Movies About School

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. The film stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a naïve and slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama, who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century in the United States. Through Forrest's eyes, the film tells the life story of a man who, despite his mental challenges, achieves true greatness when he overcomes all the obstacles life throws at him. Along the way, he meets many people and experiences some of the most defining moments in American history. Forrest Gump was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $677 million worldwide, and it won the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Tom Hanks), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Visual Effects, and Best Film Editing.

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski. The film follows Thomas A. Anderson (Keanu Reeves), a computer programmer who is pursued by a group of cyborg police as he searches for a way to free humanity from a simulated reality called the Matrix. Anderson meets Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) who reveals to him the truth about the Matrix and helps him seek a way out. He joins Morpheus and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) in their fight against the machines which control the Matrix. With the help of the crew of the hovercraft Nebuchadnezzar, Anderson must find a way to kill the Matrix, allowing humans to be free once again. Along the way, Anderson discovers there is much more to the Matrix than meets the eye. The Matrix is a thrilling adventure that explores the boundaries of reality and forces viewers to think about the nature of existence.

From Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, starring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg
Rated G

The Lion King is a 1994 American animated musical film released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 32nd Disney animated feature film, and the fifth animated film produced during a period known as the Disney Renaissance. The film follows Simba, a young lion who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as King of the Pride Lands; however, after Simba's uncle Scar murders Mufasa, Simba is manipulated into thinking he was responsible and flees into exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. Along the way, Simba encounters a colorful cast of characters who help him rediscover his true identity. With its uplifting message of hope and inspiring songs, The Lion King has become one of the most beloved Disney films of all time.

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a 1984 biographical period drama film directed by Milos Forman, based on the play of the same name by Peter Shaffer. The film stars Tom Hulce as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and F. Murray Abraham as Antonio Salieri. The film follows Mozart and Salieri's rivalry, as Salieri is a highly respected composer who is enraged and driven to madness upon learning of Mozart's unparalleled talent. As Salieri begins to plot against Mozart, the film takes us on a journey through the life and death of the young composer. The film is a masterful blend of comedy and tragedy, with brilliant performances and a score that perfectly captures Mozart's genius. The film won 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor in a Leading Role for F. Murray Abraham.

From Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy
Rated Approved

To Kill a Mockingbird is a 1962 American drama film directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. The film is based on Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1960 novel of the same name. Set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s, the film tells the story of Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer, and his two children, Jem and Scout, as they face the prejudice and injustice of a small-town Southern community after a black man, Tom Robinson, is accused of a crime he did not commit. The film deals with themes of racism, courage, empathy and justice as well as the loss of innocence. It was a critical and commercial success, and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning three. It also remains one of the most beloved films of all time.

From M. Night Shyamalan, starring Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams
Rated PG-13

The Sixth Sense is a supernatural horror film directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, and Toni Collette. The story follows a troubled young boy, Cole Sear, who has the ability to see and talk to the dead. He seeks help from a child psychologist, Dr. Malcolm Crowe, who initially dismisses Cole's supernatural claims but eventually believes him. Together, they work to uncover the truth about his ability, and the secrets of the world beyond what we can see. Along the way, Cole discovers he is able to help the spirits of the dead to move on and find peace. With the help of Dr. Crowe, Cole puts an end to the terror plaguing his life and discovers a sense of belonging in the afterlife.

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

The Miracle Worker is a biographical drama film directed by Arthur Penn, based on the 1959 play of the same name by William Gibson. Set in 1880's Alabama, the film tells the story of Anne Sullivan, a young teacher who is hired to help Helen Keller, a blind and deaf girl who has been cut off from the world. Through her determination and perseverance, Anne helps Helen learn to communicate and break through her isolation. The film stars Anne Bancroft as Anne Sullivan and Patty Duke as Helen Keller, and earned them both Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The Miracle Worker is a powerful story of hope and perseverance, showing how two lives can be transformed through understanding and love.

From Gore Verbinski, starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Rated PG-13

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 2003 action-adventure film directed by Gore Verbinski. The film follows the story of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), an upstanding blacksmith, and Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), an eccentric pirate, as they join forces to save the beautiful Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) from being cursed by the ghostly Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Along the way, they battle ruthless pirates, cursed crewmen, and the terrifying Kraken. With the help of unexpected allies, Will and Jack work together to save Elizabeth and end the curse of the Black Pearl.

From James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates
Rated PG-13

Titanic is a 1997 epic romance-disaster film written, co-produced, and directed by James Cameron. It follows the story of Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet), a seventeen-year-old first-class passenger who is on the ill-fated RMS Titanic during her maiden voyage in April 1912. Rose is engaged to Cal Hockley (Billy Zane), a wealthy snob, and finds herself in love with Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a third-class passenger. When the ship collides with an iceberg, Rose and Jack find themselves fighting for their lives while the rest of the passengers struggle to find a way off the sinking Titanic. Ultimately, only a handful of passengers survive, and the film concludes with Rose's memories of the ill-fated voyage.

From Edward Zwick, starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman
Rated R

Glory is an American Civil War film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman. The film follows the story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the first formal unit of African-American soldiers to fight in the war. Led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the unit must overcome racism within their own ranks and the Confederate Army in order to prove their worth as soldiers and gain the respect of their peers. Through battle scenes and personal narratives, Glory explores the courage and perseverance of the 54th regiment as they fight to defend the Union and ultimately gain their freedom.

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

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports drama film directed by Boaz Yakin. The film follows a high school football team in Alexandria, Virginia as they struggle to become the state champions in 1971, during a time of racial integration in the public school system. The story is inspired by the true story of the 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team. The team is coached by Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), an African American coach hired to replace the white head coach just before the start of the school year. Boone faces resistance from some of the players, parents, and community members, but he is determined to overcome any obstacles and lead the team to victory. Along the way, the players learn the importance of teamwork, commitment, and respect for each other - regardless of race. The team ultimately succeeds in becoming state champions, uniting the town in the process.

From John Korty, starring Cicely Tyson, Eric Brown, Richard Dysart, Joel Fluellen
Rated TV-PG

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is a 1974 American television film, based on the 1971 novel of the same name by Ernest J. Gaines. Directed by John Korty, the film stars Cicely Tyson in the title role, and covers a span of 110 years in the life of an African-American woman, from the Civil War until the early 1970s. Miss Jane Pittman is a strong-willed, independent woman who has lived through some of the most turbulent and emotionally charged periods of American history. As a very young girl she was emancipated from slavery, and she goes on to witness the dawn of the civil rights movement and the struggle for racial justice. Along the way, she shares her story of struggle and triumph with the younger generations, inspiring them to persevere in the face of injustice. As she looks back on her long life, she reflects on how far the nation has come, and how much further it still needs to go.

From Bernardo Bertolucci, starring John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Ruocheng Ying
Rated PG-13

The Last Emperor is a 1987 biographical movie directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and starring John Lone, Joan Chen, and Peter O'Toole. The film tells the story of Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, and his life from the age of three until his death. The film follows Pu Yi from his ascension to the throne at the age of three, to his abdication and exile from China when he is 22, to his time in a Japanese prison camp, and then to the Communist re-education camp in the 1950s when Mao Zedong's revolution takes control of China. It paints a vivid portrait of the last days of Imperial China and the tumultuous events of the first half of the 20th century. It won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

From Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee
Rated PG-13

Malcolm X is a 1992 American biographical drama film directed by Spike Lee. The film is based on the autobiography of the same name by African-American activist Malcolm X. It stars Denzel Washington in the title role, as well as Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., and Delroy Lindo. The film chronicles Malcolm X's life, his activism, his criminal career, conversion to Islam, and eventual assassination. It highlights his relationship with his mentor, Elijah Muhammad, as well as his complex relationship with his wife, Betty Shabazz. The film follows Malcolm X's journey from a criminal to a leader of the Nation of Islam, culminating in his assassination. The film is a powerful exploration of race relations in America and how the lives of African-Americans have been shaped by racism and oppression.

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes
Rated G

The Little Mermaid (1989) is a classic Disney animated musical fantasy film directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. The film follows the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human. After falling in love with a human prince, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the Sea Witch Ursula to become human and win the prince's love. Along the way, Ariel learns valuable lessons about love, family, and following her dreams. The film features classic songs such as “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl” and a host of memorable characters, including Sebastian the crab, Flounder the fish, and Scuttle the seagull. The Little Mermaid was a huge success, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.

From Directors: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook, starring Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer
Rated G

Mulan is a 1998 American animated musical action-adventure film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released to theaters on June 19, 1998. Directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, the film features the voices of Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, Miguel Ferrer, and BD Wong. The film follows Mulan (Ming-Na Wen), a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in the Imperial Chinese Army in order to save her father from being drafted into the military. Along the way, she befriends Yao (Gedde Watanabe), Ling (Jerry Tondo), and Chien-Po (James Hong), and is aided by her spiritual guardian, the lucky cricket Mushu (Eddie Murphy). Ultimately, Mulan defeats the villains, Shan Yu (Miguel Ferrer), and saves China from destruction. Mulan is celebrated as a heroine and is welcomed back into her family with honor.

From Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne, Roy Atwell
Rated Approved

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the first animated feature length film to be released by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The film follows the story of Snow White, a kind and gentle princess who is forced to flee her home after her jealous stepmother, the Queen, orders her execution. Snow White finds refuge in an enchanted forest and befriends the Seven Dwarfs, who help her survive and eventually defeat the Queen. Along the way, Snow White encounters a number of other characters, including the Magic Mirror, the Huntsman and the Prince. With the help of her new friends, Snow White is able to overcome the Queen and return home, where she is welcomed with open arms by the kingdom she was born to protect. The film features a classic, timeless story and a beautiful soundtrack, and has become one of the most beloved animated films of all time.

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

From Chris Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris
Rated PG

From Mark Dindal, starring David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton
Rated G

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

From Gillian Armstrong, starring Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes
Rated PG

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

From Steven Spielberg, starring Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman
Rated R

From Directors: Chris Buck, Kevin Lima, starring Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Brian Blessed, Glenn Close
Rated G