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
Bakari Sellers: Why Elon Musk Should Scare Everyone

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Spike Lee’s fascinating 1988 exploration of greek life at a Black college may feel a little outdated, but it still makes a lot of relevant points about how the community measures Blackness.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

Exclusive: Hala Ayala, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Hala Ayala, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
Oscar-Winner Michael B. Jordan's Best Movies, By The Box Office

Oscar-Winner Michael B. Jordan’s Best Movies, By The Box Office

Now that Michael B Jordan is an official Oscar-winner, let’s take a look at his best movies by the box office! …
Jack Harlow Said He Got 'Blacker' and the Internet Is Outraged

Jack Harlow Said He Got ‘Blacker’ and the Internet Is Outraged

Rapper Jack Harlow is causing a stir online with his latest admission, and some folks aren’t feeling what he’s sharing! Let’s get into it …
Zendaya Crashes A Las Vegas Wedding —and the Internet Can’t Stop Talking

Zendaya Crashes A Las Vegas Wedding —and the Internet Can’t Stop Talking

The Euphoria star shocked guests at a one-day Las Vegas pop-up chapel, unexpectedly crashing a couple’s wedding ceremony …
7 Estate Planning Steps to Take Now So Your Loved Ones Aren't Left Guessing

7 Estate Planning Steps to Take Now So Your Loved Ones Aren’t Left Guessing

Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy or elderly. We spoke with a professional to highlight practical steps anyone can take today to protect their legacy and loved ones …
Why Things Got Tense for Teyana Taylor On the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Why Things Got Tense for Teyana Taylor On the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Teyana Taylor losing Best Supporting Actress apparently wasn’t her only upset at the 2026 Oscars as seen in this testy, viral moment! …
6 Years After Breonna Taylor's Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

6 Years After Breonna Taylor’s Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

Days before the anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death, the Trump administration quietly reversed legislation which might have saved her life …
Oscars 2026 Best and Worst Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

Oscars 2026 Best and Worst Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

While ‘Sinners’ didn’t exactly sweep the awards on Sunday, the film still walked away with some major wins at the 2026 Oscars. Let’s get into it! …
Haitian Immigrant Woman Found Dead at Bus Stop Days After Release From ICE. Now, Her Family Demands Justice

Haitian Immigrant Woman Found Dead at Bus Stop Days After Release From ICE. Now, Her Family Demands Justice

The family of a Haitian immigrant, who came to the U.S. to seek asylum, seeks answers after she was found dead at a bus stop days after her release from ICE …
After 12-Year-Old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her Family Is Searching for Answers

After 12-Year-Old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her Family Is Searching for Answers

The family of Jada West has hired prominent attorney Ben Crump as they seek accountability in the case surrounding her untimely death …
Erika Kirk Dragged After Questionable Statements About White Men Being 'Disenfranchised'

Erika Kirk Dragged After Questionable Statements About White Men Being ‘Disenfranchised’

Black folks are coming for the Turning Point USA CEO for comments she made about white men being disenfranchised …
Why Michael B. Jordan Just Claimed The Oscar Crown Jonathan Majors Let Slip Away

Why Michael B. Jordan Just Claimed The Oscar Crown Jonathan Majors Let Slip Away

Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors once stood at the exact same place in Black Hollywood. One played the long game. The other played himself …
Cringey 2026 Oscars Snub the Heck Out of 'Sinners'

Cringey 2026 Oscars Snub the Heck Out of ‘Sinners’

The most-nominated film of the year faced surprising losses, but still scored historic wins for its cast and crew …
Resurfaced Video of Tyriq Withers Showing His Black Greek Pride is Now Viral

Resurfaced Video of Tyriq Withers Showing His Black Greek Pride is Now Viral

The “Reminders of Him” actor is trending after fans rediscover a throwback video of him strolling with his fraternity brothers …
'Euphoria' Composer Labrinth Quits Show and Music Business, Now Fans Are Shook

‘Euphoria’ Composer Labrinth Quits Show and Music Business, Now Fans Are Shook

Fans of the hit HBO drama “Euphoria” are shook after the show’s composer, Labrinth, suddenly cut ties with the high school series …
What We Now Know About Chadwick Boseman's Heartbreaking Snub at the 2021 Oscars

What We Now Know About Chadwick Boseman’s Heartbreaking Snub at the 2021 Oscars

Chadwick Boseman’s widow, Simone Boseman, reveals the oscar speech she had prepared in 2021 …
Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker's Messy Divorce Finally Reaches a Conclusion

Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker’s Messy Divorce Finally Reaches a Conclusion

The testy divorce between Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker has finally come to an end. Here’s the latest in their unfortunate saga! …
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Keke Palmer at SXSW Panel

You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Keke Palmer at SXSW Panel

Fans of the actress are speaking out following the shocking ordeal in Texas on Friday, and they’re asking all the right questions! …
Dak Prescott and Sara Ramos Interesting Relationship Timeline

Dak Prescott and Sara Ramos Interesting Relationship Timeline

Dak Prescott and Sara Jane Ramos made headlines on their shocking breakup. Let’s examine how they went from an anticipated fairytale wedding to calling it quits …
Why Former Illinois ‘Super Mayor’ Tiffany Henyard is Leaving Her State and Her Party Behind

Why Former Illinois ‘Super Mayor’ Tiffany Henyard is Leaving Her State and Her Party Behind

Now, ex-Mayor Henyard plans to run in the well-known Fulton County, Ga. race for the Board of Commissioners, and she’s doing so as a Republican …