Roll the credits: The Class of 2026’s essential viewing list

Gianna Jaric, Celebrations Specialist

May 15, 2026

Gary Smith

A graphic of a light shining like a spotlight on the movie covers. Showing recommended movies for seniors and why.

As the class of 2026 prepares for their high school to come to an end, many students begin to look back and cherish all of the memories that were made over the years. Sometimes, taking a moment to stop, relax, and take it all in is important. With this, there is no better way to take in that moment than to sit down, grab some popcorn, and watch, or rewatch, the following movies that perfectly capture the bittersweet moment: graduation.
High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

When the conversation about the best graduation movies sparks up, there is no doubt that this is the first to come to one’s mind. With the perfect encapsulation of a coming-of-age chapter officially closing, there is never a dry eye in sight. The familiar faces of Troy and Gabriella reappear on screen for their final hurrah at the famous East High before graduating, showing the highs and lows of separating from those you love, all while continuing to find who you really are.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

A complete flip from the classic Disney musical drama, this movie is built for anyone who spent high school feeling like an outsider. As it goes by, even through the heavier moments, the people that get picked up on the way are, at times, the most special. With this movie, graduation is not just the ending; it shows that even without the typical “perfect” teenage experience, there are still memories to be made, memories that will forever be “infinite.”
Lady Bird (2018)

If senior year was spent counting down the seconds until graduation, this new-age classic is a perfect watch. No matter the relationship, leaving family and friends behind as a new journey embarks is bound to bring emotion and even chaos. The tumultuous relationship between “Lady Bird” and her mother is portrayed perfectly in this movie, all while pulling at the heartstrings of those who both do and do not relate. Sometimes, saying goodbye to home is harder than it looks.
Say Anything (1989)

While most movies on this list follow the emotions of graduating and completing the last year of high school, this one captures an exciting and uncertain period that is the summer after graduation. Famous for its iconic boombox scene, this staple of the late ‘80s follows optimistic underachiever Lloyd Dobler, who falls in love with the class valedictorian. This classic romance is perfect for those who want to wind down and hopefully be reminded that not everything has to be figured out by the age of 18. This age is only the beginning.
Superbad (2007)

The constant humor and chaotic drama of this hilarious comedy cover-up is what this movie is at its core, usually surprising those with how emotional it really is. It follows best friends Seth and Evan as they plot to have the most legendary night before graduation. On the outside, they are obsessed with getting to a party, but underneath all of that, what lies within them is having to navigate being apart from each other for the first time in their lives. The realization that things will not exactly be the same after graduation scares most, especially Seth and Evan. Their journey reminds the class of 2026 that, sure, parties and traditions are fun, but the quiet epiphany that they will not be seeing all the same people at 7:15 a.m. every morning, if it has not already, is soon to hit. But, instead of that being scary, it should be embraced, as change is what life is really all about.

About the Contributors

Gianna Jaric, Celebrations Specialist

Hi! My name is Gianna and I’m a new writer for the CHAT. Writing has always been one of my strengths and pleasures in life, so I am very excited to be able to do this. After school, I love to play soccer and try all sorts of new things. You can contact me at [email protected] for anything! Let’s see what this year will bring!

Gary Smith, Graphics Staff

Hey guys! I’m Gary, a senior Graphic designer for the CHAT newspaper. It’s my last year in this school, and in the CHAT but I’m so ecstatic for this very last time being here. I want to create as many memories and graphics as I can to reach my PEAK. Some of my hobbies include watching shows (One Piece), playing games, collecting random stuff, and drawing. If you ever want to contact me, do it at [email protected] or DM me Instagram/Tiktok at @HistyHist. I hope you have a very PEAK DAY!! BYE BYE!!

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Roll the credits: The Class of 2026’s essential viewing list

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