Back to school films to watch this semester

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The return to school can feel like a gloomy time of year, especially for students who took classes during the summer and didn’t get a break. The days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping, and the tan on your arms will soon have to be hidden by oversized sweaters and a rain jacket. 

After a long day of studying, we can revisit a movie from childhood or watch a beloved classic for the first time to get us into the school spirit. 

Legally Blonde 

I am starting off this list with my personal favourite is Legally Blonde. It is one of the few films that focuses on post-secondary life rather than the high school experience. More importantly, Reese Witherspoon gives an amazing performance. 

The movie follows Elle Woods, a recently dumped socialite who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back. Elle has great fashion sense, comedic timing, and a delivery of lines that only Witherspoon could pull off. “Whoever said orange was the new pink, was seriously disturbed,” made this film an instant classic. It also has some great scene stealing moments, such as the bend and snap scene. The film is available on Amazon Prime.

Dead Poet’s Society 

This back to school themed film takes place at an strict all-boys boarding school and follows students who become inspired by their unique and supportive English teacher, John Keating, played by the late Robin Williams. The students are surrounded by adults who control their dreams, with many of their parents already planning out their entire future. 

When Keating comes into their lives, they begin to look at the real important things that life has to offer. Some memorable scenes include the secret club hang outs, the seize the day scene, and the cinematography. Content warning: this film contains material that shows suicide. It’s available on Disney+.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

The film follows a teenager who wants to skip one last day of school before graduating, fooling everyone except the principal, who is determined to hold him back another year. I like this film because the setting barely takes place in a classroom and it avoids any cliché high school stereotypes, which many of John Hughes’s films are known for — I’m talking about you, The Breakfast Club. 

It was also one of the first movies to have a character break the fourth wall and directly speak to the audience. Some memorable scenes include Ferris on top of a parade float and driving a ferrari. If you need a good escape, this film is for you. It’s available on Amazon Prime and on Crave. 

Stand by Me

I talk about the film Stand by Me constantly, and I’m not referring to the song. This coming of age film follows four 12 year-old boys who decide to go on one last adventure before going their separate ways. Their last adventure? To find the body of a missing boy in their town. 

When you watch it, you realize that the film has nothing to do with the body, but instead serves as a purpose to bring the boys together one last time. Memorable scenes include the heartwarming friendship between Gordie and Chris, played by Wil Wheaton and the late River Phoenix. There is natural dialogue and great tunes throughout the film, including the song Stand by Me. It will make you want to drive down to Oregon and walk along the railway tracks while camping out under the stars. Stand by Me is available on Amazon Prime. 

There are many other great films, but I hope these provide a good start to the semester.