Is High School U.S.A. Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, High School U.S.A. is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 60 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
High School U.S.A. Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1984, High School U.S.A. enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Principal of Excelsior High School deals with a rivalry between student groups and his own interest in the new counselor. Under the direction of Jack Bender, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Melody Anderson, Crystal Bernard, Barbara Billingsley. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, High School U.S.A. offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, High School U.S.A. is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 4.2/10, the reception has been negative. For fans of Comedy, TV Movie, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Cast of High School U.S.A.
- Melody Anderson – Cindy Franklin
- Crystal Bernard – Anne-Marie Conklin
- Barbara Billingsley – Mrs. McCarthy
- Henry Gibson – Vice Principal Roman Ing
- Crispin Glover – Bo Middleton
Top Highlights
Melody AndersonCindy Franklin
Crystal BernardAnne-Marie Conklin
Barbara BillingsleyMrs. McCarthy
Henry GibsonVice Principal Roman Ing
Crispin GloverBo Middleton
Jon GriesLeo Bandini
Anne-Marie JohnsonBeth Franklin
David Knell
Ben MarleyJay-Jay Manners
Jerry MathersMr. Sirota
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.2/10, and global collection metrics, High School U.S.A. stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1984 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High School U.S.A. movie hit or flop?
High School U.S.A. is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.2/10 and lower collections.
Is High School U.S.A. worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.2/10, High School U.S.A. may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is High School U.S.A.?
High School U.S.A. is a Comedy, TV Movie movie that Principal of Excelsior High School deals with a rivalry between student groups and his own interest in the new counselor....
