Now that it’s officially back to school season, it’s time to get in the groove–and you know, ease back into the whole school spirit vibe.
This is why I rounded up some of my favorite movies for teens and kids. John Hughes movies never get old, for instance.
Here’s my list below:
1. School of Rock
I basically love everything Jack Black has ever done, and his lovable turn as a fake music teacher turned passionate rock band leader is one of his best roles.
2. Clueless
Who doesn’t love Cher Horowitz, modern day matchmaker? As if!
3. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Admittedly when I was a high school teacher, my students were bored by this movie—but I still think it’s a classic.
4. Pretty in Pink
This Molly Ringwald romantic drama will never get old, especially when it’s prom season.
5. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
It’s a realistic look at teens and sex that will never get old. Plus, Sean Penn in a movie about high school?!
6. Never Been Kissed
A loveable Drew Barrymore 90s rom-com.
7. High School Musical (Netflix)
Hey, it’s young Zac Efron–this series was beloved by a generation.
8. Mean Girls (Netflix)
A classic satire about bullying and cliques from Tina Fey.
9. Back to the Future
Marty saves the day. And you know, Crispin Glover before he became really weird.
10. Speak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rby-el5dis
This is an early Kristen Stewart movie about an outcast high school girl, based off the book of the same name. I actually taught the book in school, because it creates a good dialogue around suicide awareness.
11. 10 Things I Hate About You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HckBEU1tJkg
All I’m going to say is “Heath Ledger.”(Okay, also “modern Shakespeare adaptation”).
12. Grease (Netflix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzWmxjYNfz4
Every teen needs to see this movie. I mean, this was when John Travolta was a sex symbol and man, could he dance.
13. The Outsiders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nepDMna1N_8
This was another book I taught (which meant, movie time!). Stay gold, Pony Boy. My students L-O-V-E-D it.
14. Chicken Little (Netflix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKYFXMzompY
For younger kids, who doesn’t love a movie about a nerdy chicken?
15. Recess: Taking the 5th Grade (Netflix)
16. Holes (Netflix)
These kids have detention…but there’s something weird going on.
17. Everyone’s Hero
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ3jdWl3AOU
All Jake wants to do is play baseball, but he’s faced with a decision.
