Prom night, a time of excitement, romance, and sometimes, a little bit of drama. Whether you’re reminiscing about your own prom experiences or just love a good teen flick, there’s something special about movies set around this iconic high school event. From heartwarming romances to spine-tingling thrillers, there’s a prom movie for every taste. Let’s dive into the ultimate list of 24 prom night movies, sorted by genre, each with a quick synopsis to help you decide which ones to add to your watchlist.
Horror/Thriller:
- Prom Ride (2015): High-school seniors on their way to prom are hijacked by a psychotic killer, leading to a terrifying night of survival as they turn on each other to stay alive.
- Party Night (2017): Six friends become prey for a sadistic psychopath when they decide to ditch their high school’s after-prom party for their own celebration at a secluded house.
- The Brotherhood V: Alumni (2009): Pretty alumnae from Sunnydale High receive invitations for a reunion, but the fallout from an unsolved murder on their prom night comes back to haunt them.
- Rose of Death (2007): On prom night, a group of drunken friends accidentally kill a classmate, and years later, they’re haunted by the consequences of their actions.
Drama:
- A Light Beneath Their Feet (2015): A high school senior must choose between enrolling at the college of her dreams and remaining at home to take care of her bipolar mother.
- Colossal Youth (2018): Facing an uncertain post-high school future, Ryder heads into senior year with a winners-take-all ferocity, but his sights are set on the wrong goals.
- Prom Night in Mississippi (2009): A high school in a small-town prepares for its first integrated senior prom, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of racial integration.
- Death to Prom (2014): Two best friends make the best of their high school prom by dreaming up fashion-magazine photo-shoots, discovering that true beauty lies within.
Comedy:
- Cowgirl (2004): Dreamy Paula runs into her childhood sweetheart at her suburban prom, sparking a comedic romantic adventure filled with nostalgia and hilarity.
- Almost Normal (2005): A gay man approaching a mid-life crisis is yanked back in time to his high school years, where he gets a second chance to navigate adolescence and love.
- Helicopter Mom (2014): A mother thinks it would be cool if her son were gay, so she outs him to the entire school, leading to comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt lessons.
- The World’s Best Prom (2006): Once a year, the entire population of Racine, Wisconsin, gets swept up in prom mania, showcasing the heartwarming and extravagant celebrations of a small town.
Romance:
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018): Lara Jean Covey’s life turns upside down when her secret love letters are sent to her crushes, leading to unexpected romances and self-discovery.
- You with Me (2020): Kim moves to Seoul to start a new life after meeting Jayson online, but her journey is filled with love, challenges, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Zombie Prom (2006): A teenage romance between a good girl and a bad boy spirals out of control, leaving a trail of nuclear waste and undead prom-goers.
- The Most Beautiful Thing (2012): A down-on-his-luck boy finds love in the most unexpected way, leading to a heartwarming and unforgettable prom night.
Documentary:
- After Stonewall (1999): This historical retrospective chronicles the Gay Rights movement from the 1969 Stonewall riots to the present, highlighting the LGBTQ+ community’s journey towards equality.
- 180 Days: A Year Inside an American High School (2013– ): Follow students, teachers, and administrators for one school year at a Washington, D.C. high school, capturing the triumphs and challenges of education.
- The Queen (2010): A Korean-American teenage outcast working at his parents’ dry cleaners gets transported into the future, leading to a prom night he’ll never forget.
Music Video:
- Charli XCX: Break the Rules (2014 Music Video): A group of teenagers have fun in the city and party instead of going to school, embodying the rebellious spirit of youth.
- Zolita: Somebody I Fucked Once (2021 Music Video): A music video for Zolita’s song, capturing the emotional intensity and raw vulnerability of teenage love and heartbreak.
Short Films:
- Fragile.com (2019): A teenage girl’s desire for validation leads her into a dangerous situation with a charming man who exploits her vulnerability for his own gain.
- The Swimmer (2013): A boy realizes the impact of his actions on his crush’s present and future, leading to a poignant and introspective journey of self-discovery.
- My Prom Mom (2017): Despite her mother’s wishes, a teenage girl ditches prom for a night of fun and discovers disturbing secrets, leading to unexpected revelations.
With this diverse selection of prom night movies spanning various genres, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a spine-chilling thriller, a heartwarming romance, or a laugh-out-loud comedy, these films capture the magic and drama of one of the most memorable nights in a teenager’s life. So grab some popcorn, gather your friends, and get ready for a movie marathon filled with romance, adventure, and unforgettable moments.