11 Movies That Understand High School Angst

Growing up, one of the coolest things about watching teen movies was that, generally speaking, they presented high school in a fairly aspirational way. The students had Dawson's Creek-level banter abilities, lockers somehow never needed combinations to open, and in many cases, the fashion was totally on point. Yet, perhaps most importantly, they seemed to channel the angst that only high schoolers have and adults remember all too well.

High school is the prime setting for rollercoaster emotions. Whether it has to do with friends, relationships, or just all of the hormone changes, it is a challenging time for anyone. Throw in the pressures of getting ready for college and everything else having to do with impending adulthood, and you've got so much angst potential.

Luckily, we have a great selection of teen movies to get us through these tough times. (Or to help us relive the glory years when we're adults.) And, when done correctly, these films completely capture the adolescent struggles we all experienced — for better or for worse. Want to take yourself back to the high school days? You can, courtesy of these 11 teen movies that accurately portray the angst of high school below!

1. She's All That

Ever feel like you don't fit in? Laney Boggs perfectly understood how cruel some students can be.

2. Never Been Kissed

Despite her sweet personality, Josie Geller was plagued with angst over being different from her classmates.

3. Mean Girls

The high school hierarchy can be brutal, as Cady Heron learned in Mean Girls.

4. 10 Things I Hate About You

Sometimes personal struggles spill over into high school, making an already hard time every harder.

5. Can't Hardly Wait

Ever pine for someone you can't have? Can't Hardly Wait is the movie for you.

6. Get Over It

Get Over It is a campy spin on the perils of dating in high school.

7. Bring It On

Of course, we can't forget athletic angst.

8. Freaky Friday

Adolescents are known for butting heads with their parents, which Freaky Friday took to a whole other level.

9. The Princess Diaries

High school is tough enough, and learning you're a princess doesn't help.

10. A Walk To Remember

For everyone who felt like an outsider, A Walk to Remember is a reminder to get to know people before you judge them.

11. Cinderella Story

Cinderella Story highlights the classic pairing of the football player and the "unpopular" girl. Yes, it plays into cliches, but it also shows that every students has some kind of struggle.

BRB, re-watching all of these now.

Images: Miramax (screenshot); Giphy (10)