School of Rock (2003)
Kernel Score: 79% · 6,070 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Comedy, Music, Family
Released: 2003-10-03
Runtime: 110 minutes
Is School of Rock worth watching?
Worth watching. A wannabe rock star poses as a substitute teacher and turns his class into a band. Jack Black is huge fun, the kids are genuinely talented and the film is a feel-good comedy that works for all ages.
Watch it if you
- like Jack Black at full volume
- want an uplifting family comedy
- love rock music
Skip it if you
- dislike predictable underdog stories
- find Black's loud style tiring
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch School of Rock
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, Philo, YouTube TV, MGM+, Starz
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Fired from his band and hard up for cash, guitarist and vocalist Dewey Finn finagles his way into a job as a fifth-grade substitute teacher at a private school, where he secretly begins teaching his straight-A students the finer points of rock 'n' roll and the power of sticking it to the man. But as the school’s stern principal closes in and the Battle of the Bands looms, Dewey risks everything to prove that rock ’n’ roll can change lives.
School of Rock parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that this family comedy has some mild language but promotes creativity and confidence in kids.
- Language: Some — A reviewer notes the language is 'a little strong' for the rating though relatively mild overall, including phrases like 'kick some ass.'
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like School of Rock
If you liked School of Rock, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Billy Elliot (2000) — 88%: Feel-good story of a kid chasing a dream through performance
- Sing Street (2016) — 87%: Teens form a band in a warm, funny story
- The Chorus (2004) — 86%: Teacher inspires a class through music
- This Is Spinal Tap (1984) — 83%: Hilarious send-up of rock band life
- Home Alone (1990) — 89%: Funny, family-friendly comedy with plenty of heart
- The Blues Brothers (1980) — 85%: Musical comedy with a band getting back together
Director
Cast
- Jack Black as Dewey Finn
- Joan Cusack as Rosalie Mullins
- Mike White as Ned Schneebly
- Sarah Silverman as Patty Di Marco
- Miranda Cosgrove as Summer Hathaway
- Joey Gaydos Jr. as Zack
- Kevin Alexander Clark as Freddy Jones
- Rivkah Reyes as Katie
- Robert Tsai as Lawrence
- Maryam Hassan as Tomika
School of Rock FAQ
Is School of Rock worth watching?
Worth watching. A wannabe rock star poses as a substitute teacher and turns his class into a band. Jack Black is huge fun, the kids are genuinely talented and the film is a feel-good comedy that works for all ages.
Where can I watch School of Rock?
In the US you can stream School of Rock on Fubo, Paramount+, Philo, YouTube TV, MGM+ and Starz, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is School of Rock OK for kids?
School of Rock is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that this family comedy has some mild language but promotes creativity and confidence in kids.
What movies are like School of Rock?
If you liked School of Rock, try Billy Elliot, Sing Street, The Chorus and This Is Spinal Tap.