9 films to help you relive school life, friendships and first love

Every now and then, there’s a meme on adults waking up in the middle of the night out of fear of having failed an exam or not having studied for one, only to realise that they graduated several years ago. It is as if anyone who ever went to school has a biological clock that reminds them of yesteryears and its trials right around finals season.

But while school was stressful, it was also fun because of the memories, friendships and lasting relationships we made along the way. Given that it’s almost the end of the school year, here’s a list of some iconic feel-good movies that capture the essence of friendships in school. From strange introductions to ugly fights to goodbyes, be ready to embark on an emotional rollercoaster ride with these films.

The Graduate (1967)

The transition from student life to adulthood hasn’t been the smoothest one for most of us. Most students find themselves feeling lost at the curb of adulthood, wondering what to do next in a world full of uncertain possibilities. The Graduate follows a similar storyline of a recent college graduate, Benjamin Braddock, unsure of what he wants to do with his life. The movie has become a cultural touchstone for its portrayal of the anticipation and anxiety that can come with starting a new chapter in life.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

No matter how old you get, this classic coming-of-age film will make you go back in time to the sturdy principal, the bad teacher, the popular group of kids and all kinds of misfits in relationships – but most importantly, it will remind you of simpler times and comfort. The Breakfast Club follows five high school students from different social groups who are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention. Through their interactions with each other, they come to understand that they have more in common than they thought.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

This one is for book nerds and literature enthusiasts! We’ve all had an English teacher who boosted our confidence like none other and Dead Poets Society is a homage to that – and also to the secret societies and adventures that real life fails to offer. This 1989 film stars Robin Williams as an English teacher who inspires his students to pursue their dreams and seize the day. The movie has become a classic for its portrayal of the power of education and the importance of living life to the fullest.

Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

It’s a different kind of pain when a close group of friends drift apart but also a different kind of happiness to see them back together. Dil Chahta Hai, a Bollywood cult classic starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna, follows the story of three friends who graduate from college and go their separate ways. As they navigate the ups and downs of adulthood, they come to realize the true value of their friendship.

3 Idiots (2009)

It’s time for hostelites to ring up their roommates and sing All Iz Well again! 3 Idiots, as the name suggests, tells the story of a superstitious guy, a wildlife photographer pretending to like machines and a geek, who meet at an engineering college and go on to pursue their dreams. From first love to failing exams and crashing weddings to fighting families and standing up for one’s passions, this film is a cultural phenomenon! 3 Idiots also won a lot of praise for its portrayal of the pressure that students face to succeed in a competitive academic environment.

Always Kabhi Kabhi (2011)

A feel-good movie about the power of friendships? Bring it on! Always Kabhi Kabhi is a rather underrated film that follows the story of four high school friends who navigate the challenges of love, family, and academic pressure in their final year of school. Exploring themes of self-discovery and loyalty, this one is a great choice for anyone looking for a nostalgic look at the ups and downs of high school life. Also, it has a theatre performance at the end!

Karachi Se Lahore (2015)

They say travelling with your friends is an eye-opening experience and they’re not wrong! Karachi Se Lahore follows the story of a group of friends who embark on a road trip from *drum roll* Karachi to Lahore, encountering a series of misadventures along the way. The feel-good film explores themes of love and friendship, and stars Shahzad Sheikh and Ayesha Omar.

Ho Mann Jahaan (2016)

Shot in Karachi’s Institute of Business Administration, this coming-of-age film is all you need to relive your university days – especially if you’re from IBA. Starring Adeel Hussain, Mahira Khan and Sheheryar Munawar, Ho Mann Jahaan tells the story of three university friends who pursue their dreams of music but love, desire, money, societal expectations and adulthood come in the way.

Booksmart (2019)

For the younger lot looking for movies that have smartphones and texting for relatability, this one’s a winner! Booksmart follows two high-achieving best friends who, on the eve of their graduation, realize they have spent their entire high school career studying and have missed out on the fun. In a wild attempt to make up for lost time, they cram four years of partying into one night. While the cast is a little bleak, the writing is hilarious!