12 Back-to-School Movies to Stream on Netflix

School supplies, check. Multiple hairstyle options to wear throughout the year, check. One-of-a-kind backpack you totally DIY-ed (high five, btw), check and check. You’re all set for the new school year supplies-wise, but now it’s time to get your brain on the same page with a little Netflix action. We studied up on our back-to-school flix and think these 12 are the correct answers to easing into bell life once again. Get ready for a weekend binge-watching session that’ll make you feel like one smart streamin’ cookie.

1. Grease: We’re taking it back old school for this one. This 1978 gem about summer love always manages to get us singing (out of key, mind you) and dancing like fools with our besties. Summer lovin’ had you a blast, and this movie will help you remember those summer niiiiights for sure. Plus, Sandy is like such a babe. Pink Ladies, anyone? (Photo via Paramount Pictures)

2. Mean Girls: While we’re not saying you should become the mean Regina of your school, we think you should watch this movie to get you in the mood for seeing cute boys in your algebra class. Did we mention the head-of-the-class cast featuring Tiny Fey and Amy Poehler? Enough said. (Photo via Paramount Pictures)

3. Saved!: Praise the movie gods this flick was created because it’s ah-ma-zing. Mandy Moore and Jena Malone play bible besties who try to save every single person at their Christian high school — that is, until something unexpected turns them against each other. (Photo via MGM)

4. Election: We all have a Tracy Flick at our school. You know the one — that Ms. Goody Two Shoes/teacher’s pet. Reese Witherspoon plays the energetic go-getter running for student council president and will leave you thinking of upcoming student elections. (Photo via Paramount Pictures)

5. Good Will Hunting: College life isn’t for everyone. Enter Will Hunting, the young janitor at MIT. Behind the sweeping, Will (played by Matt Damon) is a genius. This powerful movie packs lots of great one-liners and features the late and great Robin Williams. (Photo via Miramax Pictures)

6. Heathers: Getting into the in-crowd at school can be a dream, but not for Veronica (played by Winona Ryder). She is invited into the elite crowd of three super rich popular girls all named Heather, and soon decides that nerd life was way better. How does she get out of the clique when things go sour? You’ll just have to watch and find out. (Photo via Image Entertainment)

7. Legally Blonde: Breaking up in college stinks. Elle Woods takes matters into her own hands and applies for Harvard Law School to prove herself. No objection here. (Photo via MGM)

8. School of Rock: School is sure to bring you substitute teachers throughout the year. But what if you got Jack Black posing as one? And he turned your class into a rock band? Best substitute teacher ever. (Photo via Paramount Pictures)

9. Can’t Buy Me Love: The nerd at school helps out the popular girl by paying for her mother’s ruined white suede outfit and in return wants said popular girl to date him so he can be seen as Mr. Cool on campus. Those of you who love Grey’s Anatomy will love seeing Mr. McDreamy play a nerdy science boy. (Photo via Touchstone Pictures)

10. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Playing hookie from class crosses every student’s mind, right? Well nobody does it better than Ferris Bueller. He even breaks out his girlfriend and best friend for a day of fun and adventure. (Photo via Paramount Pictures)

11. Clueless: As if we would leave this movie off the list. Cher is the girl every girl wants to be. I mean, just look at her amazing closet. See how she balances popularity, crushes and makeover projects during the school year. (Photo via Paramount Pictures)

12. Drive Me Crazy: We wish our next door neighbor was cute and charming enough to pretend to date in the hopes of making other people jealous at prom. Who’s with us? (Photo via 20th Century Fox)

What movie gets you back in the mood for back to school? Tell us in the comments below.

Book adaptations are becoming some of Hollywood’s biggest hits (just take a look at The Idea of You, Killers of the Flower Moon, Tell Me Lies, and more). And we can add another adaptation to our list of most-anticipated 2025 movies. The Electric State trailer has officially dropped, and it’s the perfect watch for sci-fi adventure enthusiasts (and any fans of dystopian fiction, really).

Rated PG-13 for some violence and language, the upcoming film is based on a 2018 book by Simon Stålenhag — it’s even a number one best seller on Amazon. Read on to learn which ultra-famous actors are joining Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in The Electric State, and the platform that you’ll be able to view it on.


Watch The First 'Electric State' Teaser Trailer

Not only is this new movie for sci-fi fans, but just like MBB's Stranger Things and Chris Pratt's Guardians of the Galaxy, it actually provides a lot of emotion. Millie's character Michelle opens the trailer by telling us everyone lost something after the rebellion: "Robots lost their freedom. Humans lost connection with each other. And I lost everyone I loved."

The Electric State might be set in the 90s but it's a relevant, gripping, and breathtaking story will pull at your heartstrings.

“It’s not the kind of thing that typically gets made to be a blockbuster style movie like this," Chris Pratt said at New York Comic Con, after explaining he had planned to take some time off from acting before reading the script. "It’s so original, it’s a huge swing...I thought that these types of movies might be my last opportunity to be in a big movie like this. I have to look at every opportunity like that. And I did. It’s just such a great story. I was moved to tears reading.”

“It truly takes you on a journey,” Millie Bobby Brown added. “Escapism is huge, and I think it’s so lovely for families to have that moment where they’re able to take themselves out of this world that is so scary and put themselves into a world that is so transformative.”

​What’s The Electric State About?

Netflix

The Electric State Plot

The Electric State is set in the American West in late 1997. Similar to Black Mirror, the United States has fallen victim to a virtual-reality system that leads to a rather high-tech dystopian universe. The story follows an orphaned teenage girl to the edge of the continent while on a mission to find her younger brother. But, she doesn’t do it alone — she’s accompanied by a sidekick, cartoon-looking robot, and a smuggler.

​When and Where Is The Electric State Being Released?

Netflix

The Electric State Release Date

If you're wondering, 'Will The Electric State be on Netflix?' then you're in luck! The Electric State is set to make its Netflix streaming debut on March 14th, 2025 globally. If you’re on the edge of your seat to experience this storyline and don’t want to wait until next year though, then you can always opt for the book version that’s available on Amazon.

Which Big Names Are Starring in The Electric State?

Netflix

The Electric State Cast

You’re very likely to recognize the stars in this film. Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Stanley Tucci, and Giancarlo Esposito are just a few of the frontward facing characters in this movie. Other big name actors that were cast in voice roles include Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, and Jenny Slate. The movie will be directed by Anthony and Joseph Russo, who are known for directing several films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Where does The Electric State take place?

Netflix

The Electric State is set in a retro-futuristic version of 1997. Millie Bobby Brown's Michelle and Chris Pratt's Keats set off on a journey to find Michelle's brother which means we're sure to see a few different states and cities throughout the movie.

Is The Electric State appropriate?

Netflix

According to IMDb, the movie is rated PG-13 for"sci-fi violence/action, language and some thematic material."

Check out the latest news on Stranger Things 5 — and Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven!

My son randomly requested to watch Wednesday last month, and I was surprised at how invested we were in each episode. Those who grew up watching The Addams Family always seemed in awe of little Wednesday Addams' cunning and intuitive nature, so it's fun to see another generation fall in love with her. Since Halloween is next week, I have three last-minute DIY costumes if you want to dress up as the eldestAddams daughter — sans all the spooky things that took place at Nevermore Academy. 😉

1. Wednesday's Homecoming Dress

Netflix

Wednesday Addams caught everyone's eyes in this gorgeous black Tulle dress. I can't get it out of my mind, so that's why it's number one of my list of DIY Halloween ideas! I also think it's the easiest look to pull off because you don't need a lot of things!

Amazon

Black Wednesday Addams Dress

Wednesday never cared to follow the rules at Nevermore which is what made her unintentionally stand out. While the rest of the students were dressed in winter whites and pastel colors, Wednesday broke tradition by showing up in a tulle black dress that fit her personality. It's the very thing that made Xavier Thorpe do a double take even though he was supposed to be focused on Bianca Barclay.

Amazon

Black Closed-Toe Pumps

Complete your look with these black closed-toe pumps that fit Wednesday's personality! I suggest buying a pair of black tights in case you truly want to complete your look.

Amazon

Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Eyeliner

You're going to want to create the illusion of cat eyes with Wet n Wild's Breakup Proof Eyeliner. It's long-lasting and vegan so you'll get to wear something that doesn't harm your eyes.

2. Wednesday Addams' Nevermore Academy Uniform 

Amazon

Nevermore Academy Uniform

It's not 100% spot-on, but this is the closest you'll get to Wednesday's signature Nevermore Academy Uniform. Her take on the traditional wear was unlike what everyone at the school was used to seeing, but that was the point!

Amazon

Black Braided Wig

You'll definitely need Wednesday's signature braided hairstyle for this costume idea! It's one of those things that makes her look unassuming — even though we know she has that adorably dark, sadistic personality! 😉

Amazon

Thing Cosplay Hand

Make sure to carry your own version of Thing if you really want to give people a fright this halloween!

3. Traditional Wednesday Addams Costume

Hulton Archive

If you remember watching 1964 version ofThe Addams Family with your grandparents, you may be fond of Wednesday's more traditional look. Although newer versions haven't strayed far, true fans remember when her outfit was plain black button-up dress.

Amazon

Black Cosplay Dress

Skip the buttons and go for this black cosplay dress that comes with a pair of knee high socks, a Thing pin for your hair, 'poison' stickers, and a witchy necklace!

Amazon

Black Penny Loafers

Once you've slipped into your black dress and added your accessories, step into these penny loafers. They have a slightly chunky lug sole that'll make sure you're comfortable as you stalk your unsuspecting neighbors for the best candy.

If you need more last-minute ideas, we have so many fun DIY Halloween costumes, like Harley Quinn, Gilmore Girls, and couples costumes you can piece together in the next week!

Follow us on Pinterest for even more Halloween ideas!

Channing Tatum may have to hang up his sexy dancing skills because it looks like Chad Michael Murray is the new reigning champ in his new film, The Merry Gentlemen. You can tell it's going to be a Christmas movie, but we're not talking about Home Alone or Jingle All the Way here. This spicy film feels more like Magic Mike going on a sexy and romantic journey through a small town — which sounds like something we'd watch more than once.

We love watching Chad Michael Murray in Sullivan's Crossing, but we're ready to see him prance around our screens without a shirt, TBH. Here's everything we know about The Merry Gentlemen and what we can expect to see!

What's 'The Merry Gentlemen' about?

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Written by Marla Sokoloff, The Merry Gentlemen is set to follow one former dancer's (Ashley played by Britt Robertson) journey to making sure the Rhythm Room — a "performing arts venue" — doesn't go defunct. It's owned by her parents, so she has personal ties to this small-town source of entertainment, coming up with the bright idea to surprise the community with an "all-male Christmas-theme revue."

Who's starring in 'The Merry Gentlemen'?

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

According to Netflix, The Merry Gentlemenwill feature a host of other faces! We'll see the following:

  • Chad Michael Murray as Luke
  • Britt Robertson as Ashley
  • Michael Gross as Stan
  • Marla Sokoloff as Marie
  • Maxwell Caulfield as Danny
  • Beth Broderick as Lily
  • Marc Anthony Samuel as Roger
  • Hector Rivera, Jr. as Ricky
  • Colt Prattes as Troy

When can we watch 'The Merry Gentlemen' on Netflix?

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

We'll be able to see Chad Michael Murray and more sexy shirtless men give us a show on November 20. We're not sure what it is, but there's nothing like watching Christmas movies right before Thanksgiving to get us in the winter spirit.

What have Chad Michael Murray and Britt Robertson said about starring in 'The Merry Gentlemen?'

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

We didn't think it was possible, but Chad Michael Murray was a little nervous about playing Luke. "I'd never danced professionally or trained by any means," he said (via PEOPLE). Though he has a thing for "going out and dancing," he's never done anything "to this level."

As to why he chose this role, Chad seems to enjoy a challenge. "When I see something and it scares the crap out of me, something in me says, 'Alright, well let's see what we can do.'" He has two thoughts — "'I'm going to fall flat on my face or have a lot of fun doing.'" If you ask us, that's the right spirit to have for a fun Christmas movie.

Britt Robertson was immediately drawn to the script and her role as Ashley. "When I read the script, I was like, ‘This is my kind of Christmas movie,'" she said (via Netflix). She also teased why she can't get enough of the cowboy appeal in the movie. "...I'm Southern...the hats, the boots. There's so much you can work with."

Don't ask us how long we've been drooling over this first look at Chad Michael Murray in The Merry Gentlemen because we're not ready to talk about it yet!

In the meantime, follow us on Facebook to make sure you don't miss updates about this sexy Christmas movie!

We almost broke our necks reading headlines about Angelina Jolie and her potential new boyfriend, but the rumors were quickly shut down. Yeah, yeah, yeah...cue the world's smallest violin, I know.

Angelina's been through a very public divorce with her ex-husband Brad Pitt, so we know better than to expect her to display something new for the tabloids just yet. It did, however, make us start thinking about her past dating history. It's time to take a walk down memory lane, because these romances are filled with fellow entertainers and lessons learned!

Ex-Husband Jonny Lee Miller

United Artists/Getty Images

Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller entered each other's orbit during the filming of Hackers. This 1995 movie has everything to do with it's name, and ends with said Hackers ultimately unraveling a greater conspiracy. As is sometimes inevitable, Jonny and Angelina got close throughout filming, but went their separate ways once their time on set ended (via US Weekly).

They didn't stay apart for too long because they eventually got married the following year. It's even reported that Angelina proudly made a dark statement during their small wedding by wearing a t-shirt with Jonny's bloodied name written on it. She didn't do it to be gross though, but wanted to solidify their vows. "You’re about to marry him. You can sacrifice a little to make it really special," she remembers telling herself (via The New York Times). But, their marriage dissolved in less than two years and they decided to get divorced in 1999, according to US Weekly.

The two would go on to be amicable with each other, with Angelina even referring to Jonny as a "great friend" (via US Weekly). Earlier this year, Jonny sat down with Johnny Vaughan of Radio X to reveal something shocking. "I jumped out of an airplane...I was dating a young lady called Angelina," he said. He then shared that it was Angelina who encouraged him to do this daredevil feat with her. "She is cool as a cucumber. Fearless, that woman."

Ex-Girlfriend Jenny Shimizu

Dario Cantatore/Getty Images

During the brief time Jonny Lee Miller and Angelina weren't communicating, the Maria actress entered her first relationship with a woman. Jenny Shimizu and Angelina co-starred in another mid-'90s movie called Foxfire that centered the lives of teens and the bad decisions that land them in precarious situations.

Recounting how she felt about Jenny Shimizu, Angelia told Girlfriends magazine, "I fell in love with her the first second I saw her. Actually, I saw when she was being cast in Foxfire, and I thought she had just read for my part," she said. Ironically, her future ex-husband Brad Pitt was mentioned in the same interview, but the two hadn't met yet.

There's not much info about Angelina and Jenny's relationship beyond this, so it seems like things didn't last long.

Ex-Husband Billy Bob Thornton

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Here's where Angelina's relationships truly started to getting interesting. After things ended with Jonny Lee Miller and Jenny Shimizu, her next partner was none other than Billy Bob Thornton. InStyle recalls the two co-starred in Pushing Tin together, a movie about the ins and outs of two co-workers' fraught romantic relationships. Given the movie released in 1999, everyone didn't know how to respond to Angelina and Billy Bob's marriage the next year.

Unfortunately, even Laura Dern was caught by surprise — she and Billy Bob were allegedly engaged at the time. "I left our home to work on a movie, and while I was away, my boyfriend got married, and I’ve never heard from him again," she said, according to ABC News. That's...not the way to go about things, but apparently Angelina and her new husband didn't care at the time.

From then on out, Angelina and Billy Bob frequented red carpet events together. They didn't shy away from pulling off, uh, interesting stunts, that left everyone speechless. No one will ever forget when Billy Bob unashamedly admitted the two got frisky before walking the red carpet at the premiere of Gone in 60 Seconds.

However, their marriage dissolved because of their "different lifestyles," according to Billy Bob (via E! News). "So, that's really — that's the only reason we're probably not still together, maybe, because of a different path in life we wanted to take," he said.

Ex-Husband Brad Pitt

Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

This divorce breaks our hearts to revisit, but here we go! Everyone knows Brad and Angelina starred in the hit movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith, but we also could tell their intense chemistry had nothing to do with playing their respective roles. These two had such sizzling energy onscreen that it didn't take long for people to speculate Angelina was the reason Brad decided to part ways with Jennifer Aniston.

However, Angelina reportedly denies that was the case. She did notice she and Brad were excited to see each other at work though. "Because of the film, we ended up being brought together to do all these crazy things, and I think we found this strange friendship and partnership that kind of just suddenly happened," she said (via PEOPLE). According to the same outlet, it didn't take long for Brad and Angelina to move forward with their feelings once it was clear Jennifer was going to be out of the picture.

Though Brad and Angelina expanded their brood to include six children — Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne — a terrible incident unraveled everything. According to the BBC, Angelina accused Brad of become a belligerent drunk during a flight that resulted in injuries. She didn't waste time filing for divorce, which spoke volumes to us.

Um, The Weeknd?

Theo Wargo/Getty Images For US Weekly

Much to our surprise, Angelina Jolie and The Weeknd were rumored to be getting close around two years ago. They were seen on several 'dates,' one being at Giorgi Baldi, which continued to make people believe they were secretly dating (via Daily Mail). Since neither confirmed or denied the nature of their relationship, it's hard to say if there's any merit to the rumors.

We'll just have to speculate and keep it moving!

Is Angelina Jolie dating anyone these days? 

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC

Last year, Angelina spoke with WSJ Magazine to talk about about her life and career. She intimately revealed that her body reacted to all the pressure from going through her divorce from Brad which serves as a stark reminder why stress is never good for anyone! "I suddenly had Bell’s palsy six months before my divorce," she shockingly admitted. She also made it clear her focus was on her kids and nothing else. "They are the closest people to me and my life, and they’re my close friends."

Despite being recently linked to British rapper Akala, Angelina put an end to rumors they're dating today. A source said, "They all work together," referring to Akala's relationship with someone else. "Angelina remains focused on her family and is not dating at this time," (via PEOPLE).

The common theme throughout Angelina Jolie's dating history is her attachment to unconventional romances. Maybe she didn't always make the best choices in love, but it doesn't seem like they've create a hole in her heart. We can't wait to see who she finally lands with next!

Looking for updates on all your fave celebs? Be sure to follow us on Facebook!

It takes a lot for me to love a hair product. I’ve always kept maintenance around my locks super low-key, usually opting for the cheapest and most seemingly-effective shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments you can find at the drugstore. To make a long story short, I’m not picky.

At the beginning of this year, I sought out to upgrade my self-care routines (albeit in small, affordable ways) so I could look and feel my best. Knowing hair care had become an afterthought, I figured why not switch up Old Reliable (AKA the Pantene shampoo and conditioner combo I’d used for years)?

I’m not knocking Pantene in any way, but after using the same products over and over again across countless showers, my locks became noticeably tired. Thus, I stumbled into Target to explore their perpetual collection of hair care and landed on what I think is now the best, most joy-evoking drugstore shampoo and conditioner I’ve ever experienced.

Meredith Holser

Other than the beautiful bottles, the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo + Conditioner set caught my eye for claiming stronger, longer, and healthier hair. I had seen the brand’s hair oil go TikTok-viral a few months prior, which gave me all the approval I needed to add the duo to my cart.

After 10 months of consistent use, I’m loving the set. Though I don’t necessarily use it for hair growth alone, I have observed accelerated growth as well as improved strength in my strands.

The conditioner in particular has earned a mass amount of bonus points in my book for depositing noticeable moisture to my locks after shampooing and providing a fairly no-fuss detangling routine, which is my most urgent hair concern.

Meredith Holser

The Mielle conditioner contains biotin (for “longer, healthier hair”), coconut oil, and babassu seed oil that work to moisturize and soften your hair after a good wash. This isessential since I’ve found that most shampoos strip oils from my scalp and hair – not a bad thing though. It’s what shampoos are made to do, but my hair craves more moisture!

The conditioner is also infused with rosemary and mint essential oils which increase blood circulation, allowing more oxygen to reach the scalp, thus stimulating hair growth.

Meredith Holser

Before drying + styling

As I mentioned, my hair has that classic “squeaky clean” feel after shampooing, and though that’s what I want from a shampoo, it doesn’t help to use only shampoo once my hair’s dried. Without conditioner, my hair definitely lacks moisture and feels dry and stiff – even while I’m still in the shower. This conditioner feels ahh-mazing and never fails to restore all the necessary moisture my locks have lost after a thorough wash!

When using it, I use 1 to 1 ½ pumps of the product. I typically focus it around the ends of my hair (where there’s the most damage) before working the remaining product closer to my scalp. I leave it on for around 5 minutes while I wash my body and face before thoroughly rinsing it out. My hair feels super silky and detangled after the conditioning’s done!

The Verdict

Meredith Holser

After drying + styling

Where a conditioner’s performance really matters for me is making my hair look soft and healthy after it’s dry, so I can go on to style it without pesky knots and further damage. Brushing my hair post-conditioner is always a breeze with this Mielle pick, and the same goes for styling. I use an air styler and it glides smoothly and easily through my strands for a nice at-home blowout every single time.

More than anything, this is the best drugstore conditioner to leave my hair looking supremely shiny after all is said and done. I know that using it consistently over the course of this year has set my hair up to be super healthy so I never have to worry about excessive dryness breakage!

Try It For Yourself

Amazon

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Conditioner

I bought this bottle (12 fluid ounces) back in January, and haven't had to restock it just yet. For $10, I can certify it's a really great deal and I've absolutely gotten my money's worth. Plus, for the results this conditioner delivers, it feels just like a luxury hair care product. It also goes for around the same price (there's a 12-cent difference) at Target!

Amazon

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

I also highly recommend you use the conditioner in conjunction with the coordinating shampoo. It has a delicious rosemary and mint scent that leaves your scalp feeling uber-refreshed after a thorough wash. This bottle currently goes for $9 on Amazon and $10 at Target.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more beauty product reviews + editor faves!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.