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Spike Lee’s fascinating 1988 exploration of greek life at a Black college may feel a little outdated, but it still makes a lot of relevant points about how the community measures Blackness.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

‘In Living Color’: Where Are the Cast Members Now?

‘In Living Color’: Where Are the Cast Members Now?

Thirty-six years later, the Wayans family and the most iconic sketch comedy legends are still remains to be culturally relevant to pop culture today. Here is what the stars are doing now …
Exclusive: Dwayne Johnson, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Dwayne Johnson, 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 …
Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

The 40-year-old was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and fined $1,000 on April 14 after being fired for having a relationship with his former staff member …
Black Clergy React to Trump's Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Black Clergy React to Trump’s Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Following a social media post by the president depicted himself as Jesus, prominent Black faith leaders voice their outrage …
This TikTok Star's Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

This TikTok Star’s Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

TikTok star PinkyDoll is sharing yet another unfortunate piece of news about her health. But her message is one that younger folks need to hear …
'TODAY Show' Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

‘TODAY Show’ Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

Mother’s Day came early for Sheinelle Jones when her book promotion turned into tears of joy …
The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

After the rocker’s surprise performance with Clipse onstage at Coachella, we’re looking at some of his greatest hip-hop collabs of all time! …
Why Phaedra Parks' 'Men Don't Like Smart Women' Myth Is Nonsense

Why Phaedra Parks’ ‘Men Don’t Like Smart Women’ Myth Is Nonsense

The ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is mistaking personal frustration for universal truth …
How The Medicaid Cuts in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Could Devastate Black Americans

How The Medicaid Cuts in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Devastate Black Americans

As threats to cut $1 trillion in Medicaid mount, Black Americans may lose access to maternal care, health coverage and economic stability …
Beloved 'Family Matters' Star Shocks Fans With Surprise Health Update: ‘Keep Praying For Me’

Beloved ‘Family Matters’ Star Shocks Fans With Surprise Health Update: ‘Keep Praying For Me’

One of the OG’s on the late-90s hit show is giving fans some truly welcomed news when it comes to their personal health! …
Artemis II Astronaut Victor Glover Gets the Welcome Home of a Lifetime in Viral Video

Artemis II Astronaut Victor Glover Gets the Welcome Home of a Lifetime in Viral Video

After coming back from space, Victor Glover received a warm welcome from his neighborhood that will touch your heart …
You Won't Believe What Happened to This MI Inmate After Being Forced to Live With a Leaking Colostomy Bag For Two Years

You Won’t Believe What Happened to This MI Inmate After Being Forced to Live With a Leaking Colostomy Bag For Two Years

A private insurance company denied a Black Michigan inmate’s $919 surgery because it was “too expensive.” Now, they owe him $307,600,000 …
What Issa Rae Says About Hollywood’s Turn Against DEI Will Make You Mad

What Issa Rae Says About Hollywood’s Turn Against DEI Will Make You Mad

Issa Rae is keeping it all the way real when it comes to Hollywood and how their DEI concerns are affecting Black projects nowadays …
Why Justin Bieber's Emotional Coachella Performance Has Fans Celebrating His Career Growth

Why Justin Bieber’s Emotional Coachella Performance Has Fans Celebrating His Career Growth

After taking his fans down memory lane during his Coachella performance, Justin Bieber left viewers across the internet celebrating his music legacy …
The Wild Time Michael Jackson Saved A Crazed Fan's Life In South Korea

The Wild Time Michael Jackson Saved A Crazed Fan’s Life In South Korea

As we get closer to the “Michael” biopic, videos of Michael Jackson concerts are resurfacing online, and folks can’t get enough of one crazy fan in South Korea who climbed up a crane to reach the artist …
Black Elected Official Raises Alarm as Louisiana GOP Moves to Axe His Office

Black Elected Official Raises Alarm as Louisiana GOP Moves to Axe His Office

Louisiana Republicans are on a mission to get rid of an elected office held by an exonerated Black man …
The Bizarre Reason a Black TikTok Psychic is Appealing $10M Judgement in Idaho Murder Case

The Bizarre Reason a Black TikTok Psychic is Appealing $10M Judgement in Idaho Murder Case

Ashley Guillard is officially appealing the $10 million verdict against her after a jury ruled her TikTok claims about the Idaho student murders were defamatory …
Victor Glover, The First Black Man to Travel To The Moon, Has a Family You Will Love

Victor Glover, The First Black Man to Travel To The Moon, Has a Family You Will Love

Black Excellence: Victor Glover’s deep love for his “Cocoa skin” family will make you proud …
Papoose Gives Claressa Shields Engagement Rumors a Reality Check

Papoose Gives Claressa Shields Engagement Rumors a Reality Check

During a VladTV sit-down, rapper Papoose addressed long-standing engagement chatter regarding his relationship with boxer Claressa Shields …
Incarcerated Mothers Are on the Frontlines of the Black Maternal Health Crisis

Incarcerated Mothers Are on the Frontlines of the Black Maternal Health Crisis

This Black Maternal Health Week, we’re looking at the impact of reproductive injustice on incarcerated Black mothers who face increased health risks …