8 Movies to Get You in the Mood for School

Get into the back-to-school mood with eight great movies about students, school life and the woes of being a teenager.

It’s never easy getting used to the idea of being back at school, but sometimes all you need is a reminder of how interesting a place it can be. Here’s our list of movies to make back-to-school time a little easier.

Dead Poets Society (1989)


At Welton Academy, a group of young students face the pressures of attending such a prestigious school. But when one teacher, Mr. Keating (Robin Williams), uses poetry and odd teaching methods as a way to encourage his students to be creative and follow their dreams, the lives of these young men change forever.


Never Been Kissed (1999)


Never Been Kissed tells the tale of 25-year old Josie Gellar (Drew Barrymore), a reporter who journeys back to high school to do research for her article. This touching movie reminds us how hard it can be to fit in and how darn complicated high-school romances can really be.


10 Things I Hate About You (1999)


This beautiful modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew paints an accurate picture of the ups and downs of relationships in high school. The two biggest outcasts at their school, played by Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, find themselves falling in love with each other, but not before a whole lot of drama and slew of misunderstandings. Sound familiar?


Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)


For those who are entering a new school, why not experience it with Harry Potter as he enters a school full of magic? Not only does Harry have a million piles of homework assignments and magic to practice, he also begins his task of protecting the Philosopher’s Stone from the most evil wizard of all. Hopefully, that will make your first day of school seem a little less frightening.


Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

An ambitious girl named Akeelah takes on the challenge of becoming the spelling bee champion and manages to make it to the National Spelling Bee against all odds. This movie will inspire anyone to do their best at school and to never give up.


Fame (2009)

Fame showcases a different kind of school – the New York Academy of Performing Arts. This movie tells the stories of a cast of teens dealing with various obstacles as they pursue their education in the arts. Their journey to self-discovery is a must-see, as their stories are easily relatable to many of the challenges and triumphs we all experience in high school.


Easy A (2010)

Easy A tells the story of Olive, played by Emma Stone, a good student who no one really notices at school. But when scandalous rumours are spread about her, Olive starts to enjoy her rise in popularity – that is until she has to deal with the consequences. This movie will likely make you think twice before gossiping when you’re back at school this fall.


Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)


Diary of a Wimpy Kid will make anyone’s day with its hilarious characters. Greg Heffley takes the audience through a wonderful journey of his grade 6 year. This film will bring back memories of embarrassing moments, childhood fights and more. At the same time, it will remind you that school can teach you a lot about yourself and that despite the tough times, you can have plenty of good times!