Not many figures 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 a high school English teacher that inspired me to become a famous writer. I would often cherish an English teacher that made me believe that there was nothing in the world that I couldn’t accomplish. A big 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 dreams of film criticism. Without his support, I may not have achieved dreams I am passionate about. Few films I have seen have captured tremendous roles that poetic teachers play shaping students’ identity as powerfully as “Dead Poets Society”. Following release in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie has stood test of time as the greatest film ever made about teachers. With the greatest film of his career, Weir used innovative cinematic techniques capturing 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 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 commemorated appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about value of poetry which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about poetic teachers that play a commendable role in the lives of students inspired to seize the day, it’s bold reminder of a genre making classic films about teachers which deserve to be celebrated tremendously today.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
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 immediately fell in love with a book series about wizards casting a powerful spell with timeless stories to tell. Teachers have played a pivotal role throughout the Harry Potter franchise but are most evident in the final film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. Released in 2011, David Yates’ blockbuster brought the Harry Potter franchise towards a satisfying closure. Yates used beautiful montages to capture teachers. For instance, the scene in which Harry witnesses Snape’s heartbreaking memories causing trauma is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Alan Rickman, who embodies a magical teacher with dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a great Harry Potter film is its message. It delivers a profound message about the important roles that teachers play guiding adolescents which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards a franchise with timeless stories to tell, it’s a remarkable reminder of commemorated teachers that have abilities to cast a magical spell.
3. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones is an incredible character that shaped my grandfather’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that adored the whip-smart hero. I remember a grandfather that regarded Jones to be a national treasure. He admired all the films made about the hero with a spark, but his favourite film was always “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Released in 1981, Steven Spielberg’s classic movie introduced the iconic character that is a teacher. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of teachers through montages, and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Jones gives an inspirational lecture to a classroom of bored students facing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the teacher genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Harrison Ford, who embodied the personality of an iconic teacher. Ultimately, what makes “Raiders of the Lost Ark” a classic film is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of dreams which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the lost Ark, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies with a bright spark.
4. Taare Zameen Par
Intellectual disability has shaped my identity. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Autism. A devastating condition, Autism affected my education. Autism impacted my abilities to cope with a school system. As someone impacted by disabilities that caused disaster, I adored “Taare Zameen Par”. Released in 2007, Aamir Khan’s Bollywood movie captured intellectually disabled children in India. Khan uses montages to capture a teacher caring for a child with Dyslexia. For instance, the scene in which Ram gives Ishaan’s parents a lecture about Dyslexia which they are completely unaware of is one of the greatest moments of the teacher genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Aamir Khan, who embodies a compassionate teacher. Ultimately, what makes “Taare Zameen Par” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about disability with which everyone can relate. An incredible portrait of inspirational teachers caring for intellectually disabled kids in India, it’s an insightful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
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. Willing to yell, he rarely got along well with pupils whose lives he made a hell. 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 message. The film delivers a meaningful message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about jazz music, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Andrew’s desire to become a successful jazz drummer, it’s a melodious reminder of an astonishing genre that has made unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about teachers, it’s worth discussing “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Since its publication in 1999, Stephen Chbosky’s book has become a classic gaining recognition. In 2012, Chbosky honoured the literature in his movie “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Chbosky uses meaningful dialogue to capture bonds between teachers and students. For instance, the scene in which Mr. Anderson gives Charlie advice about love is one of the greatest moments of the genre. Assisted by Logan Lerman who is amazing in the lead role, Chobsky captured the role teachers play assisting teenagers with mental illness. A terrific adaptation of a timeless book about wallflower teens facing anxiety whose lives deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies audiences appreciate.
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 tremendously timeless.
9. Bad Education
Few educators in American history that committed crimes are as well-known as 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 that has produced memorable movies achieving stardom.
10. The Breakfast Club
Few movies ever made about teachers forming a club are as beloved as “The Breakfast Club”. Since its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has become a classic. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes used innovative techniques to capture teachers treating students in ways that aren’t fair. Assisted by John Bender who is amazing in the lead role, Hughes created a portrait of teachers that’s compelling. Although I’m a fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of teachers treating students in an abusive way doesn’t hold up well today. Nevertheless, the film still remains a valuable addition to the genre. As precious as bonds among teens in detention, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made great movies about education which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 