Monsieur Lazhar (2011)
Kernel Score: 80% · 342 ratings
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Released: 2011-09-10
Runtime: 94 minutes
Where to watch Monsieur Lazhar
- Stream: Philo, Brew
- Free with ads: JustWatch TV Free, Kanopy, Hoopla, Darkroom, Fandango at Home
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
During a harsh Montréal winter, an elementary-school class is left reeling after its teacher commits suicide. Bachir Lazhar, a charismatic Algerian immigrant, steps in as the substitute teacher for the classroom of traumatized children. All the while, he must keep his personal life tucked away: the fact that he is seeking political refuge in Québec – and that he, like the children, has suffered an appalling loss.
Monsieur Lazhar parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Monsieur Lazhar deals with a Montreal elementary class coping with their teacher's suicide, guided by an immigrant substitute teacher.
- Violence & scariness: Some — A teacher's off-screen suicide and its emotional aftermath on children are central to the story.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Monsieur Lazhar
If you liked Monsieur Lazhar, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Holdovers (2023) — 86%
- Detachment (2011) — 85%
- Dead Poets Society (1989) — 91%
- Pay It Forward (2000) — 83%
Director
Philippe Falardeau
Cast
- Mohamed Fellag as Bachir Lazhar
- Émilien Néron as Simon
- Danielle Proulx as Mme Vaillancourt
- Sophie Nélisse as Alice L'Écuyer
- Marie-Ève Beauregard as Marie-Frédérique
- Denise Lamontagne as Parent
- Brigitte Poupart as Claire
- Louis Champagne as Concierge
- Daniel Gadouas as Me Gilbert Danis
- Vincent Millard as Victor
Monsieur Lazhar FAQ
Is Monsieur Lazhar good?
Monsieur Lazhar has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 342 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Monsieur Lazhar?
In the US you can stream Monsieur Lazhar on Philo and Brew, watch it free with ads on JustWatch TV Free, Kanopy, Hoopla, Darkroom and Fandango at Home and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Monsieur Lazhar OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Monsieur Lazhar deals with a Montreal elementary class coping with their teacher's suicide, guided by an immigrant substitute teacher.
What movies are like Monsieur Lazhar?
If you liked Monsieur Lazhar, try The Holdovers, Detachment, Dead Poets Society and Pay It Forward.