Film Studies Class for High School: Honorable Mentions

What makes this list different from the first two is that it’s a collection of movies that I enjoy however they don’t always end up in a classroom or they may get left off of list because you only have so much time. These include ones that I hold deer personally, like the Dirty Dozen and jaws, but not necessarily ones that always end up on a list that is in your classroom for viewing. Here’s a curated list of essential movies produced from 1940-2020, along with reasons for their inclusion, including international films. Each movie review includes parental guidance information. And hey, not every movie has to be shown in full. Sometimes just a scene or two can have the same impact on students without sitting through the whole movie.

Before sharing any of these movies with students, you should always have a discussion with administration and families, especially for films with an R rating. It is important to be upfront and honest with students, families, and admin about your intentions. Additionally, it is important to talk with staff about any of these movies possibly being part of their curriculum. You may be able to consolidate the audience and have single showing times instead of students watching the same version of Mel Gibson’s Hamlet 3 different times in one school year. (Yes, this really happened to me in high school.) Good luck and be creative.

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Drama

The Godfather (1972)

• Rating: R
• Reason: Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather is a landmark in American cinema, known for its complex characters, masterful direction, and its profound impact on the crime genre. The film’s exploration of power, family, and corruption makes it a critical study in narrative and character development.
• Parental Guidance: Contains strong violence, language, and thematic elements. Suitable for mature audiences.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

• Rating: R
• Reason: As a continuation of the Corleone saga, The Godfather Part II is celebrated for its ambitious storytelling, intertwining the past and present. It’s essential for understanding sequels and the expansion of cinematic universes.
• Parental Guidance: Contains strong violence, language, and thematic elements. Suitable for mature audiences.

Rocky (1976)

• Rating: PG
• Reason: Rocky, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, is an iconic sports drama about an underdog boxer. Its themes of perseverance and personal triumph have made it a cultural touchstone and a significant study in character-driven storytelling.
• Parental Guidance: Contains some violence and mild language. Suitable for older children and teens.

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

• Rating: PG
• Reason: Widely regarded as one of the best entries in the Star Trek franchise, this film is notable for its strong character development and compelling story. It’s important for understanding the evolution of science fiction in cinema and the cultural impact of the Star Trek series.
• Parental Guidance: Contains some violence and intense scenes. Suitable for older children and teens.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

• Rating: G
• Reason: The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences with its imaginative storytelling, memorable characters, and innovative use of Technicolor. It’s important for understanding the history of fantasy films and their cultural impact.
• Parental Guidance: Suitable for all ages with no significant content concerns.

Western/Action-Adventure

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

• Rating: R
• Reason: Sergio Leone’s epic spaghetti western is celebrated for its iconic characters, memorable music, and its influence on the western genre. It’s essential for studying the evolution of westerns and the impact of international cinema on Hollywood.
• Parental Guidance: Contains strong violence and intense scenes. Suitable for mature audiences.

The Dirty Dozen (1967)

• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Reason: This World War II action film is renowned for its ensemble cast, thrilling action sequences, and its influence on the genre of war movies. It provides valuable insights into character dynamics and the portrayal of war in cinema.
• Parental Guidance: Contains strong violence and war-related themes. Suitable for mature audiences.

Thriller/Suspense

Dirty Harry (1971)

• Rating: R
• Reason: Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of the iconic anti-hero, Harry Callahan, set a new standard for the crime thriller genre. The film’s gritty realism and moral ambiguity make it essential for understanding the evolution of the police procedural.
• Parental Guidance: Contains strong violence, language, and thematic elements. Suitable for mature audiences.

Shaft (1971)

• Rating: R
• Reason: Shaft is a landmark in African American cinema, known for its charismatic lead, Richard Roundtree, and its impact on the blaxploitation genre. It’s important for exploring themes of race and representation in film.
• Parental Guidance: Contains strong violence, language, and thematic elements. Suitable for mature audiences.

Jaws (1975)

• Rating: PG
• Reason: Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is a seminal thriller that created the concept of the summer blockbuster. Its expert use of suspense and groundbreaking special effects make it a significant study in film history.
• Parental Guidance: Contains some violence and intense scenes. Suitable for older children and teens with guidance.

Scream (1996)

• Rating: R
• Reason: Wes Craven’s Scream revitalized the horror genre with its self-aware humor and innovative approach to slasher conventions. It’s important for understanding genre deconstruction and the blending of horror and comedy.
• Parental Guidance: Contains strong violence, language, and thematic elements. Suitable for mature audiences.

Musical

The Sound of Music (1965)

• Rating: G
• Reason: This beloved musical is known for its beautiful music, stunning scenery, and inspiring story. It’s significant for understanding the integration of historical context and musical elements in film.
• Parental Guidance: Suitable for all ages with no significant content concerns.

Mary Poppins (1964)

• Rating: G
• Reason: Disney’s Mary Poppins is celebrated for its imaginative blend of live-action and animation, memorable songs, and heartwarming story. It’s essential for understanding the evolution of family-friendly musicals and innovative film techniques.
• Parental Guidance: Suitable for all ages with no significant content concerns.

Animation

Big Hero 6 (2014)

• Rating: PG
• Reason: This Disney animated film blends superhero action with heartfelt storytelling and cutting-edge animation. Its themes of friendship, loss, and teamwork make it a valuable study for understanding modern animated films and their appeal.
• Parental Guidance: Contains some action sequences and thematic elements. Suitable for all ages with guidance on emotional scenes.

The Iron Giant (1999)

• Rating: PG
• Reason: The Iron Giant is a beloved animated film known for its emotional depth, strong anti-war message, and unique animation style. It’s essential for exploring themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the impact of animation on storytelling.
• Parental Guidance: Contains some intense scenes and thematic elements. Suitable for all ages with guidance on emotional scenes.

These films offer a rich tapestry of cinematic history, showcasing the evolution of various genres and the profound impact of film on culture and society. They serve as critical tools for teaching high school students about the milestones in movie history and the diverse techniques and narratives that have shaped the art of filmmaking.

To see other movie and book recommendations and a list of resources, read more here.