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The Ultimate Teen Movies to Watch for the School Year That Encapsulate That Teenage Feeling

TV & Film

October 05, 2025

Unfortunately, summer is over, and back-to-school season is coming in full force. And we all know motivation isn’t always there. The motivation to study or even just to go to class… That’s why I’m going to share my top movie recommendations for the school year!

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Mean Girls

Mean Girls is a 2000s movie that tells the story of Cady (played by Lindsay Lohan), who is going to high school for the first time. Having been homeschooled her whole life, she’s going to face the world of girls for the very first time. Hypocrisy, gossip, popularity, etc. A movie I rewatch every year and even every weekend.

But personally, I prefer the first version over the new one, which is (in my opinion) very disappointing.

"On Wednesdays, we wear pink."

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Clueless

Alicia Silverstone plays Cher, a very popular Californian high school girl. The movie doesn’t really have a clear storyline. It covers her new friendship, her problems, her love stories, etc.

It’s very enjoyable to watch, especially on a Friday night after a long week!

Legally Blonde

It’s the story of Elle Woods, a very girly blonde girl, etc. Who, after a breakup, joins Harvard Law School to get back her boyfriend and prove her worth. But she will discover her true potential!

This movie is super motivating; it challenges the stereotypes about dumb blondes. We see her push herself, do her best, and most importantly, succeed.

"I don’t need backups. I’m going to Harvard."

Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 film that tells the story of a group of boys in a boarding school who, inspired by their literature teacher, create a secret club where they share and recite their poems.

Personally, I love this movie: it’s sad but touching, the poems are beautiful, and it’s just so deep! When you watch it, you’re captivated, you understand all the characters, and you live with them… one of my favorites!

"We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race."

Moxie

Vivian is a teenager who decides to fight sexism in her high school by publishing an anonymous zine, inspired by her mother’s rebellious past and a new friend.

This feminist movie is interesting and inspiring! It reminded me how lucky I was to learn and go to school.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

A movie you probably already saw during your childhood. It tells the adventures of Greg Heffley, a middle schooler facing the challenges of adolescence and school life.

It doesn’t really motivate you to study, but it inspires you to go to class and have fun with friends!

"One day I’ll be rich and famous, but for now I’m stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons."

Wild Child

Poppy Moore, a rich and rebellious teenager from Malibu, is sent by her father to a very strict English boarding school.

This movie is super funny and really lifts your mood. After watching it, I wanted to go to boarding school.

Harry Potter

You probably know Harry Potter! The story of a little boy who discovers he’s a wizard. The classic!

My opinion is simply that it’s my whole childhood. My mom and I used to watch it all the time, even now. I started studying seriously because I wanted to be like Hermione, and I got to go to the Studio in London in summer 2024!

In short, if you haven’t seen it, go for it!

Conclusion

And you, what’s your favorite movie for back to school?

Gabriella Capaldo
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Writer since Aug, 2025 · 19 published articles

Gabriella is a middle schooler from Belgium. She loves writing, reading, drawing, listening to/playing music, and being with her friends. Neuroscience, marine biology, fashion, astronomy, and especially journalism greatly interest her; she is curious and passionate. Her dream is to be accepted to Columbia University in NYC as an international student someday.

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