By Logan Fairchild
Summer is over, and it’s time to hit the books again! Returning to school doesn’t have to be all that stressful. These top ten “Back to School” movies will hopefully give you a little levity during this tumultuous time.
10. Dazed and Confused (1993) – Although this film is more of a “getting out of school” movie, it still evokes all the feelings you might want when returning to school, as well—aimlessly riding around town with your buddies, spending carefree nights getting into mishaps. While this film doesn’t have a plot, it’s still a must-watch!
9. School of Rock (2003) – A surprisingly fun and quaint little movie about a wannabe rocker teaching at an uptight private school, secretly teaching them how to rock and not much else. It’s a dream come true for any music lovers who dread attending their actual life classes. If only school could be like the School of Rock!
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) – You’re aware of this film. You know all about the Harry Potter universe even if you haven’t seen it. The first film, in particular, will really hit your “back to school” nerves, however. You watch Harry go from being accepted to Hogwarts through school supply shopping and witness his first day of school. You may not be a wizard, but you’ll still relate to Harry’s journey.
7. Legally Blonde (2001) – This film is for anyone who thought they were too dumb for something. While Elle goes to college purely for the attention of her ex-boyfriend, she finds her own worth and intelligence along the way. She is proving that we can do anything if we put our minds to it!
6. Let the Right One In (2008) – Naturally, a horror movie or two needs to be thrown into this list. This film is for the outcasts, the loners. Oskar, a young boy, relentlessly bullied at school, finds a new friend in Eli, the new girl at their apartment complex. Only Eli is not what she seems.
5. The Breakfast Club (1985) – An age-old classic bringing the typical high school stereotypes into one room, where for an entire day, they flesh out each other’s wounds and find friends in unlikely places. Most of this movie wasn’t scripted, allowing the pure chemistry between the actors to shine through.
4. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) – Written by Cameron Crowe after he went undercover in a high school to observe a teenager’s life. This film is an authentic, honest portrayal of high schoolers in the 80s simply trying to survive their teen years.
3. Battle Royale (2000) – While this film isn’t technically about going back to school, it’s still a remarkable film for anyone feeling stressed by the school. It’s the Hunger Games, but better and more brutal. What happens when the Japanese Government doesn’t know how to deal with unruly students? Make them fight to the death!
2. Heathers (1989) – Be careful who you make friends with! This dark comedy has a surprisingly lighthearted message about how you treat people. Of course, all taking place during the worst years of our lives; high school! This is the movie for anyone that ever dreamed about their school blowing up.
1. Mean Girls (2004) – Odds are, you’ve probably seen this one before. If you haven’t, you’re missing out on a cultural phenomenon. I struggled with putting such a popular movie as number one, but it truly is the perfect film for any newcomer. Cady Heron is a homeschooled exchange student taking her first steps into a public high school. Surely your first day can’t be as bad as hers!
