Movies About Smart Kids

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, adapted by Peter Shaffer from his stage play Amadeus. Set in Vienna during the latter half of the 18th century, the film tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a prodigy who became one of the most celebrated composers of all time, from the perspective of his rival Antonio Salieri. The film chronicles Salieri's story of his jealousy towards the success of Mozart, as Mozart's talent far surpasses Salieri's own. Salieri plots to stop Mozart from succeeding, but his attempts are ultimately in vain. In the end, Salieri is forced to bear witness to Mozart's greatness, and comes to terms with his own limitations. The film stars Tom Hulce as Mozart, and F. Murray Abraham as Salieri. The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and was nominated for 53 awards, winning 40 of them, including eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor (Abraham).

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

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 drama directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon. The story follows Will Hunting, a mathematical genius from South Boston who is struggling with his inner demons and on the brink of a self-destructive spiral until he meets a therapist who helps him tap into his true potential. As Will begins to open up and embrace the idea of self-improvement, he finds himself in a life-changing journey of transformation, romance, and friendship. The film is a powerful exploration of self-discovery and redemption, and won both Williams and Damon Academy Awards for their performances.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, Madeline Kahn, John Hillerman
Rated PG

"Paper Moon" is a 1973 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Ryan and Tatum O'Neal as a father-daughter team of grifters. The story is set in the Depression-era American Midwest, and follows Moses Pray (R. O'Neal) and Addie Loggins (T. O'Neal) as they scam their way across the country. After Moses' mother dies, Addie claims to be his daughter, a claim which he does not dispute. The two then embark on a journey through the Midwest, conning locals out of their money. The film was a critical success, and earned Ryan O'Neal an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

From Morten Tyldum, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
Rated PG-13

The Imitation Game is a biopic about Alan Turing, the British mathematician, computer scientist, and cryptanalyst who is widely credited for helping to end World War II by breaking the Enigma code (a code used by the Germans to transmit secret messages). The film follows Turing’s team of code-breakers as they attempt to crack the code, while Turing himself is also attempting to construct a machine that can decipher the messages. As the team works against time, they also must deal with Turing’s personal struggles, as he is eventually arrested for being homosexual. The film ends with Turing successfully decrypting the Enigma code and saving countless lives, though he is never credited for his contributions.

From Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams, starring Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, T.J. Miller
Rated PG

Big Hero 6 is a 2014 Disney animated action-adventure comedy film about a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada. After a devastating event, Hiro teams up with his robot, Baymax, and his friends to form a superhero team to battle a masked villain. With their high-tech gear and courage, they must save the city of San Fransokyo from the mysterious villain and his evil plans. Along the way, they discover the amazing abilities they possess and work together to save the day.

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

October Sky is a 1999 American biopic drama directed by Joe Johnston and 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 pursue his dream of becoming a rocket scientist. Set in Coalwood, West Virginia, the film follows Homer Hickam, Jr., as he and his friends form a rocketry club and work together to build a rocket that will make them the first people from their small town to reach outer space. Along the way, they must overcome the opposition of Homer's father, who views rocketry as a waste of time and resources, as well as a distraction from Homer's studies and his future employment in the coal mines. Along the way, Homer and his friends encounter various obstacles and find their dreams challenged, but ultimately they persevere and together they achieve their dreams.

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

The Chorus (Les Choristes) is a 2004 French film directed by Christophe Barratier. Set in the 1940s, the film follows Clément Mathieu, an unemployed music teacher who takes a job as the supervisor of a boarding school for troubled boys. Initially he faces resistance from the students and the headmaster, but gradually he is able to get through to the boys with music and discipline. Clément assembles the boys into a choir, and together they overcome the harsh rules of the school and find joy in performing. The choir's success brings joy to the school, and eventually Clément is able to make a difference in the lives of the students.

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama about the life of world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. Growing up in British high society, Hawking excelled at his studies, eventually attending the University of Cambridge, where he met his first wife, Jane Wilde. Despite being diagnosed with motor neuron disease at age 21, Hawking continued his studies, eventually becoming a world-renowned scientist and author. The film follows Hawking's rise to fame, as well as his struggles with his health and personal relationships. Despite his physical and emotional hardships, Hawking made significant contributions to the world of science, including his most famous work, "A Brief History of Time", which changed the way the world thought about the universe.

From Stephen Daldry, starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Jean Heywood, Jamie Draven
Rated R

Billy Elliot is a 2000 British drama film set in northern England during the 1984-1985 coal miners' strike. The film tells the story of Billy, an 11-year old boy from a working-class family who discovers a talent for ballet dancing. Despite opposition from his family, his neighbors, and his teachers, Billy continues to attend ballet classes and eventually lands a role in the Royal Ballet School. The film follows Billy's journey as he struggles to pursue his dream of becoming a professional dancer while dealing with the hardships of his family life. With the help of his teacher, a supportive best friend, and a sympathetic ballet instructor, Billy is ultimately able to find his place in the world and fulfill his dream of becoming a professional dancer.

From Marc Webb, starring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Octavia Spencer
Rated PG-13

Gifted tells the story of Frank Adler (Chris Evans), a single man raising his spirited 7-year-old niece, Mary (Mckenna Grace). When Frank's mother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), discovers that Mary is a mathematical prodigy, she is determined to take her away from Frank and push her into a world of elite academics. Frank is determined to fight for Mary's right to live a normal life, with the help of his neighbor, Roberta (Octavia Spencer). As their legal battle intensifies, the two sides come to realize that the best way forward is sometimes not what we expect. Gifted is an emotional story of family, courage, and love.

From Scott Hicks, starring Geoffrey Rush, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Justin Braine, Sonia Todd
Rated PG-13

Shine is a biographical drama film directed by Scott Hicks and released in 1996. It follows the story of David Helfgott, a gifted pianist whose music has the power to both lift and haunt him. The film follows David's struggles with mental illness, as he is institutionalized and later released, and his relationship with his father, who is determined to break his son's spirit. David eventually finds love and stability, allowing him to overcome his troubled past and reach his full potential as a piano virtuoso. Along the way, he is able to rediscover a joy in music that had been lost for years. The film received critical acclaim and earned seven Academy Award nominations, winning one for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Geoffrey Rush.

From Jessie Nelson, starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Dianne Wiest
Rated PG-13

I Am Sam is a 2001 drama directed by Jessie Nelson, and starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Dakota Fanning. The film follows Sam Dawson (Penn), an adult with an intellectual disability, as he struggles to raise his daughter, Lucy (Fanning), with the help of an unlikely group of friends. Despite Sam's best efforts, his intellectual disability means that he is unable to obtain custody of his daughter, and he is forced to fight a lengthy court battle with the assistance of a high-powered attorney (Pfeiffer). Through this journey, Sam learns how to be a better father, and ultimately, how to let go of Lucy and give her the care and life she deserves. The film is a heartwarming exploration of the power of friendship, family, and unconditional love.

From Wes Anderson, starring Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller
Rated R

The Royal Tenenbaums is a tragicomedy directed by Wes Anderson and stars Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Owen and Luke Wilson. The film follows the Tenenbaum family, which consists of the father, Royal, and his three children Chas, Margot, and Richie. Royal had abandoned his family a few years back, and when he returns, the family is forced to reconcile. Through a series of intricate events and unlikely circumstances, the Tenenbaums eventually reunite, learn to forgive one another, and come to terms with their past. Along the way, the audience is treated to Anderson’s signature style of witty dialogue and offbeat humor. With its whimsical visual style and touching themes, The Royal Tenenbaums is a memorable and endearing portrait of a family in crisis.

From Haifaa Al-Mansour, starring Waad Mohammed, Reem Abdullah, Abdullrahman Al Gohani, Ahd
Rated PG

Wadjda, a 10-year-old Saudi Arabian girl living in Riyadh, defies the restrictions imposed on her and her gender by her conservative society. In order to buy a bicycle of her own, Wadjda enters a Koran recitation competition at her school in hopes of winning the cash prize. As she begins to challenge the rules that bind her, Wadjda discovers her own power and ultimately solves her own problems. Along the way, she learns about friendship, faith, and her own strength.

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

From Kirsten Sheridan, starring Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Rated PG

From Doug Atchison, starring Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Keke Palmer, Curtis Armstrong
Rated PG

From Agnieszka Holland, starring Kate Maberly, Maggie Smith, Heydon Prowse, Andrew Knott
Rated G

From Matt Brown, starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Malcolm Sinclair, Raghuvir Joshi
Rated PG-13

From Amir Bar-Lev, starring Marla Olmstead, Laura Olmstead, Mark Olmstead, Amir Bar-Lev
Rated PG-13

From Andrew Davis, starring Shia LaBeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Tim Blake Nelson
Rated PG

From Danny DeVito, starring Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson, Embeth Davidtz
Rated PG

From Carroll Ballard, starring Jeff Daniels, Anna Paquin, Dana Delany, Terry Kinney
Rated PG

From Jodie Foster, starring Jodie Foster, Dianne Wiest, Adam Hann-Byrd, Alex Lee
Rated PG

From John Huston, starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, Ann Reinking
Rated PG