Dead Poets Society (1989)
Kernel Score: 91% · 12,344 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama
Released: 1989-06-02
Runtime: 129 minutes
Is Dead Poets Society worth watching?
Must-watch. An inspiring boarding-school drama about a teacher who urges boys to think for themselves. Robin Williams is warm and moving, and the ending lands hard. Some of it is idealised, but it still works.
Watch it if you
- love inspiring teacher stories
- enjoy coming-of-age drama
- like emotional, thoughtful films
Skip it if you
- dislike sentimental endings
- want a realistic look at school life
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Dead Poets Society
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
At an elite, old-fashioned boarding school in New England, a passionate English teacher inspires his students to rebel against convention and seize the potential of every day, courting the disdain of the stern headmaster.
Dead Poets Society parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Dead Poets Society is a PG drama about a teacher inspiring boarding school students to embrace individuality, featuring themes of rebellion against convention.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Dead Poets Society
If you liked Dead Poets Society, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Mr. Holland's Opus (1995) — 76%: Gentle story of a teacher's lasting effect on students.
- To Sir, with Love (1967) — 84%: Classic story of a teacher winning over a tough class.
- Finding Forrester (2000) — 80%: Mentor-and-student drama about writing and growth.
- Scent of a Woman (1992) — 86%: Prep-school drama with a memorable mentor figure.
- The Emperor's Club (2002) — 80%: Another prep-school drama about teaching and character.
- Dangerous Minds (1995) — 78%: Teacher takes on a tough class.
Director
Cast
- Robin Williams as John Keating
- Robert Sean Leonard as Neil Perry
- Ethan Hawke as Todd Anderson
- Josh Charles as Knox Overstreet
- Gale Hansen as Charlie Dalton
- Dylan Kussman as Richard Cameron
- Allelon Ruggiero as Steven Meeks
- James Waterston as Gerard Pitts
- Norman Lloyd as Mr. Nolan
- Kurtwood Smith as Mr. Perry
Dead Poets Society FAQ
Is Dead Poets Society worth watching?
Must-watch. An inspiring boarding-school drama about a teacher who urges boys to think for themselves. Robin Williams is warm and moving, and the ending lands hard. Some of it is idealised, but it still works.
Where can I watch Dead Poets Society?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Dead Poets Society OK for kids?
Dead Poets Society is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Dead Poets Society is a PG drama about a teacher inspiring boarding school students to embrace individuality, featuring themes of rebellion against convention.
What movies are like Dead Poets Society?
If you liked Dead Poets Society, try Mr. Holland's Opus, To Sir, with Love, Finding Forrester and Scent of a Woman.