Films with Meaning for High Schoolers

Description: This adaptation of Harper Lee's novel deals with racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence, making it an essential watch for understanding societal issues.

Fact: Gregory Peck won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Atticus Finch, a role that has become iconic in American cinema.

Description: This film breaks down stereotypes by showing how five very different high school students come to understand each other during a Saturday detention. It's a timeless exploration of teenage identity and social dynamics.

Fact: The film was shot in a single location, the library of Maine North High School in Illinois, which was chosen for its unique architecture.

Description: A nostalgic journey of four friends on a quest to find a dead body, this film captures the essence of friendship, loss, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Fact: The film is based on Stephen King's novella "The Body," and King has stated it's one of his favorite adaptations of his work.

Description: This classic film encourages students to seize the day and live life to the fullest, emphasizing the transformative power of education and the arts. It's a must-watch for its inspiring message about individuality and passion.

Fact: Robin Williams' performance as the unconventional teacher John Keating earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Description: A story about a genius janitor who must confront his past and find his place in the world. It's a powerful narrative about self-worth, friendship, and the importance of therapy.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who also star in the film, and they won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: While not strictly a teen movie, this biopic about John Nash offers insights into genius, mental illness, and perseverance, themes that can resonate with students facing their own challenges.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and Russell Crowe was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Nash.

Description: This film explores the challenges of adolescence, mental health, and the importance of friendship. It's a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates with teens navigating their own identity and place in the world.

Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also wrote and directed the movie. The screenplay remained very faithful to the book, capturing its essence and emotional depth.

Description: This film tackles issues like alcoholism, future planning, and the complexities of young love, offering a realistic look at the pressures of growing up.

Fact: The film was well-received for its authentic portrayal of teenage life, earning Miles Teller a Special Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival.

Description: A raw and funny look at high school life, this film captures the awkwardness and emotional turmoil of being a teenager, focusing on themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery.

Fact: Hailee Steinfeld's performance was critically acclaimed, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

Description: A love story between two teenagers with cancer, this film explores themes of love, life, and the inevitability of death with both humor and heartbreak.

Fact: The film's title comes from a line in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," which is also quoted in the book.