10 Fantasy Films About School Struggles

Description: This film introduces us to Harry Potter, an ordinary boy who discovers he's a wizard and is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he faces the typical school issues like making friends, dealing with bullies, and, of course, battling dark forces.

Fact: The film's sets were so detailed that they were kept intact for the entire series. Also, the Hogwarts Express was filmed on the real-life Jacobite steam train in Scotland.

Description: Will Stronghold, son of two superheroes, enters a high school for the children of superheroes, where he must navigate the pressures of living up to his parents' legacy while dealing with typical teenage issues like crushes and peer pressure.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a TV series but was later adapted into a feature film. The school's floating design was a nod to the comic book style of the era.

Description: Percy Jackson, a demigod, discovers his heritage and attends Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for young demigods, where he must navigate school-like challenges, friendships, and a quest to save the world.

Fact: The film was based on the popular book series by Rick Riordan, and the camp setting was inspired by real-life summer camps.

Description: A modern-day apprentice to a sorcerer must learn to control his powers while dealing with the pressures of college life and a looming magical threat.

Fact: The film features a scene inspired by the famous "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" segment from Disney's Fantasia, but with a contemporary twist.

Description: Clawdeen Wolf, a half-human, half-werewolf, joins Monster High, a school for monsters, where she must balance her unique identity with the school's social dynamics and a looming threat to the school's existence.

Fact: The film is part of a long-standing franchise that began with dolls, books, and animated series, expanding into live-action to explore themes of diversity and acceptance.

Description: Lewis, an orphan, moves in with his uncle, a warlock, and learns about magic, friendship, and the dark secrets of his new home, which is also a school of sorts for learning about the supernatural.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by John Bellairs, and the house itself was designed to be a character in the story, with its own personality and secrets.

Description: Jake, a young boy, discovers a mysterious orphanage where children with unique abilities are protected from the outside world. The film delves into themes of acceptance, identity, and the struggle to fit in, all set against a backdrop of time loops and peculiar powers.

Fact: The film was directed by Tim Burton, known for his love of the macabre and fantastical. The character of Miss Peregrine was inspired by Burton's own fascination with birds.

Description: Two best friends, Sophie and Agatha, are whisked away to a magical school where students are trained to become fairy tale heroes or villains. The film explores the complexities of friendship, rivalry, and the struggle to define one's own path in life.

Fact: The film is based on the best-selling book series by Soman Chainani, and the school's design was inspired by various architectural styles from around the world.

Description: While not a traditional school setting, this series follows young Gelflings who must learn to harness their powers and unite against a tyrannical rule, mirroring the struggles of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

Fact: The series was a prequel to the 1982 film "The Dark Crystal," using advanced puppetry and CGI to bring the world to life in a way that was not possible in the original film.

Description: A young girl, Cindy, is sent to a finishing school for princesses where she learns the art of being royal. However, her journey is filled with magical mishaps and the quest to find her true self amidst royal expectations.

Fact: The film was one of the first to blend traditional fairy tale elements with modern school life, setting a trend for future fantasy school films.