Back to School: The Movies, TV Series to Watch Before You Head Back to Class

Abbott Elementary, A Different World and Friday Night Lights are some of the movies and series to check out before the new school year begins.

Photo: ABC/Gilles Mingasson

Sadly, it’s time to pack away the summer fun and get ready for back to school season. Grac those No. 2 pencils and scantrons because school is starting. However, going back to class doesn’t have to be a total drag. Prepare yourself for the new school year with the movies and TV series that will take you back to high school and college.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Scary On-Air Incident During News Broadcast Finally Explained

All American – Prime Video

If you were a jock in high school and want to relive the glory days, All American will allow you to remember the good times while also being grateful that they weren’t the emotional roller coaster that these kids dealt with.

All American: Homecoming – Prime Video

College can get competitive, but things at Bringston University tend to get a little extra. But indulging in the HBCU atmosphere never gets old.

Abbott Elementary – Hulu

If you’ve ever wondered what your teachers were up to when they weren’t in class, Abbott Elementary has the hilarious answer. Until class is back in session with new episodes, you can catch up on the first two seasons, or just re-watch it because they’re always fall off the couch funny.

A Different World – Max, Prime Video

If you’re looking for a celebration of HBCU culture without leaving home, look no further than the ‘90s classic. Are you a Whitley, Dwayne, Freddie or Jaleesa?

Saved by the Bell – Prime Video

If you’re a certain age, you know the only high school show that matters is Saved by the Bell. Though she never really got her due, we always knew Lisa was the best character.

School Daze – Peacock, Prime Video

Spike Lee’s fascinating 1988 exploration of greek life at a Black college may feel a little outdated, but it still makes a lot of relevant points about how the community measures Blackness.

Bring It On – Prime Video, Hulu

Even after all these years, we still want to join the East Compton Clovers.

10 Things I Hate About You – Prime Video, Hulu

Screenshot: Entertainment Tonight

In the late ‘90s, teen remakes of Shakespeare stories were all the rage. This sweet rom-com is one of the best and the least emotionally draining.

Friday Night Lights (TV) – Netflix

“Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” If you didn’t already know Michael B. Jordan was headed for superstardom, his performance in the series’ last two seasons confirmed it.

Love & Basketball – Prime Video

Though this movie is a love story, it also includes some fascinating revelations about the differences between how women’s sports and men’s sports are treated.

Fame (TV)

Don’t pretend like you didn’t want to go to a performing arts school after watching Fame.

High School Musical trilogy – Disney+

Once you get past the overly dramatic story, there is something interesting about the idea that high school is all about “sticking to the status quo.” These movies offer a sneakily positive message for kids.

House Party – Prime Video

Sneaking out to a party is an essential part of the teenage experience. Bonus points if you find a way to work the Kid ‘n Play dance into your shenanigans.

Dope – Prime Video

All Shameik Moore’s Malcolm wants is to get into Harvard, and if he can survive a ridiculous drug deal, he can make it happen.

Spider-Man: Homecoming – Disney+

It’s such a bummer when the big dance is interrupted by your saving the world responsibilities. We’ve all been there.

Stranger Things – Netflix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXxu_sgfbx8

The kids in Hawkins aren’t just dealing with normal ‘80s coming of age problems. They also find themselves constantly fighting underworld demons and mysterious supernatural conspiracies. And you thought your high school was weird.

Remember the Titans – Disney+

We’ve never needed to see this team come together and get past their differences more.

Harry Potter franchise – Peacock

Some of us are nerds who spend our time in the library and computer lab, while some of us are destined to save everyone from the wrath of he who shall be named.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Jay-Z to Usher—a lot our music faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who and when! …
This Fashion TikToker Creates Viral Looks With Things Others Throw Away

This Fashion TikToker Creates Viral Looks With Things Others Throw Away

Folks on TikTok can’t get enough of this young Ethiopian fashion creator’s incredible sense of style and talent …
Viral 'Demure' TikToker Jools Lebron Breaks Her Silence on the Brutal Toll of Internet Fame

Viral ‘Demure’ TikToker Jools Lebron Breaks Her Silence on the Brutal Toll of Internet Fame

In a new interview with Tamron Hall, Jools Lebron reveals the dark side of overnight fame after she went viral on TikTok for “demure.” …
LeBron Should Retire Now While Greatness Still Defines Him

LeBron Should Retire Now While Greatness Still Defines Him

The only thing left for King James to prove is that he knows when to walk away …
This Georgia Lawmaker's Blackface Photo Was Offensive Enough— But His Response Was Even Worse

This Georgia Lawmaker’s Blackface Photo Was Offensive Enough— But His Response Was Even Worse

Folks say if “tone-deaf” were a person, Georgia lawmaker Kasey Carpenter might be contending for top spot after a photo of him in blackface sparked fury …
Khloé Kardashian Claps Back at Lamar Odom Over His Comments About Her Role in His Recovery

Khloé Kardashian Claps Back at Lamar Odom Over His Comments About Her Role in His Recovery

After allegedly trying to downplay her role in helping Lamar Odom recover from his 2015 brother incident and more, Khloé Kardashian is now pushing back! …
Black Virginia Lt. Governor and Wife Shot Dead in Harrowing Murder-Suicide

Black Virginia Lt. Governor and Wife Shot Dead in Harrowing Murder-Suicide

Justin Fairfax made history as the second Black man elected as lieutenant governor in Virginia. Now, police say that trailblazer shot his wife, then himself …
After Trump Fired Bondi, Noem, Are These 5 Officials Next?

After Trump Fired Bondi, Noem, Are These 5 Officials Next?

Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel are among the top picks of folks President Trump will fire next… And that’s not all …
The Trump Administration Continues to Ignore Black Maternal, Infant Health

The Trump Administration Continues to Ignore Black Maternal, Infant Health

Black Maternal Health Week reminds us we’re still fighting systemic neglect, rising costs and a food apartheid that fuels unequal care for Black mothers …
Mary Mary Singer's Husband Files for Divorce After 25 Years of Marriage

Mary Mary Singer’s Husband Files for Divorce After 25 Years of Marriage

After 25 years of marriage and a public struggle to stay together, the husband of one member of the gospel duo Mary Mary has filed for divorce …
Taraji P. Henson Breaks Silence on the Hollywood Politics That Stalled Her Career Growth After 'Baby Boy'

Taraji P. Henson Breaks Silence on the Hollywood Politics That Stalled Her Career Growth After ‘Baby Boy’

Taraji P. Henson has always been transparent about her career. Now, she’s opening up about how she and Tyrese took different paths after ‘Baby Boy.’ …
Al Sharpton On Three Major Threats to Black Voters in 2026

Al Sharpton On Three Major Threats to Black Voters in 2026

In an Exclusive interview, Rev. Sharpton warns that the “tricks” of 2026 are designed to silence Black influence …
Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

It’s never a dull day when you have Nick Cannon letting off his latest controversial take. This time it’s about the Bible. Let’s get into it! …
New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae's Mysterious Death on Vacation

New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s Mysterious Death on Vacation

New details have emerged about influencer Ashlee Jenae’s death in Tanzania …
The Untold Story Flau'jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

The Untold Story Flau’jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

You might recognize Flau’jae Johnson as a star player for LSU basketball or from “The Rap Game,” but how well do you really know the 8th overall WNBA draft pick? …
You'll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

You’ll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

Before naming Kamala Harris as his running mate back in 2020, Joe Biden reportedly had another woman in mind …
Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Jaafar Jackson, who’s set to portray his ‘King of Pop’ uncle in the new Michael Jackson movie, recently visited Gary, IN. And you’ve got to see what happened next! …
Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military's Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military’s Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Starting this year, the U.S. government is officially flipping the switch on Automatic Draft Registration. Here’s everything you need to know …
Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Today, Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, but it ignores the system pushing Black players out of the game …
Photo: Getty Images Addis Wechsler Pictures

11 Reasons Love Jones Is a Romance for The Ages

The 1997 romantic comedy still gives fans the feels nearly three decades later, but star Nia Long says the film was a box office flop …