My Favourite Films About Professors of All-Time

Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like professors. ince 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

Professors are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming a strong bond with an English professor that once 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 truly 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 often motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the big roles that poetic professors 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 professors. With the greatest film of his career, Weir used bold cinema techniques to capture poetic professors about whom students care. Weir has always had an aptitude for making engaging movies about professors 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 a great role 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 professors of all-time is its bold 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  Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to.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 professors that play a pivotal role in the lives of students inspired to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making films which deserve to be celebrated today.

2. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a great psychology professor that was interested in a dark disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate his students about a dark illness causing lives to deteriorate. As someone recalling a teacher fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s biopic depicted the life of Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard used stunning unreliable narration to capture the anxiety faced by a troubled mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing mathematician that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a beautiful masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A bold tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has made one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy behind.

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter is a magical franchise that has shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. I recall memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s book series during my childhood that shaped my identity. Professors have always played a pivotal role in the magical franchise, and they are most evident in the third film “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. Released in 2004, Alfonso Cauron’s movie captured professors guiding students in a school facing adversity. Cauron used captivating montages capturing Harry’s strong bond with Professor Lupin that gives him the strength to overcome Dementors that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Remus Lupin seeks to prepare Harry for performing a Patronus charm causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by David Thewlis, who embodied a magical teacher with charisma. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the Harry Potter franchise, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Harry’s desire to overcome dementors that are dangerous, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre making memorable movies about professors that are precious.

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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. 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 great movies which deserve to be definitely seen.

5. Still Alice

Dementia is a devastating disease that impacted my family. I recall with nostalgia a grandma that suffered from severe Dementia. She had habits to forget things in life which were important. As someone that has witnessed memory loss causing anguish, I adored “Still Alice”. Released in 2014, Richard Glatzner’s movie offered a portrait of professors with Alzheimer’s Disease. Glatzer used captivating montages capturing hardships that a female professor diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease is facing. For instance, the scene in which Alice first becomes aware that she suffers from severe memory loss running across her university’s campus causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Julianne Moore, who embodied a forgetful professor facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Still Alice” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about memory which resonates with everyone. Unlike most movies about Dementia targeted towards a limited audience, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A dazzling depiction of professors with Dementia, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which attract audiences towards Cinema.

6. The Breakfast Club

Teachers can often be cruel in high school. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a Math teacher that engaged in bullying causing damage. He was a cruel teacher that enjoyed mistreating students with ridicule. As someone treasuring a teacher that denied students chances to join a club, I adored “The Breakfast Club”. Released in 1985, John Hughes’ movie captured abusive teachers in positions of authority. Hughes used captivating dramatic monologues capturing a school principal bullying students in ways that are demeaning. Assisted by Judd Nelson who is amazing in the lead role, Hughes created a captivating high school movie. As strong as Bender’s desire to defy Mr. Vernon, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured engaging movies about the lives of inspirational professors deserving appreciation.

7. 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 immense stardom.

8. The Holdovers

Movies rarely ever depict the personal issues of professors. 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 commonly appreciate.

9. Taare Zameen Par

Professors with charisma often guide children in India. India has built an image of being a nation that values professors providing a strong education. The roles that Indian professors 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 professors in India bear, it’s an insightful reminder of a genre that has produced great movies about which audiences care.

10. Whiplash

Few movies ever made about professors that change students’ lives in a flash are as beloved as “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured jazz professors in abusive schools causing adversity.  Chazelle used captivating montages capturing a student abused by professors. 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 professor treating students with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Andrew’s love for jazz music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre making terrific movies about hardships faced by professors which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of becoming a film critic.