It’s been thirty years since we first got to watch Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane explore the city of Chicago while playing hooky from school. Whether you first saw the movie in theaters, or if you’ve seen it on DVD or Netflix, the movie is iconic and has a lasting impact on audiences.
The John Hughes movie depicted the kind of epic last hurrah that we all hoped for in our own senior years, and the characters in the movie are all ones we recognize and can relate to. The movie celebrated living in the moment, making dumb choices, and the importance of having a car.
Ferris was also the mastermind behind some of the most simple yet ingenious pranks out there. There was something weirdly inspirational about watching Ferris, Sloane, and Cameron think of new and exciting ways to have crazy adventures and trick their principal, Mr. Rooney.
It also depicted one of the most accurate portrayals of a shy, nervous, slightly anxious, introverted person who happens to be best friends with an individual who is outgoing, spontaneous, and has little fear of consequences.
Seriously: I related to Cameron so well that I actually thought it was a good idea to use the totally obscure Cameron quote, “He’s just gonna keep calling, he’s just gonna keep calling. Alright! I’ll go, I’ll go, I’ll go,” as my senior quote when my best friend chose to use a Ferris Bueller quote for hers.
Ferris was the kind of kid we all either wished we were or wished we were best friends with. He could turn any day into an adventure, and his reckless abandon made life exciting.
Ultimately, Ferris used his epic day off to make some lifelong memories with his best friend and his girlfriend, and to make sure they knew that — in his own weird way — he cared about them. Even when things are weird and crazy, there’s always something good to be found.
The movie is a modern classic, to be certain. It’s crazy to think that it’s been around for three decades, yet the messages behind the film are still just as relevant today as they were when the movie first hit theaters. Ultimately, it’s a film about making the most of every moment, and not being afraid to take chances—even if those chances are pretending to be the Sausage King of Chicago and dancing in a parade. Remember:
Let’s just hope there aren’t any re-makes planned of this one, amirite?
What are your favorite parts of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? Have you ever tried to attempt a Ferris-level adventure? Let me know in the comments!