Ferris Bueller’s Day Off had all the makings of a great 80’s movie: witty teens, adventures, and big lessons. Even today, it still has all the makings of a great movie: interesting characters, good humor, and thoughtful filming.
This movie lives on as a classic. Here’s why our parents showed it to us, why we’re going to show it to our kids, and why they’re going to show it to their kids.
1. Ferris taught us the oldest tricks in the book
We may not be able to rig our rooms with a dummy under our covers and a snoring tape track, but we can definitely lick our palms and laugh about it later.
2. We all wanted to be Sloane
It may be her luscious hair and killer fringe jacket, or it may be that she gets to say “He’s going to marry me,” about Ferris, but we all definitely envied her.
3. Ferris gave us some lasting life lessons
It goes without saying that life is short, but Ferris says life is fast. He encouraged us to stop and smell the roses in the wisest way that any clever 80’s teen skipping school could.
4. Ferris Bueller brought the streets of Chicago into a flash dance
If that’s not pure magic, I’m not sure what is. Singing “Danke Schoen” and “Twist and Shout” from a parade float is official #lifegoals.
5. It showed us that sometimes it’s healthy to skip school
To quote Ferris, “How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?” Some spontaneous fun on a beautiful day is all we need sometimes.
6. We gained a new appreciation for art
I don’t know much about pointillism, but neither do Ferris, Cameron, or Sloan. This is one of those scenes that tells us sometimes we can just stop to look and appreciate the things around us.
7. It gave us an iconic shower scene with no abs necessary
Does this shot look familiar? Emma Stone in Easy A maybe? With less sex appeal and more perspective, Ferris talks about how he’s learning about European Socialists in school but, “It still doesn’t change the fact that I don’t have a car.”
8. We all gained insight into our “Jeanie” moments
She’s crazy and on a mission to out her brother as the conniving and charming prankster he is, but eventually learns that it’s way better to get in on the fun than be a grouch about it.
9. It’s now 30 years later and we still love Ferris
He’s sweet, he’s handsome, he’s charming, and he’s got us so enchanted that we would all still donate to “Save Ferris.”
We all have a little Ferris Bueller in our hearts. Most of us daydream about skipping school for a day full of outrageous adventures, but he actually does it, and that’s why we love watching this movie so much.