Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like teachers. Since the 1980’s, teachers have played a crucial role in movies. Whether it’s poetic professors, goodwill therapists or band instructors, movies have produced strong teachers. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite movies ever made about teachers 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 famous writer. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe that there was nothing in the world that I couldn’t accomplish. A bold movie-buff, he became a person in whom I could easily confide when my dark life became tough. His inspirational words of wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. Without his support, I may not have achieved dreams I am passionate about. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the big roles that poetic teachers play 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 teachers. 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 engaging movies about teachers with a charismatic nature, 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. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” my favourite film about teachers of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. 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 riveting reminder of a genre making commemorated films about teachers which deserve to be celebrated today.
2. The Breakfast Club
High school shaped my identity. I remember memories attending a school putting 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 message. The film delivers a meaningful message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Despite capturing the 1980’s, its themes resonate with adolescents today. A powerful portrait of adolescence, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that made unforgettable movies earning a big audience.
3. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are powerful figures that shaped my identity. When I was diagnosed with grim anxiety, I began seeing a great psychologist that offered therapy. A therapist with a larger-than-life presence, he often gave me valuable guidance. His valuable words of wisdom inspired me to overcome grim 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 therapists guiding lives of 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 a great performance by Robin Williams, who portrayed a therapist seeking to assist adolescents. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about therapists which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to leave his sad past behind, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies which are one-of-a-kind.
4. 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. During a difficult time, teachers gave me the strength to overcome tensions I faced. 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 teenagers. Chbosky used stunning montages to capture an anxious teenager forming bonds with teachers. For instance, the scene in which Charlie bids emotional farewell to Mr. Anderson thanking him is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, who embodied a teenager under pressure. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a commemorated 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.
5. Whiplash
Teachers don’t always treat students in compassionate manners. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a Math teacher that had a habit of bullying causing damage. He was a cruel teacher that often enjoyed mistreating students with ridicule. As someone haunted by a teacher that mistreated students in ways which were brash, I adored “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured the lives of cruel jazz music instructors. Drawing from his own personal experience, Chazelle created a powerful portrait of band teachers with a tendency for violence. For instance, the scene in which Fletcher bullies Andrew for his inability to reach a tempo causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by J.K. Simmons, who embodied a frightening teacher. Ultimately, what makes “Whiplash” a musical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about jazz music, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about determination which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Andrew’s desire to be a jazz drummer, it’s a melodious reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies which audiences treasure.
6. Taare Zameen Par
Teachers with charisma often guide children in India. India has built an image of being a nation that values teachers providing a strong education. The roles that Indian teachers play guiding children with intellectual disabilities facing disaster is beautifully depicted in the film “Taare Zameen Par”. Released in 2007, Aamir Khan’s Bollywood movie depicted children with disability. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Taare Zameen Par” stand out is its strong depiction of India. Khan used montages capturing hardships children with Dyslexia in India are facing. Assisted by Darsheel Safary who is superb in the lead role, Khan captures intellectual disabilities. A powerful portrait of the painful burden teachers in India bear, it’s an insightful reminder of a genre that has produced great movies about which audiences deeply care.
7. The Holdovers
Movies rarely ever depict the personal issues of teachers. Hollywood has often glamorized the teaching profession without showcasing professors’ tension. Films rarely capture the dark side of a job that comes with a sacrifice. In a genre ignoring struggles of teachers, 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 inspirational teachers that impact children’s fate, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that audiences appreciate.
8. Clueless
Clueless teenage girls shaped my identity. I remember forming a bond with a cruel girl that was clueless in high school. As someone treasuring fond memories of a girl that was clueless, I adored “Clueless”. Released in 1995, Amy Heckerling’s movie captured the lives of clueless teenage girls. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Clueless” stand out is its funny depiction of teachers. Heckerling uses sharp satire to capture teachers that experience dire obstacles taking care of clueless teenagers they admire. Assisted by Alicia Silverstone who is exceptional in the lead role, Heckerling created a compelling coming-of-age classic about teachers. A captivating portrait of teenage girls that are clueless, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about teachers that are timeless.
9. Bad Education
When it comes to the most well-known American educators that committed crimes, it’s worth discussing Frank Tassone. During the early 2000’s, Tassone was a principle that stole millions of dollars 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 depicting teachers in a positive light, what makes “Bad Education” stand out is its negative depiction of professors. Finley uses montages capturing educators committing crimes. Assisted by Hugh Jackman who is superb in the lead role, Finley honours an educator that engaged in corruption. Nearly 20 years after Frank Tassone committed shocking crimes deceiving the education system, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies achieving stardom.
10. Matilda
Few movies ever made about teachers facing a dilemma are as beloved as “Matilda”. Released in 1996, Danny DeVito’s movie honoured a classic book about teachers facing tragedy. DeVito used captivating voice-over narration to capture a teen girl being mistreated by school teachers without compassion. Assisted by Mara Wilson who is superb in the lead role, DeVito honoured a book about teachers. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of teachers treating students with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Matilda’s love for Miss Honey, it’s a magnificent reminder of a genre making great movies about teachers experiencing adversity which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 