16 Movies You Have to See Before You Graduate High School
There's no limit when it comes to the number of movies we could watch on an endless loop for the rest of our lives.
With it already being May, summer is basically right around the corner – YAY! You can probably guess what we'll be doing, watching our fave movies all summer long. From lessons about friendship, first love and just general life advice, these 16 films helped us survive high school and have majorly influenced how we've blossomed into the people we are.
Scroll through our list of feature films to see which ones you need to add to your high school movie bucket list. To be fair, they're in no particular order, because they're all that good:
1. Sleepover (2004)
(via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
What it's about: A group of four besties battle the popular girls on an all-night scavenger hunt to improve their social status.
Why you need to see it: Besides the movie featuring Evan Peters in his prime, the movie teaches you that there are far more important things in life than – *spoiler alert* – being popular.
2. The Princess Diaries (2001)
(via Walt Disney Pictures)
What it's about: Average teen Mia Thermopolis discovers she's an actual princess and must learn the royal ways from her grandmother before she can become Queen of Genovia.
Why you need to see it: No other film will make the possibility of secretly being a princess seem 100 percent probable.
3. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
(via 20th Century Fox)
What it's about: Two cancer patients falling in love and breaking our hearts in the process.
Why you need to see it: It's one of our favorite John Green books – yes, you should read the book before you watch it – and it gets real about love and life in general. Be sure to wear waterproof mascara and have plenty of Kleenex nearby, though.
4. The Goonies (1985)
(via Warner Bros.)
What it's about: A group of kids find a treasure map in an attic and embark on the adventure of a lifetime in an attempt to save their homes from being demolished.
Why you need to see it: It's the perfect example of never being too young to make a difference. Plus, the flick is summer adventure goals. Who hasn't dreamed of stumbling upon an ancient map that will lead you to long-lost treasure?
5. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
(via Walden Media)
What it's about: Two kids become unlikely friends after they create their own imaginary world to escape reality.
Why you need to see it: Simply put, Bridge to Terabithia is magical. It'll have you creating your own imaginary world to visit whenever you need a break from real life.
6. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
(via Walt Disney Pictures)
What it's about: Three pets go on an "incredible journey" to reunite with their owners in San Francisco, California.
Why you need to see it: If you needed more proof that animals are superior to humans, here it is.
7. Matilda (1996)
(via TriStar Pictures)
What it's about: Matilda is a young girl whose family doesn't truly understand her, because of her love of books and, well, her magical powers.
Why you need to see it: You'll never watch a movie that actually makes you want to read quite like this one does.
8. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
(via Warner Bros.)
What it's about: Four BFFs share a magical pair of pants that perfectly fits each of their different body types while they go their separate ways during their summer vacays.
Why you need to see it: If ever there was a movie that reminded you how important true friends really are, this is the one.
9. A League of Their Own (1992)
(via Columbia Pictures Corporation)
What it's about: A fictional account of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Why you need to see it: Because there are very few sports films that feature female athletes in such a positive way.
10. A Little Princess (1995)
(via Warner Bros.)
What it's about: A young girl, Sara Crewe, goes from riches to rags when her father is mistakenly presumed dead.
Why you need to see it: Even through her tough times of "losing" her father and being tormented by other girls, Sara always practices kindness towards others, reminding us to do the same.
11. Spy Kids (2001)
(via Dimension Films)
What it's about: Carmen and Juni Cortez learn their parents are actually spies and must save them from danger.
Why you need to see it: Haven't you ever dreamed about secretly being a spy? We certainly have. And, thanks to Spy Kids, we know firsthand what it'd be like to be one.
12. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
(via Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation)
What it's about: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and all the other Star Wars characters you know and love must save the galaxy from Darth Vader and his Empire.
Why you need to see it: Because it's Star Wars.
13. A Cinderella Story (2004)
(via Warner Bros.)
What it's about: Cinderella, but in the modern age.
Why you need to see it: Because we're still waiting for our Prince Charming to sweep us off our feet and if it can happen to Hilary Duff, it can happen to us!
14. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
(via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
What it's about: Dorothy Gale is transported to the mystical land of Oz. With the help of some curious creatures, she must follow the Yellow Brick Road to return to her home in Kansas.
Why you need to see it: Because you need to hear "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and understand why almost every single one of your peers dresses up as Dorothy for Halloween.
15. The LEGO Movie (2014)
(via Warner Bros.)
What it's about: An ordinary Lego construction worker must save the Lego universe from total destruction.
Why you need to see it: You'll never look at Legos the same way again and, to be honest, you'll probably appreciate them more.
16. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
(via DreamWorks Animation)
What it's about: Growing up a Viking, Hiccup was taught to hate dragons, but his world is turned upside down when he befriends one.
Why you need to see it: Take note from this film – just because others want you to see things their way, doesn't mean you can't form your own opinions about it.
Okay, we know we suggested 16 movies for you to watch and we know that's a lot. But we have nine more movies you should add to your watch list, especially if Star Wars: The Force Awakens is one of your favorite movies of all time. Scroll through those movies HERE.