Get the kids off to school and then check out these amazing movie

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)

In yet another classic John Hughes movie, Matthew Broderick plays the iconic and unforgettable Ferris Bueller, a happy-go-lucky and insanely lucky high school senior in the suburbs of Chicago. An inquisitive rule breaker brimming with smarts, talent and cleverness, Ferris schemes his way into playing hookie when the sun shines brightly on a school day near summertime. Ferris enlists his best friend Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck), a neurotic pessimist, and girlfriend Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara), a rebellious cheerleader who’s especially mature. The three embark on a day-long adventure — after stealing Cameron’s father’s iconic Ferrari convertible, much to Cameron’s anxiety — of crashing a parade, a Chicago Cubs baseball game, a fancy lunch, an art museum, the Sears Tower and more. All the while they avoid their parents, Ferris’s jealous sister Jeanie, gossiping school kids, and — lest we forget — the high school principal, Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), who’s hellbent on catching Ferris in the act. Full of iconic scenes and one-liners, this quirky comedy is one of the best and a great reminder to go with the flow and have fun.
This movie is rated PG-13 for strong language and mature content.

“Dead Poets Society” (1989)

In one of the few movies that inspired me to write, Robin Williams, in yet another great dramatic role, plays John Keating, a new English teacher at a boys prep school known for its high standards and traditions. In typical Robin Williams fashion, he steals every scene and his unusual character incites blowback (like most of his films), this time from the school and parents as he pushes the boys out of their comfort zones and shells and bends the rules in the process. Keating guides the boys on a tour of the literary canon (plus a Donna Tartt novel), helping them to extract and explain the beauty of life, to pursue their dreams and “seize the day.” Ultimately, the movie is about letting go of expectations, allowing yourself to be vulnerable and experience life in all its beauty — and for artists, witness and express this beauty and share it with others. Also starring Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Josh Charles and more.
Trigger warning: suicide. This movie is rated PG for language and mature themes, but treat it like PG-13.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001)

The world of Harry Potter took the world by storm in 1997 with the publication of J.K. Rowling’s first fantasy novel, which I remember buying at its midnight release party (yes, I’m that kind of nerd). Four years later the first movie debuted, and somehow the movies ended up just as magical as the books. For my whole generation, the movies played in the background as we came of age alongside the characters. This movie and “The Chamber of Secrets” were directed by Chris Columbus, famous for movies like “Home Alone” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and include his usual cinematic feel-goodness before the movies and directors’ tone turn rather dark. If you’ve somehow been living under a rock for the last 20 years, this is yet another tale of a powerful orphan who’s befriended by a wise mentor who trains his protege. There’s friendship, found family, humor, mystery, good versus evil and wild adventures. Starring a huge cast, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Richard Harris and many more.
This movie is rated PG for scary moments, some creature violence and mild language.