Year: 1981
Runtime: 97 mins
Language: Hungarian
Director: Tamás Almási
The story follows a group of present‑day seniors on the brink of graduation. After prom the fourth‑year students slip away to a private party, then reconvene for a farewell spree that ends with a classroom fire. Frustrated by a punitive school investigation and repeated violations of their rights, they abandon class without permission, band together with a fierce ambition to reshape the world. While the ceremony touches them emotionally, the upcoming baccalaureate exam forces each to confront their own personal aspirations.
Get a spoiler-free look at Graduation (1981) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the quiet streets of a Southern‑California town, the senior class of a modest high school stands on the cusp of a moment that feels both inevitable and fragile. Their final year pulses with the familiar rush of prom lights, whispered plans for a future that seems just beyond reach, and an undercurrent of unease that tightens each day. A recent tragedy involving the beloved athlete Laura hangs over the campus, casting a somber shade on the celebration that should herald a new beginning.
Against this backdrop, the seniors forge a collective identity that oscillates between camaraderie and rebellion. After the night of prom, they slip away to a private gathering, only to reconvene for a farewell spree that spirals into an unexpected blaze within a classroom. The incident triggers a stern school investigation, and the administration’s heavy‑handed response fuels a growing sense that their voices are being muffled. United by frustration and ambition, they begin to question the rules that have shaped their lives, daring to imagine a world they might reshape once the caps are tossed.
Returning to town for the ceremony is Anne, a disciplined Navy officer and older sister to the fallen track star. She arrives with a quiet resolve, carrying both the weight of family grief and a fierce curiosity about the lives of the classmates she barely knows. As graduation looms and the baccalaureate exam approaches, the students grapple with personal aspirations, lingering doubts, and the looming question of what will come after the ceremony’s final applause. The film swirls with a tone that blends the uneasy tension of a community in mourning with the restless energy of youths on the edge of adulthood, inviting viewers to wonder how far the desire for change can push a generation standing at the threshold of tomorrow.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:31
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where youthful hope is brutally shattered by violence and grief.If you appreciated the devastating impact of trauma on young characters in Graduation, explore these similar movies. This list features films where high school or graduation settings become the backdrop for intense horror and drama, focusing on grief, loss, and psychological breakdown.
The narrative follows a group of young characters whose celebratory or mundane experiences are violently invaded by a traumatic event, such as a murder spree or tragic accident. The story focuses on their struggle for survival and the profound psychological aftermath, often ending with their worldview permanently darkened.
Movies are grouped here by their shared focus on the destruction of youthful innocence through extreme violence or tragedy. They share a dark tone, high intensity, and a heavy emotional weight centered on grief, trauma, and the grim loss of hope.
Fast-paced horror where a killer stalks victims with little reprieve.Fans of the non-stop tension and brutal murders in Graduation will find more to watch here. Discover similar fast-paced horror films featuring investigations, graphic violence, and a high body count, perfect for viewers seeking an intense and unsettling slasher experience.
The plot is straightforward: a mysterious killer systematically targets a group, leading to a rapid sequence of violent deaths. An investigation often runs parallel to the killings, but the focus remains on the relentless pursuit and survival, culminating in a direct and bloody final showdown.
These films are united by their pacing and intensity. They deliver a fast, brutal, and suspenseful experience with a high body count, graphic violence, and a dark, anxious mood that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Graduation in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Graduation is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Graduation, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Graduation with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
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