photo or infographic by Wildkat Media with Canva

ESSENTIAL HIGH SCHOOL MOVIES AND THE LESSONS THEY TEACH. Series about what movies can teach students in high school.

Rowdy, raucous, rated R comedies show wild side of high school life

ONE LAST NIGHT. McLovin and his crew spend the night trying to make one more night of memories before they head off to college. (photo or infographic by fair use from Columbia Pictures )

Superbad – R – 2007

by Karla Otero

“Superbad” is a coming-of-age high school movie that follows the lives of three seniors, Evan, Seth and Fogell in their last week of senior year. About to graduate, the boys attend a graduation party with big goals, but their goals seem to be harder to obtain than expected. Their plan is put on halt, as cops and separation anxiety get in their way. This movie is the true definition of a best friend relationship, due to all the tests of honesty and companionship placed in the movie. With all the humorous language and emotional scenes, “Superbad” is a high school movie that everyone should see, but just warning: this movie earns that rated R rating for language, crude content, drug use and violence.

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL. The director, Richard Linklater, said that this movie teaches kids how to be cool. (photo or infographic by fair use courtesy Detour Filmproduction )

Dazed and Confused – R – 1993

By Analoha Wilkerson

“Dazed and Confused” is about a group of rowdy teens on the last day of school in 1976, as the incoming freshman run from being hazed by the seniors. The film is set in Austin, Texas, but the characters and plot are based on writer Richard Linklater’s experiences at Huntsville High School. Many actors including Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, Rory Cochrane, Nicky Katt, Parker Posey and Joey Lauren Adams were virtually unknown before being cast in this coming-of-age movie. Overall, “Dazed and Confused” is a feel good classic, and a must watch before high school is over. It teaches you the importance of cool, which for 1976 makes a lot of sense.