A large portion of moviegoers that flock theaters every summer are high school kids. From teen romances to blockbuster action flicks, high schoolers are the perfect audience to soak up all that Hollywood has to offer during the summer movie season. So it’s no surprise that this youthful demographic is the subject of many memorable films, with their iconic characters and quotable dialogue already infused in general pop culture. That being said, here are some totally awesome high school movies you should check out this summer to celebrate—as Kurt Cobain would agree—teen spirit!
Rebel Without a Cause
Known as the film that immortalized the legendary status of actor James Dean, this 1955 drama film centered on a rebellious teenager and the social trials he faced—a potent theme that would influence future teen movies for years to come.
Carrie
When you think of “prom gone bad”, the film that would likely go in most people’s minds is the 1976 film adaptation of Stephen King’s bestselling horror novel starring Sissy Spacek in the titular role. Visceral and nightmarish in scope, this is a high school movie that’ll chill you to the bone.
Back to the Future
You’d think mixing high school and time travel in the same movie wouldn’t work, but this 1985 film starring Michael J. Fox proved that a science fiction movie with a teenage rom-com element mixed in can equal to critical and commercially successful results.
The Breakfast Club
High school teenagers are known for various stereotypes, but this seminal 1985 coming-of-age film starring the Brat Pack explores just how deep and complex high school kids can be once you get to know them beyond their public image.
Clueless
The 1990s marked the era where classic literature novels were adapted into modern-day film adaptations set in high school, and this iconic movie starring Alicia Silverstone was based on Jane Austen’s Emma, and was also the benchmark that set the tone for its teen movie descendants.
10 Things I Hate About You
This 1999 teen film with a Shakespearean basis is famous for launching the careers of its two gorgeous leads—Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger. And any teen film lover worth their salt would know exactly what the ten things are that the title of the movie refers to.
Bring It On
Cheerleading is a quintessential high school element, and this 2000 comedy film starring Kirsten Dunst combines the traditional battle between two rival schools with impressive cheerleading routines. The movie also holds the distinction of bringing the sport into the global mainstream where it has been picked up by other countries.
Mean Girls
Pop culture loves its quotable quotes from movies, and you can’t get more quotable than this 2004 comedy written by Tina Fey and featuring Lindsay Lohan. The film is peppered with so much snappy dialogue and terrific one-liners that the internet is practically filled with sly to obvious references to this cult classic.
Easy A
When you’re in high school, the topic of sex can be rather sensitive, but this 2010 teen film serves up a hilarious twist on the subject. With sassy actress Emma Stone in the lead role, she handles her character with a supposed promiscuous reputation in her school with comedic aplomb.
The Bling Ring
Today’s celebrity-and-selfie obsessed generation would no doubt gravitate easily to Sofia Coppola’s 2013 film about privileged high school kids robbing the homes of famous stars like Paris Hilton. And with Harry Potter alum Emma Watson as one of the feisty leads, it’s hard not to fall for this movie about teens gone bad.