The Breakfast Club is an undisputed classic of the teen movie genre. This 1985 film, written and directed by John Hughes, brings together five high school students from different cliques for a Saturday detention. Over the course of the day, the “brain, athlete, basket case, princess, and criminal” break down social barriers, revealing their innermost insecurities and forging unexpected friendships.
If you love the honest portrayal of teenage life, stellar young cast, and emotional depth of The Breakfast Club, you’re probably craving more movies in the same vein. Look no further! Here are 18 must-see films that capture the spirit and themes of this coming-of-age masterpiece.
1. Sixteen Candles (1984)
Sixteen Candles, another John Hughes classic, stars Molly Ringwald as Samantha, a girl whose family forgets her 16th birthday amidst the chaos of her older sister’s wedding. Navigating the awkwardness of high school, Samantha pines for the popular Jake (Michael Schoeffling) while fending off advances from geeky Ted (Anthony Michael Hall).
Like The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles offers a poignant yet humorous look at the trials and tribulations of teenage life. Molly Ringwald’s relatable performance anchors the film, and the supporting cast – including John and Joan Cusack in early roles – is stellar. The film’s honest portrayal of adolescent insecurities and family dynamics make it a must-watch for any fan of The Breakfast Club.
2. Pretty in Pink (1986)
The third entry in John Hughes’ loosely connected “teen trilogy”, Pretty in Pink once again stars Molly Ringwald, this time as Andie, a working-class girl navigating the social hierarchy of her high school. Andie finds herself torn between her feelings for the wealthy and popular Blane (Andrew McCarthy) and her quirky childhood friend Duckie (Jon Cryer).
Pretty in Pink shares many themes with The Breakfast Club, particularly the idea of breaking down social barriers and expectations. The film’s exploration of class differences and the pressure to “fit in” still resonates today. With its iconic fashion, quotable one-liners, and stellar new wave soundtrack, Pretty in Pink is a quintessential ’80s teen movie that belongs on any Breakfast Club fan’s watchlist.
3. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Another John Hughes classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off follows the titular character (Matthew Broderick) as he skips school for a day of adventure in Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) and anxious best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck). The film is a love letter to the joys of youth and the importance of living life to the fullest.
While lighter in tone than The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off still touches on themes of friendship, identity, and the pressure of societal expectations. Ferris’ carefree attitude and ability to bring out the best in those around him make him an iconic teen movie protagonist. With its fourth wall-breaking humor, memorable soundtrack, and quotable lines, this film is a must-see for any Breakfast Club fan looking for a more lighthearted watch.
4. Say Anything… (1989)
Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut Say Anything… stars John Cusack as Lloyd Dobler, an earnest and slightly offbeat high school senior who pursues a romance with the brilliant and beautiful valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye) the summer after graduation. The film is a sweet and sincere exploration of first love and the uncertainties of life after high school.
Like The Breakfast Club, Say Anything… offers an honest and relatable portrayal of teenage life, complete with all its joys, heartbreaks, and anxieties about the future. John Cusack’s charming and vulnerable performance as Lloyd makes him an instantly iconic teen movie protagonist, and his romance with Diane is one of the most beloved in the genre. With its killer soundtrack and memorable moments – like Lloyd’s boombox serenade – Say Anything… is a must-watch for any fan of The Breakfast Club or ’80s teen movies in general.
5. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
Written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch, Some Kind of Wonderful follows working-class high school senior Keith (Eric Stoltz) as he pursues a relationship with the popular Amanda (Lea Thompson), much to the chagrin of his tomboy best friend Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson), who secretly pines for him.
Some Kind of Wonderful explores many of the same themes as The Breakfast Club, particularly the idea of social expectations and the pressure to conform. The film’s honest portrayal of friendship, romance, and class differences still resonates today. With its strong performances, memorable characters, and iconic ’80s soundtrack, Some Kind of Wonderful is a must-see for any fan of The Breakfast Club or Hughes’ other teen classics.
6. Heathers (1989)
A darker and more satirical take on the teen movie genre, Heathers follows Veronica (Winona Ryder), a member of her high school’s most popular clique, as she grows disillusioned with her shallow friends and falls for the rebellious J.D. (Christian Slater). Together, they begin to kill off the school’s cruel social elite, staging their deaths as suicides.
Heathers may be more cynical and biting than The Breakfast Club, but it shares the film’s interest in exploring the dark underbelly of high school social hierarchies. With its sharp humor, quotable dialogue, and iconic fashion, Heathers has become a cult classic and a must-see for any fan of subversive teen movies.
7. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Set in the 1950s at an elite all-boys prep school, Dead Poets Society follows a group of students who are inspired by their unconventional English teacher, Mr. Keating (Robin Williams), to embrace their love of poetry and think for themselves. The film is a powerful exploration of individuality, conformity, and the transformative power of art.
While not strictly a teen movie, Dead Poets Society shares many themes with The Breakfast Club, particularly the idea of breaking free from societal expectations and embracing one’s true self. The film’s talented young cast – including Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard – deliver powerful performances, and Robin Williams’ turn as the inspiring Mr. Keating is one of his most memorable roles. With its moving story and themes that still resonate today, Dead Poets Society is a must-watch for any fan of coming-of-age dramas.
8. Dazed and Confused (1993)
Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused follows a group of Texas high school students on the last day of school in 1976. The film is a nostalgic and hilarious look at the joys and anxieties of youth, complete with all the parties, pranks, and rites of passage that come with the end of the school year.
Like The Breakfast Club, Dazed and Confused brings together a diverse group of characters from different social circles, offering a glimpse into the complexities of high school social dynamics. The film’s talented ensemble cast – including Matthew McConaughey in his breakout role – brings these characters to life with humor and heart. With its killer ’70s soundtrack and quotable dialogue, Dazed and Confused has become a cult classic and a must-see for any fan of coming-of-age comedies.
9. Clueless (1995)
A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma set in 1990s Beverly Hills, Clueless follows popular high school student Cher (Alicia Silverstone) as she plays matchmaker for her friends and teachers while navigating her own romantic misadventures. The film is a clever and hilarious satire of teen movie tropes and ’90s culture.
While Clueless may be more lighthearted than The Breakfast Club, it shares the film’s interest in exploring high school social hierarchies and the pressures of conformity. Alicia Silverstone’s charming performance as Cher anchors the film, and the supporting cast – including Paul Rudd and Brittany Murphy – is equally memorable. With its iconic fashion, quotable one-liners, and surprisingly sweet heart, Clueless has become a beloved classic and a must-see for any fan of teen movies.
10. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You follows new student Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he attempts to woo the popular Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) by enlisting the help of the rebellious Patrick (Heath Ledger) to date her older sister Kat (Julia Stiles), a sharp-tongued feminist with a distaste for romance.
Like The Breakfast Club, 10 Things I Hate About You subverts teen movie stereotypes, offering a smart and funny take on high school romance and social dynamics. The film’s talented young cast – particularly Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles – bring depth and charm to their roles, and the witty script is full of memorable one-liners. With its killer soundtrack and swoon-worthy romance, 10 Things I Hate About You is a must-see for any fan of teen romantic comedies.
11. Mean Girls (2004)
Written by Tina Fey and directed by Mark Waters, Mean Girls follows new student Cady (Lindsay Lohan) as she navigates the complex social hierarchy of her high school, befriending both the popular “Plastics” and the quirky outcasts Janis and Damian. The film is a sharp and hilarious satire of teen movie tropes and the cruelty of high school cliques.
Like The Breakfast Club, Mean Girls explores the pressures of conformity and the importance of staying true to oneself. The film’s talented cast – including Rachel McAdams as the deliciously villainous Regina George – brings depth and humor to their roles, and Tina Fey’s whip-smart script is endlessly quotable. With its iconic moments and surprisingly sweet heart, Mean Girls has become a modern classic and a must-see for any fan of teen comedies.
12. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also wrote and directed the film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows introverted freshman Charlie (Logan Lerman) as he navigates the ups and downs of high school, befriending a group of quirky seniors including the free-spirited Sam (Emma Watson) and her charismatic stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller).
Like The Breakfast Club, The Perks of Being a Wallflower offers an honest and moving portrayal of the joys and pains of teenage life. The film’s talented young cast brings depth and sensitivity to their roles, and Chbosky’s direction captures the bittersweet nostalgia of youth. With its killer soundtrack and powerful themes of friendship, love, and self-acceptance, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a must-see for any fan of coming-of-age dramas.
13. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, The Edge of Seventeen follows awkward high school junior Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) as she navigates the ups and downs of teenage life, including the death of her father, the growing distance between her and her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), and her tumultuous relationship with her popular older brother Darian (Blake Jenner).
Like The Breakfast Club, The Edge of Seventeen offers a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges of teenage life. Hailee Steinfeld’s powerful performance as Nadine anchors the film, and the supporting cast – including Woody Harrelson as Nadine’s sarcastic but caring teacher – is equally memorable. With its sharp humor, emotional depth, and relatable characters, The Edge of Seventeen is a must-see for any fan of coming-of-age dramedies.
14. Lady Bird (2017)
Written and directed by Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird follows rebellious high school senior Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) as she navigates the ups and downs of teenage life in Sacramento, California, including her tumultuous relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf), her romantic misadventures, and her dreams of attending college on the East Coast.
Like The Breakfast Club, Lady Bird offers a poignant and honest portrayal of the joys and pains of teenage life. Saoirse Ronan’s powerful performance as Lady Bird anchors the film, and the supporting cast – particularly Laurie Metcalf as Lady Bird’s equally strong-willed mother – is equally memorable. With its sharp humor, emotional depth, and keen observations about class, family, and identity, Lady Bird is a must-see for any fan of coming-of-age dramas.
15. Booksmart (2019)
Directed by Olivia Wilde, Booksmart follows academic overachievers Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) on the eve of their high school graduation as they set out to make up for four years of missed teenage experiences in one wild night. The film is a hilarious and heartfelt celebration of female friendship and the joys and anxieties of youth.
Like The Breakfast Club, Booksmart subverts teen movie stereotypes, offering a fresh and funny take on high school social dynamics. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein’s chemistry as best friends Amy and Molly anchors the film, and the supporting cast is full of memorable performances. With its sharp humor, emotional depth, and killer soundtrack, Booksmart is a must-see for any fan of teen comedies.
16. Eighth Grade (2018)
Written and directed by Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade follows introverted middle schooler Kayla (Elsie Fisher) as she navigates the ups and downs of her final week of eighth grade, including social anxiety, first crushes, and the pressures of social media. The film is a poignant and painfully relatable portrayal of the challenges of adolescence in the digital age.
Like The Breakfast Club, Eighth Grade offers an honest and empathetic look at the struggles of teenage life. Elsie Fisher’s powerful performance as Kayla anchors the film, capturing the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence with humor and heart. With its keen observations about social media, mental health, and the importance of self-acceptance, Eighth Grade is a must-see for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
17. The Spectacular Now (2013)
Based on the novel by Tim Tharp, The Spectacular Now follows charming but aimless high school senior Sutter (Miles Teller) as he falls for the sweet and introverted Aimee (Shailene Woodley) while grappling with his own fears and insecurities about the future. The film is a poignant and honest exploration of first love, addiction, and the challenges of growing up.
Like The Breakfast Club, The Spectacular Now offers a raw and honest portrayal of teenage life, complete with all its joys, heartbreaks, and uncertainties. Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley’s powerful performances anchor the film, capturing the bittersweet intensity of first love with humor and heart. With its emotional depth, relatable characters, and keen observations about class and addiction, The Spectacular Now is a must-see for any fan of coming-of-age dramas.
18. The Kings of Summer (2013)
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, The Kings of Summer follows three teenage friends – Joe (Nick Robinson), Patrick (Gabriel Basso), and Biaggio (Moises Arias) – as they flee their dysfunctional home lives to build a house in the woods and live off the land for the summer. The film is a funny and poignant exploration of friendship, family, and the joys and pains of growing up.
Like The Breakfast Club, The Kings of Summer celebrates the power of friendship and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of societal pressures. The film’s talented young cast brings humor and heart to their roles, and the lush cinematography captures the magic and freedom of youth. With its quirky humor, emotional depth, and keen observations about the challenges of adolescence, The Kings of Summer is a must-see for any fan of coming-of-age comedies.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Breakfast Club or a newcomer to the world of ’80s teen movies, the films on this list are sure to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world. From the sharp-tongued heroines of Heathers and Mean Girls to the bittersweet romances of Say Anything… and The Spectacular Now, these movies capture the joys, heartbreaks, and uncertainties of teenage life with humor, heart, and honesty.
So the next time you’re in the mood for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels, give one of these 18 films a watch. Whether you’re a teenager yourself or just young at heart, these movies are sure to remind you of the joys, challenges, and endless possibilities of growing up.
