I’ve grown up around film. From the James Bond films to Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings, my dad has shown me it all. And once his passion for film ignited the same passion in me, I spread my interests all over the different genres. From action to comedy to romance, from old to new, I can say I’ve seen a vast variety of film. Apart from the pure entertainment it provides, I also enjoy the ability to learn from and relate to movies. And since I’ve recently graduated from high school, I thought I would compile a list of movies that I believe were influential and important to my high school experience.

1. Mean Girls

This compelling and comical story about a normal girl getting in too deep with the in-crowd it heavily relatable to any high school student. The fact that it’s greatly over exaggerated just goes to show that being afraid of the popular girls in high school is pointless. Katy, the main character, makes it her goal to take down the popular girls but in the end she just becomes as bad as they are. This funny and relatable story shows the high school student that being popular isn’t the biggest issue of high school and being yourself works out best in the end.

2. Pretty In Pink

As a strong believer in the classics, Molly Ringwald only reinforces my beliefs in this film. Being the poor girl at school and the outcast, her character Andie falls for one of the popular rich kids. Though Andie finds it hard to believe, her crush, Jack, falls for her right back. The film expresses the difficulties of high school cliques and romance and gives the romantic high schooler a go to flick.

3. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Known for the classic sick day movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a great one for any high schooler home from school. Whether it be the flu, wisdom teeth, or just a mental health day, this film gives just the right pick me up (some would say better than medicine). Ferris and his friends adventure around the city of Chicago as a crazy principal tails them. This film shows high school students that high school should be filled with adventure.

4. 10 Things I Hate About You

5. The Breakfast Club

Though this one is obvious, it still deserves a spot on the list. There’s nothing like the classic that’s been portrayed in countless TV shows. If you don’t already know, all the different character types get sent to detention where, over a series of events, bond together. This film shows that no matter how different two people seem, they still probably have something in common.

6. Superbad

For those who want to live on the edge a little more, or maybe just want to laugh, Superbad is the right choice. The film follows a group of nerds as they try to get into a big party since they don’t get out very often. This movie shows that trying new things can be a good idea, but sometimes it’s better to just watch a movie about it.

7. Sixteen Candles

For those girls on their sixteenth birthday, this movie is a great option. Another Molly Ringwald classic, this film follows Samantha on her sixteenth birthday. As she goes through seemingly the worst birthday ever, Samantha learns that getting older might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Though maybe turning sixteen isn’t so bad after all.

8. Clueless

Along the lines of Mean Girls, Clueless is another over exaggerated comedy about the high school years. Cher, a popular rich girl, attempts to help out a new girl in school but not without disaster. This refreshing take from the point of view of the queen bee is a must see for high school students. Not to mention, the adorable Paul Rudd is by her side.

9) American Pie

Albeit, a little inappropriate, this comedy is truly funny. As several senior boys go about trying to lose their virginity on prom night, American Pie is a high school classic. Though at times odd, this film is undoubtedly relatable. This is a must see before graduation, or maybe even senior prom.

10. Paper Towns

And last, but certainly not least, there’s the film created from the novel by John Green, Paper Towns. This film follows Quentin as he attempts to track down his friend (and possibly love of his life) Margot. Q and his friends run across town and country, going on adventures Q would never have dreamed of before just to find her. This one shows high school students that it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone and to be yourself, but most importantly, it shows that it’s important to cherish your friendships before you have to say goodbye. Its reminds high schoolers that high school is not forever.

There are some things I wish I understood better when I was in high school. And I can honestly say these films can show those messages as long as people choose to listen. The best time to watch a movie is when you relate to it most, that’s when you’ll best understand it. So for all the high school students out there that have a little time before graduation, watching these movies would not be a mistake.