Rebel High

Rebel High

Year: 1987

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Harry Jakobs

Comedy

A 1987 social satire set amid the chaos of modern western city high schools, where spring break feels like a cease‑fire. Based on Evan Keliher’s novel, the film portrays the mayhem and absurdity of teenage life in an over‑the‑top educational landscape. Produced in Canada with largely unknown, often uncredited actors, it offers a tongue‑in‑cheek critique of contemporary school culture.

Rebel High (1987) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Rebel High (1987) 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 a cramped, bleached‑out high school where hallways feel more like battlegrounds than corridors, the everyday absurdities of teenage life are amplified to satirical extremes. The campus is a kaleidoscope of clashing subcultures: teachers wander empty rooms, students roam in rival gangs, and even the décor hints at a surreal wartime sensibility. The city looms overhead, threatening to replace the whole institution with a convenient parking lot, turning the school itself into a contested piece of urban real estate.

Edwin Swimper arrives in the wake of a tragic loss, stepping into the principal’s shoes with a bold, if unconventional, vision for an “alternative education” that replaces traditional subjects with off‑beat courses like archery. His efforts to impose order collide with the entrenched chaos, setting the stage for a clash between bureaucratic ambition and the raw energy of the student body. Opposite him, the charismatic student leader Calvin embodies the rebellious spirit that fuels much of the school’s wild reputation, while Norman Relic, the vice‑principal, tries to navigate between authority and an ever‑shifting undercurrent of disorder.

When the administration’s last hope hinges on an outsider, Peckham—a weary educator fresh from an African high school—takes the helm, bringing an earnest desire to restore forgotten corners of the campus, like the disused library. Alongside him, Ms. Simpson, the guidance counselor, adds another layer of comic misinterpretation to the already tangled web of relationships. Together, these characters inhabit a world where satire and surrealism fuse, promising a vivid, tongue‑in‑cheek exploration of a school that has become a microcosm of modern cultural turbulence.

Last Updated: August 20, 2025 at 17:47

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Absurdist Institution Satire Movies like Rebel High

Comedies that gleefully tear down authority and bureaucracy through chaotic farce.Discover more movies like Rebel High that feature chaotic comedies satirizing authority and institutions. If you enjoyed the farcical take on high school life, you'll find similar satirical stories poking fun at bureaucracy, corporate culture, and societal systems with a lighthearted, absurdist touch.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a chaotic chain of events triggered by systemic failure or absurd rules. Characters, often rebels or misfits, navigate a world of incompetent authority figures, leading to escalating misunderstandings and hilarious consequences that expose the flaws of the institution.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared commitment to satirical humor, fast-paced chaotic energy, and a lighthearted tone when critiquing authority. They prioritize laughs and farcical situations over deep drama, creating a consistently humorous and absurd viewing experience.

Chaotic Coming-of-Age Farce Films similar to Rebel High

Stories where teenage rebellion and social chaos collide in hilarious ways.If you liked the chaotic teenage antics in Rebel High, explore similar coming-of-age comedies. These movies share a fast pace, light emotional weight, and a focus on the absurd and farcical side of adolescent rebellion, social chaos, and navigating institutional life with humor.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a group of teenagers, often outsiders, navigating an exaggerated version of high school or youth culture. Their attempts to rebel, fit in, or simply survive lead to a rapid series of comedic misadventures and misunderstandings, culminating in a resolution that affirms their individuality amidst the chaos.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their fast-paced, lighthearted portrayal of teenage life as a comedic farce. They share a specific vibe of youthful energy, social satire, and absurd humor, focusing on the chaotic journey rather than deep emotional drama.

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Rebel High Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rebel High

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rebel High

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