As high school comes to a close, we’re dying to watch our favorite movies about high school graduation. Sit back and relax, pre-collegiettes, because we’re here with some of the most hilarious, tear-jerking high school graduation movies there are to offer.
1. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Wise guy Ferris Bueller, is determined to take a day off of school filled with pranks and goofing off. Bueller’s friends Cameron and Sloane take the day off with him, too, taking part in all of his crazy shenanigans. “Looking back, I wish I could have gotten away with what Ferris Bueller did in high school,” said Madeline Potter, a junior at Indiana University. The movie is a great way to relax, unwind, and take the high school graduation process a little less seriously.
2. Grease
This musical about teens living in the 50’s is an absolute classic. Not only does it put a fun spin on the final days of high school, but also it shows that friends can truly stay close even as school comes to an end. “When I was graduating high school, I was hoping that my friends and I would remain friends, and Grease really reassured me of that,” says Danielle, a freshman at Miami University of Ohio. You can sing along with friends and take your mind off of the seriousness of graduation. At least your friend didn’t pierce your ear in the bathroom, right?
3. American Pie
American Pie is a classic. Even though the characters in the movie vow to lose their virginity before they leave for college, we found that losing your virginity isn’t everything the movies might make it out to be. In fact, our ultimate college girl survey indicates that 43 percent of college girls are still virgins, so losing your virginity before you graduate definitely isn’t a big deal and isn’t anything to stress about!
4. Say Anything
Graduating high school can be daunting because it comes with so many choices. In Say Anything, an underachiever and a valedictorian fall in love the summer before they head off to college. This movie makes you think about where you see yourself professionally, and which campus you see yourself on. The choices can be overwhelming and difficult. “Say Anything is a great movie about how everyone has insecurities. Lloyd Dobler isn’t always totally self-assured, and the beautiful Diane Court isn’t as on-top-of-the-world as she seems,” says Lily Herman, a freshman at Wesleyan University. “I think it deals with a lot of the uncertainty that comes with leaving high school. Who were you these past four years? What are you doing? Where the heck are you going?”
5. Can’t Hardly Wait
Can’t Hardly Wait shows the side of graduation that implies letting loose and releasing inhibitions. “It’s about transitioning because it focuses on the one last party before everyone graduates and goes their separate way. It’s about telling your crush that you like them, or getting a jock to sign your yearbook. It’s about your last chance,” says Mikhala, a sophomore at Winston Salem State University.
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6. Accepted
Accepted is about life after being rejected from college. Know that even if you didn’t get into your first choice, it could be worse! The main character in Accepted creates his own school after he gets rejected from college, then has to deal with the crazy consequences. “Accepted makes you realize that your plans don’t always work the way you want them to, and you will end up where you are meant to be,” says Rae, a junior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
7. Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3 is definitely a tear-jerker. Andy is at a pivotal moment in his life where he has to decide what to do with his toys when he heads off to college. While he reflects on his childhood and moves towards the future, the movie makes the audience feel like they’re leaving for college with Andy. “Toy Story 3 is about leaving your past behind, but it’s also about how it’s okay to keep a part of your childhood with you when you leave for college,” says Daryl, a junior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
8. High School Musical 3
The gang wraps up their senior year of high school in this classic ending to the High School Musical series. “I saw High School Musical 3 when I was a senior in high school. I was really nervous to graduate but it got me really excited for college and everything that was to come. If they could do it, I could do it,” says Krista Zotos, a junior at Indiana University. The friends in the movie plan for what they’re going to do after graduation, and of course the whole movie is equipped with awesome sing-along music. Although the path ahead is long, they’ll always have each other and the music they created. Plus, how can you not love Zac Efron?
9. American Graffiti
This movie is about second-guessing yourself when its time to leave what’s familiar and venture out into the unknown. Even though graduation and leaving for college can be intimidating, don’t doubt yourself like Curt does. Jump into college full force and get excited for all of the great new experiences you’re about to have “American Graffiti is an oldie but goodie. It’s a great movie about making the most of your time before you leave for college,” says Katherine Wade, a junior at Elon.
10. A Cinderella Story
A Cinderella Story follows the classic Disney tale with a twist. Hilary Duff plays Sam Montgomery, a high school girl trying to escape the wrath of her stepmother, survive high school, and connect with her secret admirer, “Nomad.” A Cinderella Story makes it clear that it is possible to withstand the hardships of high school even when they seem insurmountable. “I loved A Cinderella Story because it shows that you can get through the mess that we call high school and prepare for a fresh start in college,” says Courtney, a junior at Indiana University.
Graduating high school and leaving for college is an intimidating time in life, but watching a great movie that you can relate to makes things so much better. What’s your favorite movie about graduating high school? Comment below!