What do high school students dislike about high school movies?
From High School Musical to Mean Girls and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before to Tall Girl, what are the things you can’t stand about movies set in high school?
EDIT: Feel free to include TV shows set in high school as well!
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High school movies and TV shows often miss the mark for a few reasons that high schoolers can be quite vocal about. Here are some common frustrations:
Unrealistic Portrayals: Many movies exaggerate high school experiences, creating stereotypes that don’t reflect reality. Characters might be overly cliched (the popular cheerleader, the nerdy kid, etc.), which doesn’t resonate with the diverse experiences of real students.
Perfectly Polished Lives: The characters often seem to have it all figured out—perfect outfits, flawless social lives, and all the confidence in the world. This can be frustrating as it doesn’t represent the struggles and awkwardness of adolescence that most teens go through.
Overly Dramatic Plotlines: High school movies tend to amplify conflict and drama for entertainment. The stakes often feel inflated (like high-stakes romances or life-changing prom moments) compared to the more nuanced challenges that many students face.
Focus on Romance: While relationships are an important part of high school, movies often center too much on romance, neglecting other crucial themes like friendship, personal growth, or academic pressures, which can be just as significant.
Lack of Realism in Challenges: Issues like bullying, mental health, or academic stress are frequently glossed over or trivialized, missing a chance to highlight real-life struggles that many students face daily.
Misrepresentation of School Life: Often, the school itself and the dynamics in it are inaccurately portrayed—think unrealistic lunch scenes or how time is spent in class. High schools can be a lot less glamorous than what’s depicted in films!
Pacing and Longevity: Many shows rush through high school years in a season or two, failing to capture the gradual changes and growth that happen over time, leading to character development that feels unearned.
Overall, while high school movies and shows can be entertaining and nostalgic, many high schoolers appreciate more authentic storytelling that reflects their true experiences and challenges.