Lean On Me (1989)
Kernel Score: 82% · 338 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 1989-03-03
Runtime: 108 minutes
Where to watch Lean On Me
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When principal Joe Clark takes over decaying Eastside High School, he's faced with students wearing gang colors and graffiti-covered walls. Determined to do anything he must to turn the school around, he expels suspected drug dealers, padlocks doors and demands effort and results from students, staff and parents. Autocratic to a fault, this real-life educator put it all on the line.
Lean On Me parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this true-story drama about a tough high school principal includes gang violence, drug dealing, and school violence.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts gang activity and violence in schools as the principal confronts a decaying, dangerous high school.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Drug dealing among students is a central plot element that the principal works to eliminate.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Lean On Me
If you liked Lean On Me, these are the movies we'd watch next.
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- Freedom Writers (2007) — 87%
- Beautiful Boy (2018) — 86%
- The Basketball Diaries (1995) — 84%
- Speak (2004) — 77%
- The Great Debaters (2007) — 81%
- Coach Carter (2005) — 86%
Director
John G. Avildsen
Cast
- Morgan Freeman as Principal Joe Clark
- Beverly Todd as Ms. Levias
- Robert Guillaume as Dr. Frank Napier
- Ethan Phillips as Mr. Rosenberg
- Lynne Thigpen as Leonna Barrett
- Michael Beach as Mr. Darnell
- Tony Todd as Mr. William Wright
- Karen Malina White as Kaneesha Carter
- Alan North as Mayor Don Bottman
- Robin Bartlett as Mrs. Elliott
Lean On Me FAQ
Is Lean On Me good?
Lean On Me has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 338 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Lean On Me?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Lean On Me OK for kids?
Lean On Me is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this true-story drama about a tough high school principal includes gang violence, drug dealing, and school violence.
What movies are like Lean On Me?
If you liked Lean On Me, try The Hate U Give, The Class, Freedom Writers and Beautiful Boy.