There are some movies that just never go out of style. Retro classics can be the perfect choice for a movie when you’re in the mood for some melancholy over the past times. It’s also great when you’re a part of the younger generation but want to learn more about the way things used to be.
There are some great retro movies about student life that should be on your must-watch list. Below, we’ll share our top picks and give you a sneak peek into what to expect from each one.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
A true classic of the 80s, The Breakfast Club is a movie that portrays the struggles of teenage students at the time. The movie is entirely set in a school library, where 5 completely different students have to spend their Saturday in detention.
At first sight, these five students are from different worlds and have nothing in common. After their initial clashes and arguments, they start to open up to each other. Soon they realize they share a lot of struggles and worries and are more similar than they could imagine.
The movie explores the topic of peer pressure, teenage rebellion, prejudice, and the need to fit in. Ultimately, the message is always to be ready to accept differences and try to understand those around you.
The movie speaks to audiences of all ages, and the realistic portrayal of teenagers in the 80s makes it a supreme classic.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Dead Poets Society is set in a strict boarding school for boys that has Robin Williams as an English teacher, with unconventional teaching methods.
As the school demands discipline and emphasizes tradition, the students feel uninspired, lost, and have no sense of individuality. However, their new English teacher starts inspiring them to change this.
Through poetry and his inspiring spirit, he encourages the boys to be who they are, explore their creativity, express it freely, and break free from this stiffness.
The message of the movie is to always be yourself, even if others don’t approve of it. It’ll motivate you to work on your individualism and find means, such as poetry or other forms of art, to channel it. If you’re into writing, GrabMyEssay can help you polish your writing skills.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and relaxing movie, this comedy-drama from the 80s might just be what you need. Fast Times at Ridgemont High explores the topics of sex, drugs, teenage struggles, rock and roll, and navigating life as a high school student.
It follows the story of several teenagers who each have adolescent problems. While the movie is light-hearted, it realistically explores the topics of adolescent awkwardness, self-esteem, confusion, and excitement about the future.
Considering that 61% of teenagers feel academic stress and need a break, this movie will come as a great stress reliever!
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This ultimate retro student romantic comedy starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger needs to be on your movie list. 10 Things I Hate About You is based on William Shakespeare’s play “The Taming of the Shrew” but puts it into a modern context.
A smart and independent girl Kat is hostile toward boys and appreciates herself as a true feminist. After she meets the mysterious and somewhat rebellious Patrick, things start to change.
As the two get to know each other and start developing feelings for one another, things start to get complicated. The movie explores the topic of young love, identity, self-exploration, dealing with emotions, and all the struggles an adolescent can have. It’s a great choice of movie for making a study break and resting your mind for a couple of hours.
Clueless (1995)
Finally, a classical girls’ movie about high school dating, friendship, and the turbulent life of students is the 1995 comedy called Clueless. The movie follows the life of a rich and popular high school student Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone, who always gets what she wants.
However, things start to change as Cher decides to be a matchmaker for her less popular classmates. On this journey, she discovers more about empathy, the struggles of the less privileged, and her own being.
Ready to Start Watching?
The retro movies from our list are bound to leave an impression on you. Some will make you laugh, others will get you thinking, and some will inspire you to question your values.
Whichever one you choose, you won’t regret it! So, make your pick and enjoy some quality retro movie time.
Author’s Bio
Ruby Butz is a movie enthusiast and a blogger. She writes to inspire others to find their favorite genre and discover movies they knew nothing about.
I love The Breakfast Club, but you could really include several of the John Hughes movies from the 80s (Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller, Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful). It wasn’t a John Hughes movie, but could also include Can’t Buy Me Love and Just One of the Guys as 2 more of my favorites from that decade.