Movies have long been beloved and adored. They capture imaginations and spark conversations among people of all ages. For teenagers, movies are a way to explore new worlds, feel emotions, and connect with stories that reflect their own experiences. From laughter to suspense to heartfelt moments, movies are a meaningful part of teen lives.
We can all agree that it is very difficult to pick a single favorite movie. To explore this, fifty students from the Pentucket Class of 2028, twenty-five boys and twenty-five girls, were asked to name their top three favorite films. A total of 114 unique films were recorded from 150 responses. Nineteen films were mentioned more than once. The details and attributes of each film were then tallied, and the Pentucket Class of 2028’s favorite movie genre, among other findings, was determined.
The most popular film, chosen by seven people, was Christopher Nolan’s science-fiction epic, Interstellar (2014). This is relatively unsurprising, considering Interstellar has breathtaking visuals, an emotionally rich story, and intriguing science that appeals to a wide audience.
The second most popular film, picked by five people, was Grown Ups (2010), an Adam Sandler comedy. A few students were asked whether they were surprised this relatively obscure film was answered the second-most amount of times.
Ryan Niles, an aspiring prospect from our grade, shared his thoughts: “It should have been Grown Ups that won. Watching Grown Ups is a canon event that shapes you.” He’s not wrong.
The third-most popular film was a three-way tie between Home Alone (1990), Whiplash (2014), and The Notebook (2004). Other notable films, each chosen by three people, included Happy Gilmore (1996), Jurassic Park (1993), and 10 Things I Hate About You (1999).
Of the 114 films listed, fifty-three of them were either sequels, remakes, or part of a franchise. The most popular franchise was the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), which includes Iron Man (2008), Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man (2002), etc. The most popular sequels were Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and Toy Story 2 (1999).
The actor who appeared most often in the 150 answers was Adam Sandler, twelve times, followed by Matthew McConaughey. The actress appearing most frequently was Anne Hathaway, starring in nine of the chosen films.
Fifty-two of the answered movies were from the 20th century, while the remaining ninety-eight were from the 21st century. The most frequent release year answered was 1999, with nine films published that year being selected.
Seventy-two films (48.3%) of the 150 were rated PG-13. Forty-one films were rated R (27.5%), twenty-nine were rated PG (19.5%), and seven were rated G. One film, Terrifier (2016), was not rated by the MPAA.
Seventy-five films had a runtime between one to two hours (50%). Sixty-eight films were two to three hours long (45.3%). Six films were over three hours long, and only one answer—A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)—was under one hour long.
While this data is interesting (to some), the question still remains. So, what genre of movie does the Pentucket Class of 2028 love the most?
Well, there was a clear, undisputed winner: Comedies, by a landslide. 73 of the 150 answers were a comedy film (48.7%). A student from the Lexington High School Class of 2028 conducted a similar, smaller experiment with students from his school, and the results were identical: “Most of the students I asked said their favorite movie were comedies,” he reported. “A few people said 21 Jump Street.”
It’s clear that comedies, films that emphasize humor and are designed to make audiences laugh, are favored among teenagers. But why is that? Comedy films often feature characters and situations that teens can personally relate to, such as dealing with school, family, and friends. A perfect example of that is Superbad (2007).
Many comedies, such as The Great Dictator (1940) and Borat (2006), address important social issues in an entertaining way. This can help teens navigate topics like social pressures, mental health, and identity. Humor can also be a less intimidating way to process and understand emotions like love, rejection, and insecurity.
Watching comedies can provide a break from the stresses of daily life. Comedy movies can leave teens feeling uplifted and happy.
Romantic comedies show that love and happiness can overcome obstacles, which can be helpful in guiding teens through their own feelings and experiences. Comedies can give teens hope and inspiration. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), American Pie (1999), and Good Will Hunting (1997) are all comedy movies that do just that.
Teens love comedy films because they offer a relatable way to explore and process emotions, social situations, and provide an escape through humor. Comedy films can make it easier to deal with topics like romance, friendship, and self-acceptance by making them funny in a lighthearted way.
Overall, not a single student picked a bad movie, proving that everyone has their own preferences. Movies are personal, and what makes films great. A favorite can vary from person to person—but one thing is clear: the Pentucket Class of 2028 has excellent taste.
