6 Magic School Movies Apart from Harry Potter That Challenge Your Magical Fantasy

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Are you a fan of magic school movies like Harry Potter? Today, when we talk about magic schools in cinema, there's only one name that comes to our mind: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The worldwide success of the Harry Potter series has made magic school a popular theme among enthusiasts. But Hogwarts is not the only magic school in the movie. There are many other similar magic school movies that offer alternatives for viewers and give the concept a fresher look. 

Here are five magic school movies apart from Harry Potter that will delight audiences of all ages.

Genre: Comedy/Fantasy

IMDb: 7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand

Directed by Danny DeVito and based on Roald Dahl’s novel, this family fantasy centers on Matilda Wormwood, a gifted child with telekinetic powers. Trapped between neglectful parents and the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull, she finds comfort in books and her kind teacher, Miss Honey. Although Crunchem Hall is not a magic academy, Matilda’s secret abilities turn her ordinary school into a battleground of wit, courage, and supernatural surprises.

Genre: Family/Musical

IMDb: 7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

Where to Watch: Netflix

This vibrant adaptation of the award-winning stage musical reimagines Matilda’s story with energetic choreography and memorable songs by Tim Minchin. Directed by Matthew Warchus, the film stars Alisha Weir as Matilda and Emma Thompson as the outrageous Miss Trunchbull. The school setting becomes a colorful stage for rebellion, imagination, and quiet magic, blending heartfelt emotion with bold musical numbers that celebrate intelligence and bravery.

Genre: Family/Musical

IMDb: 7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 66%

Where to Watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

Blending live action with animation, this Disney classic follows three evacuated children who discover their guardian, Miss Eglantine Price, is secretly studying witchcraft by correspondence. Played by Angela Lansbury, she hopes to master a powerful spell that could aid Britain during World War II. Her lessons may not happen inside a formal academy, but her enchanted bed and magical training create an unusual classroom filled with flying broomsticks and animated creatures.

Genre: Family/Comedy

IMDb: 6,3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 74%

Where to Watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Apple TV Store

Set high above the clouds, Sky High introduces a hidden academy where teenage superheroes train to control their powers. Directed by Mike Mitchell, the film stars Michael Angarano as Will Stronghold, the son of legendary heroes struggling to find his own identity. The school sorts students into “heroes” and “sidekicks,” turning everyday high school drama into superpowered rivalries, intense training sessions, and lessons about courage and self-worth.

Genre: Action/Fantasy

IMDb: 7,5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Where to Watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

Directed by Scott Derrickson, Doctor Strange follows brilliant surgeon Stephen Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, whose life changes after a devastating accident. Seeking healing, he travels to Kamar-Taj, a hidden training ground for sorcerers led by the Ancient One, portrayed by Tilda Swinton. Within this mystical sanctuary, students study ancient texts, master astral projection, and manipulate time and space, transforming the film into a visually stunning tale of magical discipline and destiny.

IMDb: 5,9/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 38%

Where to Watch: Netflix

Inspired by Soman Chainani’s bestselling novels, this fantasy adventure explores a divided academy where children are groomed to become either fairy-tale heroes or infamous villains. Starring Sofia Wylie and Sophia Anne Caruso, the story centers on two best friends placed on opposite sides of the school’s strict moral system. Lavish costumes, grand sets, and magical classes create a dramatic campus where friendship is tested and destiny is rewritten.

If you want to expand your fantasy beyond Harry Potter, these magic school movies are a great place to start. Let's grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to a world where anything is possible. Happy streaming!