My Favourite Films About Students of All-Time

Not many characters in entertainment have earned attention of the student. Since the 1980’s, stories of students have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s poetic professors, rebellious teenagers or sports players, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about students that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming a strong bond with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. I would often cherish a great English teacher that made me believe there was nothing in the world I couldn’t accomplish. A movie-buff, he became a person in whom I could easily confide when my life became tough. His inspirational words of wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the positive impact that teachers have on 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 students. 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 creating emotional monologues in his movies, 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 standing atop chairs in a classroom with nostalgia is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance 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 students of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike commemorated movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated, it tackles themes that remain relevant today. Nearly 40 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about poetic teachers that play a commendable role in the lives of students inspired to seize the day, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing commemorated films which deserve to be celebrated today.

2. The Breakfast Club

High school shaped my identity. I recall fond memories of attending a high school that put me under pressure. Being a shy teenager, I couldn’t ever fit in with any group in school. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against bullies in school leaving me terrified. Nevertheless, my teachers did play a strong role in shaping the person I became today. As someone treasuring fond memories of my teachers in high school, I adored “The Breakfast Club”. Following its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Hughes is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for capturing lives of teachers, and his strengths are evident in “The Breakfast Club”. For instance, the scene in which the five teenagers sit together in a circle sharing their views on teachers is one of the greatest moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Judd Nelson, who created one of the most iconic teen characters in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” a classic is its universal appeal. Despite capturing the 1980’s, its themes resonate with adolescents today. It delivers a bold message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of adolescence, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that manufactured movies earning a big audience.

3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. Students have always been a pivotal part of the series that’s well-known, and they are most evident in the first film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Released in 2001, Christopher Columbus’ movie introduced the magical franchise about orphans on the big-screen. Columbus used captivating montages capturing the hardships that an orphan with magical abilities is facing. For instance, the scene in which Harry first enters Hogwarts becoming a student at the school causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied one of the most iconic students in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the fantasy book series to appreciate it. A spellbinding beginning of a famous fantasy series about wizards that are magical, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about the lives of students which audiences consider special.

4. Matilda

Gifted students have always inspired me. At an early age, I developed friendships with a girl that was gifted showing courage. She always had rare abilities to solve advanced mathematical equations which left teachers stunned. As someone treasuring memories of a gifted girl with nostalgia, I adored “Matilda”. Released in 1996, Danny DeVito’s movie captured the life of a gifted girl born with magical abilities. DeVito uses captivating montages to capture hardships that a gifted child in an abusive school is facing. For instance, the scene in which Matilda becomes aware of her magical powers causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Mara Wilson, who embodied a gifted student with magical superpowers causing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Matilda” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Roald Dahl adaptations targeted towards children only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about orphans which would resonate with everyone. As strong as powers possessed by Mathilda, it’s a magical reminder of a genre making great movies about gifted children facing a dilemma attracting audiences to the Cinema.

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. My anxiety first 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. I felt humiliated having a nervous breakdown in front of teachers I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the anxiety faced by wallflower teenagers as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about anxious students. Chbosky used stunning montages to capture an anxious student struggling to cope with trauma. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a tense nervous breakdown after he bids farewell to his longtime companions causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Logan Lerman, who embodied a student under pressure. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teen, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies which deserve to be seen.

6. Clueless

Clueless teenage girls shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with a cruel girl that was clueless in high school. Her aimless life lacked a clear direction. As someone treasuring fond memories of a student that was clueless, I adored “Clueless”. Released in 1995, Amy Heckerling’s movie captured lives of clueless teenage girls. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Clueless” stand out is its depiction of teen girls. Heckerling uses captivating montages capturing hardships a teen girl in high school is facing. Assisted by Alicia Silverstone who is amazing in the lead role, Heckerling created a compelling coming-of-age drama. A captivating portrait of students that are clueless, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the lives of teenagers that are timeless.

7. Eighth Grade

Eighth grade is a pivotal time in school that shaped my identity. I remember being a socially awkward student that struggled to fit in with peers. It was a frightening time that came with complicated emotion. As someone treasuring fond memories of eighth grade, I adored “Eighth Grade”. Released in 2018, Bo Burnham’s movie captured teen girls in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Bo Burnham uses his experience as a comedian to capture a dark time when teenagers face tension. Assisted by Elsie Fisher who is excellent, Burnham creates a powerful portrait of teenagers. An extraordinary portrait of students that are afraid in eighth grade, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre in which interest has rarely ever begun to fade.

8. The Holdovers

Movies rarely ever depict the personal issues of students. Hollywood has often glamorized the teaching profession without showcasing students’ tension. Films rarely capture the dark side of a job that comes with a sacrifice. In a genre ignoring struggles of students facing dangers, it’s worth praising “The Holdovers”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Holdovers” stand out is its refreshing honesty. Released in 2023, Alexander Payne’s movie depicted issues faced by a grumpy history teacher. Payne uses stunning montages to capture a teacher struggling taking care of students causing pain. Assisted by Paul Giamatti who is exceptional in the lead role, Payne created a compelling portrait of teachers. A phenomenal portrait of teachers that impact children’s fate, it’s a bold reminder of a genre audiences appreciate.

9. Taare Zameen Par

Students with intellectual disabilities often face trauma in India. India has built an image of being a country that mistreats kids with intellectual disability. The struggles faced by students with intellectual disabilities experiencing danger in India are beautifully depicted in the film “Taare Zameen Par”. Released in 2007, Aamir Khan’s movie depicted the lives of students with intellectual disability. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Taare Zameen Par” stand out is its depiction of India. Khan uses captivating musical numbers capturing hardships students with Dyslexia in India are facing. Assisted by Darsheel Safary who is amazing in the lead role, Khan captures children in India facing tragedy. A powerful portrait of hardships disabled children in India face, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies audiences embrace.

10. Whiplash

Few movies ever made about students whose lives change in a flash are as beloved as “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured the life of a jazz drummer facing tragedy. Chazelle used captivating montages capturing hardships a jazz band student abused by teachers is facing. Assisted by Miles Teller who is exceptional in the lead role, Chazelle created a captivating musical drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a jazz drummer student abused by teachers has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Andrew’s love for drumming, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making engaging movies about hardships students are facing which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking.