It’s that time of year again — the smell of freshly sharpened pencils is in the air, the aisles are stocked with backpacks, and kids (and parents) are bracing themselves for early mornings. Whether you’re a student gearing up for a new semester, a teacher looking for inspiration, or just someone who loves the back-to-school vibe, there’s no better way to get into the spirit than with a good movie.

From comedies and teen romances to inspirational teacher stories and coming-of-age dramas, “school movies” have a special way of capturing the anxiety, excitement, and chaos that comes with heading back to class.

Here’s our list of must-watch back-to-school movies that span decades and genres — perfect for a movie marathon to get you in the academic mindset.

1. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

We can’t talk about back-to-school movies without mentioning Ferris Bueller. This John Hughes classic is less about being in school and more about how fun it can be to skip it (just once… maybe). Matthew Broderick plays Ferris, a high school senior determined to have the ultimate day off before graduation, dragging his best friend Cameron and girlfriend Sloane along for the ride.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It captures the rebellious spirit of high schoolers everywhere, has unforgettable quotes (“Life moves pretty fast…”), and reminds us that sometimes taking a break can be just as important as hitting the books.

2. Dead Poets Society (1989)

If you’re looking for something more inspirational, Dead Poets Society is a back-to-school essential. Robin Williams delivers one of his most iconic performances as John Keating, an English teacher at a conservative boys’ prep school who encourages his students to think for themselves, embrace poetry, and “seize the day.”

Why It’s a Must Watch: It’s a heartfelt reminder of the power of great teachers and the importance of pursuing your passions — perfect for anyone feeling unmotivated about the school year ahead.

3. Mean Girls (2004)

Few movies have captured the highs and lows of high school social life as perfectly as Mean Girls. Written by Tina Fey, this comedy follows Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) as she navigates public school after being homeschooled abroad, only to find herself caught up in the infamous “Plastics” clique.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It’s endlessly quotable (“On Wednesdays we wear pink”), a sharp satire of teen dynamics, and still eerily accurate about how fast school reputations can change.

4. School of Rock (2003)

Sometimes the best lessons don’t come from textbooks. Jack Black stars as Dewey Finn, a down-and-out musician who pretends to be a substitute teacher and turns his class into a rock band. With catchy music, plenty of laughs, and a big heart, School of Rock is a feel-good back-to-school favorite.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the idea that learning can be fun — plus the soundtrack is absolute gold.

5. Clueless (1995)

Loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma, Clueless follows Beverly Hills teen Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) as she navigates fashion, matchmaking, and high school politics. While it’s more about makeovers than math class, the school setting and teen drama make it a perfect addition to your back-to-school watchlist.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It’s a ‘90s fashion time capsule, hilarious, and surprisingly smart in its commentary on privilege and personal growth.

6. Matilda (1996)

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda tells the story of a gifted girl with telekinetic powers who overcomes neglectful parents, a tyrannical headmistress, and the challenges of being a misunderstood child. Mara Wilson’s performance is heartwarming, and Pam Ferris as Miss Trunchbull is unforgettable in her villainy.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It’s perfect for kids and adults alike, celebrating intelligence, kindness, and standing up to bullies.

7. Legally Blonde (2001)

College movies deserve a place on the list, and Legally Blonde is top-tier. Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School, only to discover she’s far more capable (and ambitious) than anyone expected. What starts as a mission to win him back turns into a journey of self-discovery.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It’s funny, empowering, and a reminder that you should never underestimate yourself — or anyone else.

8. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

A clever modernization of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this teen rom-com stars Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger in a battle of wits and romance. Set in high school, it perfectly captures the mix of drama, humor, and romance that comes with teen life.

Why It’s a Must Watch: Between Ledger’s legendary serenade and the witty banter, it’s one of the best high school romances ever made.

9. Easy A (2010)

Emma Stone’s breakout role came in Easy A, a sharp comedy about Olive Penderghast, a high school student whose white lie about losing her virginity spirals into full-blown scandal. Inspired by The Scarlet Letter, it’s both a modern teen comedy and a smart critique of high school gossip culture.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It’s laugh-out-loud funny, self-aware, and shows how quickly rumors can shape a reputation.

10. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

Sure, it’s technically a fantasy film, but it’s also the ultimate “first day at a new school” movie — except the school is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The first Harry Potter film captures the wonder of meeting new friends, exploring campus, and discovering your place in the world.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It blends magical escapism with relatable school themes — plus, who doesn’t want to get their own Hogwarts letter?

11. The Breakfast Club (1985)

Five high school students from different cliques spend a Saturday in detention and discover they have more in common than they thought. John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club is a timeless exploration of teen identity and stereotypes.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It’s heartfelt, funny, and still incredibly relevant — a reminder that no one fits neatly into a box.

12. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

For a more recent entry, this Netflix hit follows Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor), a shy high schooler whose secret love letters are accidentally mailed to all her past crushes. What follows is a sweet, heartfelt rom-com with plenty of high school charm.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It’s wholesome, adorable, and proof that the teen rom-com is alive and well in the streaming era.

13. Monsters University (2013)

Pixar’s prequel to Monsters, Inc. takes Mike and Sulley back to their college days, showing how their friendship began. It’s a funny and heartwarming look at ambition, competition, and finding your true strengths.

Why It’s a Must Watch: It’s kid-friendly, colorful, and surprisingly relatable for anyone who’s struggled to fit in at school.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Rushmore (1998) – Wes Anderson’s quirky tale of an eccentric prep school student.
  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) – A moving coming-of-age story about friendship, love, and mental health.
  • Superbad (2007) – Crude, chaotic, and hilarious, capturing the wild side of high school friendships.
  • Akeelah and the Bee (2006) – An inspiring spelling bee drama with heart.
  • Bring It On (2000) – Competitive cheerleading, teen drama, and unforgettable routines.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for laughs, inspiration, or a little nostalgia, back-to-school movies have something for everyone. They remind us of the excitement and awkwardness of starting fresh, the teachers who made a difference, and the friendships that shaped our lives.

So grab some popcorn, line up your streaming queue, and get ready for a marathon that will take you straight back to the hallways, cafeterias, and classrooms of your youth — without the homework.