Movies and Shows About Going Back to School

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Is there any school transition harder than starting middle school? Photo: courtesy of Disney

It hurts me to type these words: Back-to-school is almost upon us. I swear I was at a Fourth of July barbecue last weekend! Rather than fight against the impending reality of saying goodbye to summer, I’ve decided just to lean into the new season, at least with our family entertainment.

For better or worse, September brings change, and I’ve rounded up tons of great movies featuring characters dealing with transition. From starting a new school to making a discovery about yourself, these movies capture the feeling of transitions — from dread to total excitement and everything in between.

Movies and shows about starting school

“Curious George: Back to School”

School is back and George can’t wait! Tag along with George through eight episodes where he learns all about school and the many things you can discover. Each segment includes real kids in a school setting. Pick this up from the library if you’ve got a child about to start school!
Available for checkout from Seattle Public Library, not rated but OK for all ages

“Arthur’s First Day”

Arthur is excited to start fourth grade, until he learns his friend Buster is in another class (relatable!). His little sister D.W. is nervous about starting kindergarten, and both kids find themselves wondering if they will be able to make new friends in their classes. With the support of his friends and a helpful teacher, Arthur gains confidence throughout the day. By the end, he realizes that trying new things can be both challenging and exciting.
Stream on PBS Kids, rated G

“High School Musical”

Popular athlete Troy Bolton and academic wiz Gabriella Montez meet singing karaoke on New Year’s Eve while vacationing with their families at a ski lodge in Utah (totally relatable). When Troy returns home to New Mexico, he is surprised when Gabriella shows up as a new transfer to his high school. They both end up cast in the school musical, angering the drama kids. But don’t worry, this is Disney and it all works out in the end, with the whole school coming together for a final dance number in the gym.
Stream on Disney+, rated TV-G

“Monsters University”

This prequel to “Monsters Inc.” tells the story of Mike and Sully as they start college. Both determined to become scarers at Monsters Inc., a rivalry develops between the two monsters. They ultimately become allies and realize that differences can be strengths, and their friendship begins to blossom. This movie is voiced by some big names, including Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Helen Mirren.
Stream on Disney+, rated G

"Sully from the Monsters Inc movies" — Watch Sully get his start as a scarer in “Monsters University.” Photo: courtesy of Disney

“An Extremely Goofy Movie”

Goofy’s son Max is headed to college. (They grow up so fast!) Goofy loses his job and finds out he cannot get another without a college degree. So, much to Max’s horror, he follows his son to college and decides to get his degree. Get ready for standard Goofy silliness, and a positive message about the importance of family.
Stream on Disney+, rated G

“Emily’s First 100 Days of School”

Based on the books with the same name, this short movie follows Emily (a young rabbit) as she learns her numbers from one to 100. She starts with the number one, on her very first day of school. Young viewers will enjoy watching Emily learn about school, numbers and new friends.
Stream on YouTube, rated TV-G

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”

Greg Heffley keeps a diary so people can look back on his humble beginnings when he grows up to be rich and famous. Only one thing stands in his way: surviving middle school. This animated film does a great job of bringing the incredibly popular graphic novel to life. If your kids get hooked, you’re in luck! There are currently 20 books in the series (not to mention the spinoffs).
Stream on Disney+, rated PG

“100 Things to Do Before High School”

This Nickelodeon show is about three childhood friends who decide to make the most of their time in middle school before heading to high school. Isabela is afraid that when she gets to high school she and her friends will grow distant, so she creates a list of 100 things to do together in an attempt to keep her friendships close.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated TV-G

“Super Monsters Back to School”

This special episode is only 23 minutes long, perfect when you need something quick! Lobo’s cousin Vida moves to town and Lobo shows her all of his favorite places. The next day, Vida has her first day at a new school. If you have a young child nervous about starting school, this episode might lead to some good conversation about their feelings.
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-Y

“Matilda the Musical”

This film adaptation of the Tony award-winning musical (which was based on the novel “Matilda” by Roald Dahl), tells the story of Matilda and her tumultuous childhood. Raised by mean parents who do not understand her, Matilda is sent to school at the intimidating Crunchem Hall, overseen by the terrifying Miss Trunchbull. Matilda and her friends, along with kind teacher Miss Honey, ultimately find a way to save the school and have their happy ending.
Stream on Netflix, rated PG

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

Miles Morales must adjust to his new life as Spider-Man, while also struggling to succeed at a new, challenging private high school. When a multiverse collision brings various Spider-People from different dimensions to his world, Miles faces the challenge of stepping up as a hero and finding his own place in this larger universe. You and your kids will love this creative, funny and visually stunning animated film that won the Oscar in 2019 for Best Animated Feature Film (it has a great soundtrack too!).
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”

Relive the moment Hagrid uttered those famous words that started it all: “You’re a wizard, Harry.” Watch Harry, Ron and Hermione begin their magical journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Talk about a school-year transition!
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Big Hero 6”

A young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada struggles to start over after a tragic accident kills his older brother, Tadashi. Hiro enrolls in a prestigious tech school (where his brother had been a student) to find a new purpose and honor his brother. He teams up with his brother’s invention, Baymax, and a group of friends to form a superhero team. This animated film (which won the Oscar in 2015 for Best Animated Film) is laugh-out-loud funny and one of my family’s all-time favorites.
Stream on Disney+, rated PG

"An image from the show Baymax" — The squishy, loveable Baymax from “Big Hero 6” now has his own show! Photo: courtesy of Disney

“Wonder”

Auggie Pullman, a young boy with a facial difference, is starting fifth grade at a mainstream school for the first time. The sweet movie (based on a book with the same name) explores his challenges with fitting in and highlights the trials and triumphs of navigating a new school environment.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Inside Out”

Riley and her family move from the Midwest to San Francisco, where she finds herself navigating a new school, new friends and a whole new life. Viewers get to travel inside Riley’s head and watch her emotions (Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness) struggle to help her navigate her new life. This movie is a must-watch with your kids and will open up many discussions about emotions, change and family (while you’re at it, check out the wildly successful “Inside Out 2”).
Stream on Disney+, rated PG

“How to Eat Fried Worms”

Based on the classic book, this movie follows the story of Billy. On his first day at a new school he finds himself squaring off with the school bully and winding up in a contest to eat fried worms. If you’ve got a crew that is into the gross-out factor, this movie will be a hit as the kids come up with a variety of stomach-turning ways to eat worms.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Never Have I Ever”

Devi is dealing with a lot of transitions when we first meet her in this series. After the unexpected death of her father, Devi enters a paralysis due to psychological trauma and is unable to walk for three months. After recovering, she is determined to make her sophomore year of high school better, but faces challenges including academic pressure, family expectations and complicated romance. This show has lots of diversity and is a great one to watch with teens, but get ready for lots of talk about sex.
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-14

“School of Rock”

If “A Minecraft Movie” turned your kids into Jack Black fans, they’ll love this movie. Black stars as Dewey Finn, a struggling musician who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school to try to pay rent. At first, Dewey has no interest in actual teaching, until he discovers his students’ musical talent and secretly forms a rock band with them. As they prepare for a local battle of the bands, Dewey inspires his students to express themselves and embrace their individuality.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

“Mean Girls”

Cady Heron is transitioning from homeschooling abroad to a public high school and finds herself navigating the complex world of teenage cliques in this classic (I think I can call it that, right?) coming-of-age movie. She befriends the popular “Plastics,” but things soon fall apart, and with it, the social hierarchy of the school. A remake came out in 2024, complete with musical numbers. It’s totally fetch.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

“Wednesday”

Wednesday Addams has been kicked out of every school she’s attended. She is ultimately sent to Nevermore Academy, a Hogwarts-esque school for society’s outsiders, including werewolves, vampires, sirens, shapeshifters, psychics and more. Wednesday must learn to master her psychic abilities, stop a murderer, and (hardest of all) get along with her bubbly roommate. The first half of the second season just premiered on Aug. 6, with the second part following on Sept. 3.
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-14

“Legally Blonde”

Elle Woods heads to Harvard Law to try to win back her terrible boyfriend. After struggling to be accepted and seen for who she truly is, Elle saves the day, ditches the jerk and graduates with honors. This classic comedy is lighthearted and great for a fun movie night with tweens or teens.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13