The Breakfast Club is a cult classic 1985 coming-of-age film directed by John Hughes, which revolves around five high school students from different cliques who spend a Saturday together in detention. Throughout the day, they break down social barriers, confront their personal challenges, and form unexpected connections. With an individual member from each clique - Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) the 'brain', Andrew (Emilio Estevez) the 'jock', Bender (Judd Nelson) the 'rebel', Claire (Molly Ringwald) the 'popular', and Allison (Ally Sheedy) the 'outcast' - the group of five realize they have more in common than they thought.

The saying "they don’t make movies like this anymore" is thrown around a lot, but this film is truly irreplaceable in today's context. Attempting a contemporary remake would likely result in a film showing kids glued to their phones throughout detention, and just would not be able to work in the 21st century. Part of what makes this film such a classic is while it is cliche in every way possible, the film's meaning is one that can't be beat. 

The Breakfast Club is an excellent film to watch before graduation because it encapsulates the complexities of high school life, the challenges of adolescence, and the journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. As students prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, the movie serves as a reflection on the diverse experiences encountered during high school. It encourages viewers to embrace individuality, appreciate differences, and recognize the importance of empathy and understanding in making meaningful connections - even if these connections don't line up with your social group. The film's themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance resonate deeply with graduates who are on the cusp of entering a new phase of adulthood, making it a poignant and relevant choice for pre-graduation viewing.

Say Anything is a romantic comedy-drama from 1989 directed by Cameron Crowe that follows Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), an optimistic underachiever, who falls in love with Diane Court (Ione Skye), the valedictorian of their high school. Despite their differences in social status, they embark on a heartfelt romance that after every watch, never gets old. However, their relationship faces challenges when Diane's overprotective father disapproves of Lloyd. As they navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and family, Lloyd's unwavering devotion wins over Diane's heart. 

Lloyd's statement around the half-way mark in the film about not desiring to engage in selling, buying, or processing as a career, flows effortlessly, reflecting his vibrant imagination. It's a declaration of independence, akin to a personalized graduation address. In the high school movie genre, almost always does the graduation speech encourage each student to chase their dreams, or become a so-called 'go-getter'. What makes this film so authentic, or what sets it apart from the rest in its flimsy genre, is how it's not afraid to approach this topic differently.

While I initially fell in love with this movie from the speaker scene (pictured above), I've come to realize that this film checks each box for an easy-to-watch, loveable movie. Say Anything is a great film to watch before graduation because it resonates with its portrayal of the challenges and joys of creating one's path after high school. The characters grapple with decisions about their futures, relationships, and aspirations, reflecting the dilemmas that many graduates face. Growing up can be scary, and Say Anything is not afraid to tackle that. 

10 Things I Hate About You is a 1999 adaptation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew directed by Gil Junger. Set in a high school in Seattle, the story revolves around two sisters, Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) and Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles). Bianca, the popular and younger sister, desired by many including the new kid Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) finds trouble when her strict father (Larry Miller) won't let her date. Only until Kat, the rebellious and abrasive older sister, dates, will she be allowed to. 

This has become one of my favorite coming-of-age movies for a multitude of reasons. Kat's iconic wardrobe definitely inspired my wardrobe at some point, with cargo pants and platform sandals, but her prom dress was something I could only dream for. The soundtrack of the film also introduced me to gateway Rebel Girl music, which I loved during my angsty teenage years (which I'm arguably still in). The overall vibes of 10 Things I Hate About You add so much to the story, like Heath Ledger singing Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, or Kat and Patrick skipping class to go play paintball. 

10 Things I Hate About You is a great movie to watch before graduation because it explores the complexities of relationships, both familial and romantic, and the journey of finding one's identity amidst societal pressures. It shows that being hesitant to date in high school is okay and normal, something a lot of us need validation for. The characters undergo personal growth and navigate challenges that resonate with the transition from high school to the next phase of life, and the film's humor, romance, and memorable quotes make it a staple in the graduation watchlist. 

Dazed and Confused is a coming-of-age comedy set in 1976 on the last day of school at a high school in Austin, Texas. The film follows various groups of teenagers as they navigate parties, the problems of growing up, and relationships typical of adolescence. The central characters include incoming freshmen, who face initiation rituals from the older students, and a group of soon-to-be seniors, who are grappling with the responsibilities and uncertainties of their impending adulthood. The film captures the spirit of the 1970s, with its soundtrack, fashion, and cultural references. Dazed and Confused is one of those movies where you go in expecting to just love the atmosphere, but come out loving it all. 

Set in the 1970s, Dazed and Confused evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, even for those who didn't experience it firsthand. This nostalgia serves as a lens through which viewers can reflect on their own youth and the universal experiences of growing up, forming bonds, and facing uncertainty about the future. Watching this movie, you'll get the idea that the problems faced are timeless - ones that have happened to high-schoolers from all time periods. 

Through parties, pranks, and moments of defiance, the teenagers show their independence, reflecting the timeless struggle between youth and authority. Am I saying that it's okay to drive around your neighborhood and break strangers' mailboxes down with baseball bats? No. But, for the sake of this film, that action is placed deliberately to serve a purpose, and it does. Despite its ensemble cast and narrative, the film effectively develops its characters, allowing viewers to witness their growth and transformation over the course of the story. From freshmen experiencing initiation rituals to seniors grappling with the uncertainty of the future, each character undergoes a journey of self-discovery and maturation, making Dazed and Confused one of my favorite films to watch before graduation.

Rushmore is a quirky comedy-drama directed by Wes Anderson, which follows the story of Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a precocious and eccentric 15-year-old student at Rushmore Academy, who is involved in numerous extracurricular activities but is failing academically. Max becomes infatuated with a new teacher, Miss Cross (Olivia Williams), and befriends a wealthy industrialist, Herman Blume (Bill Murray) in order to pursue the teacher. The film explores Max's elaborate schemes, his complicated relationships, and his attempts to win Miss Cross's affection, all set against the backdrop of the prestigious Rushmore Academy.

I’ve accustomed myself to Anderson’s ways of packing so much meaning into each and every one of his films, especially in Rushmore, a satirical spin off of a teen rom-com but with a hint of what i like to call “Wes-ification”. Surely, one could look at this film through naïve lenses and think of Fischer as just another teenage boy in just another coming of age film. To side with them, the information is present. Because yes, there has indeed been a handful of films that all concoct a troubled, angsty main character, going through some conflict in their life that will change their life for the better (or arguably the worse), and in result will achieve the girl/guy they want as an anticlimactic and odious “reward”. And maybe Anderson wrote this to jab at romantic comedies released at the time (late 90’s - we’re talking Dazed and Confused, Clueless, Empire Records, or just about anything with enough fluff), the answer is truly ambiguous. 

Anderson makes it clear that despite all of Max’s strange adultish etiquette, at the end of the day he still is a teenager just trying to grow up and learn, something we're all guilty of. We crave success, we want to be loved, and would do anything to do so. As teenagers, we’re bound to grow up thinking we have all the answers, that we’re right, and that we have the potential to always be right if we weren’t still learning. Anderson's way of discovering these themes will forever make Rushmore one of the best high-school movies, and I without a doubt will be watching this movie again before graduation. 

Lady Bird is a coming-of-age film directed by Greta Gerwig. It follows the story of Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson (Saorise Ronan), a high school senior in Sacramento, California, navigating her final year before college. Lady Bird grapples with her turbulent relationship with her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf), her aspirations to leave Sacramento for college on the East Coast, and her experiences with friendship, romance, and self-discovery. The film explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the transition to adulthood, offering a poignant and relatable portrayal of adolescent struggles and aspirations.

One of the reasons Lady Bird is so high up on this list is because I completely see myself in her. Even though I'm staying in New York for college, moving to the East Coast is a huge thing. It becomes less of a debate on whether I'd like to attend a smaller college or a bigger college, but the fact that I'd be alongside other adults with their own lives and stories. Actual adults, with jobs! The opening scene of this film begins with Lady Bird and her mother talking about college, which then turns into a heated conversation over Lady Bird's abilities, and leads to Lady Bird jumping out of the car, while her mother is still driving. That's how I can explain the college application process best. 

Lady Bird comes from a small town in Sacramento, where she's paved her entire personality on how she's not meant to live there, or how she's better on the East Coast. Nobody in her hometown understands her, and moving to a different place will do her better, right? There's another scene that happens towards the end of the movie, where Lady Bird drives through Sacramento after graduating, and for the first time, becomes emotional. Because at the end of the day, your hometown will always be your comfort place, and the people you met and maybe hated were actually the ones who changed you for the better. 

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a classic 1986 comedy film directed by John Hughes. It follows the mischievous high school student Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), who decides to skip school for a day and embark on an adventure in downtown Chicago with his girlfriend, Sloane (Mia Sara), and best friend, Cameron (Alan Ruck). Throughout the day, Ferris concocts elaborate schemes to avoid getting caught by his suspicious principal, Mr. Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), while simultaneously showing his friends a good time. The film is known for its humor, memorable characters, and iconic scenes, such as Ferris lip-syncing Twist and Shout in a parade, one of my personal favorites. 

Ferris Bueller's Day Off effortlessly bends the rules of filmmaking in its favor. Whether it's Ferris breaking the fourth wall or his parents falling for his schemes, the movie pulls it off with finesse. Despite casting adults as high schoolers and using a grand format for a teen comedy, it all fits together seamlessly. And that unexpected musical number? It's just another example of the film's charm and creativity. Just like your cherished films, Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a treasure trove of hidden gems, offering delightful nuances and details to chew on with each viewing. Did you catch the clever cut to a Simple Minds poster right after Ferris's parents fall for his trickery? Or Broderick subtly licking his lips when he first lays eyes on Cameron's Ferrari? That's the genius of Hughes' writing - it constantly surprises us, subverting expectations at every turn. Take "Uncle Buck," for example; it shifts the focus from Buck to Sloane, revealing her emotional journey toward maturity. 

If this is your first time seeing this film, I don't know how, but this is the high school movie to watch before graduation. It checks all the boxes for humor, wit, and character growth, and is loved by almost everyone who watches it. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is the embodiment of chaotic but good, and every time I see this film I just feel warm inside.