new school · friendship · bullying · coming of age
Top 5 Movies for Kids Starting a New School
Movie Knight Editorial Team ·
Starting a new school can be daunting. These five movies capture the anxieties and triumphs of fitting in, finding friends, and discovering who you are in a brand new environment.
The best movies for kids starting a new school are those that show relatable characters overcoming social anxieties and finding their place. Films like Wonder and Monsters University tackle the universal fear of being the new kid with heart and humor.
Watching characters navigate new friendships, face bullies, and learn to be themselves can be incredibly reassuring for a child facing a similar situation. These stories provide a safe way to explore the challenges ahead and reinforce the idea that kindness and authenticity are the keys to building new connections.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick picks
- Wonder
- Monsters University
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Ramona and Beezus
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Movie Knight guide
The full list
No. 1
Wonder
Read the family guide →
Choose kind
Wonder
A boy with facial differences attends a mainstream school for the first time, navigating the challenges of making friends and facing prejudice. The story is told from multiple perspectives, teaching a powerful lesson in empathy. Parents should be prepared for moments of bullying and social exclusion that can be emotional to watch. This film works best for kids 8 and up.
No. 2
Monsters University
Read the family guide →
Finding your team
Monsters University
This prequel shows how Mike and Sulley went from rivals to best friends while trying to find their place in college. It’s a fun, low-stakes look at the challenges of fitting in and discovering that your path might be different than you planned. Some of the monster characters may appear frightening to very young children, and there is mild peril during the school's 'Scare Games'. This film works best for kids 6 and up.
No. 3
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Read the family guide →
Middle school survival
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Greg Heffley's hilarious and sometimes painful journey through his first year of middle school is all about trying to be popular and survive social awkwardness. It captures the anxieties of this transitional age with a lot of humor. Parents should expect some mild bullying, social exclusion, and gross-out humor, including the infamous 'Cheese Touch'. This film works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 4
Ramona and Beezus
Read the family guide →
Embrace your quirks
Ramona and Beezus
While not strictly about a new school, this film perfectly captures the feeling of being a little different and trying to find your way, as imaginative Ramona navigates elementary school. It celebrates creativity and family support. The heads-up for parents is minimal, involving minor scrapes from Ramona's antics and some temporary family stress due to a parent's job loss. This film works best for kids 6 and up.
No. 5
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Read the family guide →
A magical new start
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter is the ultimate new kid, thrust into a magical school where he knows no one and must learn a whole new set of rules. It’s a grand fantasy adventure about finding friends who become family. Parents should be aware of some frightening magical creatures, scenes of bullying, and the underlying story of Harry's parents being murdered. This film works best for kids 7 and up.
Before you press play
A note for parents
The first day of school is a recurring theme in childhood, but a new school brings a unique set of worries. These films can be a great way to broach the topic. They offer a chance to discuss everything from the fear of eating lunch alone to the challenge of making new friends. Use them to reassure your child that their feelings are normal and that, just like the characters, they have the strength to navigate this new chapter.
Questions parents ask
Parent FAQ
Angel Guild
Members watch more, for less
Angel Guild members stream every Angel title, vote on what gets made, and get tickets to theatrical releases.
Join the Angel Guild