High school is a time of life no one ever really gets over, no matter how old they get. It is a time of self-discovery, new friendships, and sore enemies you will hate all your life, even after you grow up and have grandkids. And the Netflix library has a bunch of films that can help you reminisce about the good ol’ days whenever you want.
Navigating the complexities of teenage life is never easy, but you have the absurd belief that adulthood will solve everything. It is truly a magical time fueled by inspiration and delusion—and we all love going back to it.
From classic 80s gems to contemporary hits, we have curated five essential high school movies to binge this weekend in our ongoing essential binges series.
Even if you have watched these, there is no harm in adding them to your watchlist and revisiting them again.
Five essential movies to binge on Netflix this weekend:
Heathers (1989)
Heathers is a dark comedy that satirises the traditional high school hierarchy and the pitfalls of popularity. The film follows Veronica Sawyer, played by Winona Ryder, as she becomes entangled with a clique of three girls, all named Heather.
Together, they rule the school with an iron fist until a series of unexpected events unfold, revealing the ugly side of conformity. The movie’s sharp wit and biting commentary on teen culture make it a must-watch, especially if you happen to be a fan of films like Mean Girls.
Jawbreaker (1999)
If you’re in the mood for a twisted take on being a teen, Jawbreaker has got you covered. The film revolves around a seemingly harmless birthday prank gone wrong that leads to the accidental death of a popular high school girl.
A darkly comic rollercoaster follows as a gang of friends try to keep their involvement a secret while navigating the unpredictable waters of high school politics. With a mix of humour, suspense, and social commentary, Jawbreaker offers a refreshingly unconventional perspective on the teen movie genre.
She’s the Man (2006)
Shifting gears to a lighter note, She’s the Man is a modern take on Shakespeare’s classic play Twelfth Night. Starring Amanda Bynes, the film follows Viola Hastings as she disguises herself as her twin brother to prove her soccer skills to the world.
As she navigates the challenges of attending an all-boys boarding school, hilarious situations and romantic entanglements ensue. This one is an easy, feel-good option for a weekend binge.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Enter the digital age of high school romance with To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Based on Jenny Han’s novel, this teen rom-com focuses on Lara Jean Covey, played by Lana Condor, whose secret love letters are sent out to all her past crushes courtesy of a meddling younger sister.
Lara Jean finds herself in a fake relationship with a dreamy Noah Centineo before he was all tapped out from playing the same character over and over again. You won’t even have to watch all the sequels to enjoy this one.
Booksmart (2019)
Closing off our list is the critically acclaimed Booksmart, a fun but progressive addition to the high school movie genre. The film centres on two studious best friends, played by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, who decide to let loose on the eve of their high school graduation.
What follows is a wild and heartfelt adventure that challenges stereotypes and celebrates life as a graduating high school. Booksmart stands out for its witty humour and the performances.
