10 Movies and TV Shows Like The Breakfast Club (1985)

Description: As one of the first modern teen films, Fast Times paved the way for The Breakfast Club with its honest, sometimes raw portrayal of high school life. Both films feature ensemble casts representing different high school archetypes and deal with mature themes like sexuality, drug use, and family issues. While Fast Times is more episodic, it shares The Breakfast Club's willingness to tackle serious subjects within the teen comedy genre.

Fact: The film was based on Cameron Crowe's undercover research at a California high school. Sean Penn's performance as Jeff Spicoli made him a star. The famous pool scene was shot at the same location as the pool in 'Back to the Future'.

Description: Another John Hughes classic, Sixteen Candles shares The Breakfast Club's focus on teenage angst, social hierarchies in high school, and the emotional turmoil of adolescence. Both films feature relatable, multi-dimensional teen characters navigating the complexities of growing up. The films also share a similar blend of humor and heartfelt moments, with Sixteen Candles' Samantha Baker experiencing the same kind of personal growth as the Breakfast Club characters.

Fact: This was Molly Ringwald's breakout role, leading to her becoming the 'queen of 80s teen movies'. The film's famous scene where Jake Ryan waits for Samantha outside the church was completely improvised. John Hughes wrote the screenplay in just two days over a weekend.

Description: While focusing on post-college life rather than high school, St. Elmo's Fire shares The Breakfast Club's ensemble cast structure and exploration of young people finding their place in the world. Both films feature the 'Brat Pack' actors and deal with themes of identity, friendship, and transition. The emotional intensity and character-driven storytelling are similar, though St. Elmo's Fire examines slightly older characters facing adult responsibilities.

Fact: The film's title refers to the weather phenomenon St. Elmo's fire, symbolizing the characters' turbulent lives. This was the first film to be marketed using the term 'Brat Pack'. Demi Moore's character was originally written as a small role but was expanded when the filmmakers saw her potential.

Description: Like The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a quintessential 1980s teen film directed by John Hughes. Both films explore themes of teenage rebellion, self-discovery, and the pressures of adolescence. The charismatic lead character, Ferris, shares similarities with the Breakfast Club's Bender in their shared disdain for authority and desire to break free from societal expectations. Both films also feature a strong focus on the high school experience and the importance of friendship.

Fact: The film's famous parade scene was shot during Chicago's annual Von Steuben Day Parade, with the crew having only one chance to get it right. Matthew Broderick's performance as Ferris Bueller is considered one of the most iconic teen roles in cinema history. The film's breaking of the fourth wall, with Ferris speaking directly to the audience, was innovative for its time.

Description: Pretty in Pink, while more romance-focused, shares The Breakfast Club's examination of class differences and social divisions in high school. Both films feature Molly Ringwald as the lead, portraying intelligent, independent young women navigating complex social situations. The films share John Hughes' signature style of blending humor with serious teen issues, and both feature memorable soundtracks that became synonymous with 1980s youth culture.

Fact: The original ending had Andie ending up with Duckie, but test audiences preferred Blane, leading to reshoots. Jon Cryer's performance as Duckie was so iconic it launched his career as a character actor. The film's title comes from a Psychedelic Furs song that was re-recorded for the soundtrack.

Description: Say Anything... shares The Breakfast Club's authentic portrayal of teenage emotions and relationships. Both films feature intelligent, thoughtful protagonists who don't fit neatly into high school stereotypes. The films balance romance with deeper explorations of class differences and personal growth. Cameron Crowe's direction captures the same kind of emotional honesty that John Hughes brought to The Breakfast Club.

Fact: The iconic boombox scene was inspired by a real-life incident from Cameron Crowe's youth. John Cusack improvised many of his lines, including the famous 'I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen' speech. The film was originally titled 'For Keeps' but was changed to avoid confusion with another movie.

Description: Richard Linklater's ensemble teen film shares The Breakfast Club's focus on a single transformative day/night in young people's lives. While set in the 1970s rather than the 1980s, it captures the same spirit of youthful rebellion and the search for identity. Both films feature multiple character arcs and explore the tensions between different social groups in school.

Fact: The film features early performances by Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, and Parker Posey. Much of the dialogue was improvised by the cast. The film's title comes from a Led Zeppelin song that couldn't be used in the film due to rights issues.

Description: While more comedic in tone, Clueless shares The Breakfast Club's sharp observations about high school hierarchies and teenage self-discovery. Both films feature protagonists who undergo significant personal growth, with Cher's journey mirroring the Breakfast Club characters' transformations. The films also share a focus on fashion as an expression of identity, though Clueless takes this to more exaggerated, satirical levels.

Fact: The film is loosely based on Jane Austen's 'Emma'. Alicia Silverstone's performance made her an instant star and fashion icon. The film popularized many 90s slang terms and fashion trends.

Description: This 90s teen comedy pays direct homage to The Breakfast Club with its ensemble cast of high school archetypes coming together at a single event (a graduation party). Like The Breakfast Club, it explores how these stereotypes break down when the characters interact meaningfully. The film captures the same mix of humor and heartfelt moments, updated for a 1990s audience.

Fact: The film features early appearances by several future stars including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Seth Green, and Jason Segel. The script was originally much darker, focusing more on drug use and sexual content. The 'Stereotype' montage was directly inspired by The Breakfast Club's opening sequence.

Description: This modern adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' shares The Breakfast Club's smart, witty dialogue and exploration of high school social dynamics. Both films feature strong female leads who challenge societal expectations, and both balance comedy with serious emotional moments. The ensemble cast and focus on teenage relationships make it a spiritual successor to 80s teen films like The Breakfast Club.

Fact: Heath Ledger's performance in this film launched his Hollywood career. The famous poem scene was largely improvised by Julia Stiles. The film was shot in Tacoma, Washington, standing in for Seattle.