High School Movies Every Teen Should Watch

Description: Five high school students from different social groups spend a Saturday in detention together, leading to unexpected friendships and revelations. It's a timeless look at teenage stereotypes and the universal desire to be understood.

Fact: The film was shot in a single location, the library of Maine North High School in Illinois. John Hughes wrote the script in just two days.

Description: Ferris Bueller, a high school senior, fakes illness to skip school and have an epic day in Chicago with his friends. It's an ode to the spirit of youth, freedom, and seizing the day.

Fact: John Hughes wrote the screenplay in just six days. The parade scene was filmed during an actual parade in Chicago.

Description: A dark comedy about high school popularity, murder, and the quest for identity. Veronica Sawyer becomes entangled with a new student, J.D., leading to a series of deadly pranks against the school's elite.

Fact: The film was initially considered too dark for release, but it has since become a cult classic. Winona Ryder's role as Veronica helped launch her career.

Description: Set on the last day of school in 1976, this film follows various groups of high school students as they celebrate the end of the academic year. It's a nostalgic look at the '70s high school culture, capturing the essence of teenage freedom and rebellion.

Fact: Many of the actors in the film, including Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, and Milla Jovovich, were launched into stardom following this movie. The film's title is taken from a Led Zeppelin song.

Description: Cher Horowitz, a Beverly Hills high school student, navigates life, love, and fashion with her best friend Dionne. This film is a modern take on Jane Austen's "Emma," offering a humorous and stylish portrayal of high school life in the '90s.

Fact: The film's slang, like "as if," became part of the pop culture lexicon. Alicia Silverstone was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role as Cher.

Description: A modern adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," where a new student schemes to get a popular girl to date the school's most notorious rebel, so his own crush can go out with him. It's a blend of romance, comedy, and high school drama.

Fact: The film features a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Heath Ledger. The iconic song "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" was performed by Ledger in the movie.

Description: Cady Heron navigates the treacherous waters of high school popularity, dealing with the Plastics, a group of queen bees led by Regina George. This film is a comedic exploration of high school social dynamics, making it a must-watch for understanding the complexities of teenage social life.

Fact: The movie was inspired by Rosalind Wiseman's book "Queen Bees and Wannabes." Tina Fey, who wrote the screenplay, also stars as Ms. Norbury, the math teacher.

Description: Two high school best friends plan to get alcohol for a party, leading to a series of misadventures. This film captures the essence of teenage friendship, the desire to fit in, and the chaos of high school parties.

Fact: The movie was inspired by the high school experiences of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, who co-wrote the screenplay. The film's title is a play on the term "superbad," which was slang for something cool or awesome.

Description: Olive Penderghast's white lie about losing her virginity spirals out of control, leading her to embrace her new reputation with a modern twist on "The Scarlet Letter." It's a clever, witty commentary on high school gossip and reputation.

Fact: Emma Stone's performance in this film helped cement her status as a rising star. The movie was shot in Ojai, California, standing in for a fictional California town.

Description: Charlie, an introverted high school freshman, navigates his first year with the help of two seniors, learning about love, loss, and the complexities of growing up. It's a heartfelt coming-of-age story that resonates with many teens.

Fact: The film was adapted from Stephen Chbosky's novel of the same name, which he also directed. The book was originally published in