Not ready to say good-bye to summer? While some parents may rejoice at the prospect of the school year starting, kids aren’t always so thrilled. It’s times like these when a family just needs to curl up and watch a movie together. Here are some fun films about elementary, middle and high school to help ease back into the school routine and have a few laughs along the way.
Matilda, PG
Based on the classic Roald Dahl book, Matilda focuses on one very special little girl, her terrible parents, a horrible principal and the teacher who believes in her. Hopefully your kids won't have any personal experience that make them empathize with Matilda, but they'll still enjoy watching her get the best of the adults who treat her so badly. Although this is definitely a kids’ movie, it's so charming that parents will enjoy it, too. Plus, it stars Mara Wilson, who was pretty much the cutest kid on the planet in the ‘90s.
School of Rock, PG-13
This movie offers an entirely different take on elementary school, focusing on a down-on-his-luck aspiring rock star (played by Jack Black) posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious private school. Kids will love seeing other kids fronting a rock band while parents can enjoy the rocking soundtrack (if you're watching it on DVD, check out the bonus feature where the cast begs Led Zeppelin to let them use one of the band's songs in the movie). As a bonus, there’s also the message of the importance of music when it comes to education.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, PG
Middle school can be a tough place, and sixth grader Greg Heffley (played by Zachary Gordon) deals with all of his trials and tribulations by planning and scheming through his not-a-diary journal. Based on the very popular book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is for kids who are nervous about making the big jump from elementary school to middle school. And it will definitely bring back middle school angst for parents.
Akeelah and the Bee, PG
Akeelah Anderson (played by Keke Palmer) is a smart 11-year-old, but her chaotic home life makes it difficult for her to excel at school. To avoid detention from her multiple absences, she enters a spelling bee and surprises everyone by winning. She must overcome doubting teachers and her troubled family to make it to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This is a great story for kids of all ages to see as they face their own challenges.
The Karate Kid, PG
This is a classic that all kids should see, whether they are in high school or not. Most parents likely know the story--Daniel (Ralph Macchio) moves with his mom from New Jersey to California, encounters bullies at his new high school and gains knowledge and understanding through karate lessons from Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki Pat Morita). Some of the clothes might be a little dated, but the story of overcoming adversity with calm and patience is timeless.
Clueless, PG-13
You might have a hard time getting male family members to watch this one, but there's nothing wrong with a movie night for the girls. And who doesn’t love a rom-com featuring a young Paul Rudd?
In Clueless, which is loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma, Cher (played by Alicia Silverstone) lives a charmed life in Beverly Hills, but she's concerned her love of clothes and shopping makes her superficial. This leads her to help a new student become popular, make a love match between two lonely teachers and lead a charity drive. This fun flick is full of ‘90s fashions and catchphrases your kids might tease you about now, but the overall message that high school doesn't have to be a miserable place for everyone is something everyone can relate to.
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Jennifer Gilbert has been writing professionally for more than 10 years, with topics including everything from parenting to candy manufacturing. She, her husband and two kids live in the Chicagoland area.
