Rachel’s top 10 school flick picks

The alarm goes off at an inhumane 6 a.m.

And that’s just the beginning.

After a hectic day of teachers, peers, coaches, homework, parents and more homework, a couple hours of unwinding is just what you need before starting it all over.

Here’s a list of my 10 favorite school-focused movies. From the guilty pleasures (“Bring it On”) to the sentimental favorites (“The Breakfast Club”), these movies are sure to get you geared up for classes, get your parents nostalgic, and, at the very least, let you forget about that 10-page paper you’ve been putting off.

“10 Things I Hate About You” (PG-13, 1999)
No, I’m not talking about the TV series. I’m talking about the original, creative, modern take on Shakespeare’s never-ending iambic pentameter. In particular, a comedic high school version of “The Taming of the Shrew.”

“Back to the Future” (PG, 1985)
OK, so I’m cheating a bit — this movie doesn’t necessarily focus on school. But, it does center around a high-school-age teen who time travels to when his parents are his age. Besides, there are some school scenes. Anyway, this adventure movie captures a lot of the wonder and creativity associated with youth. It’s a classic for a reason.

“The Breakfast Club” (R, 1985)
Of course. Nothing like a detention movie to get the kids ready for back to school. But really, the film’s dissolving of clique barriers and stereotypes set a precedent for high school movies.

“Bring It On” (PG-13, 2000)
I didn’t lose my mind — yet, anyway. If you see “Bring it On: In it to Win it” on next year’s list, then you should worry. But this movie’s cheesiness and utter superficiality gives those of us who were never cheerleaders a good laugh while hopefully showing the real cheerleaders that they don’t have to fit the stereotype.

“Cheats” (PG-13, 2002)
In my opinion, one of the most underrated movies. “Cheats” has never gotten the recognition it deserves. Based on a true story (which makes the film even better), the story follows a group of boys who cheat their way through school. A hilarious movie and definitely one to watch.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (PG-13, 1986)
Who hasn’t needed a mental health day? Ferris Bueller has been a teen hero for decades with his devil-may-care attitude and general lack of respect for school authority.

“Mean Girls” (PG-13, 2004)
It’s every girl’s nightmare: To see her friend become one of the “popular kids” and subsequently ignore her existence. But what if you were put in that situation? Would you be able to resist the perks of popularity and disentangle yourself from the web of drama?

“Mr. Holland’s Opus” (PG, 1995)
A bit of a different tone from the others on this list, “Opus” focuses on an aspiring pianist who becomes a music teacher to pay the bills — only to realize that the short-term gig has become a full-time career. Sentimental and inspiring, “Opus” shows the difference a dedicated teacher can make in students’ lives, and also the inspiration the teacher can derive from those same students.

“Remember the Titans” (PG, 2000)
Another sentimental favorite, this true story follows the trials and triumphs of a struggling interracial football team in Virginia in the 1970s. I’m not normally a football fan, but “Titans” transcends the typical sports movie to view the contested school and town through the reflective lens of the team.

“Superbad” (R, 2007)
Parents beware: Vulgarity abounds in this comedy, but it is one of the most hilarious movies I’ve seen, not to mention its place quite near the top of my favorites list. Michael Cera and Jonah Hill capture the awkwardness of high school beautifully. Forget “Napoleon Dynamite”; “Superbad” is relatable and at times painfully honest, but always ceaselessly entertaining.