The Best Fall Movies & TV Series for Back to School
Back to School Season. Click on my photo to pin on Pinterest!
It’s back to school time and fall will be here before you know it. Sharpen your pencils and prepare for a long list of movie and tv series recommendations. There are just so many good shows to watch this back to school season, whether you’re going back to school or just excited to celebrate fall!
This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Erin Molstad is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to amazon.com at no cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support!
1. Book Smart (2019)
I love Book Smart! It’s about two high achieving best friends who are ready to let loose and do all the crazy things they haven’t experienced before they graduate high school. Get ready to go on an adventure with this one.
Where to Watch: Philo
3. Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Surprisingly, I only started watching Gilmore Girls recently and I’m in love! It’s cozy, sweet, silly, and the storyline keeps me invested. I enjoy the 2000s nostalgia and some familiar faces. The whole first season is filled with fall foliage, back to school, sweaters, and of course, coffee. There are 7 seasons total, so this one will keep you busy for awhile! I’ve also included this series on My Favorite Cozy Fall Movies & TV Series blog. Check that out if you’re looking for more fall movie and tv series recommendations!
4. Pen15 (2019-2021)
Get ready to cringe and laugh out loud with this series. Pen15 is absolutely hilarious. Best friends, Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, help relive all the awkwardness of your middle school days from first crushes, bad haircuts, puberty, and so much more. I highly recommend it!
Where to Watch: Hulu
5. School of Rock (2003)
What a classic. Jack Black and all the kids are so much fun in this movie. Now we’re rockin’!
Where to Watch: Paramount+ and Hulu
6. Matilda (1996)
Matilda is such a heartwarming movie. It’s a 90s staple that’s perfect for the whole family.
Where to Watch: Tubi
7. Juno (2007)
Juno brings you on a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment you’re laughing and the next you’re crying. I love this movie and it’s soundtrack. It’s a great one to watch during cozy fall.
Where to Watch: Hulu
9. A Cinderella Story (2004)
Looking for some iconic Halloween costumes? A Cinderella Story has some great inspiration throughout, and especially at the big Halloween homecoming dance.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime
10. Easy A (2010)
Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Penn Badgley, Stanley Tucci, Fred Armisen, Lisa Kudrow, I could keep going. This movie is full of amazing stars and it never gets old. I absolutely love Easy A!
Where to Watch: Hulu
11. Ladybird (2017)
Ladybird is another one of my favs. I love Saoirse Ronan and Greta Gerwig. They do an amazing job telling this refreshingly funny coming-of-age story that takes place throughout the school year.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime
12. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You is one of the all time best romantic comedies. If you haven’t seen it, what are you waiting for?
Where to Watch: Hulu
14. She’s the Man (2006)
She’s the Man is the modern day adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, "Twelfth Night". If you haven’t watched this movie since it came out, it’s time for a rewatch.
Where to Watch: Paramount+
15. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Everything about Napoleon Dynamite is so iconic. The acting, the small budget, the wardrobe, the music, the cinematography, the writing, I could go on. It’s all so good! No matter how many times I watch this movie, I always find something new to appreciate.
16. Clueless (1995)
Ugh, as if! I didn’t realize how many iconic movies take place in school until I made this list. Clueless is another fun watch.
Where to Watch: Peacock, Paramount+, Netflix, AMC+, and Philo
17. Hairspray (2007)
I love a good musical, and Hairspray is sure to keep you on your toes. “♪You Can’t Stop The Beat ♪”
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime
18. Remember the Titans (2000)
You can’t go wrong with a football movie in the fall. Remember the Titans is one of the best sports movies that will have you feeling inspired.
Where to Watch: Disney+
19. Overcompensating (2025)
Overcompensating is full of hilarious people, promiscuity, cringey moments, and mid-2010s music and fashion. Charli xcx makes an appearance, as well as Caleb Hearon, and so many others you might recognize from TikTok. The writing is so funny. The star, Benito Skinner, created this series based off his real coming-out college experiences, which are insane. lol. Everyone’s overcompensating for something.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
21. The Perks of Being A Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being A Wallflower is a beautiful movie adaptation from the coming-of-age Stephen Chbosky novel. It’ll have you laughing, crying, yearning, and feeling infinite.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
22. Legally Blonde (2001)
Any day is a perfect day when Legally Blonde is on! It’ll have you ready to take on the year.
Where to Watch: MGM+ or Rent on Amazon Prime
23. Freaks and Geeks (1999)
There is only 1 season of this TV series, but it’s jam packed with huge stars before their fame. The writers include Judd Apatow and Mike White. Although it was cancelled after just 1 season, Freaks and Geeks is considered a cult classic.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime and Paramount+
24. 17 Again (2009)
17 Again is a young Zac Efron classic. It’s funny, mystical, and very much a feel-good movie.
Where to Watch: Netflix
25. Veronica Mars (2004-2007)
If you want some murder mystery with your back to school, check out the Veronica Mars series. It’ll have you hooked.
Where to Watch: Hulu
26. Pitch Perfect (2012)
Who would’ve thought that college acapella group competitions would make for such a hilarious movie? Pitch Perfect was so popular, they made 2 sequels.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime
27. Monster’s University (2013)
The perfect mix of monsters and school - Monster’s University is such a charming movie that’s ideal for this time of year.
Where to Watch: Disney+
28. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Jenny Han writes so many good stories and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is just one of her great book to movie adaptations. In the first movie, you’ll follow Lara Jean’s life at school with, of course, some unexpected romances.
Where to Watch: Netflix
30. Mean Girls (2004)
Mean Girls is one of the most quoted movies of all time. Everything came together so perfectly for this smash hit. Hopefully your high school experience wasn’t as traumatic!
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, Peacock, and Paramount+
Overview
This time of year is so exciting and has some of the best cozy fall classics to binge. Let me know your favorite back to school movies and tv series below. If you’re looking for more fall movie and tv recommendations, make sure to check out my cozy fall movies list and spooky movies list!
Camera used to document: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
