12 Movies to Watch Before You Graduate Year 12

By Kenzie Eyles

If you are under the age of 16 please watch these movies with a parent due to some confronting themes that may not be for you.

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

A shy teenager finds friendship, love, and belonging during his first year of high school. It’s about feeling invisible, growing up, and learning how to be present in your own life.

2. Dead Poets Society (1989)

Students at a strict boarding school are inspired by an English teacher to think for themselves and live with purpose. A powerful film about individuality, courage, and choice.

3. Lady Bird (2017)

A final-year student longs to escape her hometown whilst navigating friendships and a complicated relationship with her mother. Honest and very relatable for anyone about to move on.

4. The Breakfast Club (1985)

Five students from different social groups spend a day in detention and realise they’re not as different as they thought. A reminder not to judge people by labels.

5. Call Me By Your Name (2017)

A thoughtful coming-of-age story about first love and emotional growth during one transformative summer. Gentle, reflective, and beautifully made.

6. Good Will Hunting (1997)

A gifted but troubled young man must decide whether to face his potential, or stay where he feels safe. A film about self-belief and choosing your future.

7. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

An awkward and emotional teenager struggles with friendships, family, and feeling left behind. Funny, honest, and very real.

8. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

A dysfunctional family goes on a road trip together, learning that success isn’t everything. Warm, funny, and surprisingly meaningful.

9. Booksmart (2019)

Two best friends try to make the most of their final days of school after focusing only on academics. A comedy about balance, friendship, and growing up.

10. Moonlight (2016)

A quiet, powerful story following a boy as he grows up, searching for identity and belonging. Thoughtful and deeply human.

11. Eighth Grade (2018)

A socially anxious girl tries to survive the last week of middle school. Captures the awkwardness and pressure of growing up in the age of social media.

12. The Graduate (1967)

A young man finishes school and feels lost about what comes next. A classic film about uncertainty and standing on the edge of adulthood.