Get Ready to Learn: Best Back-to-School Movies for Teenagers

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s the perfect time to dive into films that capture the highs and lows of teenage life in school. Whether you’re gearing up for a new year or simply want to relive those memories, these movies bring laughter, inspiration, and relatable experiences to the screen. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these back-to-school gems take you on a nostalgic ride!

1. Mean Girls

This comedy explores the life of a new girl in high school navigating the tricky social hierarchies of teen girls.

Best for: Those who appreciate sharp humor and relatable high school dynamics.
Where to Watch: Available on Paramount+.
Year: 2004 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.0
Question: What do you think makes high school friendships so complicated?

2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Ferris fakes being sick to skip school and embark on an adventurous day in Chicago with his friends.

Best for: Fans of classic comedies and feel-good stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 1986 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.8
Question: What’s the best adventure you can imagine having during a school day off?

3. The Breakfast Club

Five high school students from different cliques spend Saturday detention together and discover they have more in common than they thought.

Best for: Those who enjoy character-driven stories and classic teen drama.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 1985 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.9
Question: How do you think spending time with people from different backgrounds can change your perspective?

4. Easy A

A high school girl decides to use rumors about her promiscuity to boost her social status, only to find herself facing the consequences.

Best for: Fans of witty, modern takes on classic literature.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2010 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.0
Question: What do you think about the impact of rumors in a school setting?

5. 10 Things I Hate About You

A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” this romantic comedy follows a high school girl who refuses to date until her sister does.

Best for: Fans of romantic comedies with a twist.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 1999 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.3
Question: How important do you think it is to find common interests in relationships?

6. Clueless

A wealthy, popular high school girl navigates love, friendships, and social cliques while playing matchmaker for her classmates.

Best for: Those who enjoy light-hearted teen comedies with style.
Where to Watch: Available on HBO Max.
Year: 1995 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.8
Question: What do you think makes a friendship meaningful during high school?

7. A Walk to Remember

A rebellious teen falls for a quiet, principled girl, leading him to discover love, loss, and personal growth.

Best for: Fans of heartfelt romance and drama.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2002 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 7.4
Question: What lessons do you think can be learned from unexpected friendships?

8. The Edge of Seventeen

A high school junior navigates the ups and downs of teenage life, feeling like an outsider when her best friend starts dating her brother.

Best for: Those who appreciate realistic portrayals of teenage struggles.
Where to Watch: Available on HBO Max.
Year: 2016 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.3
Question: How do you handle feeling like you don’t fit in with your peers?

9. Spider-Man: Homecoming

After being bitten by a radioactive spider, a teenager must balance high school life with his newfound superhero responsibilities.

Best for: Superhero fans looking for a light-hearted story.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2017 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.4
Question: What would you do if you suddenly gained superpowers?

10. She’s All That

A popular high school jock makes a bet that he can turn a geeky girl into the prom queen, only to find unexpected feelings.

Best for: Fans of classic teen romance.
Where to Watch: Available on Hulu.
Year: 1999 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 5.9
Question: How do appearances influence our perceptions of others in high school?

11. High School Musical

When a basketball star and a brainy girl meet at a summer talent show, they challenge the status quo at their high school.

Best for: Fans of musicals and upbeat teen dramas.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2006 | Age Rating: G | IMDb Rating: 5.4
Question: What do you think makes musicals so fun for teens?

12. The DUFF

A high school senior discovers that she’s the “Designated Ugly Fat Friend” of her friend group and sets out to reinvent herself.

Best for: Those who enjoy stories about self-acceptance and friendship.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2015 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.5
Question: How important is it to feel accepted by your friends?

13. Superbad

Two high school friends aim to make the most of their final days before graduation, leading to wild and hilarious adventures.

Best for: Fans of raunchy comedies.
Where to Watch: Available on Hulu.
Year: 2007 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.6
Question: What do you think are the best memories you can create before graduating?

14. Remember the Titans

Based on a true story, a high school football team overcomes racial tensions and personal differences to unite and succeed.

Best for: Those who love inspiring sports dramas.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2000 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 7.8
Question: What role do sports play in bringing people together in schools?

15. Back to the Future

A teenager accidentally travels back in time and must ensure his parents fall in love to secure his own existence.

Best for: Fans of time-travel adventures and sci-fi comedies.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 1985 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 8.5
Question: If you could travel to any time period, where would you go?

16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

A shy high school freshman navigates the challenges of adolescence and mental health while finding friendship and acceptance.

Best for: Those who enjoy poignant coming-of-age stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2012 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.9
Question: How do friendships shape your high school experience?

17. Zombieland

In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, a teen teams up with unlikely allies to survive and navigate the chaos of high school.

Best for: Fans of horror-comedy with a twist.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2009 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.6
Question: What do you think about blending different genres in movies?

18. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Two slackers travel through time to complete their history project, meeting historical figures and creating chaos along the way.

Best for: Those who love quirky comedies with a twist.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
**Year

**: 1989 | *Age Rating*: PG | *IMDb Rating*: 7.0

Question: If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?

19. Wild Child

A rebellious Malibu teen is sent to a strict English boarding school, where she learns valuable lessons about friendship and responsibility.

Best for: Fans of coming-of-age stories with a fun twist.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2008 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.0
Question: What do you think makes a school experience unforgettable?

20. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

A teenage girl’s secret love letters get mailed out, leading to a series of romantic misadventures and personal growth.

Best for: Those who enjoy light-hearted romantic comedies.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2018 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.1
Question: How do you think unrequited love shapes our relationships?

21. School of Rock

A wannabe rock star becomes a substitute teacher at a prep school and turns his class into a rock band, teaching them valuable life lessons along the way.

Best for: Music lovers and aspiring rock stars.
Where to Watch: Available on Paramount+.
Year: 2003 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.1
Question: What instrument would you want to learn if you could join a rock band?

22. Legally Blonde

After being dumped by her boyfriend, a sorority girl enrolls in Harvard Law School to win him back, proving that she’s more than just a pretty face.

Best for: Fans of empowering stories with a twist of humor.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2001 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.3
Question: How important is it to follow your passions, even when others doubt you?

23. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Four best friends share a magical pair of jeans that fits each of them perfectly, and they send the pants to each other as they navigate life’s challenges over a summer apart.

Best for: Those who cherish friendship and growth stories.
Where to Watch: Available on HBO Max.
Year: 2005 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 6.5
Question: What does friendship mean to you, especially during tough times?

24. Freaky Friday

A mother and daughter find themselves magically switched into each other’s bodies, leading to hilarious situations and a deeper understanding of one another.

Best for: Families looking for fun and relatable stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2003 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 6.2
Question: If you could swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

25. Rushmore

An eccentric teenager falls for a first-grade teacher while navigating his complicated life at a prestigious academy.

Best for: Fans of quirky comedies and unique storytelling.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 1998 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.2
Question: What do you think is the most important lesson learned from childhood crushes?

26. Napoleon Dynamite

A socially awkward teenager navigates high school life and tries to help his friend win a class election, all while being unapologetically himself.

Best for: Those who enjoy offbeat humor and unique characters.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2004 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 6.9
Question: How important is it to stay true to yourself in high school?

27. The Fault in Our Stars

Two teenagers with cancer meet in a support group and embark on a journey of love and self-discovery.

Best for: Those who enjoy heartfelt and emotional stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2014 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.7
Question: How do you think personal challenges can shape our relationships?

28. The Kings of Summer

Three teenage friends decide to build a house in the woods and live off the land for the summer, seeking freedom from their families.

Best for: Fans of adventurous coming-of-age stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2013 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.1
Question: What does freedom mean to you during your teenage years?

29. High School Musical 2

As summer begins, the East High Wildcats face new challenges and friendships while pursuing their dreams and enjoying the summer sun.

Best for: Those who love musicals and upbeat teen dramas.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2007 | Age Rating: G | IMDb Rating: 5.1
Question: What would be your ideal summer job?

30. Adventureland

In the summer of 1987, a recent college grad takes a job at an amusement park, where he learns about life, love, and responsibility.

Best for: Those who enjoy nostalgic coming-of-age tales.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2009 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 6.7
Question: What has been your most memorable summer job experience?

31. The Giver

In a dystopian future, a young boy learns the dark truth about his society from an elderly man known as The Giver and discovers the importance of emotions.

Best for: Those who enjoy thought-provoking and philosophical stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2014 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.4
Question: How do you think emotions shape our decisions and experiences?

32. The Art of Getting By

A lonely high school student learns valuable life lessons while befriending a girl who inspires him to embrace his artistic talents.

Best for: Fans of indie films and artistic storytelling.
Where to Watch: Available on Hulu.
Year: 2011 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.5
Question: How important is it to find and pursue your passions during high school?

33. The Spectacular Now

A high school senior who lives in the moment meets a shy girl and starts to confront his fears about the future and his relationships.

Best for: Those who appreciate deep emotional narratives.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2013 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.1
Question: How do you see your future affecting your present decisions?

34. She’s the Man

To win over her crush, a girl disguises herself as her twin brother and ends up playing on his school’s soccer team.

Best for: Fans of romantic comedies with a twist.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2006 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.4
Question: What lengths would you go to just to get someone’s attention?

35. The Incredibles

A family of superheroes is forced to hide their powers and live a normal life, only to find themselves saving the world again.

Best for: Families who enjoy action-packed animated films.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2004 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 8.0
Question: What makes a superhero movie appealing to you?

36. The Little Prince

A young girl discovers the story of The Little Prince through her eccentric neighbor and learns valuable life lessons about love, loss, and friendship.

Best for: Those who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of fantasy.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2015 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 7.7
Question: What do you think is the most important lesson we learn as children?

37. The Perfect Date

A high school student creates an app to offer his services as a stand-in date, leading to unexpected twists in his life and relationships.

Best for: Fans of modern romantic comedies.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2019 | Age Rating: TV-14 | IMDb Rating: 5.8
Question: How do you think technology affects dating in today’s world?

38. Mean Girls 2

A sequel to the original, this film follows a new girl who navigates the world of cliques and high school drama.

Best for: Fans of the original “Mean Girls.”
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2011 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 4.3
Question: What do you think is the most important lesson to learn about friendships in high school?

39. Zombieland

In a world overrun by zombies, a group of survivors learns to navigate this new reality while forming unexpected bonds.

Best for: Fans of horror-comedy films.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2009 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.6
Question: If you had to survive in a zombie apocalypse, what would be your first move?

40. 21 Jump Street

Two underachieving cops go undercover at a high school to bring down a synthetic drug ring, leading to comedic and action-packed scenarios.

Best for: Fans of buddy cop comedies with a twist.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2012 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.2
Question: What do you think is the most surprising part of going back to high school as an adult?

41. Mean Girls

A naive girl moves to a new school and navigates the complex social hierarchy of high school cliques, ultimately learning valuable lessons about friendship and self-identity.

Best for: Fans of sharp humor and insightful social commentary.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2004 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.0
Question: What do you think is the most important lesson about friendship learned in high school?

42. Easy A

After a little white lie about losing her virginity spirals out of control, a high school girl decides to embrace her new reputation while dealing with the complexities of teenage life.

Best for: Those who enjoy clever, witty comedies.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2010 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.0
Question: How do you feel about the importance of honesty among friends?

43. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

A high school student fakes illness to skip school and embarks on a memorable day filled with adventure in Chicago with his friends.

Best for: Anyone looking for a lighthearted and fun movie experience.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 1986 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.8
Question: If you could take a day off from school, how would you spend it?

44. The Breakfast Club

Five students from different cliques spend a Saturday detention together and learn that they have more in common than they initially thought.

Best for: Fans of classic coming-of-age films.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 1985 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.9
Question: What do you think is the most valuable lesson learned from unexpected friendships?

45. 10 Things I Hate About You

In this modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” a new student tries to win over a rebellious girl while navigating high school antics.

Best for: Fans of romantic comedies with a twist.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 1999 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.3
Question: How important do you think first impressions are in high school?

46. Clueless

A wealthy and popular high school girl plays matchmaker for her friends while navigating her own romantic misadventures.

Best for: Those who love stylish comedies filled with humor and heart.
Where to Watch: Available on HBO Max.
Year: 1995 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.8
Question: What do you think makes a good matchmaker?

47. The Edge of Seventeen

A high school junior’s life becomes increasingly complicated when her best friend starts dating her older brother.

Best for: Those who enjoy relatable coming-of-age stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Hulu.
Year: 2016 | Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.3
Question: What do you think is the hardest part about navigating friendships in high school?

48. She’s All That

A popular high school jock bets that he can turn a nerdy girl into prom queen, only to discover true beauty lies within.

Best for: Fans of classic teen romances.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 1999 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 5.9
Question: How do you think people’s perceptions can change when they look beyond appearances?

49. The DUFF

A high school senior discovers she has been labeled the “Designated Ugly Fat Friend” and enlists the help of a popular classmate to reinvent herself.

Best for: Those who appreciate empowering and fun teen comedies.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2015 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.5
Question: How do you think labels can affect our self-esteem?

50. High School Musical

A basketball star and a shy girl discover their passion for music and challenge the status quo at their high school through the power of song and dance.

Best for: Fans of musical theater and feel-good stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2006 | Age Rating: G | IMDb Rating: 5.5
Question: What role do you think music plays in our lives, especially in school?

51. A Walk to Remember

A rebellious teen is forced to participate in the school play, where he falls for a quiet girl who has a life-changing secret.

Best for: Those who enjoy heartfelt romance and drama.
Where to Watch: Available on Hulu.
Year: 2002 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 7.4
Question: What do you think is the most valuable lesson learned through love?

52. Remember the Titans

Based on a true story, a newly integrated high school football team overcomes racial tensions and personal challenges to unite as champions.

Best for: Sports enthusiasts and fans of inspirational stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2000 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 7.8
Question: How important is teamwork in overcoming challenges?

53. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

A shy freshman navigates the ups and downs of high school life, friendships, and mental health while dealing with the struggles of growing up.

Best for: Those who enjoy thought-provoking dramas.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2012 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.9
Question: How do you think friendships can help us cope with difficult times?

54. The Lizzie McGuire Movie

Teenager Lizzie McGuire goes to Rome for a school trip and is mistaken for a famous pop star, leading her on an unforgettable adventure.

Best for: Fans of family-friendly adventures.
Where to Watch: Available on Disney+.
Year: 2003 | Age Rating: G | IMDb Rating: 5.5
Question: If you could go anywhere for a school trip, where would you choose to go?

55. Sierra Burgess Is a Loser

A case of mistaken identity leads to an unexpected romance for a misfit high school girl who is trying to find her place.

Best for: Those who enjoy modern romantic comedies.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2018 | Age Rating: TV-14 | IMDb Rating: 6.0
Question: How do you think social media influences relationships today?

56. Pitch Perfect

A college freshman finds her singing voice and discovers the competitive world of a cappella music while forming lasting friendships.

Best for: Fans of musical comedies and energetic performances.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2012 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.1
Question: How do you think participating in music or performing arts can shape one’s confidence?

57. My All-American

Based on a true story, a college football player faces personal and professional challenges while striving to succeed and inspire others.

Best for: Sports fans and those who enjoy uplifting true stories.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Year: 2015 | Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 6.4
Question: What qualities do you think are important for perseverance in sports and life?

58. The Kissing Booth

A high school student finds herself in a love triangle between her longtime crush and her best friend’s older brother.

Best for: Fans of romantic comedies and teenage dilemmas.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2018 | Age Rating: TV-14 | IMDb Rating: 6.1
Question: How do you navigate tricky romantic situations with friends?

59. Legally Blonde

A fashionable sorority girl enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, only to discover her true potential and talents.

Best for: Anyone who enjoys empowering comedies with a strong female lead.
Where to Watch: Available on HBO Max.
Year: 2001 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 6.3
Question: What do you think about the idea of following your passions despite others’ expectations?

60. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

A high school girl’s secret love letters are exposed, leading her to navigate unexpected romances and friendships.

Best for: Fans of romantic teen dramas.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
Year: 2018 | Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.1
Question: How do you feel about expressing your feelings, especially to crushes?

Get Ready for a New School Year!

These best back-to-school movies for teenagers are perfect for setting the tone for the upcoming school year. They remind us of the fun, challenges, and friendships that define our teenage years. Which movie resonates with your back-to-school experiences the most? Happy viewing and best of luck with the new school year!