Back-to-School Episode Recommendations: Movies and TV Shows Worth Watching
Article: School Transitions: Movies and Shows for Kids and Families
Navigating the challenges of a new school or a new stage in life can be an exciting yet daunting experience for children. Thankfully, there are a plethora of movies and shows that capture these feelings and offer insights into school transitions. Here are some highly-rated options for kids and families:
Matilda the Musical (stream on Netflix, rated PG) takes viewers on a journey with Matilda, a gifted girl who faces a difficult home life and a daunting school with a tyrannical principal. The story centers on overcoming challenges at school with the help of friends and a kind teacher.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG) follows Miles Morales as he adjusts to a new private high school while discovering his role as Spider-Man. It combines themes of school transition with heroism and identity exploration.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG) chronicles Harry's first year at Hogwarts, capturing the excitement and challenges of starting at a magical new school.
Inside Out (Pixar, Oscar-winning animated film) offers a unique perspective on school transitions, showing a young girl Riley dealing with the emotional ups and downs of moving to a new city and school, illustrated through her personified emotions.
For younger viewers, Curious George: Back to School and Arthur's First Day provide a more lighthearted take on the anxieties and excitement of starting school.
The Sandlot (1993, rated PG) is a classic film that, while focused on baseball, also explores making new friends and adjusting to a new environment, resonating with themes of childhood transitions.
A documentary titled Outdoor School offers a realistic, thoughtful look at social and personal growth during school-age years, following teens as they ease the transition to adulthood through outdoor experiences and bonding with sled dogs.
These selections offer a blend of animation, live-action, fantasy, and real-life perspectives that families can enjoy together, providing both entertainment and meaningful insights into school transitions. Whether it's a new school, a new city, or a new chapter in life, these movies and shows offer a comforting reminder that we're not alone in our experiences.
