“Dead Poets Society”, 1989
Director: Peter Weir
Robin Williams stars as an English teacher who inspires his students at a conservative all-boys preparatory school to seize the day and embrace the power of poetry.
Starring: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Dead Poets Society” on the website imdb.com
“Freedom Writers”, 2006
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Based on a true story, this film follows a young teacher, played by Hilary Swank, who uses writing to help her at-risk students in a racially divided school overcome their personal struggles.
Starring: Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, April Hernandez Castillo, Mario, Robert Wisdom, John Benjamin Hickey, Kristin Herrera, Jacklyn Ngan;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Freedom Writers” on the website imdb.com
“The Ron Clark Story”, 2006
Director: Randa Haines
Matthew Perry portrays real-life educator Ron Clark, who leaves his small town to teach in a tough New York City school and uses unconventional methods to connect with his students.
Starring: Matthew Perry, Ernie Hudson, Melissa De Sousa, Hannah Hodson, Brandon Mychal Smith, Micah Williams, Bren Eastcott, Isabelle Deluce, Judith Buchan, Gerrick Winston;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Ron Clark Story” on the website imdb.com
“To Sir, with Love”, 1967
Director: James Clavell
Sidney Poitier stars as an engineer who takes a teaching job in a rough London school and wins over his unruly students with his patience, understanding, and respect.
Starring: Sidney Poitier, Christian Roberts, Judy Geeson, Suzy Kendall, Ann Bell, Geoffrey Bayldon, Faith Brook, Patricia Routledge, Christopher Chittell, Adrienne Posta;
Production year: 1967;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “To Sir, with Love” on the website imdb.com
“Stand and Deliver”, 1988
Director: Ramón Menéndez
Edward James Olmos plays a high school math teacher who transforms a group of underprivileged students into math whizzes, challenging the system and defying expectations.
Starring: Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, Rosanna DeSoto, Andy Garcia, Estelle Harris, Mark Phelan, Virginia Paris, Eliot, Adelaida Alvarez, Will Gotay;
Production year: 1988;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Stand and Deliver” on the website imdb.com
“Half Nelson”, 2006
Director: Ryan Fleck
Ryan Gosling portrays a charismatic but troubled inner-city teacher who forms a bond with one of his students while battling his own personal demons.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Shareeka Epps, Anthony Mackie, Monique Curnen, Denis O'Hare, Deborah Rush, Jay O. Sanders, Collins Pennie, Jeff Lima, Nathan Corbett;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“Monsieur Lazhar”, 2011
Director: Philippe Falardeau
This Canadian film follows an Algerian immigrant who becomes a substitute teacher in a Montreal elementary school and helps his students cope with a tragic loss.
Starring: Mohamed Fellag, Sophie Nélisse, Émilien Néron, Danielle Proulx, Brigitte Poupart, Jules Philip, Marie-Ève Beauregard, Vincent Millard, Seddik Benslimane, Louis-David Leblanc;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Monsieur Lazhar” on the website imdb.com
“The Class”, 2006
Director: James Burrows
Set in a tough Parisian school, this film offers a realistic portrayal of a teacher trying to connect with his diverse and challenging students while navigating the complexities of the education system.
Starring: Andrea Anders, Jon Bernthal, Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Heather Goldenhersh, Sean Maguire, Jason Ritter, Lucy Punch, David Keith, Sam Harris;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Class” on the website imdb.com
“School of Rock”, 2003
Director: Richard Linklater
Jack Black stars as a struggling musician who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school and transforms his class into a rock band, teaching them about music and life along the way.
Starring: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman, Adam Pascal, Lucas Papaelias, Chris Stack, Lucas Babin, Jordan-Claire Green, Veronica Afflerbach;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: comedy, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “School of Rock” on the website imdb.com
“The Miracle Worker”, 1962
Director: Arthur Penn
Based on the true story of Helen Keller, this film depicts the relationship between the deaf and blind Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, who helps her overcome her disabilities and learn to communicate.
Starring: Patty Duke, Anne Bancroft, Victor Jory, Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine, Kathleen Comegys, Maribel Ayuso, Dale Ellen Bethea, John Bliss, Grant Code;
Production year: 1962;
Genre: drama, biography;
Age: 0+;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “The Miracle Worker” on the website imdb.com
“Films about teachers have the power to inspire, challenge, and enlighten viewers with their portrayals of educators who shape the minds and hearts of their students. From heartwarming tales of dedication and passion to gritty depictions of the struggles and triumphs in the education system, these films serve as a mirror reflecting both the challenges and joys of teaching. Through their compelling narratives and authentic performances, these movies remind us of the profound impact teachers have on shaping the future generation, making them an essential genre in the world of cinema.”
