Summer is meant for getting some much-needed R&R in with the family, especially after a busy school year, but the back-to-school season will be here before you know it. It will be time to gather up school supplies and stock up on back-to-school essentials for the entire family. But another form of back-to-school prep is getting your kiddos excited for all things school. Besides purchasing a new backpack or lunch box, give your kids some fun entertainment to get them thrilled for the upcoming school year. And there’s no better way than having a family movie night with the kids and watching back-to-school movies before the summer ends!
Whether your kid is excited or nervous about starting school, I’ve rounded up the best back-to-school movies for kids of all ages. From films and shows for kindergarteners who are heading to school for the first time to flicks that will get your teen pumped up for the year, keep scrolling for 41 back-to-school movies for kids, sorted by age!
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First Day of School Movies for Preschoolers & Kindergarteners (Ages 4-5)
These movies and shows are perfect for the little one who’s off to preschool or kindergarten. The first day of school can be a little nerve-racking, and this round-up is filled with scenes that can help ease your little one’s mind before they head to school for the first time. Plus, I’m sharing episodes from toddler-favorite shows that will help your little one know what to expect on their very first day!
Monsters University (2013)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 43m | Where to Watch: Disney+
Watch the prequel to the beloved Disney Pixar classic Monsters, Inc. In this film, Mike Wazowski and Sulley are learning how to become professional scarers at Monsters University. But before our favorite monsters were best of friends, they were rivals. Watch this fun animated flick with your soon-to-be kindergartener!
Toy Story 4 (2019)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 49m | Where to Watch: Disney+
For kids who love the ‘90s movie classic Toy Story, watch the fourth installment with your little one before their first day of school. Bonnie is attending kindergarten orientation, and the gang meets a new character named Forky—a DIY spork toy, voiced by actor Tony Hale.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 44m | Where to Watch: Disney+
A little clownfish named Nemo is off to his first day of school but is thrown into an unexpected adventure of a lifetime. He’s accidentally captured from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and it’s up to his father, Marlin, to get him home safely. Nemo’s journey teaches viewers that growing up and learning to be independent is a normal part of childhood and that challenges—like Nemo’s “lucky fin”—can be overcome. Editor’s Note: The opening scene of Finding Nemo may be scary for younger children.
More First Day of School TV Show Episodes
- Sesame Street: Abby Cadabby’s First Day of School (S37, E2) — TV-Y
- Sesame Street: Are You Ready for School? (S54, E9) — TV-Y
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Daniel’s Babysitter / Daniel Goes to School (S1, E3) — TV-Y
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Jodi’s First Day at School (S4, E3) — TV-Y
- Dora the Explorer: First Day of School (S1, E1) — TV-Y
- Bubble Guppies: Get Ready for School! (S3, E1) — TV-Y
- Franklin: Franklin Goes to School / Franklin Is Lost (S1, E3) — TV-Y
- Rolie Polie Olie: Zowie’s School Daze (S6, E7) — TV-Y
- Barney: Let’s Play School (S01: E12) — TV-Y
- Blues Clues: Blue Takes You to School (S5, E25) — TV-Y
Back-to-School Movies for Kids (Ages 6-8)
These fun back-to-school movies will get your school-aged kids thrilled for this upcoming school year. Watch Descendants: Wicked Wonderland or other back-to-school classics like High School Musical!
Descendants: Wicked Wonderland (2026)
Rating: TV-G | Run Time: NA | Where to Watch: Disney+
For kids who are big fans of Disney’s original movie Descendants, don’t forget to watch Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, which debuts before the 2026 school season starts. Wonderland is hosting the Cup Games, and Red and Chloe Charming must fight off an unexpected villain. The Descendants: Wicked Wonderland soundtrack is the playlist to have on repeat before the first day of school!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 2h 32m | Where to Watch: HBO Max and Peacock
This book-to-movie adaptation is about 11-year-old orphan Harry Potter, who is an outcast living in a tiny closet at his aunt and uncle’s house until a mysterious owl arrives with a letter. Harry receives a special invitation to attend Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry, where his journey begins as a young wizard.
Freakier Friday (2025)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 52m | Where to Watch: Disney+
Mom-and-daughter duo Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back as Anna and Tess Coleman. In Freakier Friday, they’re yet again switching bodies to learn important life lessons. However, this time, they’re not the only ones swapping lives. Anna’s daughter, Harper, and her future stepdaughter, Lily, must learn to get along as they navigate school life and their parents’ nuptials.
More Back-to-School Movies for Kids
- Akeelah and the Bee — PG (2006)
- High School Musical — TV-G (2006)
- Freaky Friday — PG (2003)
- The Princess Diaries — G (2001)
- Sky High — PG (2005)
- Winning London — G (2001)
- Max Keeble’s Big Move — PG (2001)
Back-to-School Movies for Tweens (Ages 9-12)
Sit back and watch a back-to-school flick with your tween before the school year starts. From inspiring films like Chang Can Dunk to comedies like Napoleon Dynamite.
Chang Can Dunk (2023)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 49m | Where to Watch: Disney+
If you want an underdog story (or if your kid is obsessed with basketball), watch Chang Can Dunk with your kiddos. High school student Chang isn’t the most popular kid, but he bets against the star basketball player that his 5-foot-8-inch frame can dunk a basketball by homecoming.
More Back-to-School Movies for Tweens
- Wonder — PG (2017)
- Matilda — PG (1996)
- Napoleon Dynamite — PG (2004)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid — PG (2010)
- A Cinderella Story — PG (2004)
- Cadet Kelly — TV-G (2002)
Back-to-School Movies for Teens (Ages 13+)
From films about a capella singing groups to college students under academic pressures, watch these back-to-school movies that are perfect for teens.
Pitch Perfect (2012)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 52m | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
College freshman Beca joins Barden University’s singing group called The Bellas. This fun and entertaining movie is for the choir-singing kids and the teens who love music.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 32m | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
For ambitious teens who need a little reminder that being themselves will get them far, watch Legally Blonde. Elle Woods is out to show the world that she has what it takes to get into Harvard Law School.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 2h 13m | Where to Watch: Disney+
If you’re planning to watch the new Spider-Man movie this summer, don’t miss out on watching Spider-Man: Homecoming. High school student Peter Parker and the neighborhood’s friendly Spider-Man is navigating school life while trying to save the world from an evil villain named The Vulture.
More Back-to-School Movies for Teens
- Billy Madison — PG-13 (1995)
- School of Rock — PG-13 (2003)
- Grease — PG (1978)
- Kindergarten Cop — PG-13 (1990)
- The Great Debaters — PG-13 (2007)
- Clueless — PG-13 (1995)
- She’s the Man — PG-13 (2006)
- Friday Night Lights — PG-13 (2004)
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
