10. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
The other side of the high-school spectrum, this, John Hughes' Ferris Bueller's Day Off, is a feel-good film like no other: a genuine, foot-tapping pop-culture institution. Starring Matthew Broderick in far-and-away his greatest ever role, the film see his eponymous character determined to skive off school for a day in order to fully enjoy what will become a manic, joyous romp around a vibrant, diverse Chicago. Along for the ride are best friend, Cameron (Alan Ruck), the nervous yin to Ferris' wise-guy yang, and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara), who loves Ferris and will go wherever he goes. Following them is Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), the high-school Dean convinced Ferris is bunking off. A film full of iconic moments - Ferris persuading Cameron to make his dad's beloved Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder their vehicle for the day; Ferris on the float, singing Twist and Shout to the audience; the "life moves pretty fast" line - Ferris Bueller is a quintessential cinematic ode to youth, and though it's tinged with instances of melancholy (as are most of Hughes' works), it's primarily a cult film of the highest entertainment; a battle-cry for coolness over conformity.