The Best Movies For And About Teachers, Ranked By Fans

The Best Movies For And About Teachers, Ranked By Fans

Ranker Film
Updated February 9, 2024 84.4K views 78 items
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5.9K votes
1.1K voters
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Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite movies about teachers in a school setting.
Latest additions: Popular Theory, Miller's Girl, The Teachers' Lounge
Most divisive: The Emperor's Club
Over 1.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies For And About Teachers, Ranked By Fans

With over 1,000 movie fans casting their votes, this list of the best movies for and about teachers is sure to have something that resonates with everyone. Teachers occupy a unique place in our lives - they challenge us, help guide us, impart wisdom, and inspire us to reach our highest potential. Movies that explore this special relationship between teacher and student can be both emotionally moving and incredibly entertaining.

Whether you're looking for an uplifting drama or an irreverent comedy, these films have it all. From classic tales like Dead Poets Society to family-friendly favorites like Matilda, there's no shortage of great movies dedicated to the noble profession of teaching. On the flip side are the films which take a more critical look at the system itself: School of Rock offers up a hilarious critique of education bureaucracy while Freedom Writers provides poignant insight into inner-city schooling struggles.

Whatever your preference may be when it comes to teacher movies, this list has got you covered. So why not check out these fan-favorite picks today? Vote up your favorite titles from the list below and get ready for some inspiring lessons from Hollywood's most beloved educators.

  • Dead Poets Society
    1
    Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke
    466 votes
    In the captivating drama, Dead Poets Society, English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) introduces his students at the conservative Welton Academy to the world of poetry. His unconventional teaching methods, centered around the motto Carpe Diem - seize the day, inspire his pupils to challenge the status quo and explore their individual identities. The narrative unfolds as Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), an aspiring actor, grapples with his authoritarian father's expectations. This 1989 Peter Weir-directed film was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning Best Original Screenplay.
  • Lean on Me
    2
    Morgan Freeman, Robert Guillaume, Beverly Todd
    308 votes
    In this fact-based film, a New Jersey superintendent, Dr. Frank Napier (Robert Guillaume), watches helplessly as East Side High becomes the lowest-ranked school in the state. With nowhere else to turn, Dr. Napier enlists maverick ex-teacher Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman) to take over as principal of the declining school. Unfortunately for Clark, before he can focus on improving the student body's state exam scores, he has to somehow rid the school of its gang and narcotics problems.
  • Stand and Deliver
    3
    Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, Rosanna DeSoto
    289 votes
    Los Angeles high school teacher Jaime Escalante (Edward James Olmos) is being hassled by tough students like Angel Guzman (Lou Diamond Phillips). But Jaime is also pressured by his bosses, who want him to control his raucous classroom. Caught in the middle, he opts to immerse his students in higher math. After intensive study, his students ace California's calculus test, only to learn that their scores are being questioned. They'll have to retake the exam in order to quiet the critics.
  • To Sir, with Love
    4
    Sidney Poitier, Judy Geeson, Christian Roberts
    267 votes
    American Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) recently received his degree in engineering, but cannot find work. To make ends meet, he takes a job as a teacher in a rough London East End school populated mostly with troublemakers who were rejected from other schools for their behavior. While the students at first see Thackeray as just another teacher open for ridicule and bullying, his calm demeanor and desire to see them succeed gradually earn him their respect.
  • Mr. Holland's Opus
    5
    Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Jay Thomas
    261 votes
    Mr. Holland's Opus is an inspiring drama centered on the life of Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss), a dedicated music teacher at an American high school. The narrative, spanning three decades, traces Mr. Holland's journey from a reluctant educator to a beloved figure shaping young minds through music. In his personal life, he grapples with his relationship with his deaf son, Cole (Joseph Anderson). Directed by Stephen Herek, this film earned Dreyfuss an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. It beautifully blends elements of family drama and educational inspiration into a compelling cinematic opus.
  • The Karate Kid
    6
    Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
    154 votes
    In the heart of the 1984 martial arts drama The Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a high school student, finds himself in the crosshairs of bullies at his new school. To defend himself, he seeks guidance from a wise and enigmatic karate master Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). Through rigorous training, Daniel learns not just about physical combat but also life's profound lessons. Directed by John G. Avildsen, this film gained an Academy Award nomination for Morita and remains one of the most enduring classics in its genre.
  • Remember the Titans
    7
    Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison
    144 votes
    Based on a true story, Remember the Titans is a compelling sports drama. Set in 1971, it tells the tale of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia. The African American coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) and his assistant Bill Yoast (Will Patton), who is white, must work together to unite their racially divided team. As they battle prejudice and adversity both on and off the pitch, their struggles culminate in a high-stakes championship game. This inspiring film won the Black Reel Award for Network/Cable - Best Film in 2001.
  • Dangerous Minds
    8
    Michelle Pfeiffer, George Dzundza, Courtney B. Vance
    273 votes
    Former Marine Louanne Johnson (Michelle Pfeiffer) lands a gig teaching in a pilot program for bright but underachieving teens at a notorious inner-city high school. After having a terrible first day, she decides she must throw decorum to the wind. When Johnson returns to the classroom, she does so armed with a no-nonsense attitude informed by her military training and a fearless determination to better the lives of her students -- no matter what the cost.
  • Freedom Writers
    9
    Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn
    222 votes
    A dedicated teacher (Hilary Swank) in a racially divided Los Angeles school has a class of at-risk teenagers deemed incapable of learning. Instead of giving up, she inspires her students to take an interest in their education and planning their future. She assigns reading material that relates to their lives and encourages them all to keep journals.
  • Good Will Hunting
    10
    Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck
    115 votes
    In the heart of Boston, a self-taught genius janitor, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), solves complex mathematical problems at MIT unnoticed. His talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård). The professor seeks therapy for Will's emotional issues from Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), an empathetic psychologist. As Will grapples with his past and future, he finds solace in his relationship with Skylar (Minnie Driver), a Harvard student. Good Will Hunting, a compelling drama directed by Gus Van Sant, won two Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay.
  • School of Rock
    11
    Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White
    362 votes
    In the vibrant comedy, School of Rock, Dewey Finn (Jack Black), a passionate yet failed musician, finds himself posing as a substitute teacher at an elite prep school. Faced with a class of overachieving students, he diverts from the standard curriculum and instead instructs his pupils in the art of rock 'n' roll. The film, directed by Richard Linklater, explores themes of identity and rebellion while showcasing compelling performances from its cast. Joanna 'Joey' Mullins (Rebecca Brown) and Zack Mooneyham (Joey Gaydos Jr.) play pivotal roles as members of the makeshift band. The movie was nominated for several awards, including Best Comedy at the 2004 MTV Movie Awards.
  • Hoosiers
    12
    Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper
    126 votes
    In the heartland of Indiana, a small-town high school basketball team, led by their new coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), embarks on an unlikely journey to the state championship. Dale, a former college coach with a checkered past, employs controversial methods that ruffle feathers in the tight-knit community. His assistant Shooter (Dennis Hopper), a troubled local and former basketball star, aids him in this quest. Hoosiers, inspired by true events from 1954, is a sports drama that received two Academy Award nominations, including one for Hopper's supporting role.
  • Kindergarten Cop
    13
    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed
    241 votes
    In Kindergarten Cop, Detective John Kimble (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is an austere, tough law enforcer who finds himself in an unfamiliar world of crayons and nursery rhymes. Tasked with tracking down a dangerous criminal, Kimble goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher. His target? The ex-wife (Penelope Ann Miller) and son of the felon he's chasing. As Kimble navigates this new terrain filled with boisterous children and nap times, he discovers that there's more to his mission than just law enforcement. Amidst the chaos of finger paints and snack time, he finds unexpected bonds forming and lessons learned in the most unlikely of places. This comedy-action film laces tension with humor, making it an engaging watch for all audiences.
  • Coach Carter
    14
    Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri'chard, Rob Brown
    166 votes
    In the film Coach Carter, Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) is a high school basketball coach with a controversial yet effective approach to molding his team. Amidst a backdrop of inner-city struggles, Carter imposes an academic contract on his players, sparking a heated debate within the community. The movie delves into themes of discipline, teamwork, and personal responsibility. It's based on a true story, adding an extra layer of authenticity to this sports drama. Its poignant narrative and Jackson's standout performance continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
  • The Ron Clark Story
    15
    Matthew Perry, Ernie Hudson, Melissa De Sousa
    95 votes
    In his small North Carolina hometown, Ron Clark (Matthew Perry) leads a comfortable life as a successful elementary school teacher, earning the respect of the community. However, he knows there are students elsewhere who need him more. Following his inner calling, Clark uproots to New York City, hoping to make a difference for the disenfranchised youths the school system has left behind. Clark makes it his mission to turn around the worst students, even though he knows his job is on the line.
  • The Teachers' Lounge
    16
    Leonie Benesch, Leonard Stettnisch, Eva Löbau
    14 votes
    Teacher Carla Nowak decides to get involved when one of her students is suspected of theft. Caught between her ideals and the school system, the consequences of her actions threaten to break her.
  • The Miracle Worker
    17
    Anne Bancroft, Patty Duke, Victor Jory
    76 votes
    Blind and deaf after suffering a terrible fever as a baby, young Helen Keller (Patty Duke) has spent years unable to communicate, leaving her frustrated and occasionally violent. As a last chance before she is institutionalized, her parents (Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine) contact a school for the blind, which sends half-blind Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft) to teach Helen. Helen is initially resistant, but Annie gradually forms a bond with her and shows Helen ways of reaching others.
  • Matilda
    18
    Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman
    62 votes
    Matilda (Mara Wilson) is a precocious child, born into an uncaring family. Her crass car-dealer father (Danny DeVito) and neglectful mother (Rhea Perlman) fail to recognize her genius intellect, leaving Matilda starved for knowledge and affection. At school, she faces the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), whose reign of terror is challenged by Matilda's burgeoning telekinetic powers. This 1996 film, directed by Danny DeVito, is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy that won acclaim for its engaging storytelling and strong performances. It explores themes of resilience, self-empowerment, and the power of kindness in an unjust world.
  • Blackboard Jungle
    19
    Glenn Ford, Vic Morrow, Anne Francis
    56 votes
    World War II veteran Richard Dadier (Glenn Ford) takes a teaching position at a rough New York City school for boys. The staff warns him that the students are nearly impossible to control, but the optimistic Richard remains unfazed. Soon, though, he realizes that his class isn't merely rowdy -- they can be downright dangerous. The students, led by the thuggish Artie West (Vic Morrow), threaten their teacher and his family with violence, yet Richard refuses to give up on the troubled teens.
  • The Substitute
    20
    Tom Berenger, Ernie Hudson, Diane Venora
    97 votes
    Inner-city Miami schoolteacher Jane Hetzko (Diane Venora) gets her knee broken when she stands up to the school's gang leader, Juan Lacas (Marc Anthony). Her boyfriend, mercenary combat specialist Jonathan Shale (Tom Berenger), goes undercover as a substitute teacher to take down the punk, but soon discovers that Lacas is merely an underling for the real criminal mastermind. Assembling the team from his last jungle raid, led by his right-hand man, Joey Six (Raymond Cruz), Shale declares war.
  • Taps
    21
    Timothy Hutton, George C. Scott, Ronny Cox
    68 votes
    Bunker Hill Military Academy has been targeted by real estate developers for demolition. The students, outraged at the thought of their school being turned into condominiums, vow to fight back. Led by Cadet Maj. Brian Moreland (Timothy Hutton), they stage a school-wide rebellion that ends with them in charge of the campus. After winning over the headmaster (George C. Scott), Brian and his fellow cadets, Alex (Sean Penn) and David (Tom Cruise), face their toughest battle yet -- with the Army.
  • The Great Debaters
    22
    Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker
    115 votes
    Poet and professor Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington) teaches at the predominately black Wiley College in 1935 Texas. He decides to start a debate team, something nearly unheard of at a black college. While at first he butts heads with the influential father (Forest Whitaker) of one of his best debators, eventually he is able to form a team of strong-minded, intelligent young students, and they become the first black debate team to challenge Harvard's prestigious debate champions.
  • The Principal
    23
    Jim Belushi, Louis Gossett, Rae Dawn Chong
    104 votes
    The new principal (James Belushi) of a drug-infested high school joins with a security guard (Louis Gossett Jr.) to clean it up.
  • Finding Forrester
    24
    Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham
    70 votes
    A unique relationship develops between an eccentric, reclusive novelist and a young, amazingly gifted scholar-athlete. After the novelist discovers that the young athlete is also an excellent writer and secretly takes him on as his protégé, they develop an unlikely friendship. As they learn more about each other, they learn more about themselves, and ultimately, with the help of his new mentor, the basketball star must choose the right path.
  • Whiplash
    25
    Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist
    60 votes
    In the gripping drama Whiplash, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a young jazz drummer, seeks to climb the ranks at a prestigious music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an esteemed yet terrifying conductor, becomes his mentor and tormentor in equal measures. The movie delves into their intense relationship, punctuated by Fletcher's relentless pursuit of perfection and Neiman's obsessive ambition. This thrilling narrative won three Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actor for Simmons. Whiplash is a riveting exploration of dedication, discipline, and the high price of artistic brilliance.
  • Easy A
    26
    Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes
    49 votes
    In the cleverly comedic film Easy A, Emma Stone stars as Olive Penderghast, a high school student who finds herself tangled in a web of rumors and half-truths. After a small lie about losing her virginity gets out, she sees her life paralleling Hester Prynne's from The Scarlet Letter, which she is studying in school -- until she decides to use the rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing. Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, and Thomas Haden Church co-star in this engaging tale that takes a humorous look at the serious subject of reputation and the rapid spread of gossip in a digital era.
  • Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit
    27
    Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Barnard Hughes
    166 votes
    In Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) makes a triumphant return. This time, she's masquerading as Sister Mary Clarence, a nun with an unconventional teaching style. She's been tasked to revitalize a lackluster music program at St. Francis Academy, a school threatened by closure. The film, a comedy-drama, is filled with vibrant musical numbers and memorable performances from Lauryn Hill and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Despite the uphill battle and resistance from skeptical students, Sister Mary Clarence uses her unique methods to breathe new life into the school and its choir.
  • Pay It Forward
    28
    Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Haley Joel Osment
    62 votes
    In the heartwarming drama Pay It Forward, young Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) is inspired by a social studies assignment. His teacher, Eugene Simonet (Kevin Spacey), encourages students to think of an idea to change the world and put it into action. Trevor's grand plan is a benevolent chain reaction of good deeds, which he calls 'pay it forward'. The boy's actions ripple outwards, affecting his hardworking single mother Arlene (Helen Hunt) and the wider community. A tale of simple acts sparking monumental changes, this film explores the power of kindness in unexpected ways.
  • Mean Girls
    29
    Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey
    64 votes
    In the teen comedy Mean Girls, Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is a naive newcomer to public school, having been homeschooled in Africa. She finds herself in the whirlwind of high school politics and cliques, especially when she crosses paths with Regina George (Rachel McAdams), the queen bee of North Shore High School's most popular clique, The Plastics. As Cady navigates this new terrain, she becomes entangled in The Plastics' manipulative games. Tina Fey, who also wrote the screenplay, stars as Ms. Norbury, a teacher who provides guidance for Cady. Mean Girls was nominated for multiple awards and won a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Comedy.
  • Akeelah and the Bee
    30
    Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer
    64 votes
    Akeelah and the Bee is a drama film centered around an eleven-year-old girl, Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer), from South Los Angeles. Living in a neighborhood where opportunities are scarce, she unexpectedly discovers her extraordinary talent for spelling. Guided by an uncompromising yet compassionate coach, Dr. Joshua Larabee (Laurence Fishburne), Akeelah participates in a national spelling bee competition. Angela Bassett plays the role of Akeelah's supportive mother, Tanya. Despite daunting obstacles and intense pressure, Akeelah strives to outshine her competitors and redefine her destiny. The movie won the Black Reel Award for Best Actress among other accolades.
  • Front of the Class
    31
    Patricia Heaton, Treat Williams, James Wolk
    59 votes
    Front of the Class is a 2008 American drama film based on the book by Brad Cohen, Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had, co-authored by Lisa Wysocky. The book was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie starring newcomer James Wolk—a 2007 University of Michigan graduate—and featuring Treat Williams and Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton as Cohen's parents; the movie aired on CBS on December 7, 2008.
  • Half Nelson
    32
    Ryan Gosling, Shareeka Epps, Anthony Mackie
    103 votes
    Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling) is a history teacher at a Brooklyn school. Though well-liked by his students and colleagues, he secretly spends his evenings hopping bars and getting high. A female student named Drey (Shareeka Epps) catches him in a drug-induced haze after a basketball game, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship. As Dan struggles with his addiction, he tries to act as a mentor to the girl, whose brother is serving time for dealing drugs.
  • The Paper Chase
    33
    Timothy Bottoms, John Houseman, Lindsay Wagner
    38 votes
    As a first-year law student at Harvard, James Hart (Timothy Bottoms) knows he's got his work cut out for him. But things get harder than he anticipated when he runs afoul of the school's dreaded contracts professor, Charles W. Kingsfield Jr. (John Houseman). Wry and imposing, Kingsfield drives many of the lesser students to drop out, but James endures and, as if begging for more trouble, begins dating the professor's daughter, Susan (Lindsay Wagner).
  • Renaissance Man
    34
    Danny DeVito, Gregory Hines, James Remar
    107 votes
    Released: 1994
    After getting canned from his advertising job, down-and-out divorcé Bill Rago (Danny DeVito) gets a gig teaching English at a nearby army base. There, he takes on a group of underachieving students from poor backgrounds who seem apathetic about their education. Bill becomes frustrated, but finally turns the class around when he begins discussing "Hamlet." However, Sgt. Cass (Gregory Hines), a hardened drill instructor, is skeptical of Bill's teaching methods.
  • Children of a Lesser God
    35
    William Hurt, Marlee Matlin, Piper Laurie
    37 votes
    Starting his new job as an instructor at a New England school for the deaf, James Leeds (William Hurt) meets Sarah Norman (Marlee Matlin), a young deaf woman who works at the school as a member of the custodial staff. A romance slowly develops between the pair in spite of Sarah's withdrawn emotional state due in part to her difficult relationship with her mother (Piper Laurie). Matlin, who is deaf in real life, won the Academy Award for Best Actress for this, her first film role.
  • Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
    36
    Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton
    98 votes
    Released: 2009
    Set in 1980s Harlem, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire is a stirring drama featuring Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), an illiterate, overweight teenager pregnant with her second child. The film unfolds Precious's journey from despair to hope under the guidance of her alternative school teacher Ms. Rain (Paula Patton). Mariah Carey gives a notable performance as Mrs. Weiss, a social worker determined to help Precious. Directed by Lee Daniels and winner of two Academy Awards, this film is an unflinching portrayal of abuse and redemption.
  • Take the Lead
    37
    Antonio Banderas, Rob Brown, Alfre Woodard
    86 votes
    When internationally renowned dancer Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) takes a teaching job in a New York City public school, he meets ridicule from the street-wise students, who scoff at the notion of ballroom dancing. Far from being discouraged, he melds their hip-hop moves with his classical style, helping them create a dance form and, in the process, becoming their mentor.
  • The Emperor's Club
    38
    Kevin Kline, Patrick Dempsey, Jesse Eisenberg
    80 votes
    The Emperor's Club is a 2002 American drama film directed by Michael Hoffman and stars Kevin Kline. It tells the story of a prep school teacher and his students at a fictional boys' prep school, St. Benedict's Academy, in Andover, Massachusetts. It was filmed at Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, although St. Benedict's Academy is said to be modeled after Phillips Academy, a preparatory school in Andover, Massachusetts.
  • The Kindergarten Teacher
    39
    Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gael García Bernal, Michael Chernus
    54 votes
    A teacher sees such great promise in her 5-year-old student that she goes to unreasonable lengths to protect his talent.
  • Mona Lisa Smile
    40
    Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles
    51 votes
    Released: 2003
    Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts) is a recent UCLA graduate hired to teach art history at the prestigious all-female Wellesley College, in 1953. Determined to confront the outdated mores of society and the institution that embraces them, Katherine inspires her traditional students including Betty (Kirsten Dunst) and Joan (Julia Stiles) to challenge the lives they are expected to lead.
  • McFarland, USA
    41
    Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor
    33 votes
    Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominantly Latino high-school in California's Central Valley. Coach White and his new students find that they have much to learn about one another, but things begin to change when White realizes the boys' exceptional running ability. More than just physical prowess drives the teens to succeed; their strong family ties, incredible work ethic and commitment to their team all play a factor in forging these novice runners into champions.
  • The Edge of Seventeen
    42
    Hailee Steinfeld, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner
    38 votes
    Navigating the choppy waters of adolescence, The Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age dramedy that centers on high school junior Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld). She struggles with typical teenage angst compounded by the death of her father and an increasingly distant relationship with her popular older brother, Darian (Blake Jenner). When Darian starts dating Nadine's best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), her world spirals into chaos. The movie, directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, beautifully encapsulates the trials of growing up, bolstered by a strong performance from Steinfeld. A candid portrayal of youth and resilience, it offers an authentic glimpse into the tumultuous teen years.
  • Goodbye, Mr. Chips
    43
    Peter O'Toole, Petula Clark, Michael Redgrave
    34 votes
    Stuffy young Latin instructor Arthur Chipping (Peter O'Toole) is widely disliked by his young charges at a small public school in Great Britain in the 1920s, until he finds his life turned around by charming music hall singer and comedienne Katherine Bridges (Petula Clark). Though her lower-class past impedes Chipping's longed-for rise to headmaster, the students become devoted to her good-hearted warmth, which also helps transform the once-despised "Chips" into a beloved school figure.
  • Educating Rita
    44
    Michael Caine, Julie Walters, Michael Williams
    28 votes
    Rita (Julie Walters), a married hair stylist in her 20s, wants to go back to school. She begins studying with Dr. Bryant (Michael Caine), a professor using alcohol to cope with his divorce. Despite his personal problems, Dr. Bryant helps Rita realize her academic potential. In turn, her passion for learning revitalizes his love of teaching. However, when Rita's blue-collar spouse learns that his wife is more interested in education than homemaking, he becomes frustrated by her independence.
  • Gifted
    45

    Gifted

    Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan
    25 votes
    Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy - his spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) - in a coastal town in Florida. Frank's plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the 7-year-old's mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank's formidable mother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary.
  • Bad Teacher
    46
    Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel
    162 votes
    For most, teaching is an honorable profession -- except for Elizabeth (Cameron Diaz). The foul-mouthed, boozy woman can't wait to marry a rich man and quit her job, but she has to rethink her plans when her sugar daddy dumps her. Then Scott Delacorte (Justin Timberlake), a substitute teacher who's cute and rich, arrives. Elizabeth can't wait to sink her teeth into a new meal ticket, but she faces stiff competition from Amy (Lucy Punch), a popular and perky colleague.
  • Conrack
    47
    Jon Voight, Paul Winfield, Hume Cronyn
    26 votes
    In this uplifting drama based on the memoir "The Water is Wide," Pat Conroy (Jon Voight) accepts a teaching position on an isolated island in South Carolina. There he finds a class of black students who are not only illiterate, but also wanting for simple personal hygiene. Conroy contradicts the lax institutional standards and exposes his students to a wide range of topics, but those in power do not take kindly to his efforts to overturn their racist policies.
  • The Chorus
    48
    Kad Merad, Jacques Perrin, Didier Flamand
    63 votes
    The Chorus is a 2004 French drama film directed by Christophe Barratier. Co-written by Barratier and Philippe Lopes-Curval, it is an adaptation of the 1945 film A Cage of Nightingales, which in turn was adapted by Noël-Noël and René Wheeler from a story by Wheeler and Georges Chaperot. The plot involves the widely successful orchestra conductor Pierre Morhange, who returns to France when his mother dies. He reminisces about his childhood inspirations when he and his former classmate Pépinot read the diary of their old music teacher Clément Mathieu. In 1949, a young Morhange is the badly behaved son of single mother Violette. He attends the boarding institution for "difficult" boys, Fond de L'Étang, presided over by strict headmaster Mr Rachin. New teacher Mathieu brightens up the school and assembles a choir, leading to the discovery of Morhange's musical and physical talents and a transformation in the children. At the 77th Academy Awards, The Chorus was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Song.
  • Up the Down Staircase
    49
    Sandy Dennis, Patrick Bedford, Eileen Heckart
    37 votes
    On her first day at Calvin Coolidge High, fledgling teacher Sylvia Barrett (Sandy Dennis) encounters an apathetic faculty, a delinquent student body and an administration that drowns its staff in paperwork. The following days go from bad to worse as Sylvia struggles to reach her most troubled students, bright underachiever Joe and sensitive Alice. When Alice's crush on a male teacher (Patrick Bedford) leads her to attempt suicide, Sylvia questions her ability to help the disadvantaged teens.
  • Night School
    50

    Night School

    Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Rob Riggle
    29 votes
    Teddy Walker is a successful salesman whose life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally blows up his place of employment. Forced to attend night school to get his GED, Teddy soon finds himself dealing with a group of misfit students, his former high school nemesis and a feisty teacher who doesn't think he's too bright.
  • The Class
    51
    Arthur Fogel, François Bégaudeau, Valérie Benguigui
    48 votes
    The Class is a 2008 French drama film directed by Laurent Cantet. Its original French title is Entre les murs, which translates literally to "Between the walls" or "Within the walls". It is based on the 2006 novel of the same name by François Bégaudeau. The novel is a semi-autobiographical account of Bégaudeau's experiences as a French language and literature teacher in a middle school in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, particularly illuminating his struggles with "problem children" Esmerelda, Khoumba, and Souleymane. The film stars Bégaudeau himself in the role of the teacher. The film received the Palme d'Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, making it the first French film to do so since 1987, when Maurice Pialat won the award for Under the Sun of Satan.
  • The Browning Version
    52
    Michael Redgrave, Jean Kent, Nigel Patrick
    25 votes
    Andrew Crocker-Harris (Michael Redgrave) has been forced from his position as the classics master at an English public school due to poor health. As he winds up his final term, he discovers not only that his wife, Millie (Jean Kent), has been unfaithful to him with one of his fellow schoolmasters (Nigel Patrick), but that the school's students and faculty have long disdained him. However, an unexpected act of kindness causes Crocker-Harris to re-evaluate his life's work.
  • One Eight Seven
    53
    Samuel L. Jackson, John Heard, Kelly Rowan
    63 votes
    When a student writes the police code for homicide, 187, inside a textbook owned by teacher Trevor Garfield (Samuel L. Jackson), he feels threatened. The principal dismisses the incident, but, soon after, Trevor is stabbed by the same student. Fifteen months later, a physically and emotionally scarred Trevor relocates to California and takes up substitute teaching. To his dismay, his new school is as full of dangerously undisciplined students as the last one, driving Trevor over the edge.
  • Fist Fight
    54

    Fist Fight

    Charlie Day, Ice Cube, Tracy Morgan
    28 votes
    On the last day before summer vacation, high school teacher Andy Campbell tries his best to keep it together amid senior pranks, a dysfunctional administration and budget cuts that threaten his job. Things go from bad to worse when he crosses Ron Strickland, the school's toughest and most feared teacher. When Strickland gets fired, he challenges Campbell to a fight after school. As news of the showdown spreads like wildfire, poor Andy desperately seeks any way out of his date with certain doom.
  • Another Round
    55
    Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang
    21 votes
    Another Round (AKA Druk) is a 2020 Danish-Swedish drama film directed by Thomas Vinterberg. Four teachers who struggle with professional and personal woes decide to drink during the day, maintaining a mild buzz, with the aim of becoming more relaxed and creative.
  • The Corn Is Green
    56
    Bette Davis, John Dall, Nigel Bruce
    21 votes
    Determined to educate the town's illiterate children, spinster schoolteacher L.C. Moffat (Bette Davis) opens a school in the tiny Welsh coal-mining community of Glansarno. Battling the contrary local squire (Nigel Bruce), Miss Moffat becomes increasingly discouraged until she sees extraordinary potential in one of her older students, Morgan Evans (John Dall). When Morgan fathers a child out of wedlock, the teacher fears her pupil's chance at an Oxford education may be destroyed.
  • The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
    57
    Maggie Smith, Pamela Franklin, Robert Stephens
    29 votes
    Jean Brodie (Maggie Smith) is a free-spirited teacher at a Scottish girls' school during the 1930s. She encourages her young pupils to embrace romantic ideals, educating them about love and art rather than hard facts. However, her controversial teaching philosophy draws the ire of the school's headmistress, Miss Mackey (Celia Johnson), and, as Miss Brodie becomes entangled in a love triangle, her behavior towards her favorite students becomes increasingly manipulative.
  • The Teacher
    58
    Jay North, Angel Tompkins, Marlene Schmidt
    15 votes
    The Teacher is a 1974 American coming-of-age suspense film, written, produced, and directed by Hickmet Avedis and released by Crown International Pictures. The film stars Angel Tompkins, Jay North and Anthony James, and tells the story of an 18-year-old's first relationship with his alluring teacher, and the hidden danger awaiting them in the shadows.
  • Hamlet 2
    59
    Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, David Arquette
    29 votes
    Hapless high school theater teacher Dana Marschz (Steve Coogan) writes pretentious musical adaptations of Hollywood blockbusters for his indifferent students to perform. His home life is equally shambolic, with his hostile and unhappy wife (Catherine Keener) having an affair with their lodger (David Arquette). When Dana's latest brainstorm, a musical version of "Hamlet" that includes time travel and a visit from Jesus, threatens to get him fired, his students band together on his behalf.
  • Call Me Mister
    60
    Betty Grable, Dan Dailey
    19 votes
    Call Me Mister is a 1951 musical film released by Twentieth Century-Fox. The feature was directed by Lloyd Bacon and re-written from the 1946 Broadway play version by Albert E. Lewin and Burt Styler with music by Harold Rome that featured cast members from the US armed forces. Call Me Mister was filmed in Technicolor, and starred Betty Grable and Dan Dailey and co-starred Danny Thomas with supporting players Dale Robertson, Benay Venuta, and Richard Boone. Only a couple Harold Rome numbers were kept in the film.