Comedy Movies About Teachers

From Thomas Vinterberg, starring Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrøm
Rated R

The Hunt is a 2012 drama film directed by Thomas Vinterberg and starring Mads Mikkelsen as Lucas, a quiet and divorced father who lives in a small Danish village. One day, his best friend's young daughter Klara falsely accuses Lucas of a terrible crime, and the whole village turns against him. Despite his attempts to prove his innocence, the lies spread, and his life spirals out of control. As Lucas struggles to defend himself and his reputation, he discovers a strength he never knew he had. With the help of his friends and family, Lucas ultimately manages to break through the lies and reclaim his life.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 American drama film starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams, directed by Gus Van Sant. It tells the story of Will Hunting, a troubled genius from a working-class neighborhood in South Boston. With the help of a therapist and a professor, Will discovers his potential and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. The film earned nine Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture and Best Actor for Damon, and won two awards for Best Supporting Actor for Williams and Best Original Screenplay for Damon and Ben Affleck. The story follows Will as he navigates life's complexities with his friends, falls in love with Skylar, and ultimately learns to accept himself and his aspirations.

From Shimit Amin, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Malvade, Sagarika Ghatge, Shilpa Shukla
Rated Not Rated

Let's Go! India is a 2007 documentary film directed by Shimit Amin. The film follows a group of young Indian college students, who are committed to the cause of creating change in their country. The students embark on a road trip, traveling through the remote villages of India and witnessing firsthand the injustice and poverty that exists there. Through their journey and interactions with the villagers, the students learn about the harsh realities and struggles of daily life in rural India. The film follows their journey as they try to bring about meaningful change in their country and challenge the status quo. Along the way, the students also learn about themselves and the power of collective action.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, and Josh Charles. It follows the story of an English teacher, John Keating, who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry and his lessons about living an examined life. Keating encourages his students to look at the world through a different perspective, to "make your lives extraordinary" and to "seize the day." Despite being a traditional, conservative preparatory school, Keating's unconventional teaching methods and unconventional views on life bring him into conflict with the administration and with some of the parents. The students must then choose whether to conform to the school's expectations or to follow their own passions. The film ends with the students standing on their desks in a tribute to Keating and his impact on their lives.

From Arthur Penn, starring Anne Bancroft, Patty Duke, Victor Jory, Inga Swenson
Rated Approved

The Miracle Worker is a 1962 American film directed by Arthur Penn. The film tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller. The film depicts the volatile relationship between the lonely teacher and her charge. Annie's success with Helen finally comes through a seemingly miraculous transformation that culminates in a moment of joy and triumph as Helen speaks her first word. The film is based on William Gibson's 1959 play, which in turn was based on Helen Keller's autobiographical account, The Story of My Life. The Miracle Worker received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, casting, and performances, and won Oscars for Best Actress and Supporting Actress.

From Christophe Barratier, starring Gérard Jugnot, François Berléand, Jean-Baptiste Maunier, Kad Merad
Rated PG-13

The Chorus is a 2004 French musical drama film set in 1949 and directed by Christophe Barratier. It follows the story of Clément Mathieu, a middle-aged music teacher who takes a job at a boarding school for troubled boys. Clément meets a group of unruly boys who have been neglected and abandoned. He uses music, song and friendship to help the boys find joy and discipline in their lives. Through his efforts, the boys' singing talent is discovered and they become celebrated throughout France as the Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc. The film highlights the importance of music in the lives of children and the power of friendship to help them overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.

From Nicolas Philibert, starring Georges Lopez, Alizé, Axel Thouvenin, Guillaume
Rated Not Rated

To Be and to Have is a 2002 documentary film directed by Nicolas Philibert that follows the lives of a rural French school teacher, Georges Lopez, and his students in the small village of Saint-Etienne-sur-Usson in the Auvergne region of France. The film follows the everyday life of the school and its inhabitants, focusing on the teacher-student relationships and the growth and development of the students over a single school year. It is a warm, intimate portrait of a small community and how education creates bonds between teacher and students. From the first days of school to the final farewells, the film captures both the tenderness and the drama of the students' everyday lives and the challenges they face. The film serves to demonstrate the importance of education, in particular the importance of teachers, in helping to shape the lives of their students.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports film directed by Boaz Yakin. Set in 1971, it follows the story of the newly appointed African-American head coach of the T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia, who must overcome the resistance of the team's racially divided players and community to lead the Titans to an undefeated season. The film stars Denzel Washington as Herman Boone, the head coach, and features Will Patton, Wood Harris, Donald Faison, Nicole Ari Parker, and Ryan Hurst in supporting roles. The film chronicles the 1971 season as the Titans—led by coach Boone and supportive assistant coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton)—work to overcome deep-seated racial prejudices, a lack of team spirit, and a resentful school community to become a true team and win the state championship. Along the way, the players must confront their own prejudices and biases and learn what it means to be a team. The film was a box-office success and is frequently listed among the best sports films of all time.

From Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen
Rated PG

October Sky is a 1999 American biographical drama film directed by Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, and Laura Dern. It is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, Jr., a coal miner's son who was inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 to take up rocketry against his father's wishes, and eventually became a NASA engineer. The film follows Homer Hickam and his friends as they dream of escaping their small mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia by building a rocket. Initially, their ambitions are met with hostility from Homer's father, who works in the coal mine and does not understand his son's dreams. However, Homer's success in launching a rocket eventually earns him the respect of the townspeople. With the help of a teacher, Homer and his friends continue to pursue rocketry, and eventually win a national science competition. The film culminates in Homer's successful launch of a rocket to the edge of space.

From Tony Kaye, starring Adrien Brody, Christina Hendricks, Marcia Gay Harden, Lucy Liu
Rated Not Rated

Detachment is an American independent drama film written and directed by Tony Kaye, starring Adrien Brody. The film follows a substitute teacher (Brody) who moves from school to school, giving him a unique insight into the world of today's youth. He soon finds himself drawn into a complex relationship with a troubled student, while also struggling to cope with the personal problems in his own life. Detachment is a powerful movie that shines a light on the state of our education system in the United States, and the struggles of modern day adolescence. It is a moving, thought-provoking story that speaks to the need for more attention to be given to the mental health and well-being of young people.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Minzhi Wei, Huike Zhang, Zhenda Tian, Enman Gao
Rated G

Not One Less is a 1999 Chinese drama film directed by Yimou Zhang. The film tells the story of 13-year-old Wei Minzhi, a village teacher in the Chinese countryside, who is hired to substitute for the village's regular teacher for one month. When the teacher unexpectedly leaves town, Wei is given the task to find a replacement before the month ends. Wei sets off on an odyssey through the nearby town of Shuiquan, searching for a teacher and running into different obstacles along the way. Through her journey, she learns how to stand up for herself and her beliefs, and ultimately succeeds in her mission. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of education in modern society and the courage of youth to face adversity.

From Richard LaGravenese, starring Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn
Rated PG-13

Freedom Writers is a 2007 film directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank. It is based on the book The Freedom Writers Diary by teacher Erin Gruwell and her students at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California. The film follows the story of Gruwell, a young and inexperienced teacher, who is assigned to teach a group of at-risk students in a racially divided high school in Long Beach, California. Despite the negative environment, Gruwell uses her commitment and dedication towards her students to inspire them to learn and make a change. With the help of her students, Gruwell overcomes the obstacles of a prejudiced administration and unsupportive parents to help her students discover their own unique potential and find their own unique voice. Through creative writing, the students learn to look past their racial and social differences and recognize their commonalities. In the end, these students become empowered by the mutual understanding and respect they have gained.

From James Clavell, starring Sidney Poitier, Judy Geeson, Christian Roberts, Suzy Kendall
Rated Approved

To Sir, with Love tells the story of a young engineer, Mark Thackeray, who takes a teaching job at a tough East London school. Despite a rough start, Thackeray soon earns the respect of the students with his unconventional teaching methods and soon forms a deep bond with the students. With his help, the students learn to trust and believe in themselves and soon become successful in their studies and in life. Thackeray ends up becoming a role model for the students, showing them the power of self-belief and determination. In the end, the students thank Thackeray for his help and guidance, showing him their love and appreciation with a heartfelt rendition of the movie's title song.

From Philippe Falardeau, starring Mohamed Fellag, Sophie Nélisse, Émilien Néron, Danielle Proulx
Rated PG-13

Monsieur Lazhar is a 2011 Canadian drama film directed by Philippe Falardeau and starring Mohamed Fellag. The film follows an Algerian immigrant, Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), who is hired to replace a teacher at a Montreal elementary school who died by suicide. Through his interactions with the students, Bachir helps them process their grief while navigating his own personal demons. The film was critically acclaimed, winning several awards and nominations, including the 2012 Genie Award for Best Motion Picture.

From Laurent Cantet, starring François Bégaudeau, Agame Malembo-Emene, Angélica Sancio, Arthur Fogel
Rated PG-13

The Class is a 2008 French drama film directed by Laurent Cantet and based on the 2006 novel Entre les murs by François Bégaudeau. The film follows a year in the life of French teacher François Marin and his students at a high school in a multicultural neighbourhood of Paris. As Marin navigates the ideological clashes between himself and his students, he must also confront his own preconceptions and limitations in order to try and foster meaningful dialogue and understanding between them. At the same time, he struggles to come to terms with the restrictions and pressures of the French education system. By delving into the complex and often contentious issues of the classroom, The Class holds up a mirror to the struggles of modern-day French society.

From Denzel Washington, starring Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Nate Parker
Rated PG-13

The Great Debaters is a 2007 drama film directed by and starring Denzel Washington. It is loosely based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College during the 1930s. Tolson assembles a debate team made up of four of his students, who become the first African-American debate team to compete in the national championship. The team is made up of James Farmer Jr., Samantha Booke, Henry Lowe, and Ruth Tolson. The team goes on to face Harvard University's debate team in the national championship, becoming the first African-American team to do so. The film follows the team as they debate their opponents and overcome obstacles. Along the way, they learn the importance of staying true to their beliefs, and the power of knowledge. The film is an inspiring story of courage and perseverance, demonstrating the power of education and dedication to achieving one's goals.

From Niki Caro, starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts
Rated PG

From Steven Zaillian, starring Joe Mantegna, Ben Kingsley, Max Pomeranc, Joan Allen
Rated PG

From John G. Avildsen, starring Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume, Alan North
Rated PG-13

From Richard Brooks, starring Glenn Ford, Anne Francis, Louis Calhern, Margaret Hayes
Rated Approved

From Lee Daniels, starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey
Rated R

From Thomas Carter, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Rick Gonzalez, Robert Ri'chard, Rob Brown
Rated PG-13

From Gus Van Sant, starring Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham, Anna Paquin
Rated PG-13

From Stephen Herek, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Jay Thomas, Olympia Dukakis
Rated PG

From Ramón Menéndez, starring Edward James Olmos, Estelle Harris, Mark Phelan, Virginia Paris
Rated PG