The fall semester is just around the corner, and we all know our evenings without studying are limited — so make the most of the first few weeks! For a fun and unique back-to-school movie night, Spoon rounded up six classic movies about school and learning and paired each with the perfect menu of snacks and drinks.
Dead Poets Society
Dead Poets Society was dark academia before dark academia was a thing. The New England fall, youthful poetry, and devastating ending must not be imbibed on an empty stomach. Trader Joes’ Apple and Pumpkin Hand Pies are an appropriately autumnal treat, while molasses cookies and sour cream doughnuts are perfectly classic. Apple cider and red wine are equally good beverage options — just prepare to be thoroughly dehydrated by the time credits roll, as a crying sesh is mandatory with this one.
Booksmart
Witty, bright, and lovingly full of queer teenage girl cringe, Booksmart is the perfect movie for the sugary stuff of sleepovers. Pair gummy worms and Sour Patch Kids with Olipop’s classic-ish sodas, like Banana Cream, Strawberry Vanilla, and Ginger Lemon, or with Blooms Candy’s weird sodas, like Birthday Cake, Pineapple Whip, and Warheads Sour Watermelon. Whatever beverage you pick, settle in for a wild ride that seems excessive.
Legally Blonde
Watching Legally Blonde this back-to-school season is actually perfect timing, because Barbie pink is still in full force! Spoon has rounded up all the Barbie food collabs and all the pink snacks you could think of. For beverages, let’s be as ambitious as Elle — try making your own strawberry milkshakes or copycat Starbucks pink drinks. What, like it’s hard?
Good Will Hunting
If you’ve already seen this movie, you’ll know its iconic connection with apples. While the humble apple is a time-honored snack, apple cider doughnuts are a fun fall treat — especially in New England, where the movie is set. Alternately, for old-school Southie fare, you can’t go wrong with basic burgers, hot dogs, and Budweiser. How do you like them apples?
Matilda
Is September too late for iced lemon tea or too early for hot cocoa? Not when Matilda is playing. Pair the comforting beverage of your choice with this cozy film, and add in some quaint finger food, too — like Trader Joe’s Four Cheese Pastry Rolls, Freeze-Dried Fig Slices, or Lemon Bars. Just avoid any chocolate cake. (That’s a sentence I never thought I’d type, but trust me on this one.)
The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is a timeless film that hits every emotional note and just about founded the ‘teen movie’ genre. (Notably, they do not actually consume breakfast food in this movie.) All I can recommend is Coke or a milkshake, and some classic popcorn.