Here are ten popular movies that feature teachers or educators in prominent roles:

1. Dead Poets Society (1989)

Educator: John Keating (Robin Williams)

Plot: An English teacher inspires his students through poetry and encourages them to seize the day.

2. Freedom Writers (2007)

Educator: Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank)

Plot: A dedicated teacher helps her at-risk students find their voices and transform their lives through writing.

3. The Karate Kid (1984)

Educator: Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita)

Plot: A martial arts master teaches a bullied teenager the art of karate and valuable life lessons.

4. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Educator: Sean Maguire (Robin Williams)

Plot: A therapist helps a troubled math genius realize his potential and confront his past.

5. To Sir, with Love (1967)

Educator: Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier)

Plot: An engineer-turned-teacher faces challenges while teaching a group of undisciplined students in London.

6. Stand and Deliver (1988)

Educator: Jaime Escalante (Edward James Olmos)

Plot: A math teacher in a tough East LA school motivates his students to excel in calculus.

7. The Miracle Worker (1962)

Educator: Anne Sullivan (Anne Bancroft)

Plot: The story of Anne Sullivan’s efforts to teach Helen Keller, a young girl who is blind and deaf.

8. School of Rock (2003)

Educator: Dewey Finn (Jack Black)

Plot: A struggling musician poses as a substitute teacher and forms a rock band with his students.

9. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

Educator: Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts)

Plot: An art history professor challenges her students’ traditional views on life and gender roles at a
conservative women’s college.

10. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Educator: Dr. Joshua Larabee (Laurence Fishburne)

Plot: A professor coaches a young girl from South Los Angeles to compete in the National Spelling Bee.

These movies highlight the impact educators can have on their students’ lives, often overcoming significant challenges and inspiring growth and change.