Senior year has actually blown around. Many of us didn’t think it’d happen. Maybe we thought we’d be blown away by the wind before it happened, but here we are. Nonetheless, now that it is here, there are many, many things you have to do to enjoy the year as fully as you can before all fun is taken away from you as you integrate and become a productive member of society. One of the many things that I know I’ll be doing is watching movies so might as well share ten great movies to watch during your senior year to not only question your life choices but to realize that this chapter in your life is about to be over (in a good way, hopefully).

The Breakfast Club
This choice is a no-brainer for anyone who’s heard of the film before. It’s about five high school seniors from different cliques who share a Saturday detention in one room. Although outdated in today’s context, it is a great transport into the 80s experience of high school (or at least a weekend detention). The plot, while straightforward and cheesy, is impactful for what it is and retains a cult following as a result. The soundtrack is also full of ‘80s hits, which is always a treat.

Superbad
‘‘Superbad’’ is what many of us will remember high school as. No grand musical number or ‘‘Project X’’-esque party, just very filthy mouths, trying to fit in, and pursuing ‘‘the chase’’. This film allowed Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Emma Stone, Bill Hader, Christopher-Mintz Plasse, and Martha MacIsaac to be catapulted into stardom. Many claim that this is the most accurate high school movie, and after watching it, I would agree. Although many exaggerations are present for an intent of humor (like the Bill Hader and Seth Rogen scenes or ‘‘McLovin’s’’ stunt), the smaller, casual scenes are impeccable in displaying the high school experience for many students.

Dazed and Confused
My personal favorite from this list, ‘‘Dazed and Confused’’ explores the ’70s high school experience (although it was made in the ’90s). The plot is unimportant, which works amazingly well. It allows the viewer to jump in at any moment and immerse themselves in the period with the characters. Classic quotes, amazing acting (especially by Matthew McConaughey), and an impeccable soundtrack full of ‘70s hits. Like the ‘‘Breakfast Club’’, in today’s sense, it’s outdated, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less enjoyable. This is one of Tarantino’s favorite movies for a good reason.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
This is the last ‘80s one I promise. One can’t have this film excluded from a list like this. The film features Ferris Bueller skipping a day of school under the guise that he’s ‘‘sick’’. He takes his friend’s, his friend’s car (which is actually his father’s prized possession), and his girlfriend on a ride to the city. The film gets surprisingly deep considering the comic aspects shown throughout. If you’re seriously lost on what to do for ‘‘Senior Skip Day’’ and would prefer to spend the day by yourself (which I don’t recommend, but you do you), watch this movie (and let it change your mind).

The Perks of Being A Wallflower
Before anything, please, please read the book first. It’ll let you imagine your interpretation of the characters and the events before you see this. Read it? Good. This movie serves as a great gateway for getting into film as there are great editing techniques, amazing cinematography, and an even greater soundtrack. The movie’s plot is all about trying to find your people, so for those who haven’t, it really isn’t too late. It never is. The film was also directed by the author, so I believe this is the definitive way to experience the story.

Rushmore
Rushmore is one of Wes Anderson’s finest films. Although not as perfectly filmed as ‘‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’’ or as perfectly written as ‘‘The Royal Tenenbaums’’, this film is a great example of his quirkiness, genius, creativity, and warm-heartedness wrapped in one film. This is one of Bill Murray’s best roles (not as good as ‘‘Lost in Translation’’ though) as he shines through and through. The soundtrack is one of my favorite movie soundtracks and although the premise is pretty…interesting, it gets surprisingly wholesome by the end.

Boyhood
A close second in personal favorites from the list, ‘‘Boyhood’’ is a masterclass in filmmaking. The shooting of the movie took place over a period of 12 years in which the actors naturally grew and the roles in the movie would change as a result of their real-life changes. ‘‘Boyhood’’ tells the story of a specific boy with a particular life from kindergarten to college, but even with its specificity, it’s vague at the same time, allowing for an easy connection to be made with the film. It is a required watch before you go to college, and now is the perfect time.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
This film takes more artistic leaps than the average book adaptation does in terms of creative liberty, and I commend that. This film is a film-lover’s high school movie, as it is essentially a tribute to American and foreign cinema. The main two characters are film fanatics and make movies in their spare time (usually based on other movies, making out to be surprisingly well-done parodies). Greg, the main character, is forced to make friends with a girl who has been recently diagnosed with cancer, so he makes the best of it for both him and her. It’s surprisingly emotional, so be ready with a box of tissues.

Juno
This is probably the most controversial film on the list. ‘‘Juno’’ deals with the topic of teenage pregnancy as well as the maturity gap between adults and teens. Juno has gotten herself pregnant and decides to keep the baby, giving it to a willing husband and wife who are unable to have their own. Again, another surprisingly emotional one with a deep sense of longing left behind as a result of deeply hidden regrets and mistakes that surface as a result of watching this film, so be ready.

Napoleon Dynamite

How can one top such a list off with anything else but ‘‘Napoleon Dynamite’’? You’re either the type of person to viciously hate this movie or fall in love with it, there is no in-between. It stars a chronically awkward teen who has no sense of social cues and befriends a fellow student who would run with Napoleon for class president. It tackles the issue of trying to fit in when you truly aren’t meant to, and that is a topic many films do not cover correctly. This film is the most empowering thing to happen to the ‘‘weirdos’’, ‘‘geeks’’, and ‘‘outcasts’’ since the invention of the Magnavox Odyssey. If you feel even a bit marginalized because people might think you’re ‘‘weird’’, give them weird. Make senior year weird. Make the weird weirder, and don’t regret it.