Back-to-School Movies

Last updated: June 29, 2026

Already feeling the back-to-school blues creeping up? Brush them away with this list of back-to-school movies that'll get your kids excited to hear the bell ring. From Harry, Ron, and Hermione's magic classes at Hogwarts to the high school struggles of Napoleon Dynamite, school has been the setting for some of America's most popular movies. Some of these movies push boundaries, so be sure to check them out first and have conversations about your rules for the school year. For other fun back-to-school options, check out our list of Back-to-School Books and Best High School Movies.

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Emily's First 100 Days of School Poster Image

MOVIE

Emily's First 100 Days of School

age 3+

Short, fact-filled animated version of popular kids' book.

July 31, 2007 2007 NR (36 minutes)

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Monsters University Poster Image

MOVIE

Monsters University

age 5+

Monsters Inc. prequel is a fun college comedy for all ages.

June 21, 2013 2013 G (110 minutes)

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Schoolhouse Rock! Poster Image

MOVIE

Schoolhouse Rock!

age 5+

Classic, clever, kitschy songs that teach.

July 18, 1977 1977 NR (283 minutes)

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Teacher's Pet Poster Image

MOVIE

Teacher's Pet

age 5+

Fast, fresh, funny and entertaining for all.

January 16, 2004 2004 PG (68 minutes)

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A Cinderella Story Poster Image

MOVIE

A Cinderella Story

age 7+

Funny and sweet update of the Cinderella tale.

July 16, 2004 2004 PG (95 minutes)

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Poster Image

MOVIE

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

age 7+

First Potter movie is a magical ride but also intense.

November 16, 2001 2001 PG (152 minutes)

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Akeelah and the Bee Movie Poster: Akeelah stands at a microphone in a pink shirt, with various other characters' faces above her

MOVIE

Akeelah and the Bee

age 8+

Inspiring drama about a young spelling champ has swearing.

April 28, 2006 2006 PG (112 minutes)

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Freaky Friday movie poster: Daughter Anna wears a business suit and mom Tess in punk rock plaid skirt, electric guitar

MOVIE

Freaky Friday

age 8+

Mother-daughter switch is fun comedic chaos.

August 8, 2003 2003 PG (95 minutes)

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High School Musical movie poster: Teens jump happily on a stage in front of red curtains

MOVIE

High School Musical

age 8+

Feel-good musical has positive messages for tweens.

January 20, 2006 2006 PG (98 minutes)

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High School Musical 2 Poster Image

MOVIE

High School Musical 2

age 8+

High School magic strikes again.

August 17, 2007 2007 NR (111 minutes)

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Mad Hot Ballroom Poster Image

MOVIE

Mad Hot Ballroom

age 8+

Enchanting dance documentary hits all the right beats.

May 13, 2005 2005 PG (105 minutes)

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Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical Movie Poster

MOVIE

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical

age 8+

Musical adaptation has positive messages, some scares.

December 9, 2022 2022 PG (117 minutes)

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Sky High Poster Image

MOVIE

Sky High

age 8+

Cartoony high school superhero drama; OK for tweens.

July 29, 2005 2005 PG (99 minutes)

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The Cheetah Girls Poster Image

MOVIE

The Cheetah Girls

age 8+

Singers celebrate diversity and independence.

August 15, 2003 2003 G (93 minutes)

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The Princess Diaries Poster Image

MOVIE

The Princess Diaries

age 8+

Sweet tale about growing up is terrific fun for families.

August 3, 2001 2001 G (115 minutes)

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid Poster Image

MOVIE

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

age 9+

Adorable comedy about middle-school anxieties...and farts.

March 19, 2010 2010 PG (90 minutes)

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Matilda Poster Image

MOVIE

Matilda

age 9+

Offbeat dark fantasy gem is intense, sometimes scary.

August 2, 1996 1996 PG (102 minutes)

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Chang Can Dunk Movie Poster: Bloom Li alone on the court.

MOVIE

Chang Can Dunk

age 10+

High school underdog tale has bullying, life lessons.

March 10, 2023 2023 PG (107 minutes)

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Mr. Holland's Opus Poster Image

MOVIE

Mr. Holland's Opus

age 10+

'90s drama about inspiring teacher has some cursing.

January 17, 1997 1997 PG (143 minutes)

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School of Rock Poster Image

MOVIE

School of Rock

age 10+

Strong communication, teamwork in funny, charming comedy.

October 3, 2003 2003 PG-13 (108 minutes)

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