Heathers (1988)

"The script, by Daniel Waters, has a lot of prankish, spiky dialogue and some good rowdy slapstick nastiness... About a half hour from the end, Waters and Lehmann pull back from their sadistic gaudiness. Veronica represents their we-don't-really-mean-it side-we don't want to hurt anybody's feelings. Where's the sting?" - Pauline Kael

"Heathers" (1988) is a dark comedy set in the 1980s, which details the intricacies of a typical American high school. In this school, cliques reign supreme, athletes are dominant, and all the popular girls share the name Heather. The plot maintains these stereotypes until a string of unexpected events disrupts the status quo: the high school bullies begin to die, one after another.



You should not watch Heathers (1988) if...

• You are under the age of 16 due to its strong graphic violence, sexual scenes, strong language, and mature themes.
• You are sensitive to themes of suicide and bullying.
• Dark humor doesn't appeal to you.
• You strongly prefer light-hearted or feel-good movies.
• You are disturbed by portrayals of high school cliques and social politics in a negative light.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with "Heathers"? I mean, high school is tough enough without adding murder and croquet to the mix.

And don't get me started on the shoulder pads! They're so big, I'm surprised these girls can fit through doors! I've seen smaller padding on football players.

And Christian Slater? He talks like he's doing a Jack Nicholson impression throughout the entire movie. I mean, who actually talks like that at all, and especially in high school?

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American Beauty (1999)

"Heathers" and "American Beauty" are darkly satirical takes on the seemingly perfect American lifestyle. They challenge the status quo and explore themes of dissatisfaction, rebellion, and the darker side of suburban life. Both films feature complex characters who grapple with societal pressures, personal identity, and moral ambiguity. If you appreciate sharp dialogue, dramatic irony, and narratives that delve into the underbelly of American society, then the Oscar-winning "American Beauty" should satisfy your taste as much as the cult classic "Heathers".

The Breakfast Club (1985)

"Heathers" (1988) and "The Breakfast Club" (1985) are iconic teen films that delve deeply into the complexities of high school social dynamics, cliques, and teenage angst. They both use dark humor and drama to critique and satirize the conventional high school stereotypes and the pressures of fitting in. Furthermore, they feature strong, memorable characters who challenge societal norms, which adds to their enduring appeal. Therefore, if you appreciate the way "Heathers" dissects high school life and its characters, you're likely to enjoy the similar themes and storytelling in "The Breakfast Club".

Memento (2000)

Admirers of "Heathers" will appreciate "Memento" for its similarly dark and twisted narrative that challenges conventional storytelling. Both films offer complex character studies wrapped in a plot that is far from predictable, with "Heathers" exploring the dark side of high school society and "Memento" delving into the mind of a man with memory loss. The dry humor and satirical elements in "Heathers" are mirrored in the ironic circumstances and clever scripting of "Memento". Furthermore, both movies require viewers to think critically and piece together the intricate plot details, making for a deeply engaging cinematic experience.

Donnie Darko (2001)

Lovers of "Heathers" will appreciate the dark humor, high school setting, and exploration of serious themes in "Donnie Darko". Both films delve into the psyche of teenagers, challenging societal norms and expectations. The twisted narratives, complex character developments, and blending of reality and fantasy in "Donnie Darko" echo the satirical and subversive elements found in "Heathers," making it a must-watch for those who enjoy thought-provoking and unconventional teen dramas.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Both "Heathers" (1988) and "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) are cult classics that, despite their vastly different themes and tones, share common ground in their dark, satirical takes on youth and societal norms. They both feature eccentric characters and have a certain whimsical yet sinister undertone, presenting a twisted perspective of seemingly innocent settings: high school and a candy factory. Also, they both use their unique narrative styles to impart valuable lessons on morality, making them a must-watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking, unconventional cinema.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Buffs of the dark comedy and high school drama in "Heathers" will also appreciate "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" for its clever and humorous take on teenage life. Both films excellently capture the essence of adolescence in the 80s, showcasing the rebellion, the cliques, and the struggle for identity which most teenagers experience. Moreover, both movies share a satirical approach to the stereotypes and norms of society, making them timeless classics loved by all generations.

Raising Arizona (1987)

"Heathers" (1988) and "Raising Arizona" (1987) are offbeat, dark comedies that subvert traditional movie genres - teen movies and crime/caper films, respectively. They share a love for quirky characters, unique dialogue, and unexpected plot twists. Both films are saturated with a distinctive style and sense of humor, which celebrates the absurd and the surreal. For anyone who appreciates movies that break from the norm and offer a fresh, inventive take on familiar themes, "Heathers" and "Raising Arizona" are both must-watch films.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Fans of "Heathers" (1988) will also love "Edward Scissorhands" (1990) because both films share a similar dark, quirky sense of humor and satirical approach to the portrayal of suburbia and societal norms. They both feature outsider protagonists struggling to navigate a conformist society, thereby creating a blend of comedy, drama, and romance that is tinged with a strong sense of melancholy. Moreover, Winona Ryder's strong performances in both films add another layer of appeal.

Trainspotting (1996)

"Heathers" and "Trainspotting" are dark, satirical and unconventional films that shed light on the grim aspects of life in a unique and humorous way. They both challenge societal norms and expectations, using edgy humor and surreal moments to depict the struggles of their characters. The bold storylines, compelling performances, and memorable dialogues in both movies appeal to viewers who appreciate cinema that is thought-provoking, yet entertaining. Hence, fans of "Heathers" are likely to enjoy the similarly offbeat and audacious "Trainspotting."

Rushmore (1998)

"Heathers" and "Rushmore" offer a unique, darkly humorous take on the high school experience, showcasing complex characters and engaging, unconventional plotlines. They both delve into themes of teenage angst, social dynamics, and the pursuit of individuality in a way that is both satirical and poignant. These films also share an offbeat, quirky style that sets them apart from typical teen comedies, making them beloved cult classics. The cutting-edge humor, exceptional performances, and intelligent writing in both movies make them a must-watch for fans of dark comedy and coming-of-age narratives.

Jawbreaker (1999):

If you love the dark comedy and teen angst of "Heathers," then "Jawbreaker" is a great film to check out. The plot follows a group of popular girls who accidentally kill their best friend and have to deal with the consequences. Like "Heathers," "Jawbreaker" makes use of satirical humor, sharp wit, and unique characters making it a classic in the dark comedy genre.

Clueless (1995):

While "Clueless" is much lighter in tone than "Heathers," it's still worth a watch if you're a fan of high school drama and satire. It's a fresh and funny take on teenage life, with its own unique style of dialogue, vibrant characters and great performances from a young cast. Directed by Amy Heckerling, who brilliantly captures the charm and wit of the late 20th-century youth culture.

Mean Girls (2004):

"Heathers" often gets credit for paving the way for other high school comedies that focus on social cliques and the dark side of popularity, such as "Mean Girls". This film cleverly dissects the harsh world of high school hierarchies with smart humor and unforgettable characters. Written by comedian Tina Fey, the film is considered one of the best teen comedies of the 21st century.

Ghost World (2001):

For a more indie take on the post-high school life, "Ghost World" is a nice contrast to "Heathers". The film revolves around two cynical, intelligent teenage girls who have just graduated from high school and their journey in the real world. Like "Heathers," it explores themes of alienation and societal pressure, but from a more grounded perspective.

Easy A (2010):

Another smart high school comedy-drama you might enjoy is "Easy A". Although not as dark as "Heathers", it still provides a satirical view of high school life and the rumors that can easily spiral out of control. It features a memorable performance by Emma Stone, and it's a clever modern-day reinterpretation of The Scarlet Letter.

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