25 best back-to-school movies for kids

Looking to ease the back-to-school jitters or celebrate the first day of class? A movie night can be a great way to get into the spirit. We've rounded up some of the best back-to-school movies for kids, whether you're raising a tiny kindergartener or a high schooler with summer nostalgia.

Each title below is age-appropriate, fun to watch, and comes with a unique conversation starter to help families connect and reflect after the credits roll.

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For younger kids (ages 4 to 7)

1. Curious George: Back to School George's curiosity gets the best of him when he explores the world of school supplies, chalkboards, and classroom rules. This light and charming tale can be a helpful introduction to the classroom setting for preschoolers. Talk about it: What are you most curious about when you think about going to school?

2. Arthur Goes Back to School Arthur and his friends tackle the nerves and excitement that come with a new school year. With relatable characters and gentle humor, this one may help little ones feel more comfortable with the idea of going back to school. Talk about it: Have you ever felt nervous about starting something new?

3. Peppa Pig: School Bus Trip Peppa and her classmates take a field trip, learning about responsibility, friendship, and teamwork along the way. This short, colorful episode is engaging and reinforces positive school behavior. Talk about it: What would you bring on your perfect school field trip?

4. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Back to School Special Mouse and friends prepare for school in this delightful episode that introduces school routines and classroom etiquette, making it a comforting choice for preschool viewers. Talk about it: What helps you get ready for the school day?

5. Franklin and the First Day of School Franklin the turtle is nervous about his first day of school, just like many young viewers. This heartwarming story shows that it’s okay to feel unsure and that new experiences can turn out well. Talk about it: What can we do when we feel scared to try something new?

For elementary school kids (ages 8 to 11)

1. Inside Out While not directly about school, this Pixar story explores the emotional rollercoaster of starting over in a new place. It may help kids identify and talk about their own school-related feelings. Talk about it: How do you handle big feelings when things change?

2. Matilda Matilda is a brilliant girl stuck in a less-than-brilliant school, facing off against cruel headmistresses and clueless parents. Her story of using knowledge (and a little magic) to carve her own path is empowering and fun. Talk about it: What makes a great teacher or school environment?

3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Middle school mayhem unfolds as Greg Heffley tries to survive the social pecking order. This movie offers laughs and relatable situations for kids adjusting to new routines. Talk about it: What do you do when things at school don’t go your way?

4. The Peanuts Movie Charlie Brown faces school challenges and social anxieties with heartwarming determination. It’s a gentle story about perseverance and staying true to yourself. Talk about it: How do you stay confident even when things are tough?

5. Akeelah and the Bee Akeelah is a gifted student who discovers her talent for spelling. With the support of her community, she takes on the National Spelling Bee. It's a feel-good film about learning, effort, and encouragement. Talk about it: What’s something you want to get better at this year?

6. Zootopia Judy Hopps overcomes bias and stereotypes to become the first bunny cop. Though not set in a school, it mirrors lessons in inclusion, persistence, and chasing big dreams. Talk about it: What do you want to achieve, even if others think you can’t?

For tweens and younger teens (ages 12 to 14)

1. Wonder Auggie Pullman enters public school for the first time with a facial difference that makes him stand out. This touching story highlights the importance of empathy and acceptance. Talk about it: How can we be kinder to someone who feels different?

2. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life Rafe Khatchadorian rebels against his school’s strict rules in creative ways while dealing with personal grief. The film can spark conversations about individuality and coping with change. Talk about it: When is it okay to break the rules, and when isn't it?

3. A Wrinkle in Time Meg Murry journeys through space and time to rescue her father, learning to embrace her flaws and intellect. This visually rich story offers lessons in self-acceptance and courage. Talk about it: What makes you unique, and why is that important?

4. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Aspiring scientist Flint Lockwood struggles to fit in but ends up inventing something incredible. This movie blends humor with a light message about innovation and perseverance. Talk about it: Have you ever had a big idea? What would you invent?

5. Finding 'Ohana A Hawaiian family adventure that ties school pressures with cultural identity. It can be a meaningful pick for tweens learning about themselves and their roots. Talk about it: What traditions or stories from your family do you want to learn more about?

6. The Karate Kid (2010) Dre moves to China and finds his place through martial arts and mentorship. It emphasizes respect, focus, and growth — values that often show up in and outside of school. Talk about it: What does respect mean to you, and how do you show it?

For high schoolers (ages 15+)

1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off Ferris is the king of carefree charm, skipping school to enjoy one last adventure before graduation. But behind the laughs and mischief are subtle questions about growing up, responsibility, and what we value most in our time. Talk about it: What would you do with a totally free day? How do you decide when to follow the rules and when to push them?

2. The Perfect Score A group of stressed-out high schoolers plan to steal the answers to the SAT in hopes of securing their futures. Along the way, they confront personal pressures, moral dilemmas, and what success really means. Talk about it: Have you ever felt pressure to be perfect? What helps you define success in your own way?

3. Clueless Cher is a Beverly Hills teen who seems to have it all — style, confidence, and popularity. But as she plays matchmaker and meddles in other people's lives, she begins to understand empathy, growth, and what truly matters in a friendship. Talk about it: How can helping others help us grow too? What makes someone a good friend?

4. To All the Boys I've Loved Before When Lara Jean's secret love letters accidentally get mailed to all her crushes, her quiet high school life takes an unexpected turn. As she tries to navigate the fallout, she learns about honesty, vulnerability, and what it means to be herself in a world full of expectations. Talk about it: How do you handle it when something private becomes public? What helps you feel confident in being yourself?

5. Mean Girls Cady enters public high school after years of homeschooling and quickly gets swept up in the popularity games of the infamous Plastics. As her social status rises, so do the stakes — until she has to decide who she really wants to be. Talk about it: What does it mean to stay true to yourself in a group? How do you handle peer pressure?

6. 10 Things I Hate About You In this witty take on Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” Kat and her sister Bianca navigate high school, dating rules, and identity. Through clever banter and unexpected connections, they both learn to challenge expectations and speak their truth. Talk about it: Have you ever felt like people expected you to act a certain way? What helps you make your own choices?

7. October Sky When the first satellite, Sputnik, launches into space, small-town teen Homer Hickam dreams of building rockets, despite pressure to follow in his father’s footsteps as a coal miner. Based on a true story, this film explores grit, mentorship, and how education can open doors. Talk about it: Have you ever felt drawn to something no one else understood? What keeps you motivated when things get tough?

8. Spider-Man: Homecoming Peter Parker may have superpowers, but he's still figuring out how to manage school, friendships, and doing the right thing. Between balancing tests and saving the city, he learns that responsibility and integrity go hand in hand. Talk about it: How do you handle pressure when others are counting on you? What helps you stay grounded?

Keep the conversation going

Some of the best parts of movie night can happen after the screen fades to black. Maybe your child relates to a character, has a big question, or just wants to keep talking. Let those moments unfold. They're a chance to connect, learn more about each other, and hear what your kids are thinking as they head into a new school year.

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