Best 10 High School Movies You Should Watch

During the school holidays, the last thing kids usually want to think about is returning to the classroom. However, Hollywood has other ideas, and over the years, it has produced some of the most iconic teen movies and must-watch high school films ever. From the legendary Breakfast Club and the energy and sheer feel-good factor of Grease to the profoundly moving Dead Poets Society and the cringeworthy Mean Girls, high school movies are a perennial favourite. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best coming-of-age films that teenage kids can relate to, which provide both entertainment and a chance to examine the struggles that high school kids face and ultimately overcome. 

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Often regarded as one of the best coming-of-age films, The Breakfast Club is a tour de force of artistic interpretation and character development. Five very different students end up in a Saturday detention. Each one has their own tale to tell, and by the end of the day, some unlikely friendships have been forged. Emilio Estevez leads a talented cast in one of the best movies of his career.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Wonderfully retro, an incredible soundtrack and a razor-sharp script make this high school film ###/b

Winter Spring Summer or Fall (2024)

High School movies are still lighting up the screens in the 2020s, and this powerful offering is well worth catching. This coming-of-age film follows the story of two very different characters who come together in their senior year. The film cleverly uses a 'snapshot' approach, documenting four days throughout the year and charting how their lives change. Starring Jenna Ortega, Percy Hynes White and Adam Rodriguez, it's a powerful look at teenage rebellion. 

Mean Girls (2004)

High school can be tough, especially if you're perceived as 'different'. Mean Girls offers a candid look at what it's like to be the target of the popular girls and their tight-knit cliques, where looks, popularity, and being in with the right crowd are far more important than academic achievements. Lindsay Lohan delivers a strong performance as Cady, who must figure out who her true friends are in this bittersweet and sharply observed high school movie. 

Lady Bird (2017)

This beautifully crafted film tells the story of a teenager (played by Saoirse Ronan) as she comes of age in her senior year at high school. A complex but loving relationship with her mother dominates the storyline as this young woman finally starts to find her own way in the world and emerges from the shadows. An uplifting coming-of-age film that will resonate with teenage girls worldwide.

Grease (1978)

If you want to talk about iconic teen movies, they don't get much better than Grease. Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, it's an epic musical featuring sing-along songs, a charming portrayal of 1950s teenage culture, and a simple 'boy-meets-girl' love story woven into the dance numbers. Grease is a guaranteed hit, which is why it still feels as fresh and engaging almost 50 years later. 

F Plus (2025)

When a straight-A student earns an F+ grade on the biggest test of the year, Ted’s friend Josh Barker suggests an impossible plan to sneak into school and steal the test results before they can be processed. Are they capable of pulling off the biggest middle-school heist in history, or will they get caught in the act? A wonderfully funny and warm film with a strong ethical message, F Plus is guaranteed to be a winner if you're looking for a movie to watch this summer.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Widely applauded by critics and movie lovers alike, Dead Poets Society is a truly special and uplifting film. This film showed that comedian Robin Williams was also an incredibly talented actor, bringing a mesmerising performance and lighting up the screen. Williams plays a new English teacher who inspires the students at a stuffy private school to reevaluate their lives through a series of unorthodox teaching methods. A genuine must-watch high school movie and worth revisiting even if you’ve already seen it before. 

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) 

A charming and hilarious film that's stood the test of time. Keanu Reeves (long before his Matrix or John Wick performances) is best friends with Alex Winter and faces being sent to a military academy if he doesn't earn passing grades. Fortunately, a time machine helps the duo encounter some of history's greatest characters and bring them back, with hilarious consequences. Sweet, adorably whimsical, and with delightful performances from everyone, it's a 'most excellent' adventure if you're looking for a family-friendly film to watch during the school holidays.

Back to the Future (1985)

The film that not only launched Michael J Fox’s career but also saved an iconic car brand from collapse, Back to the Future is one of the most famous sci-fi & high school movies of all time. Wild, wonderfully wacky, and with a poignant message underlying the high-octane adventure, it's a delightful movie that will appeal not just to younger viewers, but also to their parents, who will remember the film with fondness.

There are so many other iconic teen movies we could have included in this list, but if you’re looking for a great starting point, these should keep everyone happy. At VOX Cinemas KSA, you’ll find plenty of summer specials too, with great offers on family movies including the latest releases. There are some pretty awesome Back-to-School offers coming up, so your kids can ease back into the term-time routine and still have a little fun. Keep checking our programs to see what family-friendly blockbusters are coming to a VOX Cinema near you soon.

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