Much like the written word, movies have the opportunity not only to entertain but enlighten, as a teacher aspires to do for their students. They’re a great way to unwind and with the volume of genres available, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone, including educators!
To save teachers time scouring media outlets for something that piques their interest, here are 10 education-focused movies all teachers should see.
The Karate Kid
Let’s start with a classic, and what could be more memorable than The Karate Kid? Although it is not about traditional scholarly education, watching Daniel and his unlikely mentor develop a friendship as he guides the young boy through amazing self-defense skills is a heartwarmer. The unorthodox training methods are also inspirational for trying to engage less academically-inclined kids.
Check out our review of The Karate Kid.
Stand By Me
An oldie lost to recent generations, Stand By Me is the classic tale of navigating adolescence as a student and the pressure to meet the lofty standards of parents and teachers. It’s an emotional ride through a time we’ve mostly forgotten and reminds us that children, more than anything, need compassion and guidance.
Check out our review of Stand By Me.
Mean Girls
It’s a jungle out there! Previously homeschooled student Cady Heron experiences high school for the first time when her family returns from Africa. From popular “Plastics” to self-proclaimed “Greatest People You’ll Ever Meet”, Cady must contend with Girl Code, structured lessons, and every teenage girl’s weakness; a cute boy! Lighthearted and fun, Mean Girls is a satirical year at America’s most clique-divided school.
Check out our review of Mean Girls.
Freedom Writers
A true testament to teaching, Freedom Writers follows inspiring teacher Erin Gruwell as she tries to instill strong work ethics and success in the students of Woodrow Wilson High School. “Despite being initially disliked, Erin works a second and third job to provide resources for her students, never succumbing to their unfavorable treatment on her quest to encourage success,” says Felicity Richmond, an educator at OXEssays and Paper Fellows.
Check out our review of Freedom Writers.
Remember the Titans
Filled with peers from all different backgrounds and home lives, school becomes the basis of a child’s prejudices and behaviors. It is up to teachers to shape young minds. Remember the Titans provides a raw, unfiltered look at racial tensions through the attitudes of a high school football team. Their teacher responds to racist attitudes by creating uncomfortable situations that force his students to face the realities of racism outside of school.
Check out our review of Remember the Titans.
This title is also included in our list of empowering stories for students.
Dead Poets Society
A classic peppered with meaningful poetic quotes, this film depicts popular teacher Mr. Keating and his interactions with two brothers. It’s an often uncomfortable story of challenging conventional conformism as Mr. Keating pulls the boys reluctantly into adulthood, encouraging personal growth and the attitudes needed for future success.
Check out our review of Dead Poets Society.
The Breakfast Club
Everyone has secrets. For some, it may be stealing a candy bar when they were six, but others carry heavy burdens that shape the way they think and respond, regardless of outward persona. The Breakfast Club brings these challenges into the light as a group of extremely different kids sit through detention together and doing so, learn much more about each other than intended.
Check out our review of The Breakfast Club.
To Sir With Love
Not intending to teach but needing work, an engineer (Sidney Poitier) takes a job teaching while he tracks down something more suited to his expertise. Despite the uncertainty and his continued dreams of landing an engineering position, Mark Thackeray tackles the challenge of a disruptive class head-on, endeavoring to bring order and respect to his students throughout.
School of Rock
An inspiring tale of a man with musical dreams who circumstantially falls into teaching, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn (Jack Black), a lively character who brings music to a stuffy prep school, forming a rock band that showcases the talents of his students. “He falls short of the mark for education, but what he lacks in knowledge is made up for in enthusiasm. Dewey brings a love of music to his students that in turn, inspire them to become better and follow their own dreams,” explains Daniel Hitchenson, a writer at Liahelp and Boomessays.
Check out our review of School of Rock.
This title is also included in our list of empowering stories for students.
Like Stars On Earth
Like Stars On Earth is a must-see! Ishaan is a “problem” child and is treated as such by teachers. Constantly in trouble at school and with his family, while struggling to manage everyday life, he’s sent to boarding school. Nothing changes…until an art teacher notices the eight-year-old's unhappiness and digs through his troubles to the truth, changing his life forever.
Check out our review of Like Stars on Earth.