Movies About Learning

From Stars: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt, starring
Rated TV-MA

Breaking Bad is a crime drama television series directed by Vince Gilligan and starring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, and Betsy Brandt. The series follows the life of Walter White, a struggling high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. In order to secure his family's financial future, Walter turns to a life of crime and starts a methamphetamine empire with his former student, Jesse Pinkman. The show also focuses on the struggles of Walter's wife Skyler, brother-in-law Hank, and Jesse's friend, Badger. The series follows the danger and moral dilemmas caused by Walter's criminal activities, and the struggles of his family to cope with his decisions. Breaking Bad has been praised for its story-lines, performances, cinematography, and dark humour, and has earned numerous awards, including sixteen Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.

From Stars: Dee Bradley Baker, Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, starring
Rated TV-Y7-FV

Avatar: The Last Airbender is an animated adventure series set in a world where some people have the special ability to manipulate the elements of water, earth, fire, and air. The show follows the adventures of a 12-year-old master of all four elements, Aang, and his loyal friends, Katara and Sokka, as they seek to restore balance and harmony to their world. Along the way, they must confront the evil Fire Nation and its ruler, Firelord Ozai, who has declared war on the rest of the world. With the help of Aang and his friends, the four nations – Water, Earth, Fire, and Air – must learn to live in harmony once again.

From Stars: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce, starring
Rated TV-MA

The Wire is a crime drama television series created and written primarily by author and former police reporter David Simon. Set and filmed in Baltimore, Maryland, the series ran for five seasons from 2002 to 2008. It explores the city's drug scene from the points of view of both the police and the drug dealers, while also examining the inner workings of the city government and its politics. The Wire centers on a unit of the Baltimore Police Department's Special Investigation Section (SIS), led by Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West) and Lieutenant Cedric Daniels (Lance Reddick). They investigate drug-related crime as well as several other intertwined storylines including municipal government, education, labor unions, and the media. Other characters include the street-level drug kingpin Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris) and his crew, the reformed criminal Omar Little (Michael K. Williams), and the local political figures such as drug smuggler Marlo Stanfield (Jamie Hector). Throughout the series, the characters are forced to contend with the corrupt bureaucracy of the city and the challenges posed by the changing political landscape.

From Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, starring
Rated TV-MA

Game of Thrones is a fantasy television series based on George R.R. Martin’s series of novels, A Song of Ice and Fire. It follows the struggles of the noble families vying for control of the Iron Throne in the fictional kingdom of Westeros. The series focuses on the political machinations of the Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Targaryen families amid an impending military threat from the White Walkers, an ancient race of creatures from beyond The Wall. The series stars Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, and Lena Headey as the Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Targaryen families, respectively. It received critical acclaim for its compelling story lines, excellent cast performances, and breathtaking visuals. The show has also earned numerous awards and nominations, including a record-breaking 38 Emmy Awards. Game of Thrones has become one of the most popular television shows in history and has helped to redefine the fantasy genre. The show continues to captivate viewers with its complex characters, thrilling action sequences, and unpredictable twists and turns.

From Stars: Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke, starring
Rated TV-14

Rick and Morty is an American adult animated science fiction sitcom created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon for Cartoon Network's late-night programming block, Adult Swim. The series follows the misadventures of Rick, an alcoholic scientist, and his easily influenced grandson Morty, who split their time between interdimensional adventures, domestic family life, and dealing with the safety hazards of living with Rick. The series is known for its dark humor, surrealism, and exploration of philosophical themes. The main cast consists of Justin Roiland as both Rick and Morty, Chris Parnell as Jerry, Spencer Grammer as Summer, and Sarah Chalke as Beth. The series has been praised for its originality, creativity, and humor, with many calling it one of the best shows on television.

From Stars: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, starring
Rated TV-14

Firefly is a science fiction television series created by Joss Whedon. The series follows the adventures of the crew of the spaceship Serenity, which is captained by Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds (Nathan Fillion). Mal and his crew, including first mate Zoe Washburne (Gina Torres), pilot Hoban "Wash" Washburne (Alan Tudyk), and companion Inara Serra (Morena Baccarin), travel around the star system, encountering various adventures and characters along the way. The series is set 500 years in the future after a devastating war has left the solar system in chaos and a new government has been formed. The crew of Serenity must survive as they become embroiled in the struggles between the powerful and the powerless, while also seeking to protect their own freedom and independence.

From Stars: Jason Ritter, Alex Hirsch, Kristen Schaal, Linda Cardellini, starring
Rated TV-Y7

Gravity Falls is an American animated television series created by Alex Hirsch for Disney Channel and Disney XD. The series follows twin siblings Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend their summer vacation in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, where they encounter strange occurrences, supernatural creatures, and other oddities. The series stars Jason Ritter, Alex Hirsch, Kristen Schaal, and Linda Cardellini as the voices of Dipper and Mabel Pines, their uncle Stan, and other townspeople, respectively. The series follows the Pines twins as they explore the town and its mysterious secrets. Together, they investigate paranormal phenomena, solve puzzles, and battle supernatural forces. As the twins uncover the town's secrets, they come to realize that the town of Gravity Falls is much stranger and more dangerous than they could have ever imagined. As their summer progresses, the twins gradually learn more about the town and its secrets, and develop a closer bond with each other.

From Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Patrick Fabian, starring
Rated TV-MA

Better Call Saul is a drama/comedy television series set in the Breaking Bad universe. It follows the exploits of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), a former con artist-turned-lawyer as he slowly transforms into the titular Saul Goodman. With the help of his brother Chuck McGill (Michael McKean) and his colleague Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), Jimmy strives to become an established attorney in a tough Albuquerque legal landscape. Along the way, he must deal with the return of his former associates from the criminal underworld, including Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) and drug kingpin Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito). As he gets further embroiled in the dark world of crime, Jimmy begins to realize just how far down the rabbit hole he has gone.

From Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, starring
Rated TV-MA

Fargo is a dark comedy-crime film directed by the Coen brothers and stars Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, and Colin Hanks. The story takes place in the snowy North Dakota and Minnesota area in 1987, and follows the story of an unlucky car salesman, Jerry Lundegaard (Thornton), who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife in order to extract a ransom from his wealthy father-in-law. Things quickly spiral out of control as the criminals, Carl (Freeman) and Gaear (Hanks), find themselves in over their heads as they try to kidnap the wife and deal with the consequences. The local police chief, Marge Gunderson (Tolman), investigates the crime and slowly pieces together the events. In the end, the criminals are apprehended and Jerry receives the justice he deserves.

From Stars: Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, starring
Rated TV-MA

True Detective is a 2014 crime drama film directed by Nic Pizzolatto and stars Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Taylor Kitsch. It follows a pair of Louisiana State Police homicide detectives, Rust Cohle (Farrell) and Martin Hart (Vaughn), as they investigate a series of ritualistic murders over a seventeen-year period. As the detectives work to track down the killer, they find themselves drawn deeper into a web of dark secrets and haunting memories from their past. Along the way, they must confront their own demons as they risk their lives to bring the murderer to justice.

From Stars: Pedro Pascal, Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Alberto Ammann, starring
Rated TV-MA

Narcos is a 2015 crime drama film directed by José Padilha, starring Pedro Pascal, Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, and Alberto Ammann. The film tells the story of legendary Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel. It follows Escobar's rise to power and his struggles to maintain it, as he battles the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the Colombian government, and rival drug cartels. The film portrays Escobar's conflicts with the government, his love for his family and his rivalry with his enemies. It also shows the struggles of the DEA agents who fought to bring him down and the Colombian citizens who wanted to see justice done.

From Stars: Daniel Lapaine, Hannah John-Kamen, Michaela Coel, Beatrice Robertson-Jones, starring
Rated TV-MA

Black Mirror is a 2011 science fiction horror film by British director stars Daniel Lapaine, Hannah John-Kamen, Michaela Coel, and Beatrice Robertson-Jones. The film follows four students who accidentally open an alternate reality, where they are forced to confront a horrific future. In the alternate reality, technology has gone too far, and humans are now in a state of terror and paranoia. As the students explore the new world, they quickly realize that the only way to escape back to reality is to find a way to close the portal. Along the way, they must overcome their own inner demons and fight for their lives as they confront the evil lurking in the shadows. As they fight to end the nightmare, they discover that the only way to stop it is to completely destroy the mirror.

From Stars: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, Helen McCrory, starring
Rated TV-MA

Peaky Blinders is a 2013 British crime drama television series set in 1920s Birmingham, England. The series follows the story of the Shelby family and their criminal activities in a post-World War I era. Cillian Murphy stars as Tommy Shelby, the leader of the Peaky Blinders gang, and Paul Anderson stars as his brother, Arthur Shelby. Other cast members include Sophie Rundle, who plays Ada Shelby, the long-suffering wife of Tommy, and Helen McCrory, who plays Aunt Polly, the matriarch of the Shelby family. The series follows the Shelbys as they battle rival gangs, the law, and their own inner demons in pursuit of their goals. The series is known for its stylish cinematography and intense performances, making it one of the most critically acclaimed British television series of all time.

From Stars: Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, starring
Rated TV-14

Arrested Development is a 2003 American comedy film written by Mitchell Hurwitz and directed by Ron Howard. It follows the story of the Bluth family, a formerly wealthy and eccentric family who suddenly find themselves broke. The patriarch of the family, George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), is put in prison for financial fraud. His son Michael (Jason Bateman) takes on the responsibility of keeping the family together and helping his dysfunctional family navigate life after their downfall. Michael’s siblings, George-Michael (Michael Cera) and Lindsay (Portia de Rossi) are along for the ride, as well as his uncle Buster (Tony Hale) and his brother-in-law Tobias (Will Arnett), who is a failed actor. As the family finds themselves struggling to get back on their feet, they must come together to survive. The film was critically acclaimed and is a beloved cult classic.

From Stars: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, starring
Rated TV-14

Battlestar Galactica is a science fiction series from 2004 directed by Edward James Olmos and starring Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber and James Callis. Set in a distant future, the series follows the crew of the Battlestar Galactica as they search for the lost thirteenth colony of humanity, Earth. Along the way, they must battle the Cylons, a race of mechanical lifeforms that have been bent on destroying humanity for generations. As the crew of the Battlestar Galactica and their allies fight to save humanity, they must also uncover the secret of the Cylon's creation and figure out their own place in the universe. Battlestar Galactica is a thrilling space opera that also delves into the deep philosophical questions of what it means to be human.

From Stars: Hugh Laurie, Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard, Jesse Spencer, starring
Rated TV-14

House is a 2004 medical drama film directed by Stars and starring Hugh Laurie, Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard, and Jesse Spencer. The film follows Dr. Gregory House (Laurie), a brilliant but misanthropic medical genius who heads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey. House and his team are tasked with diagnosing a patient's mysterious and seemingly inexplicable illness. Despite his abrasive personality, House is able to unravel the mystery and save the patient's life. Along the way, House must come to terms with his own personal life and confront his own inner demons. The film offers a glimpse into the struggles of modern medicine, and the triumph of discovering the truth.

From Stars: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones, starring
Rated TV-MA

Mad Men is a 2007 American period drama television series created by Matthew Weiner and produced by Lionsgate Television. Set in the 1960s, it stars Jon Hamm as Don Draper, the creative director at a Manhattan advertising agency. The story focuses on the business of the agencies as well as the personal lives of the characters. Along with Hamm, the series also stars Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones, Christina Hendricks, and John Slattery. Mad Men is praised for its writing, visual style and historical authenticity, and has won numerous accolades, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and five Golden Globe Awards.

From Stars: Kevin Spacey, Michel Gill, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, starring
Rated TV-MA

House of Cards is a 2013 American political drama film directed by David Fincher and starring Kevin Spacey, Michel Gill, Robin Wright, and Kate Mara. The film follows Congressman Francis Underwood and his ruthless rise to power, through a combination of cunning and deceit. Forced to resign from his post as House Majority Whip, Underwood takes revenge on those who betrayed him and sets his sights on the White House. The film depicts the machinations of politics, including bribery, blackmail, and corruption, and shows how Underwood manages to manipulate his way to the top. With a gripping storyline and captivating performances from its leads, House of Cards is a riveting look at the dark side of American politics.

From Stars: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, starring
Rated TV-14

"Stranger Things" is a thrilling supernatural horror drama series, set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1980s. The series revolves around the disappearance of a young boy and the search for answers by his family, friends, and the local police chief. Along the way, they discover a strange and dangerous world located in the Upside Down, an alternate dimension that holds secrets and mysteries of its own. The series stars Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour as they explore this strange world and uncover its secrets. Together, they must face and defeat creatures from the Upside Down, fight government conspiracies, and solve the mystery of the missing boy.

From Stars: Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, Kerry Condon, starring
Rated TV-MA

Rome is a 2005 HBO television series created by John Milius, William J. Macdonald, and Bruno Heller. Set in the 1st century AD, the series follows two soldiers of the Roman army, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, and their adventures in the city of Rome. The two are drawn into the political machinations of Rome and its ruling families, and eventually become involved in a major plot to overthrow the Republic. Along the way, they meet and fall in love with historical figures like Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and Servilia. The series features an all-star cast of British and American actors, including Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, Kerry Condon, and James Purefoy. The show was praised for its attention to detail and historical accuracy, and was nominated for numerous awards. It ran for two seasons, with the finale airing in 2007.

From Stars: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar, starring
Rated TV-MA

Dexter is a crime drama television series based on a novel by Jeff Lindsay. The protagonist, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), is a blood splatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department. By night, he is a vigilante serial killer, hunting and killing criminals that have fallen through the cracks of the justice system. As Dexter's long-time friend and cop, Lt. Maria LaGuerta (Jennifer Carpenter), struggles to find a serial killer, Dexter helps her by using his keen insight into the psyche of killers to find and capture them. Meanwhile, Dexter is constantly haunted by the death of his mother, and the guilt of his own dark secrets. As the series progresses, Dexter's world becomes more complicated, as he struggles to juggle his loyalties to both his family and his code of ethics, while still trying to protect those closest to him.

From Stars: Ernie Hudson, J.K. Simmons, Lee Tergesen, Dean Winters, starring
Rated TV-MA

Oz is a 1997 crime comedy thriller directed by Frank Oz. The movie follows a group of criminals who are serving time in the Oswald Maximum Security Prison. Led by prison inmate Ernie Hudson, the group hatches a plan to break out of the prison and return to their lives of crime. Along the way, they must deal with a ruthless warden (J.K. Simmons), a psychopathic guard (Lee Tergesen), and a corrupt parole officer (Dean Winters). As the group attempts to evade capture, they discover that freedom comes with a price. The movie is an entertaining, lighthearted look at the criminal justice system and the lengths people will go to in order to escape it.

From Stars: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Matt Smith, starring
Rated TV-MA

The Crown is a British historical drama series created and written by Peter Morgan for Netflix. Set against the backdrop of 20th century British royal life, it follows the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The first two series follow the early reign of Elizabeth II and depict the political rivalries and romance of her reign, as well as her relationships with world leaders and her family. The series stars Claire Foy as Elizabeth II, Matt Smith as Prince Philip, and John Lithgow as Winston Churchill. Series 3 and 4 feature Olivia Colman as Elizabeth II, Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip and Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret. Series 5, which is set to air in 2021, will feature Imelda Staunton as Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret. It will pick up just prior to the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.

From Stars: Amy Poehler, Jim O'Heir, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, starring
Rated TV-14

Parks and Recreation is a critically acclaimed show that follows the humorous yet endearing misadventures of the Parks and Recreation department in the fictional city of Pawnee, Indiana. The show stars Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, the department head whose enthusiasm and dedication to her job borders on the absurd. She is supported by a hilarious ensemble of co-workers, including Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt), April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza), and Jerry Gergich (Jim O’Heir). Together, the team navigates the everyday obstacles of local government and strives to make Pawnee a better place. Along the way, they learn important lessons about friendship, dedication, and believing in yourself. Parks and Recreation stands out for its clever writing, strong performances, and its ability to blend comedy with heart.

From Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts, starring
Rated TV-MA

Justified is a 2010 crime-drama film directed by Stars, starring Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter and Jacob Pitts. The film follows Raylan Givens (Olyphant), a modern-day U.S. Marshal who is sent back to his hometown in Kentucky to investigate and take down a drug cartel. Raylan finds himself in the middle of a deadly turf war between the cartel and a group of local gangsters, and must rely on his wits and his gun to survive. Along the way, Raylan discovers that his old friends and enemies are involved in the drug trade, and must make tough decisions to protect those he loves. Justified is an action-packed, thrilling ride that explores the complicated morality of good and evil.