Saturday the 11th of June marks the 30th anniversary since everyone’s favourite wise guy Ferris Bueller took his famous day off, entertaining not only the those old enough to remember the original film release but also the teenagers of generations that followed.
Sure, we might have all skipped school for a day or two when we were younger. But, unless you’ve ‘borrowed’ your best friend’s father’s Ferrari, blagged your way into a fancy restaurant, or danced on a float in the middle of a Chicago parade, all without being caught then you’ve got nothing on Ferris.
To celebrate the anniversary of the release of such a timeless and relatable classic, and in no particular order, here’s 10 of my personal favourite teen comedy films – a mixture of the old, the new and the cult classics.
10) Easy A (2010)
When a film has as many nods to John Hughes and other classic 80s teen films as this one, then it’s already a winner in my books. Plus, Emma Stone delivers a stellar performance through her vlog style discussions with the camera, breaking the fourth wall with very Bueller-esque feel.
“Just once I want my life to be like an 80’s movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, John Hughes did not direct my life.”
Total Film Staff, GamesRadar.com
9) Mean Girls (2005)
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimised by Regina George … this film is so good that even my Dad cracked a smile or two watching it. Now over ten years old, this films highly quotable nature and bundles of laugh means it’s probably going to be a popular one for years to come.
“That’s why her hair is so big. It’s full of secrets.”
8) 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A combination of teenage angst, laughs and Shakespeare – what’s not to love? Not only do we get laughs from the youngster in the film, the adult players put on just as stellar a performance in this lighthearted 90s comedy.
“I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?”
7) American Pie franchise (1999 – 2012)
Over the top, crude and cringe worthy – but somehow they managed to make eight films based on the same four or five jokes. Not something I would rush to watch again anytime soon, but it’s hard to deny that this franchise could be classed as a comedy sub-genre of it’s own!
“God bless the Internet!”
Wikipedia
6) Adventureland (2009)
Although this film isn’t always a bundle of laughs, and is slightly more downbeat than your typical teen comedy film, both Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg take the typical indie teen movie archetypes and make them their own with a large amount of humour and warmth.
“I think somebody was trying to write “Satan Lives” on that wall but they spelled it “Satin Lives”. One of those textile worshipping cults no doubt.”
Total Film Staff, GamesRadar.com
5) G.B.F (2013)
Full of 90s comedy tropes and drenched in layers of irony, despite the cringe worthy nature of this film it is actually one of the best teen comedies in recent years. Also, having gay characters front and centre throughout the entire narrative gives a fresh take on the genre that was incredibly overdue.
“This is an ‘A’ and gay conversation, so kindly see your next Tuesday out of it.”
4) Zombieland (2009)
A film about zombies wouldn’t normally stand out that much to me, but the hybrid fusion of horror and comedy of Zombieland creates a thoroughly enjoyable experience. With a number of familiar faces and nods to older horror/comedy mashups like Ghostbusters, Zombieland is a thrill ride from start to finish.
“Oh, this is so exciting, you’re about to learn who you’re gonna call… it’s Ghostbusters.”
Zombieland, IMDB.com
3) Clueless (1995)
Talk about a 90s classic! If you said you’d not dreamed of having a wardrobe that matches your clothes for you on a morning, you’d be lying. It might be full of 90s fashion and 90s music, but it feels as if it hasn’t aged a day. Plus, who doesn’t love a makeover montage?
“Searching for a boy in high school is as useless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie.”
2) Juno (2007)
Although this film tackles some pretty serious issues, it also brought forward the awkward Michael Cera typecast and comedy trope that we’ve all grown to know and love. Diablo Cody’s sharp dialogue makes sure that it’s always on the sarcastic side of the fence.
“That ain’t no Etch-A-Sketch. This is one doodle that can’t be un-did, Homeskillet.”
Total Film Staff, GamesRadar.com
1) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Naturally, the main man himself was going to end up on this list – who hasn’t wished they’d had a day just like Ferris. For those who haven’t seen the film you may ask “what exactly does he do on this day off that makes it so special?” … he sets the bar for having the best day off so high that no one is ever going to beat it!
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Feel like something’s missing from the list? Let us know your favourite teen comedy films in the comments below!