As summer winds down and the new school year looms on the horizon, there's no better way to get into the back-to-school spirit than by revisiting some classic films that perfectly capture the memories of school life. We polled community members from the 1-800-Flowers.com family of brands to find their favorite back-to-school movies, and the results are in. Here are five iconic films that will bring a smile to your face and nostalgia to your heart.
1. The Breakfast Club (1985)
John Hughes’ quintessential coming-of-age film, The Breakfast Club, is a must-watch as you prepare for a new school year. Set in a high school detention room, the movie follows five students from different cliques who discover they have more in common than they thought. With memorable performances from Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, and Judd Nelson, this film is a touching and humorous exploration of teenage identity and friendship. It’s a perfect reminder that no matter how different we are, we all share common experiences.
2. Mean Girls (2004)
Mean Girls offers a sharp and witty look at high school social dynamics, and it’s just as relevant today as it was when it first hit theaters. Written by Saturday Night Live alum Tina Fey, the film stars Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron, a high school newcomer who finds herself entangled in the complex web of teenage cliques and drama. With its clever script and iconic quotes, Mean Girls is a fun and insightful exploration of high school culture that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
3. Back to School (1986)
Rodney Dangerfield’s Back to School is a hilarious romp that blends comedy with the trials of college life. It's a cult classic and the favorite back-to-school flick of 1-800-Flowers.com's founder and CEO, Jim McCann. Dangerfield plays Thornton Melon, a wealthy businessman who enrolls in college to keep an eye on his son. The film is a fun, comedic look at the college experience, complete with outrageous antics and Dangerfield’s signature humor. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a laugh while reminiscing about your own college days.
4. Grease (1978)
While not strictly a back-to-school film, Grease remains an iconic celebration of high school life. This classic musical, set in the 1950s, follows the romance between Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) as they navigate their senior year at Rydell High. With its catchy songs, energetic dance numbers, and nostalgic portrayal of teenage life, Grease is a timeless film that captures the fun and excitement of high school.
5. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High offers a candid and often humorous look at the life of high school students in the early '80s. Directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe, the film features an ensemble cast including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Judge Reinhold. It covers a range of topics from first loves to personal struggles, all set against the backdrop of high school. It’s a film that captures the essence of teenage life with both humor and heart.
AUTHOR
Laura Campbell is the senior manager of marketing & technology at 1-800-Flowers.com. Previously, she led product and marketing at Alice's Table, an award-winning experiences company that joined the 1-800-Flowers family of brands in 2021. She is passionate about crafting memorable experiences and fostering connections within our customer community.