New notebooks? Check. Fresh pens? Check. A movie marathon to celebrate (or soften) the start of school? Absolutely. Whether you're easing the dread of early alarms or hyping up your new class schedule, nothing sets the vibe like a perfectly themed sleepover with your favorite people and a solid snack spread.
And let’s be honest — picking the right movie is just as important as picking the right sleepover beds. Comfort is key when you're three bowls of popcorn deep, quoting lines, and pretending you’re not already texting your new lab partner.
So, grab your coziest hoodie, fluff that floor pillow, and queue up one (or all) of these back-to-school bangers.
1. Mean Girls (2004)
You can sit with us, especially if you’re starting the school year with a side of sass and early-2000s nostalgia. Mean Girls is the gold standard of high school comedies, with razor-sharp one-liners, iconic fashion moments, and enough chaotic cafeteria drama to make your own school feel chill by comparison.
It’s perfect for a group watch because everyone has a favorite character, and everyone ends up quoting Regina George by the second act. Add in a pink dress code (because, obviously, it’s Wednesday), and this movie basically plans the first half of the night for you.
2. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Somehow soft, sweet, and totally bingeable, this Netflix rom-com is all about first crushes, fake relationships, and surprise feelings. If your friend group lives for handwritten notes, cozy feels, and a slow-burn romance that actually delivers, this one hits every time.
It’s also low-stress and easy to rewatch, making it ideal if your sleepover crew’s half-watching, half-texting their own crushes. Light a candle, pass around the snacks, and pretend high school is actually this cute.
3. School of Rock (2003)
Who knew a failed rocker sneaking into a prep school could be so legendary? Jack Black is at his absolute best in School of Rock, turning detention into jam sessions and shy kids into absolute icons.
This one’s fun, fast-paced, and loaded with heart — plus the kind of rock anthems that’ll have everyone air-guitaring by the credits. It’s a top pick for all ages and sets the perfect tone to kick off the school year with a little rebellion (and a lot of laughs).
4. Legally Blonde (2001)
Okay, it’s law school, but Legally Blonde is still peak back-to-school energy. Elle Woods rewrites what it means to “fit in,” all while serving looks, crushing casework, and proving that brains and style go hand-in-hand.
It’s the ultimate confidence boost before heading into a new school year. Whether you're stressing about classes, clicks, or just remembering your locker combo, this movie’s message is simple: you’ve got this. Bonus points if you pair it with some pink snacks and a “What like it’s hard?” group selfie.
5. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Shakespeare, but make it 1999. 10 Things I Hate About You gives major first-day-of-school vibes with its cliques, chaos, and the ultimate bad-boy-meets-brainy-girl setup. Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger have insane chemistry, the soundtrack slaps, and the high school setting still hits 25 years later.
It’s part edgy, part swoon-worthy, and totally perfect for the “we’re too cool for school but still doing our homework” crowd. Plus, it’s the kind of rom-com that works whether you’re crushing hard or staying firmly Team No One.
6. Matilda (1996)
For a little throwback magic, you can’t go wrong with Matilda. Between the chokey, the chocolate cake scene, and Ms. Trunchbull’s terrifying gym class, it’s the weirdest, most wonderful school movie ever made.
This one’s ideal for younger sleepover crews or anyone craving a cozy blast from the past. It’s got mischief, rebellion, and a reminder that being the smart, quiet kid can be a superpower. Perfect for watching from a pile of pillows, snacks in hand, and telekinesis jokes flying.
7. High School Musical (2006)
Nothing says “back-to-school sleepover” like a full-on sing-along. High School Musical is iconic for a reason — cliques, cafeteria drama, awkward auditions, and that unforgettable “we’re all in this together” moment.
It’s pure Disney Channel bliss with a side of Wildcats basketball and rooftop duets. Whether your crew grew up with Troy and Gabriella or you're just here for the bops, it’s the kind of feel-good chaos that gets everyone belting lyrics at 1 a.m. Pajamas on, sleepover beds set up, and yes, choreography is absolutely encouraged.
Roll Credits, Not Alarms
School might be back, but the good vibes don’t have to end with the final bell. Whether your crew’s into musicals, mean girls, or magical misfits, this movie lineup turns any sleepover into an A+ night.
These picks bring all the back-to-school energy, without the homework. So pop the popcorn, press play, and let the group chats roll. New year, new schedule, same friends, and one epic movie marathon to kick it all off.
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