Not many genres have gained appreciation of education. Since the 1970’s, stories of teachers have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s magical school teachers, poetic professors or rebellious teenagers, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about teachers that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with an English teacher that inspired me to become a great writer. I grew up to cherish a great English teacher making me believe there was nothing that I couldn’t accomplish. His bold words of wisdom inspired me to accomplish my dreams of film criticism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the vital roles that teachers play in shaping students’ identity as powerfully as “Dead Poets Society”. Ever since its release in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about education. With the greatest film of his career, Weir used innovative cinematic techniques to capture poetic professors about whom students care. Weir has always had an aptitude for making movies about education systems in danger, and “Dead Poets Society” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids farewell towards his students by standing atop chairs in the classroom with nostalgia is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Robin Williams, who proved how great of an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. As John Keating, Williams created one of the most inspiring teachers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” my favourite film about education of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies that are set in boarding schools, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about the value of seizing the day which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about poetic teachers that play a pivotal role in the lives of students inspired to seize the day, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great films which deserve to be celebrated today.
2. The Breakfast Club
High school is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I recall memories of attending a school that put me under pressure which was cruel. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t cope with the tense pressure of academic studies that left me terrified. As someone that struggled to fit in at a club at school, I loved “The Breakfast Club”. Released in 1985, John Hughes’ movie offered a captivating portrait of high school. Hughes has always had an aptitude for making movies about education, and “The Breakfast Club” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the confession scene in which the teens sit together revealing why they are in detention causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Judd Nelson, who embodied a rebellious teenager stuck in a detention. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated, it tackled strong themes that remain relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about academic pressure which would resonate with everyone. As strong as bonds between teenagers in detention, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies about education that are worthy of celebration.
3. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are powerful figures that shaped my identity. At an early age, I bonded with a great therapist that delivered an inspiring message. An inspirational mentor, my therapist gave me advice on how to overcome my disorder. Through wisdom, I overcame challenges of the education system. As someone treasuring memories of a therapist I found inspiring, I admired “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie depicted educational therapists guiding adolescents in the right direction. Gus Van Sant effectively uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the strong bonds between a therapist and adolescent. For instance, the scene where Will breaks down crying discussing his trauma with his therapist is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Matt Damon, who embodied a janitor seeking to pursue successful education. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about therapists which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making commemorated movies about mentors which are worth celebrating.
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. As far as I remember, I’ve been an anxious teenager. My anxiety began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced a nervous breakdown affecting my success. As someone that faced severe anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie honoured a beloved book about high schools. Chbosky successfully used montages to capture hardships that anxious teenagers in high school go through. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a nervous breakdown after bidding farewell to his friends causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, who captures a teen facing depression. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a famous book about frightening adolescents that are anxious, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which are precious.
5. Whiplash
Teachers holding positions of authority often engage in bullying. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a Math teacher that engaged in bullying causing damage. He was a cruel teacher that often enjoyed mistreating students with ridicule. Despite his relentless bullying, my teacher inspired me to achieve goals that I was pursuing. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that changed students’ lives in a flash, I adored “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured jazz music teachers engaging in bullying causing tragedy. Chazelle uses musical montages to capture a jazz instructor bullying his students. For instance, the scene in which Fletcher bullies Andrew for his inability to reach a tempo causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by J.K. Simmons, who embodied a scary jazz teacher engaging in bullying. Ultimately, what makes “Whiplash” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Andrew’s desire to become a successful jazz drummer, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
6. The Spectacular Now
Realism is a rare quality that’s seldom seen in education movies. Movies often portray high school as a safe haven without adversities. Offering escapism, movies set in high schools are rarely ever rooted in realism. In a genre that has rarely shown how high school can be harmful, it’s worth praising “The Spectacular Now”. Released in 2013, James Ponsoldt’s movie offered a spectacular portrait of high school teenagers in love. Ponsoldt uses naturalistic dialogue to create a realistic teen romance that’s believable. Assisted by Shailene Woodley who is sensational in the lead role, Ponsoldt created a realistic teenage romance in high school. A realistic portrait of teenagers falling in love in high school in relationships that deteriorate, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies audiences appreciate.
7. Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig is a fantastic filmmaker that has often made engaging movies with themes of education. Gerwig has always had a flair for making engaging movies about education in her career. Gerwig’s strength for making movies about women seeking to be heard in education is evident in her movie “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Gerwig’s movie captured the life of a teenage girl. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Lady Bird” stand out is its depiction of teen girls. Gerwig uses captivating montages capturing a teenage girl sharing a complicated bond with her mother. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is spectacular in the lead role, Gerwig created a compelling movie about adolescents. As strong as Lady Bird’s bond with her mother, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences treasure.
8. Eighth Grade
Eighth grade is a pivotal period in school that shaped my identity. I recall memories of being an afraid teenager in eighth grade. Under pressure to succeed in school, I faced obstacles which were cruel. As someone treasuring memories of my time in eighth grade, I admired “Eighth Grade”. Released in 2018, Bo Borunham’s movie captured teenagers in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Burnham effectively uses humour to capture teen girls in eighth grade facing disaster. Assisted by Elsie Fischer who is fantastic in the lead role, Burnham created a strong portrait of adolescence. An extraordinary portrait of teenage girls in eighth grade, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies in which interest has rarely begun to fade.
9. Bad Education
When it comes to the most scandalous educators in American history, it’s worth discussing Frank Tassone. During the early 2000’s, Tassone was a principle that stole money from the Rosalyn school system. A clever con-artist, Tassone built a lasting legacy. In 2019, Cory Finley honoured the bad educator in his movie “Bad Education”. Unlike most movies about high schools, what makes “Bad Education” stand out is its negative depiction of teachers. Finley used captivating montages to create a complex portrait of teachers that’s compelling. Assisted by Hugh Jackman who is superb in the lead role, Finley honoured an educator that engaged in corruption. Nearly 20 years after Frank Tassone committed crimes which were shocking, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has produced memorable movies that are worth celebrating.
10. 10 Things I Hate About You
Few movies ever made about education have managed to captivate audiences like 10 Things I Hate About You. Since its release in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie has become a high school classic. Junger used montages capturing cruel teenagers falling in love in high school. Assisted by Heath Ledger who is amazing in the lead role, Junger created a captivating coming-of-age classic. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of teachers engaging in affairs without any penalty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Cameron’s love for Bianca, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about teenagers facing a dilemma in education which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 