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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.

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All American - Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpqyFBd6rlE

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxX7uKrHb6k

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dG3jDyqC60

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a5A9h5MZlM

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDTgfc1yF-c

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo6cSVeGLqo

Spike Lee’s fascinating 1988 exploration of greek life at a Black college may feel a little outdated, but it still makes a lot of relevant points about how the community measures Blackness.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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ9RbgMGcYA

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qly8-VuoZ2M

“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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw6JwF6kvOM

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)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgmnhRQir4

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

High School Musical trilogy - Disney+

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1l5PFs2eTc

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkiopdjEnY0

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+

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

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+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNahH5nQqHs

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

Harry Potter franchise - Peacock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4K2F_OALPQ

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.

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