The Best Back to School Movies & TV Series
It is time for school to start again! Whether you have kids going to school or you yourself are or you are a teacher or you just want to reminisce the feeling of going back to school, there is something for you to watch. Here you will find movies, episodes, and tv series with inspirational stories of learning, that will embody the aesthetic of going back to school. May they be a reminder of what a blessing good teachers are and that they do have the opportunity to change lives.📚✏️
*Some of these shows and movies I don’t recommend for younger children. I suggest checking the parents guide on IMDb on each one individually to see if they suit your family. I will also label the ones that may be questionable.
Malory Towers
This is such a sweet show! The girls of Malory Towers end up on so many misadventures, solving mysteries, humorous pranks, learning to work and live in harmony together. And of course their delightful midnight feasts!
Click for synopsis & trailer: Malory Towers
(You can watch Malory Towers for free on BYUtv)
2. Christy TV Series
This is one of those series where you see how a teacher who cares can affect a whole community. This is such a great show! An inspiring story full of courage, lessons, faith, drama, and romance. Also, the Smokey Mountain scenery is so beautiful!
Click for synopsis: Christy Series
(You can buy the complete series on DVD on Amazon or you can watch parts of the Christy Series on YouTube HERE)
*There are some themes in a couple of the episodes that may not be suitable for younger children.
3. When Calls the Heart
Elizabeth Thatcher travels West to teach school in less than ideal setting watch as she overcomes the many challenges of teaching in a mining town that is just experienced a great tragedy. I highly recommend the First season. The first season was so well done, sadly it has continued to go downhill in my opinion after that. Sorry Hearties💕But, it is still wonderful wholesome series the entire family can watch!
Click for synopsis: When Calls the Heart season 1
(You can watch When Calls the Heart with a Hallmark+ subscription)
4. The Ron Clark Story
Based on a true inspiring story of what a difference a teacher can make in the lives of their students. It makes you realize what genuinely caring about what happens to others has the potential to set them up for success for the rest of their lives.
Click for synopsis: The Ron Clark Story
(The Ron Clark Story is available to watch with an Amazon Prime Video subscription. You can also watch it for free on Tubi & Sling TV.
*I do not recommend this movie younger children there is quite a bit of bad language. I would suggest checking IMDb parents guide before watching this movie with your family.
5. Little Men TV Series
This is a great series to see what happened to the beloved March sisters later in their lives. It doesn’t follow the book exactly, but it is a hidden gem. What child wouldn’t want to go to school in a barn? Plumfield is a delightful, lively school where students are encouraged to explore their own interests and life lessons are taught in abundance.
Click for synopsis: Little Men TV Series 2 seasons
(You can watch Little Men for free on Pluto TV or with an Amazon Prime Video subscription)
6. Anne of Green Gables
The Anne of Green Gables 1985 miniseries is my all-time favorite! This is by far the best adaption I have ever watched; the characters are so believable. Avonlea will capture your hearts. The music and acting are excellent. The series is a yearly watch for my family!
(Click on movie titles for synopsis)
Watching Anne be inspired by learning & strive to reach her ambitions encourages you want to be just as ambitious.
2. Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel
In the sequel we see Anne trying to inspire young minds against all odds, hoping common sense will prevail.
(I recommend buying all the movies from Sullivan Entertainment because they are so worth the investment, but you can also rent each movie from Gazebo TV for $8. Both movies are now available to buy on Amazon Prime Video)
7. Little House on the Prairie
Great family tv series! I have enjoyed this tv show ever since I was little girl. My sister and I use to dress up in prairie dresses our Grandma made and pull our covered wagon around our yard. These heartfelt wholesome episodes are full of stories of faith, family, moral lessons, fun, and endearing characters.
Click for synopsis: Little House on the Prairie 9 seasons
(Little House on the Prairie included with an Amazon Prime Video. You also can buy each season from Target, Walmart or Amazon.)
The Best Back to School Little House Episodes:
Country Girls-Season 1, Episode 2
School Mom-Season 1, Episode 9
The Award-Season 1, Episode 12
Four Eyes-Season 2, Episode 2
The Pride of Walnut Grove-Season 2, Episode 13
The Cheaters-Season 5, Episode 11
Back to School Part 1 & 2-Season 6, Episode 1 & 2
Sweet 16-Season 6, Episode
8. Road to Avonlea
This tv series is one of my family’s all-time favorites. We spent a whole winter about 7 years ago binge watching the whole series. These continue to be some of our most rewatched episodes every year. Road to Avonlea is a heartwarming series for the whole family, you end up getting so wrapped up in the lives of the residents of Avonlea and the King family. The casting and acting are so well done!
Click for synopsis: Road to Avonlea 7 seasons
(I recommend buying the whole series from Sullivan Entertainment even though it is expensive, it is so worth the investment. You can also rent each season from Gazebo TV for $20 and every episode is now available to buy on Amazon Prime Video)
The Best Back to School Road to Avonlea Episodes:
The Witch of Avonlea-Season 1, Episode 11
Aunt Hetty’s Ordeal-Season 2, Episode 3
Another Point of View-Season 3, Episode 3
The Lady and the Blade-Season 4 Episode 2
High Society-Season 3, Episode 11
A Friend in Need-Season 5, Episode 4
9. Beyond Blackboard
Based on an inspiring true story of a teacher who put in her all for her students and was able to make a difference in their lives.
Click for synopsis: Beyond the Blackboard
(Beyond the Blackboard is free to watch on YouTube, PlutoTV, & Tubi.)
10. Wind at My Back
This family drama is great for older teens. Sullivan Entertainment always brings such beautiful stories to life. My family & I enjoyed watching and rewatching all the episodes. The acting is so well done! The characters become dear to your heart and some of the more stand-offish characters even grow on you. This is a great series about family and getting through tough times together.
Click for synopsis: Wind at My Back 5 seasons
(Wind at My Back is free to watch on BYUtv!)
The Best Back to School Wind at My Back Episodes:
Moving Mountains-Season 1, Episode 12
Careers-Season 2, Episode 8
The Strap-Season 3, Episode 9
Gather your family for a fun back to school movie night, don’t forget some fall snacks! I hope you enjoy these movies & tv series, I pray you have a wonderful school year ahead!
