5 Best High School Movies of All Time, Ranked
The competition for the best high school movies is fierce. Numerous classics exist, each compelling in its own right. In the 1970s, films like "Grease" set the stage for a trend that soared in the '80s. These movies captured the highs and lows of teen experiences.
From John Hughes' genre-defining works to the late ‘90s and early 2000s explosion of films focused on young women, coming-of-age stories continue to resonate within Hollywood. Although viewers’ lists of must-see high school films vary widely, several movies stand as undeniable icons of the genre.
5. Superbad
"Superbad", produced by Judd Apatow and co-written by Seth Rogen, ranks as one of the greatest teen buddy comedies. Starring Jonah Hill as Seth and Michael Cera as Evan, it follows two friends determined to lose their virginity before graduation. Their journey, however, takes unexpected turns.
A standout moment features their friend Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) acquiring a dubious fake ID named "McLovin." An attempted alcohol purchase spirals into a series of comical misunderstandings. Drawing inspiration from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Dazed and Confused", "Superbad" defined mid-2000s teen comedies.
4. Clueless
More than a decade after "Fast Times at Ridgemont High", Amy Heckerling directed "Clueless". This teen comedy adapts Jane Austen’s "Emma", transplanting it into a Beverly Hills high school. Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) reigns as the well-meaning yet oblivious queen bee.
Cher's father, Mel (Dan Hedaya), is a wealthy attorney who has remarried and divorced post-tragedy. Paul Rudd plays Josh, Mel's recently acquired stepson, who develops feelings for Cher. Yet, despite her matchmaking prowess, she remains blind to her own romantic possibilities.
3. Booksmart
"Booksmart" marks Olivia Wilde’s remarkable directorial debut, showcasing Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever as leads. Released to critical acclaim, it quickly became a classic. The film features Molly (Feldstein) and Amy (Dever), two overachievers who decide to break the rules before graduation.
Reluctantly joining Molly at a classmate's unsupervised graduation party, Amy seeks her first exhilarating experience. Molly’s discontent about high school motivates their rebellious night. "Booksmart" surprises viewers by subverting the common high school archetypes while offering an authentic portrayal of friendship and growth.
2. Dazed and Confused
Richard Linklater’s 1993 film "Dazed and Confused" features an impressive cast, including then-unknowns like Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey. Set in the mid-1970s, the film tracks high school seniors prepping for summer fun and first-year student hazing.
Linklater aimed to contrast the sentimental narrative of John Hughes' films, instead embracing a laid-back party atmosphere. This cult classic celebrates teenage life through carefree adventures filled with music, substance use, and open exploration. Both depictions of teen life offer their own truths, adding to the genre’s depth.
1. Mean Girls
Many regard "Mean Girls" as a pinnacle of high school films and comedies, thanks to the combined talents of Tina Fey and Mark Waters. Released in 2004, the film stands out for its engaging portrayal of high school girl dynamics. Lindsay Lohan plays Cady, who faces the challenges of navigating American high school cliques.
The Plastics, led by Regina George (Rachel McAdams) with her followers Gretchen (Lacey Chabert) and Karen (Amanda Seyfried), rule their social realm through manipulation and bullying. After allies Janis (Lizzy Caplan) and Damian (Daniel Franzese) guide her, Cady infiltrates the Plastics but eventually mirrors their toxic behavior. With its iconic lines and cultural impact, "Mean Girls" has undoubtedly secured its place as the best high school film.
Earlier SSP told about 5 must-watch movie musicals.
