Traditional classroom teaching alone cannot motivate every student. Given that children love entertainment, inspirational movies are an effective and easy medium to motivate them.

If you are a teacher or a parent, you might understand this very well. It is essential for students to feel affection towards learning.

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It is not difficult to screen a movie today. We have smart classrooms with projectors and screens. Here are some good inspirational, educational Hollywood & Bollywood movies that can motivate students from schools and colleges alike. These teach students the value of hard work and proper education.

Here is our list of best inspirational movies of all time for students:

1. Good Will Hunting (1997)

IMDb rating – 8.3/10

Cast & Crew: Good Will Hunting boasts an illustrious cast including Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Stellan Skarsgard. This American film was written by Affleck and Matt Damon while it was helmed by Gus Van Sant.

Story: Matt Damon played the title role of a 20-year old young man. The hero is gifted with high potential in mathematics and chemistry but doesn’t realize what his potential can offer.

The film will inspire students to discover hidden talents they have.

2. The Great Debaters

IMDb rating –7.6/10

Cast & Crew: Starring Denzel Washington, “The Great Debaters” is an inspirational American movie movie released in 2007. It was directed by Denzel Washington himself and its producer was Oprah Winfrey.

Story: It is based on an article written about the Wiley College debate team.

Thinking of teaching or training others? This movie is the dramatic retelling of the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor who inspired his students to challenge Harvard at the debating championships.

This is a heart-warming tale to lift the study spirits of the students, especially if they have been inspired at some point by a wonderful teacher who saw their potential.

3. Lean on Me (1989)

IMDb rating –7.4/10

Cast & Crew: Written by Michael Schiffer and stars Morgan Freeman, directed by John G. Avildsen.

Story: Do you need a second chance at study or your career?

Based on a true story, Lean on Me is a dramatized biographical film An unorthodox teacher returns to the idyllic high school from which he had been fired as the principal, only to find it devoid of the success it used to be.

This movie will help build you up and get you through that pile of study! There is nothing like a true story to really lift your spirits.

4. The Paper Chase (1973)

IMDb rating –7.2/10

Cast & Crew: Directed by James Bridges, The Paper Chase is an inspirational Hollywood movie starring Timothy Bottoms, Lindsay Wagner, and John Houseman.

Story: Sometimes study does not come easily – often we need to learn to “set the mode”.

The Paper Chase focuses on the hardworking and studious James T. Hart who faces many challenges during his first year at Harvard. The movie is perfect for anyone struggling and finding it difficult to keep the motivation alive.

5. 21 (2008)

IMDb rating –6.8/10

Cast & Crew: 21 is a 2008 American movie directed by Robert Luketic starring Jim Sturgess and Kevin Spacey.

Story: The film is inspired by the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team as told in Bringing Down the House, the best-selling book by Ben Mezrich.

There is a typical situation: a talented student entered Harvard University, but he has to demonstrate his unique experience no other students have in order to get a scholarship.

Taking into account the fact that last year this scholarship was won by a student from Korea who had no leg, this task appears to be not easy at all. But the student is lucky to meet a math teacher who has noticed his talent to count and offered an unusual deal to him…
If you don’t know what to write in your motivation letter for all professors to notice you, this movie is a real must-watch for you then.

6. Forrest Gump (1994)

IMDb rating – 8.8/10

Cast & Crew: Directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks

Story: This Tom Hanks movie tells the inspiring story of a man with low IQ who achieves many incredible feats. He wins the Medal of Honor for bravery, becomes an expert Ping Pong player, inspires the famous dance of Elvis Presley, and makes money by selling shrimps.

It is a truly inspirational story that every student should watch. The movie conveys that nothing is impossible if you are willing enough. There is a famous in the movie – “ Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get” from the movie remains popular to this day.

7. Theory of Everything (2014)

IMDb rating –7.7/10

Cast & Crew: James Marsh directed this movie starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones

Story: This Movie depicts the story of Stephen Hawking, the greatest cosmologist and physicist of our time. As a brilliant student of Astrophysics, he shockingly learns that he is suffering from motor neurone disease. Doctors predict just 2 more years for him to live.

But, he remarkably defied medical calculations and went on to live up to 76 years of age. During this period he became the famous man he is today with his eminent contributions to the world of Cosmology and Physics.
This movie is inspirational for all students, especially ones with special needs. There simply isn’t a boundary for what you can achieve with what you have.

8. 42 (2013)

IMDb rating –7.5/10

Cast & Crew: This Brian Helgeland helmed movie featured Chadwick Aaron Boseman in the lead role also starring Harrison Ford.

Story: This inspirational sports drama portrays the real life story of America’s baseball icon Jackie Robinson. He was the first Black player to feature in the Major League in the Modern Era.

The movie can teach students a lot about racism that was in practise in the USA. It can help students understand how difficult it can be to overcome challenges and why they should persevere.

9. The Social Network (2010)

IMDb rating –7.7/10

Cast & Crew: “The Social Network” is an American drama movie written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher in 2010. Jesse Eisenberg depicted facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg while Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield played supporting roles

Story: This Inspirational Hollywood movie shows the journey of Mark Zuckerberg from a Harvard student to a multi-millionaire is really an inspiring one for everyone; it might inspire you to become an awesome genius like the man himself. The Social Network, tells that every student can turn their dream into reality.

10. The Breakfast Club (1985)

IMDb rating –7.7/10

Cast & Crew: It’s an American comedy drama directed, written and produced by John Hugges in 1985.

Story: This movie is about how 5 students from different backgrounds end up together for a detention and open up to each other.

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The Breakfast Club shows that students can find friendship in the most unexpected ways. Regarded as an evergreen teen cult movie, it is a must watch for every student.

11. Freedom Writers(2007)

IMDb rating –7.6/10

Cast & Crew: This movie was directed by Richard LaGravenese and featured Hilary Swank and Patrick Dempsey

Story: “Freedom Writers” is an inspirational movie based on a young teacher who inspires her troublesome class to pursue studies even after high school. She has to contend with at-risk students who are divided among themselves, opposing teachers, struggling marriage and money shortage.

Students who watch this movie are bound to see their teachers in a new light.

12. Life of Pi (2012)


IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Cast and Crew: Released in the year 2012, this movie directed by Ang Lee features both Indian and foreign actors. The film stars Suraj Sharma as Pi, Irfan Khan, Tabu, Rafe Spall, and Gerard Depardieu. The film won many awards at premiere film festivals around the world. It won the Golden Globe awards for the Best Director and Best Picture – Drama.

The Story: The plot of the movie revolves around the life of Pi Patel, a 16-year-old born a Hindu but follows all three religions for the love of God. The film talks of the boy’s life story as rendered to a novelist about how he survived a shipwreck and marooned in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger for companionship on a lifeboat.

The film will teach students how to realize hidden strengths when pushed to a corner.

13. Stand and Deliver(1988)

IMDb rating –7.9/10

Cast & Crew: Directed by Ramón Menéndez, starring Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, Will Gotay and Vanessa Marquez

Story: This movie is based on the real story of a high school mathematics teacher named Jaime Escalante.

It shows how an idealistic maths teacher supports his “no-hoper” students to study by adopting unusual teaching methods. “Stand and Deliver” is really an inspirational movie for those who think they are hopeless in their studies.

14. Rush (2013)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Cast and Crew: Written by Peter Morgan and directed by Ron Howard, the movie stars Chris Helmsworth and Daniel Bruhl. Produced on a budget of 38 million USD, the film is a racy one which won the BAFTA Award for Best Editing.

The Story:  The plot of the movie is centred around two F1 racers of the 1970s – James Hunt and NikiLauda who are intense rivals and how they stretch to their very limits to prove their supremacy on the tracks. The movie is for the driving buff with exhilarating race sequences on the screen.

Students can get a feel of the gruelling conditions during an F1 race and how the rivalry spurred the other to fine-tune their skills.

15. Boyhood (2014)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Cast and Crew: Written and directed by Richard Linklater, who is famous for his ‘Before’ trilogy, the movie stars Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, and Lorelei Linklater. The film was lauded for its extraordinary undertaking of being shot for over 12 years. The stars showed up and the film every year when their schedules allowed them to do so.

The Story: The unique point of this movie was that it was shot over a course of 12 years and renders the story of a boy’s life over 12 years’ time. Incidents that occur in MJ’s life when living with his mother after his parents’ divorce form the main part of the film. The film traces in all emotional depth the life of the boy during his teens. The film shows the poignant moments of fatherhood and motherhood as well.

The film provides a great chance for children to understand the happenings in their parents’ lives in the context of modern times.

16. The Blind Side(2009)

IMDb rating –7.7/10

Cast & Crew: The Blind Side is an American biographical sports drama film written & directed by John Lee Hancock in 2009. Sandra Bullock starred in the leading role.

Story: It is based on the real story of Michael Oher, who was adopted by a loving, supportive family – the Tuohys. Leigh Anne Tuohy and her husband Sean offer him shelter for a day and extend their welcome indefinitely.

Leigh Anne discovers Michael’s strengths and helps him understand his strengths better. This, in turn, has a positive effect on his football skills. Finally, he becomes a successful football player, with strong support from the Tuohy family despite going through some rough patches.

Also Read: Top 12 Inspirational Animated Movies For Students

17. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

IMDb rating –7.7/10

Cast & Crew: Helmed by Gabriele Muccino, this biopic featured Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith as Chris Gardner and his son respectively.

Story: The Pursuit of Happyness is an American biographical drama film based on the life of entrepreneur Chris Gardner directed by Gabriele Muccino in 2006.

In this movie, Will Smith plays the role of Gardner who goes from being a homeless salesman to the owner of a brokerage house with his sheer determination and will power.

18.Warrior (2011)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Cast and Crew: Directed by Gavin O’Connor, the movie stars Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte, and Tom Hardy. Nick Nolte was nominated for the Academy Award for the Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

The Story: The film tells the story of two MMA champions who meet for a fight without knowing the fact that they are estranged brothers. The two brothers fight tournaments for different reasons and end up fighting one another. The brothers reconcile their differences in the end and the movie closes with the smiling shot of the father.

The film presents some great shots on MMA fighting with the major theme being reconciliation and redemption of the human spirit. The power of forgiveness and family bonds are well explored in the movie.

19. Half Nelson (2006)

IMDb rating –7.2/10

Cast & Crew: Half Nelson, is an American drama film directed by Ryan Fleck in 2006 and written by Anna Boden & Fleck. Ryan Gosling, Shareeka Epps and Anthony Mackie played the lead roles.

Story: This movie focuses on an inner city middle-school teacher who becomes friends with one of his students after she finds out that he has a drug habit. As compared to other movies based on good teachers, Half Nelson tells the story of ordinary people facing genuine problems but still maintains hope.

20. The Internship(2013)

IMDb rating –7.2/10

Cast & Crew: It’s an American comedy movie, directed by Shawn Levy in 2013, written by Vince Vaughn & Jared Stern and it was produced by Vaughn and Levy.

Story: The Internship is about Billy and Nick, two middle-aged salesmen, played by Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, who lost their jobs due to the arrival of digital age and how they manage to get a chance to do internship with Google and prove their worth.

21. Everest (2015)

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Cast and Crew: This biographical adventure film was both produced and directed by BaltasarKormakur. The film was scripted by Simon Beaufoy and William Nicholson. The movie stars Jason Clarke, John Hawkes, Emily Watson, and Keira Knightley among others.

The Story: The story set in Everest and recounts the disaster that took place in the year 1996 in the mountain. Two expedition groups fight to survive as they are faced with difficulties during the climbing as well as the descent. The film portrays intense peril and the thrill of being able to view climbing up Everest.

The film shows, how in reality, things can go wrong, not in the way that one hopes and what is usually shown in happy-ending movies.

22. Dead Poets Society (1989)

IMDb rating –8.1/10 

Cast & Crew: Dead Pets Society was written by Tom Schulman and directed by Peter Weir. Late actor Robin Williams played the lead role, the other actors being Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles and more.

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Story: This classic movie follows a group of students and their free-spirited English teacher – John Keatings, who uses poetry to encourage his students to express themselves.

The teacher, with his unique ways, teaches them to be true to themselves and make the most of life. It is a timeless story that teaches us to think for ourselves and to follow our dreams.

23. October Sky (1999)

IMDb rating –7.8/10 

Cast and Crew: Based on the book – Rocket Boys written by
Homer H. Hickam Jr., Lewis Colick prepared the screenplay of this biographical movie and was directed by Joe Johnston.

Actor Jake Gyllenhaal played Homer Hickam – the author of the book the movie is based on. Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen and William Lee Scott were some of the other actors who starred in the movie.

The Story: The movie follows the journey of Homer Hickam from being a coal miner’s son who took up rocketry inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 much against his father’s wishes and went on to become a NASA Engineer. It is an inspiring story of courage and determination and teaches us to never stop reaching for our goals.

24. The Imitation Game (2014)

IMDb rating – 8/10

Cast and Crew: Based on the book – Rocket Boys written by
Homer H. Hickam Jr., Lewis Colick prepared the screenplay of this biographical movie and was directed by Joe Johnston. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal played Homer Hickam – the author of the book the movie is based on. Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen and William Lee Scott were some of the other actors who starred in the movie.

The Story: The movie follows the journey of Homer Hickam from being a coal miner’s son who took up rocketry inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 much against his father’s wishes and went on to become a NASA Engineer. It is an inspiring story of courage and determination and teaches us to never stop reaching for our goals.

Also Read: 25 Motivational Movies For Students in Hindi

25. I am Kalam (2010)

IMDb rating – 7.9/10Taare Zameen Par (Like Stars on Earth, 2007)

Cast and Crew: The Hindi-language film, I am Kalam was written by Sanjay Chauhan and directed by Nila Madhab Panda. The movie stars actors Gulshan Grover, Harsh Mayar, Pitobash, Hussan Saad and Beatrice Ordeix.

The Story: I am Kalam tells the story of Chotu – a child labourer who dreams of becoming someone like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who was an Indian aerospace scientist as well as the country’s 11th president. The movie inspires you to be optimistic in life and to face all your problems with a smile.

26. The Man Who Knew Infinity (2019)

IMDb rating – 7.2/10

Cast and Crew: This British biopic on the life and academic career of legendary Indian Mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan was written and directed by Matt Brown. Actor Dev Patel dons the role of the Indian Mathematician, while Jeremy Irons, Malcolm Sinclair, Raghuvir Joshi, Dhritiman Chatterjee and many more actors play other important roles.

The Story: Based on the 1991 book titled The Man Who Knew Infinity written by Robert Kanigel, the movie explores both personal and professional life of the self-taught Indian Mathematician – Srinivasa Ramanujan. As much as it inspires you to keep fighting to achieve your dreams, the movie also makes you realize that talent and hard work are not the only factors that define success. Being resourceful and grabbing the right opportunities are as important.

27. Whiplash (2014)

IMDb rating – 7.2/10

Cast and Crew: This British biopic on the life and academic career of legendary Indian Mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan was written and directed by Matt Brown. Actor Dev Patel dons the role of the Indian Mathematician, while Jeremy Irons, Malcolm Sinclair, Raghuvir Joshi, Dhritiman Chatterjee and many more actors play other important roles.

The Story: The movie tells the story of 19-year-old Andrew Niemann, who dreams of becoming one of the greatest jazz drummers in the world. It tells you how behind every success, there is a story of giving blood, sweat and tears and breaking out of the limits.

28. Zootopia (2016)

IMDb rating – 8/10

Cast and Crew: This Oscar-winning animated film was directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore based on the screenplay by Jared Bush and Phil Johnston. Ginnifer Goodwin voices the role of Judy Hopps – the main character of the movie. Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate and more have also lend their voices for the movie.

The Story: The movie follows the life of Judy Hopps – a rabbit who realizes her dream of becoming a police officer in the city of Zootopia, in a fictional world populated by anthropomorphic mammals. But things take a turn when she is pushed aside despite being a high performer at the academy and has to face many obstacles to prove herself. The movie inspires you to never quit and to face your problems with your head held high.

29. Queen of Katwe (2016)

IMDb rating – 7.4/10

Cast and Crew: Queen of Katwe is a biographical sports movie written by William Wheeler and directed by Mira Nair. It is based on the life of Phiona Mutesi – a Ugandan chess player. Madina Nalwanga plays the role of Mutesi in the movie.

The Story: The movie is about how the life of a Ugandan girl changes drastically after she is introduced into the world of chess. The movie inspires you to dream big despite the circumstances you come from.

30. Taare Zameen Par (Like Stars on Earth, 2007)

IMDb rating – 8.3/10

Cast and Crew: Taare Zameen Par is a Hindi-language movie written by Amol Gupte and directed by Aamir Khan. Indian actors Darsheel Safary and Aamir Khan play the main roles in the film.

The Story: The movie tells the story of Ishaan Awasthi – an eight-year-old boy labelled as lazy and trouble maker, when in fact he has learning difficulties that people around him fail to recognize, until he is transferred to a boarding school where he meets an art teacher – Ram Shankar Nikumbh who identifies Ishaan’s learning difficulty as dyslexia and also recognizes the boy’s talent in art and helps the young boy overcome his problems.

This is a heart-warming tale to lift the study spirits of the students, especially if they have been inspired at some point by a wonderful teacher who saw their potential.

Share your favorite inspirational movies with us in the comment section

The amazing minds some people are either blessed with or those that shape up due to coping with physical and emotional struggles transform them into geniuses. It can also be a madness with which they face life so as to achieve their goals. Notwithstanding the fact that they may come from different backgrounds, a genius can be an inspiration to everyone who comes to know of his/her life’s story. In an attempt to portray the uniqueness of such minds,

here is a list of a dozen celebrated movies revolving around geniuses.

  1. A Beautiful Mind


Released in 2001, ‘A Beautiful Mind’ is a biographical drama revolving around the real-life instances of the Nobel Prize laureate John Nash. Captivating scenes depicting his expert knowledge in mathematics as a child prodigy are worth watching. On the flipside, the hero has his share of struggles – schizophrenia. Despite his mental condition, John Nash becomes a teacher at MIT and gets married to his lady-love. However, life takes a serious turn when his marriage turns sour..

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  1. The Theory of Everything

‘The Theory of Everything’ is a 2014 Hollywood drama inspired by the life story of the brilliant physicist of all times, Stephen Hawking. This movie showcases the love between him and his college mate Jane Wilde. The story takes a turn when, at the age of 21, the he is diagnosed with a motor neuron complication. How he battles the condition while professing the power of a mind is what really gets you

  1. Limitless


‘Limitless’, true to its name is a 2011 American science fiction thriller. The hero who plays the role of an aspiring writer is administered an experimental drug; a tablet that allows him to use his mind to its fullest potential. Dissatisfied with a single dose, he asks for more such ‘magical’ pills from his brother-in-law. During a fateful visit to his brother-in-law’s house, he becomes a part of an unexpected event. A series of twists and turns make this movie a sure-shot entertainer.

  1. Good Will Hunting

Being a self-taught genius has a flipside to it. This is exactly the sum and substance of ‘Good Will Hunting’, a 1997 Hollywood flick. The story follows the life of a man whose IQ attracts the attention of a college professor.  How the professor moulds this raw talent is the plot. .

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  1. Sherlock Holmes


‘Sherlock Holmes’ is a 2009 American-British action and mystery film, based on the central character of the same name coined by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes, the genius detective along with his doctor friend John Watson take up and solve a number of murder mysteries. The movie, with a number of unpredictable events truly makes up to the list of ‘must watch’ flicks about investigators of crime.

  1. August Rush

‘August Rush’ is a 2007 drama revolving around an 11-year-old musical wonder-kid Evan Taylor who runs away from an orphanage to reach New York City. Blessed with an ability to hear music everywhere, his curiosity to know about his true identity fuels his intent to plan this adventurous trip. This journey of self-realization is sure to enthrall the lovers of music.

  1. October Sky

True to the belief that sky is the limit for a dedicated person, ‘October Sky’ is a 1999 American biopic. Inspired by the true story ofHomerH. Hickam Jr., the son of a coal miner, the movie mirrors the power of dedication. Homer demonstrates a strong liking towards space and the launch of Sputnik 1 satellite that happened in 1957. What happens next is for the audience to watch and appreciate.

  1. The Time Machine

‘The Time Machine’ is a 2002 American science-fiction movie that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Dr. Alexander Hartdegen is a genius at the Columbia University. He builds a time machine; a machine that will allow him to travel back and forth in time.  Packed with a romantic backdrop, this suspense movie presents a number of interesting and intelligent characters linked to the past and future civilizations.

  1. Powder

Tagged as one of the hit films of 1995, ‘Powder’ is an American fantasy portraying Jeremy “Powder” Reed who possesses an unmatched intellect wrapped in the blanket of telepathy and supernatural powers. With an innate ability to read the thoughts of people, he also holds a strong electromagnetic power inside him. How his telepathy along with the strange electromagnetic power dictate the events in his life becomes the crux of this must-watch movie about a genius mind.

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  1. Pi


. Recognized as an American psychological thriller that hit the screens in 1998, ‘Pi’ attempts to establish a correlation between mathematics and the universe. How  Max Cohen who believes that everything in the environment can be linked to numbers encounters very strange incidents makes up for its captivating theme.

  1. Phenomenon

Positioned in the genre of American romantic fantasy, Phenomenon is a 1996 film that will really make you think about what makes a simple yet average auto mechanic transform into a genius. A strange celestial phenomenon knocks him down only for him to realize that he is now blessed with unique intelligence. Aptly named ‘Phenomenon’, this movie which traces the attempts made by the protagonist to employ his acquired intelligence makes up an interesting watch.

  1. The Social Network

‘The Social Network’ is an American biographical flick that traces the story behind the evolution of Facebook, the most-popular social networking platform. Released in 2010, this movie mirrors the life story of Mark Zuckerberg. Showcasing a series of events that happen in his life and the twists and turns Facebook encounters, this movie also highlights the legal hassles faced by the founder and the platform.

Conclusion

These dozen Hollywood movies are sure to captivate the audience about the unique intellect possessed by the protagonists. They also harp on the belief that a stroke of genius can change the course of one’s life to success or doom. It is all about the good you can derive out of your special blessings for you to enjoy a successful life that emerged out of a specially-wired brain.

Also Read : 45 Education Quotes For Students

If we rewind yourselves to our school days, most of us had an inspiring teacher, right? Such teachers will definitely help students reach new heights by making a difference in their lives, their attitude as well as behavior.

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But where do these teachers get inspired from? Certain movies about teachers and students can really help them gain great inspiration.

Must Read: 5 Inspirational Movies That Every Student Must Watch

Here is a list of top 9  best inspirational movies  which every teacher should watch at least once.

Get inspired!

1. To Sir, with Love (1967)

To Sir, with Love, this British drama film deals with social and racial issues in a school in the inner-city. The main character Mark Thackeray, acted by Sidney Poitier is an out-of-work engineer who later turns to teaching in a London school. Mr. Thackeray starts working in a high school where discipline has completely broken down. But he manages to earn the respect and admiration of students with his ground-breaking teaching methods. The film is noted by the actor’s powerful performance

The movie was a screen adaptation of E.R. Braithwaite’s novel of the same name. Hope you’ve read it!

2. Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939)

Goodbye, Mr. Chips, this is a sentimental story of a kind hearted English school teacher Charles Chipping at an English boy’s school in Brookfield. His lack of authority in the classroom, results in a disordered outburst from the students and a severe warning from his headmaster. After that he becomes a strict disciplinarian, who was disliked by boys as well as fellow instructors. His marriage with Kathy makes his life change. With gentle guidance from his wife, Chips gains the respect and affection of students and faculty. Even after his wife’s death in child birth, Chips maintains his better personality, resulting in advance in career.

The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and Robert Donat, who acted as Mr. Chipping has the Best Actor award.

3. Dead Poets Society (1989)

Dead Poets Society, the movie is the story about an unconventional English teacher John Keating, whose poetry teaching inspires his students. His unorthodox teaching surprises the students.  On the first class, he has the boys tear up the syllabus and has followed his unique teaching methods. The teacher has even asked the students to stand on their desks to teach them how they must look at life in a different way. Keating’s unique methods of teaching have also attracted the attention of their strict headmaster Gale Nolan.

It is Robin Williams who stars as the rebellious teacher. The movie has won Academy Awards for Best Screen Writing and other nominations include Best Picture, Robin Williams nominated for Best Actor, Peter Weir for Best Director.

4. Freedom Writers (2007)

Freedom Writers, the movie is quite positive, with interesting characters, and moral messages. This is a true story about Erin Gruwell, a young white teacher, who is idealistic but strong-willed. The teacher faces trouble with her mixed freshman class of Hispanics, blacks, Asians, and one white guy. While the white guy just wants to leave, students from other races are not at all interested discussing Homer, or even proper grammar. And one day Ms. Gruwell breaks through with a comment about racism, from when she scores a place in their minds.

By earning her student’s trust, she makes them record their diaries. In their diaries, they talked about their tough experiences of being abused, and seeing their friend’s death.

You May also Like: Motivational Movies for Students

5. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Good Will Hunting, this American drama film is about an unrecognized genius. 20-year-old South Boston laborer Will Hunting is a self taught intellect. This high school dropout works as a gatekeeper at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and spends time with his friends. Gerald Lambeau, the math professor, discovers the talent in Will and forces him into therapy and math lessons. However, Will is not comfortable with the new life and always wanted to stick back to his old familiar life.

The movie was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, and has won two awards – Best Original Screenplay for Affleck and Damon and Best Supporting Actor for Williams.

6. The Class (2008)

The Class, a different kind of a teacher movie, this documentary story takes place inside the school. Viewers will never see the students anywhere else, at home or on the street. The story is the struggle between Marin, a school teacher who wants to do something good and students who disagree those attempts.

The movie, based on the 2006 novel by François Bégaudeau has won Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film and Golden Palm Award at 2008 Cannes Film Festival.

7. Finding Forrester (2000)

Finding Forrester, written by Mike Rich, here learning does not take place primarily in the classroom. Also the teacher is a writer, not a trained educator. The story is about a young African-American Jamal, who gets scholarship to a prestigious prep school. Though intelligent, Jamal hides his talents as he is interested in basketball. He meets up Mr. Forrester, at his apartment in a night and there develops a friendship that benefits both of them. It is similar to what a teacher learns from his student.

8. Stand and Deliver (1988)

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Stand and Deliver, the story is about a math teacher Escalante, who has left a higher-paying business job and has returned to the teaching profession to prove something. He takes the challenge of guiding a class of losers and potential dropouts. In the course of one school year, this teacher gradually transforms them.

This movies is based on the true story of a math teacher Jaime Escalante and has received a nomination for Best Actor at the 61st Academy Awards

9. Lean On Me (1989)

Lean On Me, one among the best inspirational movies, the movies is the about the story of Joe Louis Clark, an inner city high school principal New Jersey. The challenge he faced was that this school is at risk of being taken over by the New Jersey state government. The students cannot even pass the Minimum Basic Skills Test.  Clark makes changes in the school that was once known for drugs and crime. He was also able to positively influence the students.