DEAD POETS SOCIETY(1984)

Made in 1989 but set in an affluent 1950s boarding school, "Dead Poets Society" is a raw, uplifting, and unsettling film that's bound to tug at your heartstrings every time you watch it. At first glance, the setting and atmosphere of the historical-looking building in New England seemed to be quite distant from my own experiences. It was traditional, consisting of only boys in uniforms, so naturally I assumed that the message of the film would be outdated as well. This feeling could not be farther from the truth. Protagonist John Keating, portrayed by Robin Williams, assumes the role of the new English teacher at Welton, a prestigious school intended to preserve tradition and yield excellence in its students. Keating's philosophy is well-represented in his quote, "Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive tor." In a world of extreme pressure, poetry serves as a safe haven for students to express their emotions and unleash their imaginations. Although our lives may not seem as outwardly harsh as the ones on-screen, kids today bear the burdens of the ever-intensifying pressure to excel socially and academically in preparation for college. The film is brilliant because of the way it provokes the minds of viewers, making us wonder how we should go about living our lives. While the movie touches upon the importance of being pragmatic, its core message is that life is meaningless without aspirations that motivate us to become better. The film's optimistic worldview seems to dissipate when Keating gets fired for being a poor influence. One by one, the boys rise up onto their desks, an attribute to Keating before he departs. The ending is bittersweet, but you will ultimately be satisfied knowing that Keating fulfilled his purpose in igniting the passion inside his pupils.

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU(1999)

I had to include at least one iconic high school film on this list that is guaranteed to not make you cry. "10 Things I Hate About You" is a movie that never gets old. Its been 21 years since its release date, and people are still watching and rewatching this lighthearted film. Refreshingly funny and entertaining, this is a modern take on Shakespeare's comedy "The Taming of the Shrew, set against a classic 1990s backdrop. Similar to the 16th century play, the movie tells the story of two very different sisters, the shrewish and foul-tempered Katarina, and the popular and admired Bianca. Unfortunately for the boys who wish to woo Bianca, her father does not allow her to date until her older sister does, which is an unlikely event. The spite and bitterness of Kat's personality are what give her a hilariously dry sense of humor and made me favor her over her sister (although Bianca did show some character development by the end). Bianca's desperate suitors bribe teenage rebel Patrick Verona to pursue Kat. Already, this doesn't feel like a dreamy romance, given that one party is being paid off to date the other and take her to prom. Of course, the two discover how much they really like each other and the arrangement transforms into a heartfelt attachment. Aside from this 1960s standard, the movie features count- less nineties hits, perfect for the days when you want to transport yourself back 20 years. This movie is also one of the first of its kind- a movie portraying the female lead as headstrong, independent, and somewhat apathetic towards the way others perceive her. Nowadays, we see many more films following suit, from "Ladybird" to "Easy A. The bottom line is, this movie will boost your mood, make you laugh, and to top it oft, it features an 18-year-old Joseph Gordon-Levitt!

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER(2012)

Watching "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" may strike a chord inside you, as it grapples with issues that we often find uncomfortable to talk about. The ingenuity of this film lies in the way it presents these issues, with subtlety and profound emotional depth. Charlie, who was diagnosed with severe depression at a young age, is newly discharged from a mental health institution. As a freshman, he feels tense about fitting in until he finds sanctuary in two eccentric seniors: Sam and Patrick. Immediately, I was able to draw some parallels-I have seen with my own eyes the discomfort that confronts new students when they are suddenly dropped into utterly foreign crowds. Once his new guides take him under their wing, he observes what goes on behind the scenes of nearly all high schools, whether it be substance use at parties or the constant spread of rumors. Charlie is no stranger to tragedy, which we first find out when he confesses that his best friend committed suicide. As it turns out, he isn't the only one to keep his struggles buried underneath a deceptive exterior. Sam, who appears fearless, is secretly insecure and ends up being used in each of her relationships. Patrick is involved with a closeted football star and is torn apart from him once their secret is exposed. The film seamlessly weaves indie and alternative aesthetics into the scenes to represent the quest for self-identity. Perhaps what struck audiences most about this film was its sincerity and how openly it depicted the trials and tribulations that so many adolescents face today. A key difference that sets it apart from other popular teen movies is the complexity and quirkiness of the central characters. Unlike most examples, these students have exceptionally unique personalities, which in my experience is reflective of how we all are in reality.