Going back to school has always been a rich subject for filmmakers. The unique blend of excitement, anxiety, friendships, romance, and the drama of growing up provides a perfect backdrop for some of the most memorable and entertaining films in cinema history. From raucous comedies to heartfelt romantic comedies, here are some of the best back-to-school movies of all time. Let us know in the comments if your favorite made the list!
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Grease’ (1978)
Oh, oh those summer nights. Sometimes summer lovin’ spills over into school days, and sometimes that causes a smidge of friction — and lots of ultra-catchy tunes. “Grease” is one of the most iconic musical films, and is a quintessential back-to-school story. The colossall cast was led by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, who captivated the hearts of fans and critics alike. Critics praised the flick’s energetic performances, and it was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards.
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ (1982)
“Fast Times at Ridgemont High?” More like Fast Times at “Life’s a Roller Coaster” High. This coming-of-age comedy doesn’t hold back on showing the wild ride that teenage life can be. From awkward friendships and steamy relationships to first jobs that make you question all your life choices, this movie has it all.
Critics loved it for its in-your-face realism, so much so that the folks at the U.S. National Film Registry decided it needed preserving (probably to remind future generations what the ’80s were really like). And then there’s Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli. Oh, Spicoli! With his surfer dude attitude and timeless lines, Penn turned this character into a legend. He’s like the wise philosopher we never knew we needed. All together now: “Hey, bud, let’s party!”
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Dead Poet’s Society” (1989)
Oh, “Dead Poet’s Society,” how you tug at our heartstrings! This stirring drama showcases Robin Williams at his best, playing an inspiring English teacher in a stuffy boys’ prep school. Four Academy Award nominations and a win for Best Original Screenplay? Not too shabby for a film about poetry and passion. The movie’s mantra, “Carpe Diem,” still resonates with audiences to this day, to the point that we can practically hear Robin Williams whispering it beneath his breath over our shoulders.
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Mean Girls’ (2004)
Name another movie from the 2000s with more witty one-liners than “Mean Girls.” We dare you. From, “Stop trying to make ‘fetch’ happen!” to, “I’m not a regular mom, I’m a COOL mom!” we owe a debt of gratitude to the writers of this Lindsay Lohan-led film. Seriously, there are so many pivotal pieces in the script, the scene where Cady asks Aaron what day it is (October 3, in case you somehow forgot) inspired a now-observed and celebrated “Mean Girls Day,” taking place on — you guessed it — October 3. We haven’t looked at a Toaster Streudel or listened to “Jingle Bell Rock” the same since 2004.
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)
Ever burn the day off school, head to the top of the Sears Tower, indulge in a fancy French feast for lunch, hit up a Cubs game, and watch your best friend destroy his dad’s Ferrari? OK, maybe the entirety of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” isn’t exactly relatable, but certainly the desire to ditch school (and the act of actually going through with it) resonated with audiences. So much so that said Ferrari (still undrivable, by the way) recently sold at auction for $337,000.
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Animal House’ (1978)
“Toga! Toga! Toga!” We hear it ringing in our ears just reading the words, “Animal House.” John Belushi’s legendary performance in the outrageously hilarious college comedy flick left the world with a piece of comedic gold to remember the actor by when he died just four years after the movie’s release. And his character, Bluto, left viewers with a solid tidbit only the finest collegiate pupils could offer: “My advice to you is to start drinking heavily.”
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)
We couldn’t forget to include “The Breakfast Club,” and that’s not just because of the “Don’t You Forget About Me” track that’s synonymous with the film. First of all, the cast of this cult classic is spot-on. Each high school character depicted a different stereotype, coming from a different walk of life, and fans were able to latch on to someone they could relate to. The dialogue was realistic (“My God, are we gonna be like our parents?” anyone?) and the plot was easy to digest, making this coming-of-age story worth watching over and over again.
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Clueless’ (1995)
As if! We’re honestly still waiting for technology like Cher’s outfit generator to become commonplace in closets. Alas, we might be doomed to be ensembly challenged as Cher would say. Alicia Silverstone delivered a spot-on performance with her role as the rich and popular Cher, and “Clueless” was a quintessential 90s teen movie, that has cemented itself as one of the greatest teen movies of all time, and has continued to inspire plot points in other teen movies.
Image Credit: IMDB / Paramount Pictures.
‘Revenge of the Nerds’ (1984)
Geek chic is a real thing, and “Revenge of the Nerds” taught us that very lesson. The cult-classic college comedy chronicles the epic battle of brains vs brawn at the fictional Adams College. These nerds weren’t just fumbling with pocket protectors; they were taking a stand against bullying and doing it in style, cementing the flick in pop culture permanently.
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)
This comedy brought us the bend and snap. It made us comfortable using legal jargon in everyday life. It put pink on a pedestal long before Greta Gerwig gave us “Barbie.” And not to be dramatic, but it basically put Harvard on the map. If you don’t agree with our decision to call “Legally Blonde” one of the best back-to-school movies ever made, well — OVERULED!
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Sixteen Candles’ (1984)
What’s happening, hot stuff? During the 80s, virtually no one could play a jaded teenage girl better than Molly Ringwald, and the teen icon executed that role brilliantly in the quintessential teen comedy “Sixteen Candles.” From getting groped by Grandma in the hallway and thwarting the attempted affections of the nerdy Ted, to all the other dread surrounding the milestone of turning sixteen, Molly Rindwald’s relatable performance resonated with viewers and heavily influenced the coming-of-age genre
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Never Been Kissed’ (1999)
Drew Barrymore was nothing short of delightful as Josie Geller in “Never Been Kissed.” The romantic comedy-meets-teen comedy chronicles awkward newspaper reporter Josie Geller’s ventures returning to high school as an undercover student (who ends up falling for her English teacher). The movie’s blend of humor, romance, and a touch of nostalgia struck a chord with viewers, ensuring that “Never Been Kissed” resonated in a big way with anyone who’s ever felt like a misfit trying to fit in. Critics appreciated its warmth and wit, making it a pop culture favorite that continues to be a go-to pick for a feel-good movie night.
Image Credit: IMDb.
‘Billy Madison’ (1995)
Ohhh, back to school, back to school, to prove to Dad that I’m not a fool! Back-to-school movies simply do not get better than Adam Sandler playing strip trivia with Chris Farley. “Billy Madison” is one of Sandler’s most well-loved comedy films. From Old Man Clemens stomping out a bag of flaming dog poop Billy and his buds left on his doorstep to voicing an argument between bottles of shampoo and conditioner while sobering up in a bubble bath, this movie is nothing short of a comedic icon. You ain’t cool unless you pee your pants, amiright?
Image Credit: IMDb.
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