John Hughes' The Breakfast Club is about five teenagers learning about themselves and each other during their Saturday detention. The film's star-studded cast includes Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, and Paul Gleason. At almost 40 years since the release of the film in 1985, The Breakfast Club still receives high praise and ratings to this day.
The young-adult film touched on subjects of bullying, the stress of parental expectations, and peer pressure. Luckily, fans of the film can enjoy many other great movies that have similar themes and subject matter.
Sixteen Candles (1984) - Stream On Hulu
Young sophomore Samantha starts to come into her own during her formative years of high school. In Sixteen Candles, she is turning 16-years-old and dealing with her family forgetting her birthday, her sister's wedding, and her seemingly impossible crush on Jake Ryan. The film stars Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, and Michael Schoeffling.
Sixteen Candles is another one of John Hughes' best teen comedies. Like The Breakfast Club, the film is relatable because it deals with the plights of high school hierarchy and family life. Both films showcase the character's different "real" personalities in contrast to what they show to their high school peers. And, of course, both movies star Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall, making the two movies great companion pieces.
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985) - Stream On Starz
St. Elmo's Fire, starring Rob Lowe and Demi Moore, follows the lives of seven friends who've recently graduated from college and are trying to make it in adulthood while drifting apart in the process. The film's exploration of friendship is beautiful and allows viewers to dive deep into the storylines and plot.
Like The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo's Fire explores the time between adolescence and adulthood. Both films provide something that many young adults long for in their characters, which is someone to talk to and friends that care. The film offers comedy and romance which softens its intense plot and gives fans of The Breakfast Club another great film to check out.
Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987) - Stream On Hulu
Things tend to get complicated when you realize you're in love with your best friend. Some Kind Of Wonderful is another film that captures the hearts of viewers. In the film, Watts and Keith are best friends, with the latter pursuing a crush on the popular girl, Amanda, and Watts realizing that she's in love with Keith.
This underrated John Hughes movie is a romantic comedy that makes the audience feel good, just like The Breakfast Club. Both movies contain a good amount of teen angst and life lessons around being true to yourself and not being afraid to go after the things you want in life.
She’s All That (1999) - Stream On HBO Max
A funny romantic comedy that still has viewers laughing and enjoying today, She’s All That stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook as Laney Boggs and Zack Silver. In the film, Zack, on a bet, uses “nerdy” Laney to make her prom queen and his ex-girlfriend jealous, however, he ends up falling in love with her in the process.
Even with mixed reviews from critics, the film garnered high praise from the public. Its comedy and use of color were added bonuses to the fun plot. Both films share the theme of never judging a book by its cover. She's All That is a classic movie that viewers will love if they are a fan of The Breakfast Club.
Never Been Kissed (1999) - Stream On Hulu
Josie Geller is a girl that never really left high school, and when she gets a chance to go back, she tries to do things a little differently. Never Been Kissed stars Drew Barrymore in one of her most iconic roles as Josie Geller -- a woman looking to experience her very first kiss. The film is littered with the usual tropes surrounding high school hierarchy, including jocks, mean girls, outcasts, and weirdos.
Never Been Kissed is a fun and light-hearted take on high school drama that makes it both funny and heart-wrenching at times in its poignancy, something relatable to fans of The Breakfast Club.
Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) - Available To Rent On Apple TV
In Can't Buy Me, Love, Ronald Miller gets Cindy Mancini to pretend to be his girlfriend for popularity, however, Ronald soon realizes that popularity isn't everything.
This typical teen movie that features the same high school social constructs like The Breakfast Club features strong performances from an amazing cast that includes Patrick Dempsey and Amanda Peterson. The film is weird and funny with a spin on dating in high school that can apply to teens today. Both of these films place the underdog and the princess together, making way for a surprising and entertaining romance.
Just One Of The Guys (1985) - Available To Rent On Apple TV
Just One Of The Guys follows Terry Griffith as she pretends to be a boy at her new school, hoping to receive special treatment with certain things to expose sexism. She quickly begins to fit in, making friends with the guys and boosting the confidence of her new friend, Rick.
This '80s film is a comedy that touched on the topic of gender, giving a quirky spin to the teen comedy genre of the '80s. The film's plot focuses on seeing the world from a different point of view. With The Breakfast Club, the characters come to understand and accept each other for both their differences and similarities and the same could be said for Terry in Just One Of The Guys.
Girls Just Want To Have Fun (1985) - Stream On Amazon Prime
Girls Just Want To Have Fun is a fun and upbeat film that gives viewers a lighthearted dance story. The film sees Janey and Jeff competing as partners for a dance competition.
The film embodies themes of teenage rebellion wrapped in cute '80s outfits and dance moves, which keeps viewers entertained throughout. Like The Breakfast Club, Girls Just Want To Have Fun introduces characters who are just trying to find a way to be themselves in a society and an environment that wants to brand them with titles that do not fit who they truly are.
Adventures In Babysitting (1987) - Stream On Disney+
Filled with misadventures, comedic scenes, and a little romance, Adventures In Babysitting is a must-watch film. The movie highlights teen drama with a lean into action scenes that put a fun spin on the teen-comedy film.
Adventures In Babysitting, like The Breakfast Club, still gets a lot of recognition today, with Disney green-lighting and releasing a remake of the film in 2016 starring Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson. However, nothing can compare to the original, with its fun and enthusiastic spin on babysitting and teenage angst.
Empire Records (1995) - Stream On Amazon Prime
Following the lives of the employees of a record store, Empire Records' characters come from all walks of life and status in the social hierarchy of young adults. The cast includes Liv Tyler, Renee Zellweger, Robin Tunney, and more, who made the film relatable in its time. The characters all have very different lives, and yet they're still there for each other, through it all.
Like The Breakfast Club, Empire Records takes place in one location. In the end, the movie gives viewers romance, drama, and comedy all rolled up in one. And just like The Breakfast Club, the film is iconic in its casting, acting, and the ultimate movie soundtrack.