August is coming to an end, and that can only mean one thing: it’s back-to-school season!
Every late August makes me think of fresh office supplies, new routines, and that “new chapter” excitement. Maybe it’s the Millennial in me, but this time of year will always remind me of overstuffed pencil cases, gel pens that didn’t last a week, and those first-day butterflies.
I may not be going back to school anymore, but I’ve found a new way to capture that same energy: rewatching nostalgic back-to-school movies.
So if you also love the feel of a fresh start, here are 10 classic back-to-school movies that’ll get you in the mood for fall!
First Daughter
I recently rewatched this with my sister, and it’s just as charming as I remembered! Katie Holmes stars as the president’s daughter trying to live a normal high school life, which of course is anything but ordinary. It’s a light, nostalgic watch that’s perfect for a cozy night in with your girlfriends, complete with snacks and blankets.
Watch it on Netflix or Disney+
High School Musical
For the complete experience, you have to binge 1, 2, and 3. These movies are pure childhood nostalgia, packed with catchy songs and over-the-top high school drama. I used to learn the dance choreography in my room, so watching them now brings back all those fun memories. Consider it the ultimate way to “get your head in the game” this fall (see what I did there?).
Watch it on Disney+
Mean Girls
I will never not love the original Mean Girls. And while it’s a movie I’m happy to watch any time of year, it starts at the beginning of a school year, making it perfect for fall. Lindsay Lohan stars as Cady Heron, a teen who’s been homeschooled for most of her life and is suddenly thrown into the chaos of North Shore High. Talk about being thrown to the wolves!
Watch it on Netflix or Paramount+
School of Rock
This one is honestly one of my favourite movies, because Jack Black is so effortlessly hilarious and so fun to watch on screen! In it, he plays Dewey Finn, a musician who poses as a substitute teacher at an elite private elementary school. Naturally, he introduces his love of rock music to the kids and starts a band. Oh, and the film also features a young Miranda Cosgrove!
Watch it on Paramount+
Legally Blonde
Who said you can’t have beauty and brains? Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle Woods, who proves you can be stylish, smart, and totally determined. She heads to Harvard Law to win back an ex, but quickly discovers her real power is in her own drive and intelligence. If there’s one thing this shows, it’s that you never run out of chances to change your life!
Watch it on Crave
Freedom Writers
I remember picking this one up from the Walmart 5 dollar movie bin when I was younger, and I loved it so much, I watched it over and over! Hilary Swank stars as a teacher determined to inspire her “unteachable” and “at-risk” students through writing. Every time I watch this now, it reminds me of the amazing teachers I had growing up who made a lasting impact.
Watch it on Prime Video
Bring It On
I know so many of us thought about joining the cheerleading squad growing up, and this movie hits that nostalgia perfectly. When the Toros get a new captain, Torrence, she discovers their championship routines were stolen from the East Compton Clovers, led by the iconic Gabrielle Union. Now Torrence has to whip her team into shape, and face the Clovers fair and square.
Watch it on Prime Video
Akeelah and the Bee
Anyone remember Keke Palmer from Jump In! and True Jackson, VP? Well before all that, she starred in Akeelah and the Bee. Akeelah is a bright girl from South Los Angeles who discovers her talent for spelling, and works her way toward the National Spelling Bee. TBH, I can’t think of a movie that’s as beautiful and heartwarming. It had me in tears of joy!
Watch it on Prime Video
She’s the Man
Who could forget when Viola disguises herself as her brother to join the boys’ soccer team? Truly iconic. She’s the Man is full of chaos, romance, sports, and endless quotable lines, and it somehow makes Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night feel way more hilarious and relatable. While you’re at it, rewatch all the Amanda Bynes classics like What a Girl Wants and Sydney White! Pure 2000s nostalgia!
Watch it on Paramount+ and Prime Video
A Cinderella Story
My sister and I were OBSESSED with Hilary Duff in elementary school (we begged our parents to take us to her concert, but they said no!). Here, she plays Samantha Montgomery, who is stuck at home with a wicked stepmother, but excited to meet her mysterious Internet crush at the school’s Halloween dance. And I must say: it’s still one of the best Cinderella-themed movies!
Watch it on Crave
Maybe you’re going back to school, or maybe it’s been years since your last first day. But these movies are a perfect way to relive that fresh-start energy every September.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some snacks, and hit play!
The Lilac Blog 