Dead Poets Society | Rotten Tomatoes

Dead Poets Society

PG

Now Playing

2 hr. 8 min.

Drama

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for Dead Poets Society: Trailer 1

List

84%

63 Reviews

Tomatometer

92%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

A new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), is introduced to an all-boys preparatory school that is known for its ancient traditions and high standards. He uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students, who face enormous pressures from their parents and the school. With Keating's help, students Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) and others learn to break out of their shells, pursue their dreams and seize the day.

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Critics Consensus

Affecting performances from the young cast and a genuinely inspirational turn from Robin Williams grant Peter Weir's prep school drama top honors.

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Benjamin H

A heartwarming, inspiring and richly painted coming-of-age about rebelling conventions and seizing life, Dead Poets Society could have explored some of its narrative directions a bit more, but it features loads of thematic depth with powerful storytelling and a triumphant final shot. It manages to be reflective of itself while also brimming with vigor. Solidly directed by Peter Weir, amazingly written by Tom Schulman and wonderfully acted by Robin Williams, this movie was a terrific, enthralling watch from start till end.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/25/24

Full Review

Libi A

I think this is the most meaningfull movie I ever seen. I really love this movie! Everyone needs to see it one time or more.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/24/24

Full Review

Adrian T

Oh Captain, My captain.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/19/24

Full Review

Mich S

Went in for a good time, came out crying

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/07/24

Full Review

Dylan N

Robin Williams is a good actor.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/04/24

Full Review

shepard r

if you hate this movie then you might be insane go see a therapist

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/02/24

Full Review

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Peter Weir

Director

Robin Williams

John Keating

Robert Sean Leonard

Neil Perry

Ethan Hawke

Todd Anderson

Josh Charles

Knox Overstreet

Gale Hansen

Charlie Dalton

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Dead Poets Society: Trailer 1

2:35

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Kurt Jacobsen

Chicago Reader

We never are privy to Keatings’s personal life, nor do we quite grasp why such a talented individual is devoted to pedagogy.

Rated: 1/4

May 11, 2022

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

A refreshing if obvious drama.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 23, 2017

Full Review

Hank Gallo

New York Daily News

On the surface Robin Williams appears to be giving his standard performance as Prof. Keating - witty, sincere and lovable. But there's much more here.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 1, 2016

Full Review

Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

Stuff.co.nz

An achingly beautiful story of high school boys who give up the guards of their masculinity and family expectations to believe in something beautiful and real.

Oct 28, 2022

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

An Oscar-winning drama about self-discovery, free-thinking, and the unfortunate costs that sometimes comes with them.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 20, 2022

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

This excellent film turns a refrain into an axiom. [Full review in Spanish}

Jul 1, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

A new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), is introduced to an all-boys preparatory school that is known for its ancient traditions and high standards. He uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students, who face enormous pressures from their parents and the school. With Keating's help, students Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) and others learn to break out of their shells, pursue their dreams and seize the day.

Director: Peter Weir
Screenwriter: Tom Schulman
Distributor: Touchstone Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures, Touchstone Home Video
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 2, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $94.5M
Sound Mix: Surround, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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