1. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
The plot of this film revolves around high school students in California. The main characters are looking for relationships. Their respective friends help them out and a boy named Jeff Spicoli is a major part of the movie as well
2. Elephant
Even though this film created a lot of controversy, it is still among the best by Van Sant. It basically deals with the problem of students carrying guns to school. The actors were not too well-known but the story was powerful and the cinematography was stunning which is what made the movie memorable.
3. To Sir with Love
This film stars Sydney Poitier who plays the role of a congenial teacher. It is set in London against the backdrop of poverty and the problems surrounding racism are brought up as well. A song with the same title gained instant popularity after the film’s release and was sung by Lulu.
4. Y Tu Mamá También
This film is about three people who decide to go on a road trip. The two boys are in their teens while the woman is about 28 years old. Certain economic realities are brought to light as the movie progresses. The two protagonists share a special relationship and elements of homosexuality are introduced as well.
5. American Graffiti
American Graffiti talks about four teenagers who discover themselves right before they go off to separate universities. Set in the 1960’s, it features all those aspects of the good old life that we all miss including drive-ins and racing. The soundtrack only adds to the overall quality of the film.
6. The Dead Poets Society
The Dead Poets Society focuses on a teacher who transforms the students and his colleagues by making them think outside the box. Conservative views are transformed into liberated thoughts which is what made the movie the classic that it is. The teacher encourages his students to raise their voice if they feel that they deserve to be heard.
7. The Breakfast Club
Five students who could not be more different if they tried are forced to come together when they are given detention during the weekend. Once the principal walks out of the room, their personalities start clashing against each other and serious frictions lead to fights.
8. Stand by Me
This book is adapted from a Stephen King novel. It talks about four boys who are about to begin high school. They go off on a summer adventure together because they want to see a young boy’s dead body. This journey changes their lives forever and they view the world in a different light by the end of it.
9. La Haine
La Haine is about three friends who live in the slums of Paris. The film is set against the backdrop of racial discrimination that was rampant in France during the 1990s. The three friends explain how much they hate the system due to different reasons.
10. Rebel Without a Cause
This film is definitely the best as far as teenage movies are concerned. The film has obvious undertones which is why it created controversy. It is about a character played by James Dean who shifts with his parents to a new town and starts afresh in a new High School.
