What about American Graffiti?

“What about American Graffiti?“



American Graffiti stands in a class of its own. A high school movie in that the characters are in the process of leaving school and entering the adult world, though little is seen of the school itself; it’s the best early 60’s nostalgia movie (such a great rock n roll soundtrack) and possibly one of the best teen movies ever.



Otherwise for films in which schools feature and the central character is a child a special mention should go to Ken Loach’s Kes. Everything the American films aren’t and still a standout movie after all these decades.

Rushmore surely has to be one of the greatest high school movies ever. And to people feel that Dead Poets Society counts? Incredible moving movie - but is it a high school movie?

If we are allowed to stray into the left field then I would have to punt for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie - definitely my favourite film set in a school and, indeed, one of my all time favourite films.

And does Battle Royale count?

It may seem a strange choice (given its nature of pastiche) but I loved Brick. It's engaging, humorous, confusing and at times genuinely terrifying.

Brick defiantly summed up my high school years

There can only be one choice - National Lampoons's Animal House...

Although I agree with Ian Schultz and hoomach (regarding the brilliance of the films 'Brick' and 'Battle Royale') I believe one of the best "high school movies" ever made is Die Welle (The Wave).



It perfectly examines the willingness and desire of young people to conform to 'social norms' in order to feel accepted; as well as exploring the influence that peer pressure can produce in a vulnerable person's formative years.



The film also does this in a far less patronising way than anything Hollywood has produced within the "genre".



Several people also bring up the valid point that you could be referring to either;

Movies that are set in a high school OR

Movies that conform to the aforementioned (more recent and low-brow) high school 'genre'.



I do apologise for this query if you clarified the point in your earlier blog but, otherwise, you could be opening up the field to a slew of other films that some readers may not have considered.

If you're going to sneer, I'll sneer in your place, Mark. I think someone needs to.

I meant "If you're NOT going to sneer, I'll sneer in your place, Mark. I think someone needs to."



Idiot.

I love the way Brick captures the feeling of the school being the whole world, and the significance of every event is appropriately distorted through this lens.

He didn't even mention the bit of Gregory's Girl that probably inspired the US, especially Hughes, rather than the reverse - the Random Boy In The Penguin Suit. It was that perfect moment; it didn't need explaining. It was just there.

I am sure there are loads of better films to think of (the recent Easy A springs to mind), but for me it has to be The breakfast Club. Of course this has everything to do with me being in highschool at that time. Will we ever again experience things as vividly as at that age?

I'm sorry, whatever happened to "Ferris Bueller's Day off?!?!"

No Teen Wolf?

Ah I'm kidding. Sort of.

What about The Principal, James Belushi bringing order to a crime ridden school. & don't forget Class of 1999, school kids v killer robot teachers - including Pam 'Coffy' Grier & John 'It's Alive' P. Ryan.

Good call on IF... - that was and still is a rule unto itself.



Although having seen A Clockwork Orange first I was expecting a more full-on and manic portrayal from Mr McDowell.





We need more homework though Dr.K

Nice selection of movie choices, from supporters, Dr K. Some well known favourites given mention. Thanks for responding to the plethora of nominations.

Cannot think of any reason why you have missed out 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' as that is John Hughes's best film (yes better than the mentioned 'Breakfast Club). Also as proof that high-school films can still have an edge 'Easy A' needs to be noticed!

"Brick defiantly summed up my high school years"



Really? Drug lords, femme fatales & murder. Really Ian Schultz?

I'm not a huge fan of high school movies but my favourite, probably not in the spirit of typical High School movies, is Elephant by Gus Van Sant.

Where to start as there are so many, I love Easy A, Election and Mean Girls. But personally my favourite is Heathers. The dialogue is darkly witty and you cannot beat a bit of back stabbing and murder!!

LUCAS!!!! LUCAS!!!!

Hi Mark - I'm a dedicated patron of Harbour Lights in Southampton and have followed your blog for a while now, but have not contributed before, but wanted to add my bit on High School films.



Bring a fan of horror and Japanese films, I love the above references to Battle Royale, but for me the best high school film is Brian De Palma's Carrie. I love the fact that some of the scenes in the school are so cheesey, but this juxtaposed with the scenes of torment and bullying, from classmates and her mother, and especially the opening shower scene where the whole changing room gangs up on Carrie at her most vunerable, then building to the horrific ending just make it a near perfect film in my view - even with the cheesey 1970s bits!!!

Although it is essential to include films like Breakfast Club and High School Musical 3 (Yes, that is sincere), I would have to go with Thirteen. Catherine Hardwicke's debut feature. Anyone who knows her films prior to Twilight (Which I also very much like) and Red Riding Hood, knows that her films had this incredibly raw feeling to them. She wasn't afraid to show those terribly uncomfortable and cringe-worthy moments. I haven't seen a film that more perfectly showed what many people do when attempting to plunge themselves into the High School world of 'maturity', change, sex and parental 'disagreement'. I saw this films myself when I was thirteen, the title and cover attracted me, I had no idea what was in store. Until you view the film yourself, I don't think there is really any way to describe the feeling it creates within. It makes me quiver at the idea of having a teenager of my own someday.

An old thread but couldn't help wanting to say. 'Grease', you might not like it but Rydell High is firmly set in my memory.



And for me 'Kes', although not a pure highschool film, the rawness of the school scenes have left a lasting imprint with me.

I'm not sure if the movie "The Sure Thing" counts as a high school movie. It starts of with high school graduation but moves onto to the college experience. It's a laugh out loud funny coming of age/road trip movie with performances are wonderful with lots of memorable lines. A Rob Reiner classic!

Southpark the movie - the did a good spoof on High School Musical too.



Hey, Mark the grey is really coming thru now.