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Prom nights are like a rite-of-passage for teenagers, so it is only natural that there are several prom movies that attempt to capture its irrefutable appeal. In most cases, prom movies center around coming-of-age narratives focused on romance and friendship. But filmmakers have also been known to take the unconventional route from time to time, which has led to more edgier stories.
The diversity of prom movies that can range from adorable fluff to grisly titles is what appeals to young adults with eclectic tastes. Irrespective of the direction the story takes, happy or horrifying, these movies have one thing in common: they will always have stories centered around prom night.
This list shortlists some engaging prom movies that capture the essence of the milestone event while introducing relatable characters that will win over fans of the genre.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources. It contains some spoilers.
Blockers, Prom Pact, and five other prom movies that are entertaining enough for teens and adults alike
1) Carrie (1976)
When Stephen King writes a story centered around prom, it is expected to be far removed from the clichéd narrative that the audience expects. Based on King's first novel, this prom movie by Brian De Palma is focused on a shy teenager named Carrie White, played by Sissy Spacek. Carrie is a victim of bullying at school, which culminates in a horrific prank on prom night.
Humiliated and dejected, Carrie uses her recently discovered telekinetic powers to teach her enemies a lesson. Bookworms who have read the book will enjoy this well-acted adaptation that is cinematically striking. But even viewers who haven't read King's novel have much to look forward to, as there are plenty of shocking twists and turns.
While Carrie is unlike the conventional prom movie, it will still leave viewers with memorable, albeit disturbing, prom scenes that they won't be able to soon forget.
Where to watch: Carrie can be streamed on Apple TV and Prime Video.
2) She's All That (1999)
This prom movie by Robert Iscove dwells on high-school cliques and the race to become prom queen. Freddie Prinze Jr. is the popular Zack Siler, who makes a bet with his friends that he can make any girl in school popular enough to win the "prom queen" title. His friends pick the shy and awkward Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook) as the perfect candidate.
Zack befriends Laney and gets working on her makeover without her knowing anything about the bet. But as they spend time with one another, they cannot help but feel something special brewing between them. However, when Laney finds out about the bet, she begins to question her feelings for him.
As far as prom movies go, this one can be a bit clichéd at times, but the charming chemistry between the leads, who each have their own strengths, makes it worth watching.
Where to watch: She's All That is available for streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV.
3) Dance of the Dead (2008)
The word "prom" doesn't automatically prompt people to think of "zombies," but this movie by Gregg Bishop finds a way to tie them together. Dance of the Dead focuses on a group of awkward teenagers who aren't exactly popular at high school. They can't even find dates for prom night. But when the undead rise up to eat everyone at prom, they are the only ones who can put a stop to it.
While Dance of the Dead may not be able to compete with some of the other well-known prom movies in terms of production budget, it more than makes up for it with a witty script that is entertaining from start to finish. In addition to the well-developed characters who are sure to make an impact on the viewers, the film also has enough gore to keep horror fans pleased.
Viewers who want to watch an engaging prom movie without the cringe moments should add this title to their watchlist.
Where to watch: This gritty and gory prom movie is available for streaming on Tubi and Plex.
4) Blockers (2018)
Blockers focuses on a trio of young teenagers, Julie, Kayla, and Sam, portrayed by Kathryn Newton, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Gideon Adlon, who make a pact to lose their virginity on prom night. However, their parents, played by Leslie Mann, John Cena, and Ike Barinholtz, find out and decide to work together to sabotage their daughters' plans.
One thing that this prom movie handles well is the way parents struggle to find a balance between protecting their kids and trusting them enough to let them make their own decisions as they get older.
While the adult characters do take up a lot of screen time, it cannot be argued that the young characters steal the show. They are spirited and relatable, and each girl is special in her own way.
Where to watch: This movie can be streamed on Netflix and Prime Video.
5) The Prom (2020)
In the last few years, inclusive narratives have become very popular with cinephiles, so it is not surprising that prom movies have embraced the shift as well. This musical by Ryan Murphy stars Jo Ellen Pellman as Emma Nolan. She wants to take her girlfriend to prom, but her decision ends up getting prom cancelled, because of which she is bullied in school.
She shares her story online and is seen by two Broadway stars, Dee Dee Allen and Barry Glickman, portrayed by Meryl Streep and James Corden. They rise up in Emma's support and help her have an experience of a lifetime.
In terms of catchy tunes and aesthetic sets, this prom movie will surely leave viewers in awe. But the real reason to watch The Prom is for the lessons it teaches about acceptance. Teenagers from the LGBTQ community will especially relate to the lead character, who just wants to be herself and love from her heart.
Where to watch: The Prom can be viewed on Netflix.
6) Prom Pact (2023)
When it comes to making meaningful teen movies, Disney has rarely disappointed fans, and this prom movie by Anya Adams is no exception. Peyton Elizabeth Lee plays the intelligent and focused Mandy Yang. She makes a pact to attend the prom with her best friend, Ben Plunkett (Milo Manheim).
But things get complicated when Mandy needs help getting into Harvard and ends up befriending the popular Graham Lansing because his dad is an alumnus. Prom Pact touches upon many aspects of becoming an adult, like learning to look beyond appearances, balancing love and friendship, and chasing after dreams without losing one's roots.
The best thing about this wholesome prom movie is that the whole family can enjoy it together.
Where to watch: The Prom Pact can be streamed on Disney+.
7) Prom Dates (2024)
It is not common for high schoolers to attend prom alone, which is why the leads in this coming-of-age movie by Kim Nguyen are thrown into a panic when they are left without dates for prom. Hannah (Julia Lester) and Jess (Antonia Gentry) only have 24 hours to find new dates, which leads to a series of awkward and hilarious situations.
Lester and Gentry have great on-screen chemistry. Even though they are friends from the start, it is interesting to see how their relationship grows as a result of new interactions and experiences. Lester's character is especially memorable. It is heartening to see the way she embraces her queerness with slow but sure strides.
This prom movie is not devoid of the usual clichés, but it is still interesting enough to make viewers feel invested in the story.
Where to watch: Prom Dates is available for streaming on Hulu.
Viewers who enjoy all things prom wouldn't want to miss out on these entertaining prom movies that bring the best of lovable characters and immersive stories.
