This curated list of family films about teachers showcases the profound impact educators have on their students and communities. These films not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons on perseverance, kindness, and the transformative power of education. Ideal for family viewing, they highlight the dedication of teachers and the joy of learning.

The Miracle Worker (1962)
Description: This film recounts the early life of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, who breaks through Helen's isolation due to blindness and deafness.
Fact: Both Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke won Academy Awards for their performances.


To Sir, with Love (1967)
Description: Sidney Poitier stars as Mark Thackeray, an engineer who takes up teaching in a tough East End school, earning the respect and love of his students through his unique approach.
Fact: The film was one of the first to address racial issues in British schools.


Dead Poets Society (1989)
Description: Featuring Robin Williams as an unconventional English teacher, this film explores how his teaching methods inspire his students to seize the day and appreciate poetry, leading to profound personal growth.
Fact: The film was shot at St. Andrew's School in Middletown, Delaware, which was renamed Welton Academy for the movie.


Matilda (1996)
Description: This film follows the story of Matilda, a young girl with extraordinary intelligence, who finds solace and inspiration in her kind teacher, Miss Honey, amidst a neglectful family and a tyrannical headmistress.
Fact: The film was directed by Danny DeVito, who also played Matilda's father. The character of Miss Honey was inspired by Roald Dahl's own teacher.


School of Rock (2003)
Description: Jack Black stars as a struggling rock guitarist who poses as a substitute teacher and turns his class into a rock band, teaching them about music and life.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life substitute teacher, Dewey Finn, who did something similar in his class.


Freedom Writers (2007)
Description: Hilary Swank plays Erin Gruwell, a teacher who inspires her at-risk students to overcome their personal and social challenges through writing and understanding each other's stories.
Fact: The film is based on the book "The Freedom Writers Diary" by Erin Gruwell and her students.


The History Boys (2006)
Description: This film delves into the lives of a group of bright but unconventional students and their teachers as they prepare for university entrance exams, exploring themes of education, ambition, and ethics.
Fact: The film is based on the play by Alan Bennett, who also wrote the screenplay.


Stand and Deliver (1988)
Description: Edward James Olmos plays Jaime Escalante, a math teacher who inspires his students in a poor Los Angeles school to excel in calculus, overcoming numerous obstacles.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Jaime Escalante, who was known for his unconventional teaching methods.


Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)
Description: This film chronicles the life of Glenn Holland, a composer who becomes a high school music teacher to support his family, ultimately finding his true calling in teaching.
Fact: Richard Dreyfuss learned to play the piano for the role, and the film's score was nominated for an Academy Award.


The Ron Clark Story (2006)
Description: This TV movie tells the story of Ron Clark, a teacher who moves to Harlem to teach at a struggling school, using innovative methods to engage his students.
Fact: Ron Clark's teaching methods have since been adopted in schools across the United States.
