16 Movies To Get You In The Mood For Going Back To School

It’s that time again: time to kiss summer goodbye and start a brand spanking new year at school/college/university.

Whether it’s that nerve-racking first day, the desire to be part of the in-crowd, or secretly fancying that person who doesn’t know you exist, school is filled with emotional and social challenges.

Cherish those last few moments in bed before the start of a new term, by watching heart-warming back-to-school flicks which'll get you excited for all the opportunities that lie ahead. So, if you’re struggling for film inspo, check out our top picks:

1. Mean Girls

Cady Heron joins the school's most exclusive clique, the Plastics, lead by b*tchy Regina George. Lets just say Cady soon realises being popular isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. You probably know Kevins Gnapoor's rap off by heart and could perform the Jingle Bell Rock choreography with your eyes closed and lets face it, it makes you feel good that you’ll never be as stupid as Karen. Basically, this film is SO FETCH. Just don't make a school burn book, ok?

Best quote: “I can't go to Taco Bell, I'm on an all-carb diet, GOD Karen you're so stupid!”

2. Clueless

Plaid mini-skirts, knee-high socks, and platform Mary Janes have been seared into our sub consciousness after watching this. If you’re lucky enough not to wear a uniform, take style inspo from Cher and her crew and you'll be the most stylist student in all the land. Be wary of Paul Rudd, who hasn’t aged in 20 years since the film was released.

Best quote: “Ms. Stoeger, my plastic surgeon doesn’t want me doing any activity where balls fly at my nose.” ”Well, there goes your social life!”

3. Superbad

Two guys Seth and Evan want nothing more than to lose their virginity before they head off to college. So with the help of their friend Fogell aka McLovin and his hilarious fake I.D, they go on a wild goose chase to find alcohol for a big party that night. It’s basically about getting any girl to look at you for more than 2 seconds and it’s laugh-out-loud hilarious and ridiculous all at the same time. And it'll probably remind you of some people in your class, too...

Best quote: “You used my leg as a tampon!”

4. Bring It On

We’re slightly annoyed that Kirsten Dunst made us believe that school would just be one big cheerleading dance routine. Because it isn’t. But we won’t judge you if you spirit finger your way through rounders practice whilst chanting, “I'm sexy, I'm cute! I'm popular to boot!”

Best quote: “These aren't spirit fingers... THESE are spirit fingers!"

5. Easy A

Watching Emma Stone be the badass she is and deal with nasty rumours and her clean reputation on the line, as well as the stress of being "popular" reminds us that everyone should be themselves and be loved for it... and don’t listen to rumours!

Best quote: “There’s a higher power that will judge you for your indecency.” “Tom Cruise?”

6. Me And Earl And The Dying Girl

Sob alert! It might not be the best thing to watch on a Monday morning, but this film gives you a lesson in friendship and compassion. Seeing high school senior Greg change his outlook on life whilst caring for his dying friend is a reminder that going to school is just as much about forming life-long friendships and relationships as it is about passing your exams. HEART. MELTING.

Best quote: “One last thing. Hot girls destroy your life. That's just a fact.”

7. School Of Rock

We don’t think we ever had a teacher as cool as Dewey Fynn a.k.a Jack Black who tries to turn his students into a rock band to win the "Battle Of The Bands" competition. It’s full of crazy air guitar solos and inspires us to make sweet sweet rock music instead of doing our homework. But still get your homework done... please.

Best quote: “You’re tacky and I hate you”.

8. Pitch Perfect

Beca saves the day with the Barden Bellas as this all-female acappella group strive to make a comeback from public humiliation. It's worth seeing the film just to witness the hilarious human that is 'Fat Amy' and you’ll be humming the songs to yourself in math class for the next three weeks.

Best quote: “Sometimes I have the feeling I can do crystal meth, but then I think, ‘Mmm, better not.’”

9. High School Musical

Warning: It’s a total cringe fest. Whoever wrote High School Musical obviously didn’t go to school. Because if you broke out into singing ‘STICK TO THE STATUS QUO’, people would probably look at you weirdly. But who isn't secretly a fan of sing-alongs? And anyway, this film introduced the planet to Zac Efron. Enough said.

Best quote: "Okay, now we will only be able to do this if we all work together."

10. Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone

Ok, so we're afraid your school won't be as magic as this, and you probably won't have potions class or quidditch on your new timetable. But who cares?! We’ve grown up with these characters attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, making friends, building relationships, facing challenges and learning magic in order to do wonderful things. Just keep the spell chanting for when you're safely in your bedroom at home...

Best quote: “You’re a wizard Harry..." "I’m a what?!”

11. American Pie

Jim, Kevin, Oz, Finch, and Stifler make the ultimate pact to lose their virginity before their high school graduation. So you can sort of guess that it’s full of awkward sex scenes, completely embarassing moments and fingering apple pies. Don't ask, just watch.

Best quote: “And this one time, at band camp...”

12. Grease

Go grease lightning! Danny and Sandy fall in love over the summer yet when they’re back at Rydell High School, he plays it a bit too cool in front of his group, the T-Birds. You'll spend your days wishing you were part of the Pink Ladies clan and your lunch breaks dancing to the hand jive to probably one of the most feel-good soundtracks, like, EVER.

Best quote: “Tell me about it... stud.”

13. John Tucker Must Die

John Tucker will definitely remind you of some guy in your class who everyone fancies but he’s a bit of a player and needs bringing down a notch or two. With three revengeful ex-girlfriends, the new girl in school hatches a plan to teach him a lesson for his playboy ways. Warning: you’ll probably clap at the end. 

Best quote: “John Tucker, there's only one guy out there for me, but you are NOT him!”

14. Wild Child

Spoilt princess Poppy is shipped off from Malibu to boarding school in England. Expect cheesy lines and good laughs as her roommates try to help her get expelled, but she soon finds some reasons to stay. One of those reasons being the headmistresses’ son who she has a crush on as he's played by Alex Pettyfer. Who is HAWT. Yaaaas! 

Best quote: "There's something about you, Poppy Moore. Every moment I'm with you, I catch my breath."

15. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

Socially awkward teen and 'wallflower' Charlie meets two students Sam and Patrick who become his mentors and help him to discover friendship, first love and music. Aww. It's all very heartwarming stuff and great to watch if you're not the most confident in front of your peers at school...

Best quote: “We accept the love we think we deserve.”

16. St Trinians

The infamous school for 'young ladies' is in threat from bankruptcy, so what do the girls do? They get together to save their school by carrying out a robbery, duh! And if you’re looking for some inspo to give your uniform an edgy update, feast your eyes on the St Trinians fash. Oh, and you see Colin Firth half-naked. Result.

Best quote: “Daddy, you can't expect me to stay here. It's like Hogwarts for Pikeys!”