that will always remind us all how to survive the school year.
"The Breakfast Club" (1985)
This won't be the only film of John Hughes to make this list. Hughes understood youth and no film captures the angst and anxiety of a high schooler than this instant classic. The cast shines with Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez and Anthony Michael Hall. The film brings five teens who come from different worlds but discover each other's depths when forced into detention on a Saturday morning on March 24, 1984. This flick still reminds us that we're not all so different; we all have baggage and common ground, despite our supposed stereotypes.
" Mean Girls" (2004)
Thank Tina Fey for writing the script of one of the most beloved high school comedies in recent years. Lindsay Lohan stars as Cady Heron, an outsider home-schooled girl who gets thrown into the world of the popular clique, "The Plastics." Too many one-liners and too many truths about high school circles.
"10 Things I Hate About You" (1999)
Taking and old-school story like Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" and giving it a new-school approach in this movie. A story of winning one's affection, Patrick (Heath Ledger) falls for Kat (Julia Stiles). Ledger and Stiles aren't the only break outs. Joseph Gordon-Levitt appears as a young pup seeking the approval from Kat's sister. This film has plenty of charm and present us with the idea of beer-flavored nipples.
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986)
Playing hooky has never seemed so appealing. Another John Hughes film taking its place on the list, this one followers the adventure of Ferris Bueller. How Ferris was able to time manage his day in Chicago is still a mystery to me (I wish my days were as productive as his). Again, Hughes balances tones so well and makes a timeless masterpiece.
" Harry Potter Saga" (2001-2011)
The world watched (after reading the books) the boy who lived grow up before their very eyes. How lucky were we to grow with Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermoine (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) on their journey. This series made us wish we could sign up for a semester of the dark arts.
"Friday Night Lights" (2004)
This list would be nothing without a football high school film. Peter Berg's FNL captured the spirit of every Friday night for high school athletes. Also, FNL holds true to the significance of sports in Texas. Sports are an important part of life, teaching people how to deal with life on and off the field.
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1981)
This classic is responsible for introducing us to the excellence of Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn). With an all-star cast, Fast Times revealed some truths for teens living in a time of malls, arcades and sex. The best element of this movie is its honesty, and that's why it's still relevant for students today.
"Me, Earl, & the Dying Girl" (2015)
An awkward boy, Greg (Thomas Mann), befriends a girl, Rachel (Olivia Cooke), with leukemia, along with Greg's quirky business partnership/friendship with childhood buddy, Earl (RJ Cyler). Greg's outlook on school is purely about surviving and being a ghost and until Rachel, does he begin to have any perspective of life.
"Billy Madison" (1995)
Before Adam Sandler was known for being criticized for his absurd humor — actually, he's always been criticized for this, he just now has less success than before. As Billy Madison, Sandler plays an adult who gets a do-over in school as he's challenged to relive K-12. The movie's memorable quips include a penguin, Steve Buscemi and Chris Farley (nuff said). For any Sandler fan, this is a must see!
"Dead Poets Society" (1989)
Robin Williams delivers one of his many memorable performances as John Keating, an English teacher at an all-male prep boarding school in 1959. Keating uses unorthodox methods in the classrooms but connects and awakens his students. Williams' honesty and compassion as Keaton is the most enduring aspect of this film.
"Accepted" (2006)
Selecting a college to go to is pretty hectic, if you're Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long), you decide to fake your way into college by inventing your own. Gaines and his fellow students open South Harmon Institute of Technology (S.H.I.T.) and soon attract the attention of many college rejects. The film's theme of wanting to fit into the world among peers is something that all students can relate to.
"Grease" (1978)
In 1958, summer love sets up this story between Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John). A star-studded cast, fast cars and great tunes based on the successful musical of the same name becomes one of the biggest hits of its time.
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (2012)
This film reveals truth with the story about the struggles a high school freshman, Charlie (Logan Lerman), coping with clinical depression. Charlie meets a group of seniors that accept him into their group. Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother, Patrick (Ezra Miller) assist Charlie into feeling comfortable and confident at high school. Based on a novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky, Chbosky adapts his own work into film as both writer and director. The film offers an incredible case study.
