movie review for middle school students

30 Best Classroom Appropriate Movies for Middle Schoolers

Showing a movie in class can be a great option when you’re ending a unit, needing a day between units, having to put together an impromptu sub-plan, or simply wanting to present a text in a different format to include visual and media literacy.

Pop culture has a place in middle school classrooms when it is used thoughtfully. These 30 movie suggestions have been compiled with a focus on including options that could be tied to social and emotional learning (SEL) as well as your middle school ELA curriculum.

You know your students best, so I definitely encourage you to preview any top-choice movies to ensure they’re a good choice for you and your demographics. You can even sign up for a free educator account at Common Sense Media for reviews and input about a variety of media texts, including many of the movies listed below!

To help you quickly find what you need, I’ve broken down the 30 recommended movies for middle schoolers into the following categories (click the link to quickly jump to a specific category!):

• Based on a Novel
• Based on a True Story
• Documentaries
• Animated Options
• Timeless Classics

Classroom Movie Category #1: Based on A Novel

Ah, every ELA teacher’s favorite category: movies based on novels. They are perfect opportunities to compare and contrast, wrap things up with a bowl of popcorn, tackle that pesky “two versions of the same text” standard, you name it. Here are my favorite movies for middle schoolers based on novels.

• Enola Holmes PG-13 (2020) 123 mins – This is A Sherlock Holmes mystery, but with his younger sister Enola as the protagonist. When Enola’s mother disappears, she sets out to solve the mystery, only to be caught up in another adventure at the same time. There is a sequel, but this original is the better of the two!
• Wonder PG (2017) 113 mins – The coming-of-age story of a boy with facial differences who moves from homeschooling to a local elementary school to start grade 5. August “Auggie” Pullman, while initially teased and ostracized, eventually gains allies and friends, which leads to a happy ending. 
• Holes PG (2003) 120 mins – Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention boot camp in the Texas desert, where he and others dig holes all day. The film includes two flashback plot sequences that help tell the real-life story of why they are digging holes. This is one of my favorite novel studies for 6th grade, so I love to finish it with a good movie .
• T he Giver PG-13 (2014) 94 mins – In this futuristic, supposedly-utopian, society, when people turn 16 they’re assigned a role. Jonas becomes the Receiver of Memory, who experiences all the pain so the community doesn’t have to. However, as a result of the role, Jonas becomes more aware of the downside of this utopian community.
• City of Ember PG (2008) 95 mins – In a post-apocalyptic world two teens, Lina and Doon, need to solve clues to save Ember, the underground city where they live. After nearly 200 years the generator that supports the city is about to die out, and the teens are the only ones who can save the city. Based on the first book of the series. 
• The Book Thief PG-13 (2013) 125 mins – WWII drama about a young girl, Liesl, in Germany who is adopted in 1938 by a German couple. Liesl, a voracious reader, has her story told from the point of view of Death. The story focuses on the war years while the family hides a young Jewish man in their basement. Like typical WWII dramas, this movie includes lighthearted and heavy moments. 
• Hunger Games PG-13 (2012) 142 mins – In a post-apocalyptic world, there’s an annual competition called the Hunger Games where pairs of teens from 12 districts in the country of Panem compete to win in a brutal televised competition. The goal is to be the victor and lone survivor; however, Katniss Everdeen, the ‘tribute’ from District 12, changes that plan with her actions in the Games. 
• Ca therine Called Birdy PG 13 (2022) 108 mins – Set in medieval English, 14-year-old Catherine, who is nicknamed Birdy, experiences family challenges as she needs to be married off by her family in order to resolve their debts. However, Birdy cleverly figures out ways to discourage each suitor her father chooses. The movie is funny as it explores coming-of-age elements such as first love, first periods, friendships, and more.

Classroom Movie Category #2: Based on A True Story

Sometimes, we could all use a little feel-good story based on truth. Whether meant to inspire, kick off a nonfiction unit study, or complement other studies, these movies are sure to stay with students long after the final credits roll.

• 42 PG-13 (2013) – This is a biopic of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in major league baseball. The story follows Robinson in his personal and professional life from the minor leagues to his rise to fame, while facing racism from fellow players, coaches, and fans. (There’s also a short novel for this one, so it also doubles as an excellent nonfiction novel study choice!)
• Queen of Katwe PG (2006) 124mins – The story of a Ugandan girl who learns to play chess under the guidance of a missionary. She excels at playing and travels to compete in the World Chess Olympiads. 
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind PG (2019) 113 mins – The story of a young boy from Malawi whose family can no longer afford to send him to school. William Kamkwamba then spends his days at the local library learning on his own; his ultimate goal is to build a windmill to pump water in order to save his town from famine. 
• Hidden Figures PG (2016) 127 mins – The story of three African-American women working at NASA as computers—the term for the people who computed/did calculations. Their work helped launch astronaut John Glenn as part of a mission early in the Space Race. 
• McFarland, USA PG (2015) 129 mins – The story of a coach new to a predominantly Latino California neighborhood who helps found a cross-country team. Working together, the team makes it to the state championships. 

Classroom Movie Category #3: Documentaries

• My Octopus Teacher (2020)—85 mins – The documentary filmmaker sets out to capture marine life in South Africa but makes a connection with one octopus during his daily dives. The octopus helps the filmmaker learn about life and survival, not just in the ocean!
• Own The Room (2021) 90 mins – The movie follows five students from around the world as they travel to compete in the Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards in 2019 to win the $100,000 prize to invest in their businesses. The individual stories of creativity and perseverance are inspiring.
• T he Speed Cubers PG (2020) 40 mins. – This documentary follows two competitors as they participate in different events focused on solving the Rubik’s cube at the 2019 World Competition. It features challenges such as solving a cube while blindfolded, another that’s one-handed, and more, all while racing against a clock.
• I Am Eleven (2014) 94 mins – Travelling to 15 different countries around the world, the documentarians interview different 11-year-olds about their lives. The interesting thing is the connections or commonalities of experiences regardless of geographic location. TW: Discussion of suicide and bullying.
• Spellbound G (2003) 96 minutes – Following the story of eight competitors from across the US as they get ready for the annual National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC. All competitors are in the eighth grade or younger, but their stories are compelling nonetheless.

Classroom Movie Category #4: Animated Options

These movies (and the movies in the classics section) are perfect choices for celebrations. Whether it’s a half-day for teacher planning, the end of a quarter celebration, a celebration for achievements, or the end of the year, these movies are favorites that students of all ages love, plus, they touch on deeper topics that are ideal for rich, thought-provoking discussions.

• WALL-E G (2008) 103 mins – This environmentally-focused Pixar film is set in the future where WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) is the lone robot left on earth while humans live in personal hovercraft after escaping the destruction of society. WALL-E meets a new robot named EVE, only to have her snatched away; he follows her and sets things in motion that might change the world for the better. 
• Zootopia PG (2016) 108 mins – Zootopia is a city where animals are personified and live more human-like day-to-day lives. A small-town rabbit joins the big city’s police force only to be caught up in solving the recent kidnapping crime spree. She teams up with the hustler fox to help save the day. 
• Coco PG (2017) 109 mins – The title character has a love and talent for music but his family bans all music as a result of a long-ago devastating family event. Coco continues playing and steals a guitar on the Day of the Dead (November 1 and 2) and is transported to the Land of the Dead where he explores more of his family’s history. 
• Inside Out PG (2015) 102 mins – Focused on personified emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, the lead character Riley’s emotions are explored at different stages in her life. At the same time that Riley moves houses and schools, Joy and Sadness get stuck in a space where they can’t be accessed and must work to make it back so Riley can have a better balance of emotions.
• Turning Red PG (2022) 100 mins – A young girl, Mei Lee, is on the threshold of adolescence and all the issues that come with that! This is further complicated by the fact that she turns into a giant red panda when she gets excited. 

Classroom Movie Category #5: Classics for Always

• October Sky PG (1999) 108 mins – Set in 1957, the film follows a group of young kids enthralled with all things space, especially Homer, who wants to become a rocket scientist. The film’s setting coincides with the year the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first man-made satellite sent into space. The group of young boys, along with their teacher, set out to try and spot Sputnik in the sky. The film follows Homer’s home life at the same time as he dreams of space and all it entails.
• The Princess Bride PG (1987) 98 mins – A modern fairy tale where Prince Humperdink gets engaged to a young woman named Buttercup, who thinks her true love and childhood sweetheart, Wesley, has been killed. Before she is set to marry, she is kidnapped, and the adventure begins!
• Remember the Titans PG (2000) 113 mins – Set in 1971, Coach Herman Boone faces the challenge of leading an integrated high school football team in Virginia. Through teamwork and perseverance, the players, both Black and White, learn to overcome racial tensions, showcasing the power of unity and diversity on and off the field.
• Cool Runnings PG (1993) 98 mins – Based on a true story, Cool Runnings shows the story of a Jamaican bobsled team’s quest to compete in the Winter Olympics. Guided by a determined coach, the team challenges stereotypes and overcomes obstacles to pursue their Olympic dream.
• The Sandlot PG (1993) 101 mins – The Sandlot follows the adventures of a young boy named Scotty Smalls as he moves to a new neighborhood and joins a local baseball team. Led by Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez, the team navigates challenges and bonds over their shared love for the game. 
• Secondhand Lions PG (2003) – 111 mins – In Secondhand Lions, young Walter is reluctantly sent to live with his enigmatic great-uncles in rural Texas. With their unconventional lifestyle and tales of adventure, Walter finds himself immersed in a world of mystery, humor, and unexpected surprises, uncovering the truth behind his great-uncles’ intriguing past.
• The Greatest Showman PG (2017) 105 mins – The Greatest Showman celebrates the visionary spirit of P.T. Barnum as he creates the spectacle of the circus, featuring an array of performers and showcasing the magic of dreams brought to life through song, dance, and extraordinary acts.

Do you have a student (and teacher) favorite that you would add to the list? Drop it in the comments below for a future reader!

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Movie Nights at Home

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60 Best Middle School Movies List to Stream for Tweens

Middle school might be an awkward time for your tween. But it also makes a great setting for a movie! That’s why these middle school movies are a fun way to enjoy family time with your pre-teens. From silly comedies to tween dramas, this big list of middle school movies to stream is packed with ideas for your next movie night.

If you’re looking for family movies for a night-in, we believe these films offer something for the whole family! It’s also so much fun to do a themed movie night dinner or movie snacks.

60 Best Middle School Movies List to Stream

Being a tween isn’t easy – that’s why middle school movies are so great! Whether you have a pre-teen at home or just want to relive that special time in your life, you’ll love streaming each of these films at your next movie night.

1. 13 Going on 30

Rated PG-13

After a disastrous 13th birthday party, a middle school girl wishes she was an adult. And her wish comes true when she wakes up as a 30-year-old version of herself (Jennifer Garner) in this fun rom-com.

If you love this movie, you may also like our list of slumber party movies !

2. School of Rock

An illegitimate substitute teacher turns his middle school class into a rock band in order to compete in the local battle of the bands in this Jack Black comedy.

3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Middle schoolers will love the wizarding world of Harry Potter! The first movie starts with the main character being accepted into a magical school for wizards. Harry is an orphaned boy (Daniel Radcliff), and in this movie he begins to piece together the mystery of his parents’ death.

You may also like our  48 Magical Harry Potter Desserts, Snacks & Recipes or Ultimate Harry Potter Movie Trivia!

A young boy with facial abnormalities starts class at a new school, where his parents (Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson) worry about whether he’ll fit in.

5. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

When he moves to a new town, a tween boy (Griffin Gluck) enrolls in a rule-heavy middle school where he decides to take on the controlling principal and break all the rules.

6. The Goonies

A pair of brothers (Sean Astin and Josh Brolin) uncover a treasure map leading to a subterranean sea and hidden gold in this kid-friendly adventure.

Make it a Goonies Movie Night at Home with these fun ideas & menu !

7. Now and Then

Four life-long friends (Demi Moore, Rosie O’Donnell, Melanie Griffith, and Rita Wilson) come together in their home town to discuss their lives and reminisce about an unforgettable summer in the 1970s.

8. Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse

After being bitten by a spider, Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man. But he soon learns that there’s more to the universe than meets the eye in this superhero movie.

9. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

A gentle alien becomes stranded on earth and it’s up to a young boy (Henry Thomas) to get the visitor back to its home planet before it’s too late.

Make it a movie night with our  E.T. Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Bars!

10. 13: The Musical

A 12 year old boy (Eli Golden) struggles to fit in at his new school after his parents’ divorce in this movie based on a popular Broadway musical.

11. Ghostbusters: Afterlife

A single mom and her two kids (McKenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard) move into a run-down farmhouse, and soon discover their family connection to the original Ghostbusters and their legacy of protecting the town from evil spirits.

Make it a movie night with our Ghostbuster ice cream!

12. Adventures in Babysitting

A normal babysitting job turns into a night-long adventure when one of the kids goes on the run in this Elizabeth Shue comedy.

13. The Karate Kid

This 80’s classic inspired the popular Netflix spin-off Cobra Kai. Find out how Daniel learns karate and navigates young love when he moves into a new town.

Make it a movie night with our  Karate Kid Recipes & Party Ideas !

14. Jessica Darling’s It List

Rated: Not Rated

With the help of her sister’s IT list, Jessica Darling (Chloe East) believes she has everything she needs to become popular in middle school. But she learns that nothing is as easy as it seems.

15. Sleepover

The summer before they go to high school, four friends (Alexa Vega, Mika Boorem, Kallie Flynn Childress, and Scout Taylor-Compton) have a sleepover that turns into an adventure of a lifetime.

16. Minor Details

When the students at an elite boarding school start getting sick, it’s up to four girls to solve the mystery.

17. Dear Dumb Diary

A middle school girl (Emily Alyn Lind) spends her days spilling her thoughts onto the pages of her diary while daydreaming about how she wishes her life could be in this kid-friendly comedy.

18. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

When she finds out that her best friends are leaving for the summer, Judy (Jordana Beatty) is stuck spending her break with her brother and second-best friend in this family friendly movie.

19. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

A pair of imaginative kids (Kevin Hart and Ed Helms) hypnotize their principal into believing he’s a superhero in this animated comedy.

20. Camp Cool Kids

At a Christian youth camp, kids are taught to face their fears, stand up to bullies, and make new friends.

21. Clifford the Big Red Dog

When Emily (Darby Camp) meets a magical red puppy and takes him home, her love for the dog makes him grow into an enormous pet in this family-friendly movie.

22. The Babysitter’s Club

Seven friends start a babysitting day camp, which turns into an epic summer adventure in this movie based on the classic book series.

23. The Parent Trap

Identical twins (Lindsay Lohan) switch places in order to reunite their estranged parents in this classic comedy.

24. Jumanji

A mysterious board game transports two kids into the jungle to battle their way through trials and foes to win the game in this Robin Williams comedy.

25. Spy Kids

When their parents (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) are kidnapped, a pair of siblings learn their mom and dad are actually spies.

26. Air Bud

After moving to a new town, a middle school boy signs up to manage the basketball team and brings his basketball-playing dog along to improve the team’s record.

27. Inside Out

When an 11 year old moves to a new town with her family, her emotions are in overdrive. But when Joy and Sadness get lost, it’s up to Fear, Anger, and Disgust to take control.

28. Star Wars

The Star Wars series has been popular for nearly 50 years! Why not start with Luke’s first adventure to rescue Princess Leia.

An orphan living in the walls of a train station uncovers the mystery behind his father’s death.

30. The Kid Who Would Be King

This modern twist on the tale of King Arthur follows a school boy (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) as he takes on a quest to stop an evil enchantress.

31. Coraline

While exploring her new home, Coraline (Dakota Fanning) discovers a magical door that leads her to an alternate universe.

Make it a movie night with a Coraline themed-dinner!

Your middle schooler may also like our list of  Tim Burton Halloween Movies & Snacks.

32. A Walk to Remember

When Landon Carter’s (Shane West) path crosses Jamie Sullivan’s (Mandy Moore) an unlikely romance develops between a bad boy and a Christian girl.

33. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 

Four best friends find a pair of jeans that magically fits them all, and they make a pact to share the jeans with each other all summer while they’re apart.

34. Super 8

A group of friends see a train wreck while making a super 8 movie and discover something has escaped due to the crash — which leads to an adventure.

35. Whale Rider

Since only males are allowed to become chief in the Maori tribe, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) must fight against the tribe’s customs in order claim her birthright.

36. The Sandlot

After moving to a new neighborhood, Scottie Smalls (Thomas Guiry) finds friendship in a group of rag-tag boys who play baseball in the nearby lot.

37. Newsies

A group of courageous newspaper boys (Christian Bale) come together to fight against the tyranny of a media tycoon in this movie musical.

38. My Girl

A middle school girl (Anna Chlumsky) finds her life turned upside down when her best friend (Macaulay Culkin) suddenly dies.

Stanley Yelnats (Shia Labeouf) is sent to Camp Green Lake to learn lessons in friendship and courage on his adventure!

40. ​The Princess Bride

This Rob Reiner 80’s classic tale is a must-see! Go on an adventure with Westley (Carey Elwes) rescue the Buttercup (Robin Wright) from the evil Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon).

41. Mean Girls

Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) finds herself as part of the popular girls at schooled called the “The Plastics.” All is fun and games until, Cady falls for Regina George’s ex-flame Aaron. 

42. Despicable Me

Gru, a mastermind who plans on taking over the world, lives in a happy neighborhood inside a black house and dead lawn — but his life is about to get a little more colorful and cute!

43. Little Mermaid

This animated film is another good movie for 11 year olds and older. We’re excited for the new live action movie coming out soon, too!

44. ​Kung Fu Panda

Po (voiced by Jack Black) has larger dreams of working in his father’s noodle shop. He wants to be a Kung Fu champion, and he peruses his dream by attending a tournament where a Dragon Warrior will be nominated.

45. Romeo & Juliet

This unconventional take on William Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers is a great way to get your middle schooler into literature. This modern version of the tale stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

46. The Sound of Music

In this Oscar-winning classic musical, Maria takes a job as a governess while she debates on becoming a nun. She falls in love with the family, but the father is called to duty to the German navy during her stay.

If you love this musical, you may also like our list of 33 Old Movies for Tweens to Appreciate the Classics.

47. Little Women

This literary classic about 4 sisters after the Civil War is another great way to get your child into reading.

48. Cinderella Story  

This modern version of the classic fairy tale stars Hilary Duff as Sam. Set in with regular high school life, Sam has to deal with her stepmother, sisters, and her job before finding her prince.

49. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events

When siblings, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, are orphaned, a family member takes them in, but it isn’t for the right reasons.

50. Big Hero 6

When a genius teenage inventor loses his invention and his brother, he gets his brother’s friends and robot, Baymax, to help him solve a mystery.

Love this list? Save it to Pinterest!

Middle School Movies List on Disney+

Below are 10 movies that are great for middle schoolers that are available on Disney+. Along with them, you can also find Star Wars movies and tv shows, The Little Mermaid, and a few of the movies listed above.

If you choose a Disney classic movie, check out our Disney movie night dinner and dessert ideas!

1. High School Musical

This iconic Disney original movie stars Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale. The musical brings a high school jock and a brainy new student together in a romantic way.

2. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. But when his dad (Steve Carrell) experiences his own bad day, the tween begins to realize he’s not alone in his misery.

3. Aquamarine

A pair of middle school best friends (Emma Roberts and Hailey Rogers) discover that mermaids are real when one washes ashore after a rain storm.

4. Bridge to Terabithia

When Jesse (Josh Hutcherson) befriends Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb), the pair create their own magical world to help them escape their own reality.

5. The Color of Friendship

Two girls, Mahree (Lindsey Haun) a wealthy white girl and Piper (Shadia Simmons), the daughter of a black U.S. congressman, come together to change each other’s lives in this inspiring middle school movie.

6. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

In order to make it out of middle school in one piece, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) comes up with one scheme after another – all of which fails miserably – in this comedy based on the best-selling book series.

7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules

After mastering middle school, Greg (Zachary Gordon) thinks he has his life together. But his older brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick) makes it his mission to take him down a peg in this comedy sequel.

8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days

All Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) wants to do during the summer is hang out with his friends. But when his dad (Steve Zahn) decides to spend the summer bonding, Greg pretends his has a job to get out of family time.

9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Long Haul

Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) is looking forward to playing video games and spending time with his friends all summer long. But his parents have other plans when they head out on a road trip with the entire family.

10. Lion King

The Lion King is a great movie for kids of all ages and includes some great life lessons.

Love this middle school movies list of Disney movies? Also check out:

• 30 Best Movies for Teens on Disney Plus Right Now
• 25 Best Disney Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World
• 129 Disney Movie Trivia Questions and Answers Printable

2 Movies Maybe Not for Middle Schoolers

Below are 2 movies that contain subject matter that may not be suitable for tweens or middle schoolers.

The Breakfast Club

The 80’s classic focused on stereotypes and being a teen is rated R, but it was before many movies were rated PG-13. Parents may or may not feel comfortable with their children seeing this one.

After receiving an invitation to his first boy-girl party, 12-year-old Max (Jacob Tremblay) enlists the help of his friends to learn how to kiss in this Rated-R movie about middle schoolers.

Another movie that your middle schooler may like is the Barbie movie! It’s pG-13. We have a guide on how to host a Barbie movie night party!

We hope this middle school movies list helps you find a movie you and your family will love! If you need more ideas also check out:

• Best Action Movies for Tweens
• 50 Best Movies for Tweens & Girls and Boys
• The 25 Best Horror Movies for Tweens 
• 25 Best Comedy Movies for Tweens

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48 Educational Movies For Middle Schoolers: Documentaries, Sports, And Science

February 3, 2024 //  by  Carly Gerson

Turn down the lights and get your popcorn ready! Whether it’s exploring outer space, discovering the wonders of an underwater world, or taking a closer look at the past, there’s a quality movie out there for just about every topic! They can be a great tool to give your kiddos a whole new perspective on a topic and get them excited to learn more. 

We’ve vetted this robust list of amazing educational movies that will be sure to captivate your middle school learners! Read on to find one you can show during your next class topic!

1. My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher showcases the unusual underwater friendship forged between a South African filmmaker and an octopus. The intelligence of marine life in the animal kingdom, specifically the octopus is sure to amaze your kiddos This is a perfect choice for your class if you’re studying a marine biology topic!

Learn More: Netflix

2. Becoming

This documentary film for middle school students takes an in-depth look at the life of former First Lady, Michelle ObamaThe story will not only inspire greatness but will teach your kids the power of perseverance in the face of challenges.

3. Puff: Wonders of the Reef

Dive into the world of a coral reef through the eyes of the mighty pufferfish! This movie is a perfect addition to your 6th-grade marine life unit, but would be interesting for any age!  Your kiddos are sure to enjoy the underwater scenes of this incredible shape-shifting fish. They’re sure to love this fantastic film!

Learn More: Collider

4. David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet

David Attenborough is no stranger to being an enthusiastic champion for planet Earth! Having visited every continent on the globe over the course of his 93 years, he has emerged as one of the most trusted documentary narrators to date. This special movie and its powerful message of hope is not one to be missed.

Learn More: Earth.org

5. Dancing with the Birds

This delightful documentary is a great one for your middle schoolers because it is both fun and educational. Giggles will be aplenty as they learn about how these adorable birds interact with their environment in a very unusual way.

Learn More: Audubon

Step into the ring with this next pick! Zion is an inspiring movie that tells the story of a young wrestler who overcomes incredible physical and social challenges on his path to success. This unique American sports movie will not only interest your kids in sports but will also help them gain an important new perspective on the accomplishments of differently-abled people.

7. Spelling the Dream

This documentary is an amazing movie that highlights the dedication and determination re quired to compete in the National Spelling Bee. Your kiddies will learn about how the average person can do just about anything when they work hard and put their mind to it.

Learn More: New York Times

8. Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale

In this epic film, your kids will follow young animals as they grow to survive in harsh desert conditions. This is a great documentary for 7th-grade students when learning about the food chain and migration . They’ll also learn about perseverance, survival, instinct, and the circle of life.

Learn More: IMDB

9. Night on Earth: Shot in the Dark

Night on Earth: Shot in the Dark is a totally unique experience for your learners who rarely get the opportunity to witness the world under the cover of darkness. They’ll get a clear glance at nature after dark and learn about both challenging and rewarding aspects of the photography profession.

10. The Speed Cubers

Kids and teenagers race to be the best at the Rubik Cube in The Speed Cubers. Let your kiddies learn about this intense sport and watch as people just like them race to the finish. This is a great movie for all ages and will inspire students to follow their passions and find a community of like-minded individuals.

11. Explorer: The Last Tepui

Hold onto your seats! This exhilarating documentary embraces the heart of a challenge while celebrating nature. Your students will not only witness the amazing biodiversity of the Amazon jungle but they’ll also learn about the sport of professional climbing!

Learn More: Disney

12. Own the Room

Own the Room celebrates bravery and entrepreneurship as young people pitch their ideas for funding. Your class will be cheering on the participants as they learn about starting their own company from scratch. After the movie, you can follow up with a group project where they have to  “Own the Room” and pitch an idea to their fellow classmates!

Learn More: National Geographic Films

13. Apollo: Mission to the Moon

One small step for man, one giant leap for your students! Spark your kiddies’ passion for exploring the topic of space with this fascinating documentary about the Apollo Space Program. They’ll learn about the incredibly unique life of an astronaut in outer space. This movie pairs perfectly with an astronomy unit!

14. Buried Secrets of Keros

Inspire your future archaeologists with this next movie . This film follows the true story of an archeological team seeking out the truth buried within the Aegean Sea. This film is a great way to uncover historical mysteries while showing an example of modern-day explorers.

Learn More: Disney Plus

15. The Lost City of Machu Picchu

This engaging film showcases the beautiful and mysterious past of this famous historical sanctuary. Your kids will learn about ancient people and cities, and discover that history is not always what it seems. Be careful though, this pick could have them running to the principal to request a field trip to South America!

Learn More: Apple TV

16. Paris to Pittsburgh

Climate change is an incredibly relevant topic that can be very challenging to teach. This film is for everyone, not just your students! They’ll learn about ways climate change is impacting their lives and more importantly, the solutions that people are putting in place to save our planet. This film will inspire meaningful discussion, and might even inspire them to become climate change activists.

Learn More: Paris to Pittsburgh

17. Mission to the Sun

Your kiddos may rarely take the time to consider it, but the sun is an incredibly mysterious place! This documentary will give them a whole new perspective on the bright ball of light they wake up to each morning. Get ready to learn more about this fiery star and all of the ways that scientists have been examining it from afar.

18. Breaking 2

Could you run a marathon in under 2 hours? In the film Breaking 2, that is exactly what a group of professional athletes are trying to do! This inspirational film teaches students about the benefits of hard work, and what it takes to go the distance. This is a great addition to any PE class, or to get your cross-country team to watch at the start of the season.

19. Free Solo

Have your kiddies consider the concepts of risk, friendship, passion, and adventure, as people conquer the seemingly impossible.  They’ll be wide-eyed and on the edge of their seats as they follow Alex Honnold as he takes on the daring challenge to free-climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park! This film pairs perfectly with this goal-setting activity , showing them how to reach their desired objectives. 

Learn More: National Geographic

20. Hubble’s Cosmic Journey

Give your learners a lesson from world-renowned astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson in the film Hubble’s Cosmic Journey . Tyson’s out-of-this-world narration takes learning about stars to a whole new level. They’ll begin to understand the incredible feat of launching the Hubble telescope as well as its impressive findings.

21. We Feed People

Introduce your class to chef José Andrés and let them learn how he turned his culinary career into a humanitarian mission. They’ll see how a small group of volunteers can grow and evolve into a worldwide network working to solve some of the world’s toughest food shortages.

22. Buried Secrets of Cordoba

If you’re looking for a film that includes both factual information and engaging mystery, look no further than Buried Secrets of Cordoba . Watching this film, your kiddies will learn that there are still many mysteries from history yet to be solved! This fantastic watch would be great to pair with a unit on archaeology.

23. The Biggest Little Farm

Teach your students about farm life and how our food gets to our plates! They’ll learn about sustainability and how there are safe, environmentally friendly ways of farming. This wholesome film is great for all ages!

Learn More: Biggest Little Farm Movie

24. The Way of the Cheetah

This one’s for the animal-obsessed kids in your class! Your middle-schoolers will learn about this stealthy, dangerous, and incredibly quick feline, and how it uses instinct and skill to survive in the wild. This film makes a great addition to any unit on the food chain.

Anthony Fauci is one of the most celebrated and controversial doctors of our generation. This film gives your learners a relevant perspective on this doctor and his impact on the pandemic. This movie is perfect to watch while your class studies a unit on important figures or even a science unit on diseases.

Learn More: USA Today

26. Becoming Cousteau

Inspire the next generation of eco-warriors! This film highlights the life and achievements of explorer Jacques Cousteau. Your kiddos will learn all about becoming climate activists and the steps they can take to help save our planet.

Learn More: Roger Ebert

27. The Last Ice

 This documentary takes a closer look at the lives of Inuit people and how they are being impacted by both climate change and globalization. The Last Ice can be used as a way to show your kids the lives of indigenous peoples and how the consequences of global actions make an impact on many.

28. The New Air Force One: Flying Fortress

The New Air Force One: Flying Fortress highlights the unique invention of Air Force One. Not only is this plane a way for the US President to travel from place to place, but it is also a top-secret command center designed and built by top-notch engineers of the highest caliber. This film would pair well with learning about inventions, current events, national security, or even a unit on presidents of the United States.

29. Miracle Landing on the Hudson

While there have been several depictions of the landing on the Hudson River, this documentary shows real-life footage of that torturous yet jaw-dropping day. This film is a super way to open up discussions with your kiddies about modern-day heroes and how one person can make a big difference.

Learn More: History Vs. Hollywood

30. Notre-Dame: Race Against the Inferno

Sacré bleu! Show your learners the true story of the tragic fire that occurred in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This film showcases incredible bravery and how a community can come together following a tragedy. Why not use this film to set the scene for a writing activity about courage or the importance of historical preservation?

Learn More: Letter Boxd

31. Expedition Amelia

So what really happened to Amelia Earhart? This film seeks to answer that question as well as cover the events that made her famous. Take your students along for this deep-sea exploration adventure that could just solve the century-old mystery of this legendary trailblazing aviator.

Learn More: BT

32. Jane: A Film By Brett Morgen

Introduce your class to legendary anthropologist Jane Goodall! This film incorporates hours of footage that showcase how Jane made important discoveries about chimpanzees in the wild, even without formal scientific training or a college degree. Use this film with your class to highlight women’s accomplishments or teach your students about the field of wildlife biology.

Learn More: Film Maker Magazine

33. King Richard

King Richard explores the life of Richard Williams, Venus, and Serena Williams’ father. This drama focuses on the power of a plan in the face of adversity as he forges a place in the world for his daughters. Stopping at nothing to make them successful, King Richard is a great catalyst for thought-provoking discussions about race and privilege.

Learn More: Town and Country

34. The Woman in Gold

Maria Altmann is on a mission to retrieve her familial possessions that were seized by the Nazis during World War II. In this historical movie, your middle schoolers will learn about restoring rights and property in the aftermath of war, and who really has the right to ownership. 

35. Turning Red

Turning Red is an animated film about 13-year-old Meilin Lee, who seeks independence from her mom. The only problem is, when she gets overwhelmed, she turns into a giant red panda! This movie explores becoming your own person during adolescence as well as the complex experiences many Asian Americans face 

Learn More: Rotten Tomatoes  

36. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Have your learners travel back to the 1950s! Mrs. Harris is a retired cleaning lady who decides that she must have a couture dress. She travels to Paris to get the dress, and in doing so, she ends up changing the face of the House of Dior. Watching this movie will teach your kids that anything is possible with a plan!

Learn More: Rotten Tomatoes

37. All That Breathes

This captivating documentary will enthrall your middle schoolers and young adolescents. They’ll follow a story that takes place in New Delhi, India, where two brothers attempt to save a species of bird inherent to the country’s ecosystem. But with the country in a state of unrest, this is no easy feat. 

Learn More: Variety

38. Fire of Love

Volcanoes are a fascinating natural phenomenon that all kids love to learn about. Let them follow the story of Kattia and Maurice Kraft, scientists who were devoted to studying these amazing geographical features. The movie follows and honors their work, lives, and relationship, in light of the tragic end that they met. 

39. Elemental

Your class will love the chance to watch this recent offering from Pixar! The movie is a lesson for them on how humans coexist, but are often separated by boundaries. In this case, Lewis and Athie are different elements, but they will discover that they have a lot in common. This movie is a great addition to an SEL curriculum. 

Learn More: Movie Web

40. Epic Tails

This fun movie pairs wonderfully with any lessons you plan on Greek mythology. Set in Iolcos, an ancient city of Greece, a mouse and a cat embark on an adventure to save the city from Poseidon. The movie is a super fun way for your kiddies to explore and learn about the Greek mythos.  

41. October Sky

The sky will be the limit for your learners after they watch this next pick! October Sky is a tale of two brothers growing up in a family with a dad who expects them to become miners. When one of the brothers, Homer, falls in love with rocket science, and he decides to build rockets with his friends. Why not show this movie during your next physics unit?  

Learn More: School Cues

42. Hoosiers

Hoosiers is more than just a sports movie! This story shows your kiddos how both success and failure are an integral part of life. It will inspire them, while also teaching them important lessons about judgment, perseverance, and adversity. 

43. Stand and Deliver

Give your middle schoolers a lesson on how they can succeed in education despite a negative environment. In this story, a math teacher has to find a way to reach his students with difficult backgrounds. He teaches them calculus and they have to prove everyone wrong twice!

Learn More: Ed Sys

44. Flatland

This is a mathematical movie that’s great for your pre-teens to learn about geometrical concepts! They’ll travel through the dimensions of this fictional geometric world where shapes come alive! What an exciting way to bring math to life!

Learn More: Amazon

45. The Man Who Knew Infinity

Have your kiddies dive into the true story of mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan. The story tells a tale of education and friendship. Ramanujan fails out of college but perseveres with the help of his friend, a professor at Trinity College. They’ll love this tale about not giving up in the face of adversity!

Learn More: Mashup Math

46. The Martian

Use this movie to explore the possibility of life on Mars with your class… The main character, Mark Watney, is accidentally left on Mars and forced to find a way to survive. Your kids will love the space exploration, the story of survival, and the display of the inner workings of NASA. 

47. Donald in Mathmagic Land

Donald in Mathmagic Land shows your students how and why mathematical concepts are relevant in our everyday lives. This movie helps you to head off the “when will we ever use this” questions and encourages them to think about why math is important.

Learn More: Mathnasium

48. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Get the tissues ready! Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is an emotional movie that you can use to learn about 9/11. It tells the story of Oskar, a 9-year-old boy who loses his father in the September 11 attacks. When he finds a key that he believes his father left him, he’s determined to find the key’s lock. 

Learn More: Learn In Color

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50 Best Movies for Middle School

We recently decided to show a movie to our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students on the last day of school. But when we started brainstorming ideas we had some difficulty coming up with movie titles that (a) the students would like and (b) we thought would be worth showing.

Listed below are the movies we came up with after consulting a variety of experts including: current middle school students, former middle school students, middle school teachers from across the country, lots of family movie websites, and random people on twitter and facebook.

Do Your Homework

Don’t Take My Word For It. Always preview any movie before you show it. Just because a movie appears on this (or any other) list doesn’t mean that it works in your situation. For instance, I included Stand by Me in this list and it is rated R. If I were actually going to show it, I would look for an edited for television version. If a movie is rated PG or PG-13, offer some guidance to the students before you watch it. Explain to them what good things they can take away from the movie even though there might be some language that isn’t appropriate at school.

Incorporate it into the curriculum. We’ve shown The Karate Kid when we’re talking about bullying as a school. One teacher shows Newsies in social studies classes when she’s talking about immigration and industrialization. I’ve shown Searching for Bobby Fischer before I teach students how to play chess.

You may be required to obtain a Public Performance License to show your movie. Movie License USA offers these guidelines for schools to use when determining if they need to purchase a license. Generally, you do not need a license if:

• A teacher or instructor is present
• The showing takes place in a classroom setting with only the enrolled students attending
• The movie is used as an essential part of the core, current curriculum being taught. (The instructor should be able to show how the use of the motion picture contributes to the overall required course study and syllabus.)
• The movie being used is a legitimate copy, not taped from a legitimate copy or taped from TV

Movie License USA also serves a clearing house for many movie studios, so it is a good spot to look to obtain a license if you need one. They offer single license for $75.00 which is good for one showing of a single movie on a specific date.They also offer site licenses that are good for all of the studios that they represent for one year (as many showings as you’d like). Site license prices are based on the number of students in your school.

About the List

The list is sortable. Click on the heading to sort it by run time, rating and so forth. The title link goes to the Internet Movie Database listing for the movie and the rating link goes to the IMDb Parents Guide for the movie. Additions to the list are welcome. There aren’t actually 50 movies listed yet, so feel free to suggest some in the comments below. If you think a movie on the list is especially good or bad choice to show at school, lets hear that as well.

Click on the heading to sort the table by Release Date, Run Time or Rating.

What do you think?

• Suggest another movie? (what did we miss)
• Any poor choices on the list? (you can’t show that in school)
• What are your top 3? (two thumbs up)

Reader Interactions

May 11, 2009 at 10:09 am

We just let our 7th & 8th graders watch The Day After Tomorrow. They LOVED it! We have a pretty tough group and it really kept their attention.

February 23, 2010 at 4:47 pm

There are two reasons why I would hesitate to add The Day After Tomorrow to the list. One is that it is just and action/adventure movie. I tend to think that if I’m showing it in school that it should have some worthwhile message for the students.

The second reason is that I wouldn’t want to put myself through the wrath of our science teachers by showing a movie with such bad science.

May 24, 2012 at 5:24 pm

thats very true

March 25, 2014 at 5:48 pm

Hmmn, I think that it still has its merits. The concept of survival? The desire to live? What makes a life worth fighting for? Why did they want to survive?

Also, there is the idea of parental love. The lengths a parent will go to to help and protect a child (even though he’s of an age that he could take care of himself)

Mans relationship with nature. -- this could include discussion around hyperbole and why the science is so bad but also lead into ideas about climate change and environmental groups. (just because the science is atrocious doesn’t necessarily mean the idea is not valid)

April 13, 2015 at 4:01 pm

I completely understand your point but it can be shown has a science movie with the point of view of find the vaults while they watch it. Making them think through the science of the weather and other strange things that happen….just a thought

September 21, 2015 at 2:01 pm

Young Sherlock Holmes should be considered for 8th graders.

May 9, 2016 at 8:44 am

As a science teacher, I show Day After Tomorrow to open discussion about bad science. I ask them if this could happen and then why or why not. It spurs interesting discussion and debate.

September 14, 2017 at 9:46 pm

And what would you consider the adventures of Baron Munchausen?

May 14, 2020 at 5:39 pm

i am a 7th grade student and i would honestly prefer to watch The Day After Tomorrow,which,yes,is not educational, than watch an educational Bill Nye video.

October 26, 2020 at 11:24 am

I am an 8th-grade student and completely agree!

November 5, 2021 at 9:43 am

Fair point but as a science teacher what I like to do with this movie and my students loved it is I have them find the false or bad science and they have to defend what they find. I don’t know that I’d show this in another class but it work with my curriculum and is a fun break for the kids.

November 6, 2021 at 4:10 pm

Dude, by that standard, Back to the Future is inaccurate science too. WHO CARES! It fuels the imagination. Loosen up!!!!

February 12, 2011 at 5:36 pm

Medicine Mad is great for science classes, as is Dante’s Peak and even Evolution.

September 2, 2012 at 6:29 pm

As a middle school science and math teacher, I can honestly say that Dante’s Peak is one of the best movies ever. Students love it and it is probably the most geological correct movie about volcanoes out there. (of coure, besides a NatGeo or discovery film)

April 19, 2023 at 12:52 pm

Since it’s based on the 1980 Mt. St. Helen’s eruption I use the documentary of that before showing the movie.

March 29, 2011 at 8:54 am

What can I show for middle school Spanish class??!?!?!

May 19, 2011 at 4:49 pm

I showed Selena, La misma luna, and I am looking into previewing the movie about the little league baseball team from mexico that made it to the finals. I also would like to preview if it is out on DVD “The mystery of Spanish Harlem”. In other schoos they have shown La Bamba. I need to see it again.

April 24, 2014 at 7:29 am

I saw that movie! Very very good!

October 24, 2014 at 11:24 am

“I am looking into previewing the movie about the little league baseball team from mexico that made it to the finals”.

The Perfect Game is an excellent movie to show to middle schoolers.

May 4, 2017 at 1:16 pm

For a Spanish class, if you can find it, Golpe de Estadio. It’s a comedy about a group of soldiers and insurgents calling an unofficial ceasefire in order to watch a soccer match together.

October 11, 2017 at 8:48 am

I always show Book of Life during October to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

November 11, 2021 at 9:13 am

El Norte is a great movie

May 24, 2011 at 8:24 am

the chronicles of narnia

January 8, 2012 at 1:18 am

HI AND I AGREE ABOUT THE CRRONICLES OF NARNIA ITS COOL

November 4, 2012 at 9:13 am

It is awesome. i am a 7th grader and i know that i like the scooby doo movies. i mean who doesn’t!

January 1, 2012 at 3:09 am

la mis la luna (under the same moon) is a great movie that teaches about getting places and immigration.

June 6, 2012 at 5:28 pm

El estudiante Tizoc Bajo la misma luna

June 18, 2012 at 12:26 pm

I forced my sons to watch “Under the Same Moon” which was a modern day story about a Mom that came to the US from mexico, hoping to send for her son later. The boys ended up really liking the movie, and it gave us many different things to talk about. The movie was in Spanish with English subtitles. I believe it won an Academy award.

April 17, 2014 at 2:15 pm

Any Disney movie in Spanish with subtitle. Have the kids write words that they know or can learn. great way to increase vocab without you giving it to them.

December 10, 2014 at 3:58 pm

What kind of movie is perfect for a sixth grader and won’t be too kiddish and not too adult

June 29, 2015 at 12:36 am

You could show the movie Oz the great and powerfull

June 3, 2016 at 9:29 am

Stand and deliver--counsler and math dept will love you

May 23, 2018 at 7:21 am

McFarland USA shows a lot about Latin-American culture and my kids LOVE it. So inspirational too.

May 16, 2019 at 10:08 pm

Agreed! Fabulous movie about grit/persistence/hope!!!

March 29, 2011 at 9:20 am

The Road to El Dorado….Spanish, History, Social Studies. Good movie for Middle School

March 24, 2012 at 1:05 am

I agree with this choice! Excellent movie.

February 7, 2013 at 12:10 am

Gnomeo and Juliet in Spanish or Spanish Subtitles,maybe create a worksheet or have them write down.vocabulary.words from the movie they didn’t know or worksheet depending on their level of skill your class Try an old americano film Or choose a few co ed movies (movies both guys and girls would like) like: Shrek Gnomeo and Juliet Prince of Persia and other not stupid corny Disney movies

August 21, 2011 at 6:17 pm

I’m looking for a movie that would demonstrate power/privilege (or the lack) in an urban setting for grade 8. I’m thinking Princess Diaries, or My Bodyguard. I previewed Big and it’s absolutely not appropriate. Any other ideas? Has anyone shown West Side Story? Is it too out of date for 8th graders?

August 21, 2011 at 9:00 pm

What about The Outsiders? i haven’t seen it in many years, so previewing it would be a good idea. You could read the novel, too! 😉

March 22, 2014 at 2:09 pm

That is an AWESOME idea!!! I’m a 7th grader and my English teacher made us all read the novel and showed us the movie last year and it is AMAZING!!!

October 26, 2020 at 11:27 am

December 11, 2014 at 4:21 pm

I have taught very difficult 7th grade classes. We end the year with a book study of the Outsiders, and then “if they earn it” watch the film. We read the forward and the whole nine yards. Before beginning I ask if there are cliques based on socioeconomic status, if they know people that are struggling, if they know anyone in a gang type situation, have broken homes, etc. I explain that the book was written by SE Hinton after her friend was beat up. They are amazed that she was only 16. I then discuss how the book is considered a classic, because the same issues affect kids today. They just dress differently and have different language.

We read and discuss, the students fill out a book club packet, and at the end there are several projects to choose from. I have had amazing dioramas with class presentations, diaries from various character viewpoints, one student made an entire case history of each character from the viewpoint of a high school counselor, scrapbooks, and more.

When we watch the film the students are completely engrossed. They almost all say that the book is much better than the movie, because the details are so much better. It makes my heart sing each time!

April 17, 2015 at 7:47 am

The Outsiders is so well received by 6th-8th grades. I have taught it several times and they love the book and enjoy the film.

November 7, 2015 at 1:58 pm

Just curious, I teach 8th grade ELA. Do you, or any of the posters, have parents sign a permission slip for, The Outsiders, as it is PG-13.

February 17, 2017 at 7:59 pm

The Outsiders is great! I use it with grade 8, and after teaching film techniques, we can also talk about visual content as well as theme.

August 22, 2011 at 4:14 pm

Check out Freedom Writers, we showed it to our 8th graders and they loved it.

December 16, 2013 at 12:51 pm

Freedom Writers is a powerful film for showing power issues.

September 29, 2011 at 12:03 pm

I have shown The Freedom Writers. It’s rated PG-13. it’s a powerful movie and really shows what you are trying to get at…there is also a study guide you can search that allows you to walk through the movie and discuss it with your group

November 1, 2011 at 6:26 pm

Some 8th graders might find it interesting, but most students would talk through it… I’ve been there.

May 16, 2012 at 10:49 am

Actually if you are in an urban setting they love it. My inner city kids watched like hawks and afterwards they wrote journals and poetry about their own life. It was great.

March 24, 2012 at 1:08 am

West Side Story is so powerful. Too many kids miss out on the classics. They’re timeless.

May 4, 2017 at 1:18 pm

I showed my 8th graders The Giver, and they loved it and it gave us a lot to talk about and it certainly has an element of power and etitlement

April 8, 2021 at 3:33 pm

maybe the princess bride i think that would make a good one

June 7, 2023 at 11:31 am

We watch both versions of West Side Story to show how an initial concept can be modernize and made relevant to our present world. Also, that Spielberg was inspired to recreate a movie that had enormous influence on him is a lesson in itself!

January 12, 2012 at 9:42 pm

I am not a fan of this list im sorry. But it would be awesome if you added never say never! 😀 everything is amazing with Bieber <3 I GOT BIEBER FEVER other good movies are like what about harry potter or a movie that hasn't come out yet but i'm soooo excited for is the hunger games the books were amazing!!!!!!

February 14, 2014 at 9:09 am

The Mighty is also very good. Based on Freak the Mighty book

March 22, 2014 at 2:10 pm

Yes it really is a great moving movie!

September 22, 2016 at 4:49 am

I have read “Freak the Mighty” and showed the film to my Grade 7s for a couple of years now. They still love it and it has wonderful resources. The Wave is also making an impression.

April 4, 2014 at 1:07 pm

yall can do better and the goonies is inappropriate cause them lil kids be cursing

February 10, 2021 at 12:02 pm

I love the goonies and im a 8th grader

June 6, 2023 at 1:01 pm

Tried Goonies in 7th grade this year.. Very few kids showed interest… Sad.

July 10, 2016 at 11:03 pm

I need a movie for year 5 that’s not too childish but not too much of adult themes

February 5, 2020 at 4:28 pm

My students usually love Anime and we do a whole unit on comparing Disney and Miyazaki, especially the role of females. So we watch, “My Neighbor Totoro” And “Spirited Away”. There are a lot of resources online to support the viewing of both movies in class. We also watch the “Iron GIant” as well. I take my students all the way back to Silent Films watching such films as “The Kid” as well. Hope this helps. I have 7th and 8th graders.

December 16, 2020 at 9:49 am

The anime Fruits basket is also amazing.

September 24, 2009 at 7:21 pm

Great list! What about A Knight’s Tale? It’s got fun music, is visually interesting, and has a good message. For the girls, there’s a romance, and for the boys, there are swords and jousting. Plus it’s got some great humor.

September 25, 2009 at 9:34 pm

Oddly enough, I’ve never seen the whole movie. I’ve seen parts of it on several occasions, but not the whole thing. I don’t think it came up in any of the discussions we had. Probably an oversight. Maybe it can be one of the movies that round us out at 50.

November 6, 2009 at 11:55 pm

Knight’s Tale is great, but the full rear view scene would have caused so much chaos if they showed it in my old middle school.

November 27, 2010 at 12:30 pm

yes. i think so to in my old middle school any thing different that they saw the would just freak-out goof-off

December 17, 2009 at 12:02 pm

The Knights Tale may be a little objectionable due to the naked Geofry Chaucer scene. Just a thought.

June 8, 2015 at 3:38 pm

The Knight’s Tale is great for teaching the Medieval period, especially the social structure of the times. My grade 8s really enjoyed it.

June 6, 2016 at 7:00 am

Seriously? For the girls there’s romance? Can we get with the times please. Girls can enjoy sword fights as well.

September 22, 2016 at 4:51 am

And a stunning film to teach camera shots and angles with.

June 6, 2023 at 1:02 pm

My vote is in. It will rock (some of) them.

September 26, 2009 at 7:17 am

I don’t see “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on your list. I always get a good response with that one.

September 26, 2009 at 7:50 am

I know why The Nightmare Before Christmas isn’t on the list. We were originally trying to come up with a movie to show on the last day of school, and so it just didn’t occur to us.

I would consider that a “standard” as well.

December 8, 2011 at 2:51 pm

Trying to respond to beginning of thread, sorry this is in the middle. August Rush is AWESOME.

February 10, 2012 at 1:34 pm

August Rush is AWESOME! How about Napoleon Dynamite? Do you think middle school students get the whole irony and references to the Morman religion?

February 10, 2012 at 4:19 pm

I would hesitate showing Napoleon Dynamite to middle schoolers because of the breast development cream and such.

September 13, 2010 at 5:44 pm

I just didn’t like that movie…especially when my own kids were little…too creepy

December 9, 2009 at 12:33 pm

How could Stand and Deliver not be on this list? Also does anyone know an Aztec/Maya movie. I don’t think Apocolyto is appropriate for grade 7. Is it? Keep in mind school should not be a Cinaplex.

December 9, 2009 at 8:31 pm

Yeah, that’s a good suggestion. In fact, we don’t have any movies that are like it on the list. I wonder why that is. Are there any other similar movies that were missed.

I agree that Apocolyto wouldn’t be a good choice. Apart from the nudity, I didn’t think it was a good movie.

June 6, 2023 at 1:04 pm

I’ve shown clips from Apocalypto in grade 6. One of the greatest movies of the last 2 decades.

Kids loved it.

December 9, 2009 at 8:11 pm

Every time I have an opportunity to show a movie as a reward or something like that I always bring in a few choices. By far the one that has stood as the “crowd pleaser” is Napoleon Dynamite.

December 17, 2009 at 1:10 pm

I think I’d have a little trouble showing it to middle schoolers. It’s mostly harmless, but the breast enhancing cream bit just doesn’t seem like the right direction to go in middle school.

May 13, 2013 at 3:34 pm

I showed Napoleon Dynamite this year, and my students didn’t really catch the breast enhancing cream part. It’s subtle (at least for my kids) and doesn’t last long, and they’re so distracted by the rest of the highly entertaining movie that they didn’t focus on that point exclusively!

December 16, 2009 at 2:38 pm

My students loved Lean On Me!

December 16, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Hey, that’s not me. Or is it? I do have dementia, y’know. Lean On Me is a great movie. A great song, too.

December 20, 2009 at 1:09 pm

At our middle school, the whole eighth grade reads Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick…the kids love the book for it’s wonderful plot, excitingly characterized narration, and overall themes. The movie based on it, The Mighty, is also very well done…they love both!

June 15, 2013 at 9:23 am

We also read Freak the Mighty, but I have to disagree about the movie. This year I showed My Bodyguard and it led to a great compare/ contrast assignment.

February 24, 2010 at 1:04 pm

is Nacho Libre safe?

February 24, 2010 at 5:03 pm

I haven’t seen it, and I wouldn’t show anything that I haven’t seen. But judging from the parents guide at IMDB and parentPreviews , I don’t think previewing it would be a waste of time. Maybe someone who’s seen it can offer more specific advice.

May 13, 2011 at 9:40 am

I showed Nacho Libre last year to my 7th and 8th grade classes and they loved it. It’s harmless, but I would caution you to give a disclaimer about the religious views in the movie. Some of the content may be viewed as offensive to students/parents who have strong religious beliefs.

November 17, 2011 at 5:08 am

hell no………..

March 8, 2010 at 12:14 am

I wanted to show my students “Radio”. Would that be safe and appropriate for middle school/

June 15, 2010 at 2:57 pm

We show Radio as part of our “Celebrating Uniqueness” celebration. It provokes a lot of discussion on compassion and understanding.

March 30, 2010 at 7:23 am

I just showed Iron Will to my 7th graders and they enjoyed it. Most have never seen it since it was made in 1984. Being a period piece makes that immaterial.

There is a place in the movie where Will is a bar and the men in the race are plying him with cigars and alcohol which he doesn’t handle well. There are a few incidences of violence that are very much part of the rugged theme of the movie and necessary to the plot.

Our school has a policy of only showing G movies unless a note home is sent on a PG movie. When we send such a letter home, we go to the IMdb website to list what was determined to be the objectionable parts resulting in the PG rating so parents can decide.

April 8, 2010 at 7:44 am

I’ve never seen Iron Will. I’ll have to add it to the NetFlix queue.

April 8, 2010 at 9:37 am

Iron Will is a great movie. I recommend it.

February 17, 2021 at 12:04 am

its not my fav but i was looking for somthing for my birthday party but there is nothing good

April 23, 2010 at 1:19 pm

I love showing Iron Will, especially as part of our Survival Unit. The bar scene and violence are not at all objectionable for my 7th graders- they see worse on regular televeion. Then again, our school allows up to PG without a permission slip.

Another suggestion, maybe for units involving environmental concerns, could be Hoot. Based on a book at the MS level and very well done- all about kids saving endangered owls.

March 30, 2010 at 7:25 am

Correction: Iron Will was made in 1994.

April 7, 2010 at 10:29 am

Akeelah and the Bee is fantastic for middle school students, especially in English/Language Arts class!

April 27, 2017 at 11:28 am

We use Akeelah too--love it.

April 15, 2010 at 6:29 pm

Um, Lauren deleted your comment, but here’s the answer. The info in the Stay Legal section comes from the company Movie Licensing USA . Considering that they have a vested interest in teachers buying license from them, they provide a very balanced and concise summary of copyright law as it pertains to teachers. Their information corresponds with what Stanford says , except that they leave off the provisions for using television shows within 10 days of broadcast. If you can find a broadcast of Stand By Me within 10 days of when you need it, you’re probably fine.

I would also think it unlikely that you would get in any trouble if you bought a copy of Stand By Me and then showed the taped version instead. But keep in mind that I am not a lawyer, and taking anything I (a random person on the internet) say as legal advice isn’t a good idea.

Your safest bet (but not your cheapest) would be to purchase one of these Clear Play devices that takes a purchased DVD (which you would need a license to show in your class if your use wasn’t protected as fair-use under copyright law) and edits out any sort of content that you don’t want to see. Looks like they only cost around $100.00, but require a yearly subscription. I wonder if any schools buy these?

April 15, 2010 at 6:48 pm

Also -- I am sorry.

April 17, 2010 at 7:29 pm

Any ideas for an urban middle school Math Party? Our math team just could not think of any???

April 17, 2010 at 11:42 pm

There’s a new version of Flatland that is well done. It’s only 34 minutes long, so it would fit in a period. It invites some nice discussion. It only covers portions of the book, so you could use it as a segway into the book.

I’ve never seen Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land but everyone who I’ve talked to who has seen it really liked it.

This probably isn’t what you’re after, but looks like it might be worth checking out.

December 21, 2010 at 6:25 pm

I have shown Stand and Deliver to my intercity grade 7 and 8 students and they loved it. The math starts off with fractions, then moves to integers, later its into calculus. I thought the students may complain about the fact that its set in the 80’s but they thought it was fantastic and they’ve never seen it. I do feel its important to point out that there is a few questionable discussions in the movie but overal the kids didn’t seem to care. As for Donald Duck in Mathmagic land, it is classic Disney however after the initial excitment over reverting to childhood the movie gets a bit slow and boring, but since it’s about 40 min in length you don’t lose the kids completely.

April 18, 2010 at 2:46 am

‘i just watched ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’ with Charlie and Jacob. Very good movie for kids.

April 28, 2010 at 6:40 am

We have shown Wall-E and the kids love it -- great for all areas of the curriculum. We worried a bit about the lack of dialoge but our kids were totally engaged. Also, our team just showed Up! Fantastic and the kids loved it!

May 1, 2010 at 2:37 pm

Awesome list. I came across it while looking for some fresh ideas for movies to show on a week long road trip with our kids next month. Our school has a pretty specific ‘movie’ curriculum with films that correspond to different values and character themes that we spend a long time discussing. Basically the rule at our school is… if it’s not being shown for a deliberate reason, we don’t watch it (unless it’s for something special like our trips or for some relaxation after a long day of state testing) There are definitely some questionable films on the list, but with a lot of pre-teaching and pre and post discussion, we’ve never had problems or inappropriate reactions from our kids.

Not a complete list… but we show: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the older one with Gene Wilder) (5th -- Good things happen to good people, mistakes can be learned from) Akeelah and the Bee (5th -- desire and discipline) Roots (5th -- during history class) Radio (5th -- tolerance, differences) Remember the Titans (6th -- teamwork, coming together to work towards a goal) The Great Debaters (6th -- same as above) My Side of the Mountain (6th -- self-reliance, independence, before 10 days of camping) Rocky (7th -- desire, going the distance, defeating personal giants; before trip to Philadelphia and running the Rocky Steps) Philadelphia (7th -- humanity, integrity, tolerance; requires parental buy in and lots of prep but has always been extremely powerful) The Outsiders (after reading) (7th) The Alamo (7th -- Texas History at our school) Lord of the Flies (after reading) (8th) To Kill a Mockingbird (8th -- integrity, doing the right thing because it is right) Miracle (8th -- hard work and determination, defying the odds) Pursuit of Happyness (8th -- self-determination, taking control of your future) Dead Poet’s Society (8th -- self-reliance, standing for what you believe in, freedom of thought)

It is also tradition to show Stand and Deliver every year to the entire school right before we start state testing. (also perfect for the middle school math team question) Jaime Escalante is an icon at our school and we lead a whole school discussion on it before and after the movie. (This year we added an additional tribute as he passed away right before we showed the movie 🙁 )

I just realized how much I wrote. Apologies for the long-windedness!

May 10, 2010 at 5:40 am

Wow, lots of good options here. And you’re right, some of them would take a lot of prep-work. But since you’re using them as part of your curriculum, that’s all for the best anyway.

June 2, 2010 at 3:22 pm

Hi Alison -- Do you mind if I ask you how big your school is?

May 2, 2019 at 7:00 pm

Another inspirational one is Lean on Me with Morgan Freeman. Good for many themes and my grade 8 kids really enjoyed it. I used it to talk about authority but so many themes to pick!

May 4, 2010 at 3:17 pm

Eight Below works for my students! They are riveted. They also liked Where the Red Fern Grows.

May 10, 2010 at 3:22 am

How about the movie Goal?

May 13, 2010 at 1:21 pm

I teach a high school current events or international affairs class. Any good suggestions on a movie to show? We talk about terrorism and Afghanistan quite a bit, but really any movie dealing with events that are currently happening would be ideal.

May 13, 2010 at 2:46 pm

My co-worker often shows CNN Student News in class. It’s not a movie, but at least it’s video.

http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/

December 26, 2010 at 9:51 pm

This is late, but how about My Name is Khan?

March 19, 2013 at 1:04 pm

Absolutely, My Name is Khan. Beautiful movie. I used the essential question, how does our world view shape our actions. In our Humanities 8 class, we are looking at the crusades and the plague using the same question. Loved this movie, and think all should watch.

August 24, 2011 at 6:12 pm

You should use the 30 Days episode where a Christian American goes to Deerborn, Michigan to live as a Muslim with a Muslim-American family.

November 17, 2011 at 5:11 am

How about “the kite runner”…..Apart from some scenes (can be edited with dvd cutter) and some dialogues (again can be edited) it depicts the difference of present and past Afghanistan.

May 13, 2010 at 2:48 pm

I use CNN Student News in class pretty often. But I was just looking for a movie for the last couple of class periods of the school year that relates to something in the news such as terrorism, Taliban, etc.

December 3, 2010 at 3:18 pm

How about Invictus with Matt Damon?

November 17, 2011 at 5:15 am

You ought to try “kite runners”…go and grab it NOW…..lol

October 28, 2020 at 1:53 pm

We can’t show CNN anything because it is “Fake News”, “Fake News”, “Fake News” as you know, lol. Even 8th graders are saying that. Argh!

May 17, 2021 at 3:24 am

We watch CNN-10 everyday. The newscast is current and takes my 8th graders around the world in 10 minutes. Try it.

May 17, 2010 at 1:19 pm

First, thanks for a wonderful list. We invited over some friends and they have middle school aged kids and I thought we might want to have some movies on hand. This is a great list and brought back lots of memories. A movie that made quite an impression on me when I was young was “The Point”. The movie was animated and had a great music score. The movie could generate a lot of good discussion as everything has a point.

May 19, 2010 at 11:30 am

What about the language…some of these movies are great movies but they have a couple words in them that I just don’t see how they could be shown in school….how do you get around that in your school?

May 20, 2010 at 5:38 am

Kirby -- If it’s only one or two words, I’ll warn the kids about them and tell them why it’s bad to use language like that. I also explain how bad words might be used in a movie to convey the idea that a person is crass, uneducated, or mean.

Before showing the movie, I practice using the mute button and a piece of paper to block the actor’s mouth. There is a single bad word in Edward Scissorhands and one interchange between characters that is questionable. I’m an expert at censoring them.

May 20, 2010 at 12:33 pm

I would also suggest Bandslam (PG). Great movie- teaches tolerance. Thanks, RS

May 27, 2010 at 5:49 pm

I show Civics related films after school for extra credit to eighth graders. I have shown 12 Angry Men, Separate But Equal, and Legally Blond II. The first two relate directly to the judicial branch and the third (while a bit of a stretch) demonstrates how a bill becomes a law. Any suggestions for films that deal with constitutional issues, political campaigns, or the executive branch? Thanks!

June 14, 2010 at 8:51 am

You couldn’t show the whole thing, but there’s a scene in a Melanie Griffith movie about the amendments to the Constitution that’s hilarious and catchy.

June 22, 2010 at 7:01 pm

Have you ever seen “The Ultimate Gift”? My grade 8’s loved it! It’s about a young man in his twenties who comes from a wealthy family. As the movie opens, they are all meeting to hear the reading of the rich grandfather’s will. Through a series of videotaped messages, gramps gives his grandson a series of tasks in order to earn a gift. There is not one swear word or inappropriate scene in this movie, and it has a great message. In the end, the young man learns a lot about himself, and what is really important in life.

June 26, 2010 at 3:41 am

‘The Ultimate Gift’ is a great movie for discussions about the legacy you want to leave behind and how that is determined by the way you choose to live life…Of the 12 gifts, I think the gift of work is my favourite, and certainly illustrates the importance of the satisfaction of a job well done without being too corny about it… it touches on several of the big issues and themes found in literature and because of that it is helpful for unpacking a variety of these using one source. E.g. Love, broken/disfunctional relationships, death, survival, ethical choices, the value of friendship ….. too many to count. As Sharon says there is nothing really unsuitable in it (one very suitable, short and polite kissing scene and a bit of adult themes) -- it is a movie with a lot going for it esp. for upper middle school (years/grades 7&8)

June 28, 2010 at 11:34 am

Benny and Joon is a good movie

June 29, 2010 at 9:33 pm

Here are some films that I’ve used with great success over the years with middle school and high school students. (Note that some use subtitles, but these were not too difficult for the majority of kids to follow.) *Iqbal (there are two of these -- one set in India and the other in Pakistan -- and both are great) *Rabbit Proof Fence *Whale Rider *Holes *Walkabout *Stone Boy *King of Masks *Children of Heaven The Kite Runner *Fly Away Home *The Children of Hoang Shi (This had a moment of violence because it takes place during the Japanese invasion of China, but the kids totally love this film!) *The Power of One (This one is for more advanced, at least high school level, kids.) *UP *The Chronicles of Narnia *Coraline *Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Thanks for your list. I’ll follow these comments. Anne in Portland

November 17, 2011 at 5:22 am

yeah i agree with “children of heaven” “the kite runner”……Try these “TAARE ZAMEEN PAR” (INDIA-HINDI),”ANJALI” (INDIA-TAMIL),”PASANGA” (INDIA-TAMIL),”NANDHALALA” (INDIA-TAMIL,”LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL” (ITALY) & “THE BICYCLE THIEVES” (ITALY)…..Also how about “HOTEL RWANDA” & “THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION”?

February 11, 2015 at 10:38 pm

Where did you find Iqbal? We read the book set in Pakistan and I have searched high and low for a copy of the movie, but have not been successful.

June 29, 2010 at 9:35 pm

Just thought of another: The Blue Butterfly. Kids liked it very much, although we’d have to say it was a bit on the predictable side. Good for a science bent!

July 6, 2010 at 5:32 pm

What about A Walk To Remember … I show it to my students when we set life goals for ourselves. Also The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is excellent.

August 23, 2010 at 12:26 am

I was also thinking of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas before I discovered this list.

I will be teaching a film appreciation class once per week (extended period) this school year, and would love any recommendations for film appreciation lessons & movie lists (beyond just fun to watch or good for middle school students).

My school has students from grades 4-12, and I’ve been told i can put an age requirement on my class, so I’m thinking middle school and up.

Would love to show Stand by Me, too. Other than swearing and (gasp) showing a “dead” body, isn’t that movie pretty clean? Also considering (at this point) Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (OV, of course), and ET.

Thanks for the suggestions! Whale Rider, March of the Penguins & others are great! 🙂

November 23, 2013 at 10:28 am

How about foreign films? I remember films from my childhood, like “The Red Balloon” and others of that era. It is my earliest memory of a foreign film. It truly help with my cultural literacy and opening my eyes to a larger world, coming from a rural area.

September 13, 2010 at 3:23 pm

Stand By Me is awesome -- except it has the whole discussion about Catholic girls being ‘prudes’ and that if you want to get past 2nd base to find a ‘Jew’…you know, mention of sexual activity with girls…pretty descriptive too for an educational setting…

September 16, 2010 at 11:52 am

I work at a middle school where we are able to show up to PG without permission slips, anything PG-13 and above requires a permission slip from home. I offer an after school class on Friday’s called the Friday Film Society, so not all of the movies on my list are strictly educational (the kids wouldn’t come if I didn’t show some fun ones). I used this list as a starting off point and then added a bunch of other good movies I thought of. The PG-13 rating wasn’t created until 1984, so some of the PG movies may still have strong language and would be good to watch beforehand and get parent permission for.

I uploaded the list to google docs, here is the link: https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Anh_j289ZqfPdFNfQUx3dXlMZUJCLXYzNXBqZEpZQUE&hl=en

September 16, 2010 at 12:47 pm

That’s a great list. It looks like you have the students take it home and say what movies they have seen already? That’s a good idea. It would be interesting to have them rate the movies that they’ve seen and have them compile the ratings.

September 16, 2010 at 1:05 pm

I was actually going to use the “Watched” section to document which movies have been watched throughout the year, but it wouldn’t hurt to have the students go through and mark the ones they’ve seen already. My thought on deciding the movies would be to let the students rotate around choosing movies off of the list and then every couple of weeks I’ll choose a movie they might not choose to watch otherwise (you know, anything made before 1990). I also like your idea of having them rate the movies after we’ve watched them (I’m going to add that to the list), it will help to inform choices in the future.

December 6, 2013 at 9:57 pm

Seriously? Simon Burch and Karate Kid remake are the two worst movies ever made. Many on your list are close behind. What are you thinking?

November 17, 2017 at 10:10 am

Thank you so much!

September 17, 2010 at 2:39 pm

Here’s a list I made for students to mark what they’ve seen already and what they did and didn’t like: https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Anh_j289ZqfPdDB3WG9KSl81QUJDUXNEekpwQlZSOXc&hl=en#gid=0

October 5, 2010 at 9:14 pm

I teach a social science class to 7th/8th graders and am currently teaching them a unit on economics. Does anyone know of a good movie for this age group that deals with money, business, and/or the economy, etc?

October 31, 2013 at 10:18 am

Trading Places

June 6, 2023 at 1:09 pm

Did that a few years back in grade 6.. I forgot about how much JL Curtis liked showing her boobs back then…

Kids didn’t mind…

October 14, 2010 at 7:48 pm

Does anyone know a good movie for 4-6 graders that would promote an anti-bullying message?

October 14, 2010 at 7:53 pm

Sorry, other than Karate Kid.

October 15, 2010 at 9:58 am

What about The Goonies ? Not overtly anti-bullying, but shows kids that are all different from each other as friends. I haven’t seen it in a long time, but would My Bodyguard be an option?

I wrote up a sheet of talking points that we used in 6-8th grade a few years ago when we showed The Karate Kid as an intro to a bullying unit. It’s here if you want to look at it.

October 15, 2010 at 1:29 pm

I never saw My Bodyguard.

October 15, 2010 at 7:38 pm

Not to be confused with The Bodyguard.

“And iiiiiiiiiiii-eeee-iiiiiiiii will always loooove, yoooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuu……”

October 16, 2010 at 5:13 am

The only one I can think of is Back to the Future , but there’s some stuff in it that might not be appropriate for younger kids.

November 5, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Try Ant Bully. It is animated but will keep their interest and make a point.

April 26, 2011 at 10:55 pm

My Bodyguard is a great movie about bullying. A geeky boy hires another student (who’s rumored to have murdered someone) to protect him from extortion from a teenage Matt Dillon). There’s a scene about peeping in windows using a telescope, but otherwise it’s pretty age appropriate and features a young Joan Cusack.

Also, Lucas with Corey Haim is about an intelligent misfit who just wants to fit in with the popular kids by playing football even though he is much too small. Check it out.

May 1, 2012 at 10:22 am

A Bug’s Life? They are bullied by Hopper for years and the main Ant is bullied for making inventions and being kind of different, but in the end his unique ideas and creativity save the day. Kids love a Bug’s Life!! It’s a Pixar film.

October 15, 2010 at 11:50 am

If you are considering showing The Goonies, preview it first. I hadn’t seen it in years either, and made the mistake of showing it without re-previewing. They swear a lot (mostly sh*t), and also the term “sexual torture devices” is used (spoken in Spanish, but written in clear English subtitles). I believe it would be given a PG-13 rating if it came out with this content now. I regretted showing it in school.

November 2, 2010 at 11:33 am

How about a biographical, entertaining type movie suitable for sixth graders? Some on the above list may qualify, but I’m not a big movie buff so I wouldn’t necessarily know.

April 26, 2011 at 10:56 pm

April 7, 2017 at 5:32 am

Along with Apollo 13 try October Sky for 7th grade and up. There is some minor language but it fits the West Virginia coal mining setting perfectly.

November 4, 2010 at 7:54 am

I am looking for a mystery movie rated G or PG. Any ideas?

November 5, 2010 at 3:52 pm

The ony thing I can think of is Hoodwinked. It is a spoof on little red riding hood. But it is nothing like the fairy tale. It is a real who done it.

November 5, 2010 at 3:59 pm

Oh I just thought of Citizen Cane an Clue

November 5, 2010 at 5:24 pm

I was thinking Clue too. But I couldn’t remember if there was an actual mystery that you could solve, or if it was just really, really funny.

November 6, 2010 at 7:51 am

We’ve been watching Ponyo a lot lately. My kids love it and I don’t mind at all when it gets watched over and over and over.

November 16, 2010 at 3:39 pm

I teach a technology/career invetigations class to 8th graders. I am looking for a good movie to show that will inspire them to think about their future. Any suggestions?

November 16, 2010 at 3:43 pm

Rudy has that “work hard, stay in school” type of theme going for it.

December 15, 2010 at 11:48 am

Rudy was my first choice, but due to the language, I am not allowed to show it.

December 15, 2010 at 3:06 pm

I guess the only version I’ve ever seen is the one that they show on TV.

March 24, 2012 at 1:18 am

October Sky. Themes: Overcoming adversity. It’s cool to love math and science. The brainy kid attracts the girls. Believe and fight for your dreams.

November 17, 2010 at 7:48 pm

how about a movie to finish up fossils for 7th grade? i want something fun that is still somewhat relating to the material…

November 24, 2010 at 3:13 pm

“The Miracle Worker” is a great film that my students have always loved. I believe that Patty Duke won an Oscar for her performance of Helen Keller. The dinner table scene is incredible and the message for middle schoolers is great. It really shows the power of the teacher as well. It’s black and white, but my students didn’t care once they got into it.

November 24, 2010 at 3:18 pm

“The Long Walk Home” is a good movie if you are studying civil rights. Whoopi Goldberg plays the maid in a home in Birmingham during the bus boycott (post Rosa Parks).

November 26, 2010 at 8:36 am

I would just like to chime in here and say that for Christmastime -- watch “Elf”. I don’t have any good tie-in to a lesson, I just think it is the ultimate CLEAN modern Christmas movie. (Maybe the lesson could be ’embrace who you are’.)

May 14, 2013 at 10:43 am

Polar Express is good for Christmas too.

November 27, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Hi, does anybody know any good movies about the holocaust ??

November 27, 2010 at 2:07 pm

I show “The Hiding Place” to my eighth graders every year. It’s got strong Christian themes. I don’t know if that would be a problem in a public school. I teach in a Christian school.

I haven’t seen “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”, but the previews seemed to be pointing to a child’s-eye view of things.

December 3, 2010 at 11:31 pm

Boy in the Striped Pajamas for sure -- harrowing!

January 16, 2011 at 5:15 pm

If you are still looking for Holocaust movies- I showed “Anne Frank, the Whole Story” to my 8th graders after reading the play. Strong scenes of death in the camps, but they didn’t speak a word and many were in tears.

May 20, 2014 at 9:32 am

Did you have to do any editing when you showed “Anne Frank: the Whole Story”? If so, do you remember where?

December 10, 2014 at 7:13 am

When I show “Anne Frank: The Whole Story” to my 8th grade ELA class, I usually just edit out the part when the girls are first at Auschwitz because there is some nudity there. I just didn’t feel comfortable with my 8th graders seeing that. I did make sure that I told them exactly what was happening because I think it’s important for them to understand how people were treated. When they go to get their ID number tattooed on their arms, I skip to the next part.

June 2, 2013 at 12:52 pm

The Diary of Anne Frank The Devil’s Arithmetic The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

November 27, 2010 at 12:57 pm

Also a very good movie for the end of the year that my class enjoyed very much was “A Wrinkle In Time.” of course “call of the wild” 🙂

December 3, 2010 at 11:29 pm

Pay It Forward when introducing service/charity The Blind Side

May 18, 2013 at 12:56 pm

I love Pay it Forward--it is such a marvelous movie. However, the bedroom scene--makes us eliminate it from our queue. I hate the way that movie-makes take movies that could have such great potential and spoil them by putting in inappropriate language and/or scenes that ruin them for wide-spread use by educations. Shame on them!

December 3, 2010 at 11:42 pm

I’m looking for a Christmas movie, but something literature-based. I was thinking Little Women,l but am not sure how that will go down with the boys. Any suggestions?

December 15, 2010 at 11:49 am

What about A Christmas Carol. My students are reading that in their classes now and watching the movie too.They have a million different versions from the old one, to the new one with Jim Carrey, to the cartoon versions, and the muppet christmas carol too.

December 14, 2010 at 9:17 pm

I’m looking for some sort of a cross-cultural/immigration story. I was planning on showing Bend it Like Beckham, but not having watched it in a few years, the specifics on the ratings make the content sound like a bit too much for my students (girls in bras & underwear, lots of language, etc.). Any other, cleaner suggestions? I thought this would be easy to find, but all the other titles I’m finding are for older audiences…

December 15, 2010 at 4:44 pm

I’m looking for a movie about the Roman Empire for 9th graders. The ones I’ve found so far are either too racy or really boring. I’m especially interested in something set during the time of Julius Caesar or Caesar Augustus. Does anyone know a good one?

December 17, 2010 at 10:05 pm

How about the original Spartacus or Cleopatra or Ben-Hur or soemthing like that…

May 20, 2014 at 8:32 pm

I found some History Channel documentaries via Netflix that were awesome. The battle scenes were not gory and my middle schoolers enjoyed learning the History of the Roman Empire in the series. There are a few available with Julius Caesar, and I think Caesar Augustus. Good luck!

December 19, 2010 at 9:31 am

hey why not ‘ diary of a wimpy kid . its an awesome movie guys!!

December 19, 2010 at 12:35 pm

I actually planned on redboxing it to show this week!!!

December 21, 2010 at 12:30 pm

I thought the 7th graders would like it, but I am shocked how much the 8th graders love it. It is really a cute movie too!

December 21, 2010 at 12:22 pm

Hello! I teach in a middle school. I teach Spanish. Any good movies that I could show in Spanish language with English subtitles or vice versa…? Suggestions? I thought about “Casi Casi” but I heard it was more appropriate for High School. I recently showed Elf to my 7th graders in Spanish with english subtitles. Anything for 8th? Last year I showed “Viva Cuba” but (bras and going to the bathroom scene) didn’t go over too well.

December 21, 2010 at 12:29 pm

I remember watching “The Milagro Bean Field War” in 7th grade in Spanish class, there were subtitles. I love Spanglish, but its PG 13…Also when I lived in Mexico, I watched Star Wars in the movies when it came out and the subtitles were cool because I learned how to say things like “may the force be with you” in Spanish, but that is also PG-13.

December 21, 2010 at 12:33 pm

I would LOVE to be able to say “may the force be with you” in Spanish. Do you remember how?

December 21, 2010 at 12:55 pm

Que la fuerza te acompania!!!!!!

December 21, 2010 at 1:31 pm

May the force be with you = Que la fuerza te acompañe…I’m impressed

December 21, 2010 at 1:33 pm

I thought of Spanglish as well but it is PG-13 and the ‘romance’ that goes on is probably not age appropriate, maybe high school. Any suggestions of English movies that have to do with Hispanic culture that I can use subtitles with???

I thought “Stand and Deliver” was a good option but definitely too much for middle school.

help! suggestions please?

December 21, 2010 at 1:48 pm

How bout Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the culture portion is brief, but America Ferrera’s role does a great job with it…

December 21, 2010 at 2:04 pm

I agree!! Another teacher said the “suggestive sexual” nature might be too much an dthat the boys would not enjoy it…what are your thoughts?

December 21, 2010 at 2:07 pm

Maybe about the suggestive sexual nature, but it is PG and the boys may like it because of the “hot” (lol) girls in it.

Another option may be the cartoon, Road to ElDorado…

December 26, 2010 at 9:59 pm

Hello All, I was wondering what you all thought about using the movie My Name is Khan along with articles about tolerance, autism, bullying, world. Religion, family relationships,etc.? I teach 8th grade.

December 26, 2010 at 10:12 pm

Wow, I never even heard of My name if Khan until tonight. It sounds like it would hit all the issue for the middle school population, but I think that despite the PG-13 rating, it still may be too much for middle school. As I was reading the synopsis on IMDB, I paralleled the movie with Khaled Hosseini’s Kite Runner. While Kite Runner has the same rating, I think some of the issues discussed conspicuously or inconspicuously are too much for middle school students and that the discussion to follow, if/when questions arise is too risky. But hey, this is just my opinion 🙂

March 19, 2013 at 1:10 pm

Just showed in in Grade 8 -- kids were riveted. See my other comment above.

March 20, 2013 at 2:51 pm

http://www.teachwithmovies.org/index.html Here’s a great resource for teaching with movies.

December 28, 2010 at 6:32 pm

Thanks for the feedback Tamara!

January 13, 2011 at 2:02 pm

What are your thoughts on showing Little Shop of Horrors? I have a co-worker who wants to show it to a group of urban 6-8th graders. I have a feeling the students won’t like it. Any thoguhts?

April 26, 2011 at 11:00 pm

I don’t know if the masochistic dentist and his beat up girlfriend Audrey would be very appropriate for that age group. Check it out yourself first. It’s amazing how our favorite movies have some really bad messages underlying them, like Grease for suggesting that girls have to change and be slutty in order to get a guy.

February 1, 2011 at 9:08 pm

A Far Off Place…story about poachers in Africa and it has teenagers having to cross the Kalahari.

February 9, 2011 at 8:04 am

I’m not a teacher, but a stickler for grammar and I must correct one of Caroline’s posts:

She says: I offer an after school class on Friday’s called the Friday Film Society, so not all of the movies on my list are strictly educational (the kids wouldn’t come if I didn’t show some fun ones).

NO APOSTROPHE IN THE WORD “FRIDAYS!!!” It’s just a plural.

February 9, 2011 at 11:11 am

Elizabeth -- I, too, see similar cases in public. Speaking of grammar, you might want to add a ‘comma’ after the word grammar in your post.

February 11, 2011 at 8:41 am

Don’t think it’s necessary in this case.

February 11, 2011 at 11:09 am

As a registered Grammar Natzi, I can assure you that you do, indeed, need a comma after the word grammar . In fact, you need it for two reasons:

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

2. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

There are many more rules for commas here: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/

February 15, 2011 at 11:04 am

Does anyone have a recommendation for a film to accompany the novel, The Giver? I teach 7th grade. Suggestions for something that relates to the downfall of utopias or a film with a dynamic character who makes a sacrifice for society would be great.

March 13, 2011 at 5:52 am

Show the Truman Show to pair with the book, Giver.

March 13, 2011 at 2:01 pm

Thank you! 🙂

November 16, 2011 at 9:23 am

They haven’t made a movie of The Giver yet? That’s so wrong!

November 16, 2011 at 10:28 am

I’ve showed parts of Gattica after reading The Giver. A previous post suggested showing The Truman Show so it’s on my preview list.

February 23, 2011 at 1:34 pm

Has anyone seen Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee? I am looking for a movie to show about the experience of Native Americans during the colonization and development of the United States. This is my only thought at this point, but I haven’t seen it yet. Any comments or suggestions welcome! 🙂 Thank you!

February 26, 2011 at 12:37 pm

Continued from my comment above, what about Dances with Wolves? I saw it many years ago, and don’t remember it very well. I am looking for something that will show the experience of Native Americans, but will be interesting enough to hold my students’ attention (documentaries/PBS films can be a little dry).

March 2, 2011 at 1:04 pm

Grammar Natzi — You don’t need a comma after the word “phrases.” The comma there makes for an awkward pause and the second part is not an independent clause.

March 3, 2011 at 11:21 am

Please stop usimg so many hollywood movies in school. You are all lazy! And you are making our kids stupid.

March 3, 2011 at 2:05 pm

I don’t know that you can tell from what people have posted here how often they use movies or in what context. Personally, I’ve been teaching for a little over a decade and in the past two months have shown my first movie in class. It was a high school video editing class and we watched “The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing.”

We’ve also shown movies to the whole middle school to introduce or conclude special units.

I can see how you could read all of these comments and assume that teachers are showing movies all the time. But a more accurate conclusion might be that teachers are constantly looking for good ways to engage students in the topics that they are studying.

Sure, occasionally teachers show movies as a reward, but even then good teachers choose movies with ideas and themes that they can incorporate into the work that they do in the classroom.

May 26, 2011 at 9:07 pm

I agree with you Lloyd, educators are not trying to make students into mindless drones. In fact most educators are trying to stimulate creative thought, and on that note the movies I would like to suggest are:

Mr. Holland’s Opus (only issue with it is the brief illusion to an inappropriate student/ teacher relationship) The Point (Ringo Starr narrates) The Dark Crystal

March 24, 2012 at 1:28 am

The Point is an awesome choice! It is an animated classic about love, acceptance, courage, and tolerance.

March 3, 2011 at 5:58 pm

@Andrai: If you have suggestions for any of our requests for videos/films/non-Hollywood movies, please do share. It is not for lack of effort and energy that we are seeking advice from fellow educators on films that either fit into our curricula, or otherwise are otherwise suitable to be shown for educational purposes. I don’t think anyone has posted seeking “Hollywood” specific films. I, too, have not shown one movie in my class this year, and actually feel bad that I haven’t done so yet. Movies can be very engaging visual aids to the things we are teaching, reading, and learning about.

June 1, 2013 at 2:47 pm

@andrai The only time I show movies, if at all, is at the very end of the school year. Grades have been completed and submitted to the office. Students are totally disengaged from learning and only thinking of summer vacation. If you have ever been in that environment then you would know the reason teachers are looking for something entertaining but has some educational merit.

Perhaps you should read the rest of the blog before coming up with any snap judgements or relaying your preconceived notions. Let’s talk about who is lazy.

June 1, 2013 at 3:01 pm

@andrai Teachers have not made your kids stupid. You may want to take a look at your parenting.

October 22, 2013 at 6:34 pm

I am a high school history/geography teacher who is very offended by the idea that showing films promotes laziness by us. There are few ways to make a student understand something that happened historically than by showing them a great film that depicts that event. It allows them to get an actual feel for the event, the same is true in teaching geography. Showing a film from China about life in China is more effective than most methods I know of getting that information to our students. I do many other things, like have guest speakers from the time or place we are learning about, field trips to museums or historical sites, but I have found if you really want a student to understand a time, place, event the worst thing I can do is stand up and lecture about it as there are few things more boring to our students. So, I use film, I use it a lot. I usually use more documentary style but films with stories are the most effective. But I can tell you about Greece or show you a film that shows it to you. I’m tired of films getting a bad name in education when every year the discussion we have as a result of watching “Hotel Rwanda” and reading some of the accounts of the people who lived through the violence is one of the most remembered and powerful lessons I teach. You can teach the students about the Holocaust all you want but until they see the footage of the survivors, and the camps it doesn’t seem real to them. So, back off!!! This is a great discussion about how to engage students in learning somethings you film is great at. Sorry for the rant: A few I use (all PG-13 or less though depending on your school I would preview that because some of lots of language or violence) that I missed seeing (sorry if I am reposting): Apollo 13 (HBO did a great series called From the Earth to Moon that my students love too!) Seabiscuit Lincoln Empire of the Sun The Blind Side Sophie Scholl The Color of Paradise A League of Their Own Life of Pi 13 Days Ghandi Evita Les Miserables Turtles Can Fly The Shaft Joyeux Noel (It is rated PG-13 but there is a vivid sex scene that you can easily skip) Flight 93 (United 93) Four Feathers Spanglish Iron Jawed Angels

December 10, 2014 at 7:18 am

Part of our 8th grade objectives involves the students comparing a written work to its filmed version. That’s not being lazy. That’s just following the curriculum. When my students read “The Landlady”, we watched a short film version of it that was maybe 30 minutes long. It didn’t even take up an entire class period. However, they were able to mention numerous differences between the short story and the short film version. It’s an important thing to be able to do.

March 13, 2011 at 3:18 pm

Does anyone have other suggestions on films that would fit in with a unit about conformity versus individualism, or being an outsider? So far it looks like Radio might be good, but I’m wondering if there are others. I teach 9th grade at an inner-city public school. Thanks!

April 26, 2011 at 11:04 pm

Speaking about outsiders, how about “The Outsiders” or “Tex”?

June 15, 2011 at 6:17 pm

A wonderful film for middle schoolers showing individualism is The Ernest Green Story, about the Little Rock Nine, who in 1958 were the first African Americans to attend the all white high school, where Ernest was the first of the students to graduate. The story is inspiring, and teaches many lessons with regards to how to conduct oneself when you want to show that you are a person of high integrity and fine character. Sometimes people have to stand alone and stand up for what they believe, even though there are those who would try to disuade them. In the end great things can be accomplished if one keeps their eyes on the main prize, and often many learn valuable lessons from those willing to walk alone.

October 22, 2013 at 6:48 pm

Rudy The Blind Side The Cure Radio Flyer The Truman Show Hotel Rwanda A League of Their Own

All are movies where someone is fighting against what is happening around them or what society says they should be.

May 26, 2021 at 2:46 pm

I love the movie Woder.

sorry *Wonder

March 15, 2011 at 5:29 pm

thesse aer good movies

These truly are great movies!

March 18, 2011 at 12:36 pm

I was surprised I didn’t see October Sky on the list. It was truly inspiring and very interesting for that age group.

March 30, 2011 at 3:41 am

I’ve started showing my 6th grade World Geography class the documentary “God Grew Tired of Us.” My husband is showing it in his high school World History class towards the end of the school year. I also show “The Sound of Music” while we are studying WWII. And I always show movie with the subtitles on and, in the case of TSOM, the kids were able to sing along by the end of the move.

April 5, 2011 at 1:46 pm

I really enjoyed reading all these comments. My school, a high school, has just run a riot with email about what movies when can and cannot show. our board policy only allows G movies unless prior approval is granted. This seems rather restrictive considering we teach high school students. Permission slips supposedly will not suffice either.

April 5, 2011 at 5:25 pm

How do you get permission without permission slips? It seems like verbal confirmation would (a) be more of a hassle and (b) not as legally binding.

April 13, 2011 at 6:09 am

Permission must first be granted by the district via a committee composed of the person in charge of the district IMC, an administrator, and two parents, possibly a teacher as well. You submit a two paragragh rationale for the movie and the movie. The committee will view and approve, or not, the movie. Then a permission slip is sent out as well; most will attach the permission slip to their syllabus at the beginning of the year.

April 15, 2011 at 7:55 am

We are finishing the book Walk Two Moons. Does anyone have a good movie to show as a follow-up?

April 15, 2011 at 12:53 pm

I have shown Ghandi for seventh grade Social Studies. It always provokes good discussion.

April 26, 2011 at 12:06 pm

What can I show to a middle school Algebra I class?

April 26, 2011 at 11:07 pm

October Sky is inspirational and has a science/math hook in that a group of kids are trying to create a rocket. Their teacher believes in them, but their families aren’t supportive. In the end, they succeed and many end up becoming scientists. (It is based on a true story.)

May 3, 2011 at 8:34 am

I recently showed Unstoppable to my Algebra 1 class. It has some great Uniform Motion scenarios in it, and the kids were way into it.

May 30, 2012 at 7:22 pm

The Story of 1, with lots of fun follow up Math

May 28, 2014 at 2:53 pm

Stand of Deliver Life of Pi

Stand AND Deliver it should say…..

May 5, 2011 at 2:13 pm

We are just finishing the book “Among the Hidden”. Does anyone know of any movies that would suit the theme(s) of this book? thanks

May 5, 2011 at 4:35 pm

What comes to my mind right away is X-Men: The Last Stand. They have a government registry and some of the mutants try to hide themselves. There is the question of whether change can be made by peaceful means (Professor X) or by forceful resistance (Magneto). Perhaps not a perfect match, but the themes are there…

May 5, 2011 at 8:56 pm

Thanks for the idea…I should have mentioned that it’s for grade seven -- would it be good for 12-13 year olds?. I haven’t watched this one but I may have to rent it this weekend!

May 6, 2011 at 2:58 am

Actually, now that I think about it, this might be difficult to show at school. It’s got some sexually suggestive content and some language. Too bad, because I think it would have fit the discussion. Mabye there’s an edited version out there somewhere?

Wikipedia has a list of movies where the government is controlling: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dystopian_films Titan A.E. is on the list. It’s animated. I haven’t seen it in a long time, so I don’t remember it well.

I’m sorry I don’t have more suggestions. I enjoyed “Among the Hidden” and think there are some great discussion opportunities there. Maybe a movie about racial inequalities could apply?

May 7, 2011 at 4:12 pm

Thanks again!

Someone else has suggested a 1999 movie called “The Basket” and so I’m going to watch it tonight and see how it is. Apparently it has won awards for “family viewing” and is about a farming community after WW1 and struggles with racial tensions and family ties.

May 13, 2011 at 10:07 am

What, if anything, was said about the movie, “Jack,” with Robbin Williams, Diane Lane, and Jennifer Lopez? It has a good story and is set in a school for a good portion of the movie. It shows perseverance and embracing uniqueness. I have seen it many times, but would watch it again as though I were 13 years old so that I can gauge how my students would receive it.

May 13, 2011 at 1:01 pm

I’m trying to wrap up my Tecnology Applications class. Are there any good movies that show the importance of technology knowledge in the real world. I still have a hard time convincing my students that they will actually NEED to know anything about technology after high school!!

February 8, 2012 at 10:08 am

We show “Wargames” to our 9th grade computer science class. Also “Sneakers” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” You also might want to look at the Nova documentary “Smartest Machine on Earth”, which is about the computer who took on the Jeopardy champions. Might spark some of your technology application students to want to take computer science.

May 17, 2011 at 8:02 am

My question is why do you feel the need to show a movie at all. I know that because it is the last week of school that it is difficult to teach anything -- but don’t teachers have an imagination anymore? I would rather take my kids out of school the last week then have them be subjected to watch movies all day long.

May 17, 2011 at 9:11 am

Take them out then. Who is stopping you?

May 17, 2011 at 10:55 am

What I was implying is that the teachers should do a better job teaching rather then entertaining. If they were I wouldn’t have to even consider taking my kids out of school. Is it possible to get a refund for the last week of school of the tax money I pay towards the public education system. The answer is an obvious no. And frankly, the way that attendance records are taken, I can’t take my kids out of school for more then three days without having a doctors permission, otherwise my kids are considered truant and I am labeled the bad parent.

May 17, 2011 at 11:45 am

Well with all of the work that the students have to do throughout the year, I don’t see anything wrong with generating a thought provoking lesson around an inspiring movie. Broken up into segments, discussed, analyzed, etc. I have never seen a teacher at my school show a movie that did not have a lesson to go a long with it. No offense, but if you don’t think your kids deserve an entertaining, but analytical lesson that requires viewing a movie…then don’t let them participate.

Have you ever seen a school during the last week or two of the year?? It is chaos. Teachers do the best they can to keep the kids behavior in line….seriously, before you judge what is being done, maybe you should take all things into consideration. Your kids may be well behaved enough, but a teacher has to deal with 25+ in a classroom at a time- and I guarentee that during the last couple weeks of school that 25 feels like 50. A lesson revolving around a movie may be the only thing that can keep them from running up the walls during these last few days before SUMMER!! Not to mention the awards ceremony’s, field days, athletic events, NJHS happenings,etc. that they are being pulled out of class for every other day.

Good job teachers! Thanks for all that you do despite unappreciative students AND parents!! Keep it up.

May 17, 2011 at 6:37 pm

My husband is a teacher -- we were just talking about this matter the other day. He teaches history and social studies for 5th -- 8th grade. Do you remember how boring those classes were when you were in grade school? Guess what? They’re just as boring when you’re the teacher. He said that if he were teaching about ancient China and found a movie that showed what things were like in a fashion that the kids learned something and their attention were held, he’d use it in a heartbeat. They would get more out of it than just listening to him lecture.

May 17, 2011 at 7:17 pm

My, have I hit a nerve. The movies I am talking about are generally PG rated without parents being notified or having their approval. The movies are shown in its entirety (usually over a two day period). They are even shown in classes where there is no excuse to have to play a video. Do we really need to show a video in gym class? Do the kids really have a hard time coming up with games to play on their own? I also have to laugh at the way that some, not all, teachers try to take a film and make it correlate to their subject matter. For example, when I think of life cycles the Lion King doesn’t readily come to mind in comparison to some of the vintage Disney movies used in the True Life Adventures. I have yet to see a child dislike any of those videos even though they were done many years ago. Why not use something from Discovery Channel or National Georgraphic which is truly educationsl? Tomorrow my son’s class is going to watch “Toy Story 3” because the teacher says that it “ties into recycling” because the toys are recycled. “Really?” I think that is a stretch so I have chosen to spend some one on one time with him and take him out of school early. I think the kids would more fascinated by something on Dirty Jobs or how garbage companies sort and recycle. All of these things can be found easily online and reviewed by the media specialist and principal. I wouldn’t show Marry Poppins to teach about England but perhaps todays teachers would if it meant the kids would behave.

All in all, I am not against showing movies in school if they actually have some educational merit. In my children’s experience movies are not done in a teaching fashion where they show segments and talk about the movie during class. But I am against showing movies in school merely for entertainment purposes or to kill time such as the last week of school.

Don’t you think they get enough entertainment outside school as it is? Granted kids are not as well behaved as they once were but perhaps that is because they are already watching too much media and teachers just appease them by giving them more. Let the parents entertain them -- it is not a teachers job.

May 18, 2011 at 2:56 pm

Yes! Let the parents entertain the children and then let the teachers deal with their behavior! Perfect. I have no idea what type of school district you are in, but the movie policy at most schools clearly states that the movie being shown must be district approved, educational, and class content related. Students must be taking notes and/or writing/discussing/drawing reflections.

I haven’t shown a movie in my class all year long, but I am considering showing one week after next, which is the last week of school here. Half of my students will be pulled out for external activities during that week and if I can find a good movie to keep them thinking- when nothing else at this time of year seems to do that- then I am going for it! Any suggestions?? 🙂

July 13, 2011 at 10:04 pm

PG Rating… “PG” Means “Parental Guidance” Which means if you are not the parent than you DO HAVE To get parents permission! What the hell do you think “Parental” means…? PARENT? and What the hell do you think Guidance”means…? TO GUIDE OR MAKE DECISIONS! In other words…. “PARENTS DECISION”

“R” rating means “Restricted” to people 18 or over unless accompanied by an adult.

NC-17 means no-one (regardless of permission/accompanied from a parent or adult) is admitted under 17 years of age.

Ref. Source: National Movie Ratings Commission.

July 13, 2011 at 10:25 pm

PG actually means “Parental Guidance Suggested” not required.

Source: Motion Picture Association of America (the people who created the rating system) http://www.mpaa.org/ratings/what-each-rating-means

July 13, 2011 at 10:42 pm

Allison -- PG also means Proylene glycol in chemistry. You are trying to stretch guidelines for showing movies to fit your needs. Whether you call it PG rating with Parental Guidance or Parental Guidance Suggested…guess what -- the word “Parental” is still there. It does not say Teacher or School Counselor, Coach or even Principal Guidance. It is Parental guidance, period.

From the website that you cited it says the following which your failed to leave on your post.

PG — Parental Guidance Suggested. Some Material May Not Be Suitable For Children. A PG=RATED MOTION PICTURE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BY PARENTS BEFORE THEY LET THEIR YOUNGER CHILDREN ATTEND. The PG rating indicates, in the view of the Rating Board, that PARENTS MAY CONSIDER SOME MATERIAL UNSUITABLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN, and PARENTS SHOULD MAKE THAT DECISION. The more mature themes in some PG-rated motion pictures may call for parental guidance. There may be some profanity and some depictions of violence or brief nudity. But these elements are not deemed so intense as to require that parents be strongly cautioned beyond the suggestion of parental guidance. There is no drug use content in a PG-rated motion picture.

July 14, 2011 at 7:40 am

Have a nice day! 🙂

March 15, 2017 at 12:03 pm

Let’s just ignore this commenter. I am a parent and I appreciate that teachers are teaching my kids how to watch a movie discerningly. Parents often do not do that. We do not analyse and bring the background of the movie to our kids. I am not lazy, I just did not realize that because I do not watch enough of movies myself. So thank you teachers!!

May 17, 2011 at 7:22 pm

I need opinions about showing Ever After: A Cinderella Story to sixth graders. I’ve read that some video versions are PG. I haven’t seen it in a long time but don’t recall anything terrible. We are reading Ella Enchanted and writing fairy tales and I want to show different versions of Cinderella, other than the movie version of the book.

May 17, 2011 at 7:43 pm

Isn’t there an Ella Enchanted movie?? Also, we are doing an interdisciplinary unit on Fairytales and Creation Myths and the Science teacher showed Tangled and they investigated some of the scientific components. can hair really be that strong, can a plant enhance human features as such, etc..

May 19, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Where the Red Fern Grows is good for middle school, and so is Eight Below!

June 5, 2011 at 9:02 pm

This is a great list. I have two comments:

Regarding films that I sometimes show to my core class: Rabbit Proof Fence -- in the Fall of the year Where the Wild Things Are -- to teach compassion and the power of friendship and family A Christmas Carol -- following the reading of the original text The Story of the Weeping Camel -- following our study of Mongolia God Grew Tired of Us -- to remind my students that we can accomplish great things if we set our minds to it

Regarding teachers using films in school, I never use a film as a babysitter. Every film that I use is for a specific educational purpose. In addition to running films occasionally with my middle school students during the content portion of our school day, I also tean a class that specifically uses film as a vehicle for relaying content. I choose one character trait from the Character Counts list each year to build my class around, last year was “respect”, next year is “caring.”

Students write a prediction each day for the film clip. Then we watch a portion of the film. Next, we use Thinking Maps to reflect on the day’s viewing. Students sequence what we watched on a sequencing map. Then, they add traits to their classifying map which show how the characters in the film exhibited the focus trait. After we have watched the entire film, students have two days to complete a movie response package which includes a movie poster that they design which advertises the film, a sequencing map for the entire film, a classifying map for the film, a third map which we create specific to each film, and an essay of not less than 300 words which illustrates how the film connects to the theme for the trimester.

At the end of the twelve weeks, students write a summative package to me which includes a poster for the theme of the class and a letter to me which indicates what they learned about the theme during the course.

This class requires students to think, to work collaboratively, to be creative, to write, and to analyze what the mainstream media is trying to show them.

I am not using film to pass time while I wait for the school year to end. My students are learning, are growing as people and are accumulating academic skills that transfer to their other content areas.

The movies are just a spoonful of sugar!

November 15, 2011 at 5:47 pm

Hi there, I like your ideas and the format you use for watching your movies in class. WOuld you have any suggestions for documentaries to show my middle schoolers for a Documentaries Club that I’m in charge of this quarter? Each child will be needing a PG-13 permission slip signed by their parent. One teacher suggested Supersize Me and Hotel Rowanda, also a spelling bee movie.

Thank you, Rachel

June 15, 2011 at 5:45 pm

Whenever I show the Henry Fonda version of 12 Angry Men to my 8th grade Civics students, they moan before it starts because I let them know that it is in black and white. At the end they are applauding and saying that it was such an “awesome” film, amd that they “loved it!” This film’s plot teaches our young citizens that we have a very serious job to fulfill when we are asked to serve jury duty. I have been showing this film for 12 years now, and every year my students give it 5 stars! I cannot recommend this film enough. One of the best for this age group.

June 15, 2011 at 8:18 pm

Caroline, I can relate. My kids do the same ting with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington!

November 27, 2011 at 10:47 pm

I don’t believe in the notion that older movies are too out of date for kids. Most of the older movies are far better written, have better actors and better directors then most of the drivel that is putting put out on the screen today. 12 Angry Men is a perfect example of that. Imagine, a movie that only takes place in one room; has no special effects, no profanity, no innuendoes and it has the power to get middle school age kids to really pay attention. I subscribe to Netflix and my kids love watching the old movies because of the elements that I described above. They could care less about when it was filmed.

June 17, 2011 at 7:34 am

Any recs for movies to follow the book Hatchet? My initial thought was Into the Wild, but after being reminded of the content and rating, I know this one won’t work. Any recs appreciated! Thank you!

June 21, 2011 at 9:54 am

Does anyone know of movie to use for Gr. 6 Social Studies focusing on democracy or equal rights?

June 21, 2011 at 11:57 am

My friend Martin, about Martin Luther King Jr.

June 23, 2011 at 10:43 pm

Here are some movies that I’ve used with my 6th graders that haven’t been mentioned. I only show movies in connection to units and themes in the curriculum. Little Buddha Gandhi -- a little complex, nonetheless kids understand why and what Gandhi stood for Paperclips Spellbound Hercules Mulan

June 26, 2011 at 9:24 pm

I need this film could you sendme this movie. I want it for teaching English in my classroom with 36 up to 40 students in one clsses. I teach in IX and VIII grade. My school is so far from the big city. it is about 17 kms from it and also of my home.

Would send me two or three films to my school. The address: SMP NEGERI 2 Tembelang.

June 29, 2011 at 8:25 am

I consider it a travesty that Meet the Robinsons isn’t on here. A great movie with the main message that failure happens, is to be learned from, and we should always keep moving forward. Plus it’s a Disney cartoon, and that still goes over pretty well with just about any age.

February 25, 2012 at 11:58 am

LOVE Meet the Robinsons, both for entertainment and education.

July 17, 2011 at 7:51 am

“Mean Girls” is a great film about social hierarchies in school.

July 17, 2011 at 7:39 pm

I’m trying to thinbk of good mystery/murder movies to show my middle schoolers. any sugggestions?

November 15, 2011 at 5:58 pm

A great film to show for a murder/mystery is Sorry Wrong Number.

February 25, 2012 at 12:11 pm

This isn’t a movie but I SO WISH someone would make a film out of “The Westing Game.” You can also try some of Masterpiece Theatre’s Agatha Christie films -- I think Poirot is fantastic, and my own 7-yr-old son likes it (granted, he is autistic, but he loves the mystery).

February 25, 2012 at 12:43 pm

There is a 1997 movie of “The Westing Game”. It’s PG, and didn’t get great ratings, but looks okay. Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Get_a_Clue/70023387 IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120495/ No commonsensemedia.org review

July 22, 2011 at 1:46 pm

I’ve been reading through the differences in opinion about showing movies in class as an instructional tool and I’d like to point out that in some school boards, it is part of the school curriculum to teach media literacy. And part of the mediums we have to use is movies. As such, it’s at the teacher’s discretion to select movies or films to teach elements of a movie. In fact, our ministry document curriculum outlines what we need to cover, eg. movie reviews. So to a non-educator, it might look like teachers are just trying to kill time by showing kids hollywood movies and being lazy, but there is a huge error in making that assumption because there are critical skills that the students are learning.

August 28, 2011 at 1:26 pm

The Crucible Blackboard Jungle Much Ado About Nothing Henry V Lord of the Flies?

September 2, 2011 at 5:31 am

do you know any movie about developing self-discipline? TY!

September 26, 2011 at 11:20 pm

I am a Teacher in Australia. I teach English. Part of our curriculum is the teaching of film as text. I came upon your website in order to gather some ideas about a 8th grade film. I must say that I am not as restricted in ratings as many teachers are in your country. Yes, if I decide to teach a film which is M rated then I must seek permission from parents -- but rarely do I get the sort of grilling from parents that I have seen here! I have shown Rebel without a Cause, The Wild Ones, and Cool Hand Luke all in relation to the novel The Outsiders and have had parents asking to join my classes. At the end of the year when things are winding down Gone With The Wind is shown -- again in relation to The Outsiders. Many of my students have then gone on to read the novel. I also teach 7th, 9th 10th and VCE English. Film provides context and a richer conceptual understanding of many skills and experiences. As a parent I encourage my children to watch films with me to gain this understanding and appreciation of all things great in this world. The narrow mindedness of the parental views expressed here saddens me and my thoughts flow to my hard working colleagues who so obviously strive to provide the best for their students. Well done guys! May I suggest a film called The Triplets of Belleville as a fantastic animated film for 8th graders? Oh and thanks for some ideas -- I am still thinking about a film as text for a particular difficult class and you have given me some food for thought. One last suggestion to that parent who thinks it is just baby sitting -- ever heard of home schooling? I am sure you will succeed where others have failed. Do you guys have parent/teacher nights? What fun to be had by all!

September 28, 2011 at 8:40 am

Tom, Your definition of great films for school aged children is not the same as mine. I am not narrow-minded because my children have seen many films that most children and adults have not. Good grief, what are parents for if not to guide their children in growing up…am I not suppose to not care what goes into their heads…you would think I would be narrow minded because I insist that they eat their vegetables…..No, you would be saying…let them have all the junk food that they want…..don’t be so narrow-minded! Well, in my opinion most, not all, of the movies that have been listed on this website are not appropriate for children to watch without their parents presence. That is a parental right. I shouldn’t have to resort to home schooling….I am a taxpayer and I have as much right to voice my opinion to the school boards over issues regarding my children. To be frank, your kids are forced to watch the movies that you select. They are forced to watch them for a grade, not because they are interested in the film. So do not always assume that they like the movies that you do. Are not you the one being narrow-minded….my kids get to select from a wide range of movies. Oh by the way, Triplets of Belleville is PG-13…you’ll probably have to get permission slips from the parents to show that movie…at least half of your class will still be age 12.

October 11, 2011 at 7:03 pm

I’m looking for a movie that references or refers to year round school or year round education in some way. Does any one know if such a movie exists?

November 15, 2011 at 5:32 pm

I need some suggestions for some documentaries to show to my middle schoolers. Some ideas were Supersize Me and Hotel Rowanda. Anyone else have any other suggestions? Parents will have to sign a permission slip for their child to watch a PG-13 movie.

November 15, 2011 at 6:14 pm

Food, Inc. is one I recommend. I think it would be appropriate for MS, but you should preview it to be sure. March of the Penguins is also excellent (in my opinion).

November 15, 2011 at 6:42 pm

Paper Clips is a very powerful documentary and perfect for middle school because it is about middle school aged children. Here’s the synopsis from iMDb:

As a part of their study of the Holocaust, the children of the Whitwell, TN Middle School try to collect 6 million paper clips representing the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis.

November 16, 2011 at 10:15 am

Thanks for all the ideas for documentaries guys!!! Those sound great! I will check them out!

November 17, 2011 at 5:38 am

check this list: 1. THE BICYCLE THIEVES 2. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL 3. COLLEGE ROAD TRIP 4. ANNIE 5. THE KITE RUNNER 6. HOTEL RWANDA 7. THE PIANIST 8. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION 9. CHILDREN OF HEAVEN 10. TAARE ZAMEEN PAR (HINDI/INDIA) 11. ANJALI (TAMIL/INDIA) 12. NANDHALALA (TAMIL/INDIA) 13. MYNAA (TAMIL/INDIA) 14. AADUKALAM (TAMIL/INDIA) 15. PASANGA (TAMIL/INDIA) 17. URUMI (MALAYALAM/INDIA) 18. ADAMINTE MAKAN ABU (MALAYALAM/INDIA) 19. SWAAS (MARATHI/INDIA) 20. GAJA (KANNADA/INDIA) 21. TINGYA (MARATHI/INDIA) 22. BOMARILLU (TELUGU/INDIA) 23. KAAL PURUSH (BENGALI/INDIA)

November 17, 2011 at 5:52 am

O and did I miss out TEMPLE GRANDIN,PARZANIA (INDIA) & BLACK (INDIA)

November 20, 2011 at 5:48 pm

My daughter’s history teacher (8th grade), showed the moved “Glory” the other day andthe class is scheduled to view the movie for the next several sessions. I’m uncomfortable with that. It’s rated Are. My daughter said she had her head down for much of the viewing. He said it was extremely violent and the language was much to much for her to handle., especially coming from a home where there’s no cursing. Can any educators comment on this.

November 20, 2011 at 6:11 pm

I would never show Glory in it’s entirety. I would show scenes of it to discuss some aspects of the Civil War (Iteach 8th grade U.S. History), but the movie is totally inappropriate for 8th graders. I personally, not from a teacher viewpoint, but from a parent, I would complain about that being shown without permission from parents and/or notification.

November 20, 2011 at 7:48 pm

Thanks Tamara! I’ve already typed and signed a letter to be handed to the teacher tomorrow. I wanted to send a CC to the principal and AP but my sister who’s an educator as well said not a good idea. I She said I should address the issue to the teacher first and if I don’t get a positive response, I should then contact the principal. She feels the teacher may feel threatened and may act negatively to my daughter if I handle it that way. I though since this was not a simple issue of missing homework or classrm chatter that it would be ok to CC the letter. Any thoughts?

November 20, 2011 at 8:06 pm

As a parent, I would address it to the AP or Principal. The parents at my school go to the board oftentimes skipping over me and the administration. On the contrary, I think your sister may be right, but because this could also cause a problem not only to your child but other children in the class, I would go ahead and CC the principal. My county has an approved movie list and I can almost guarantee that if your district has one, Glory is NOT on there. Also, if other students spoke up as your daughter did, other parents could be complaining just as you are.

From a teacher standpoint, if you were the parent complaining about me, I wouldn’t treat your daughter differently or negatively, but I’d walk on eggshells as to not have to receive negative feedback from you in the future. I hope that helps.

November 20, 2011 at 8:42 pm

Yes, there was another student who kept his head down as well for the war scene and my daughter also said after class most students said, “wow we were watching a movie with cursing, I can’t believe it.”

I will definitely follow my first mommie-instinct and cc the principal on this.

Thank for your insigt.

Have a great week!

November 20, 2011 at 8:57 pm

I believe that there is an edited version of the movie Glory made to be shown in schools. Maybe you could suggest that the school look into purchasing that version.

October 22, 2013 at 7:14 pm

I teach high school and we aren’t even allowed to show R rated films without parental consent. However, there are edited versions for educational purposes of many rated R films like Schindler’s List, etc. Glory is a film our district has in an edited format. I still don’t think I would show it to anyone younger than 13.

On the subject of ratings the parent who thinks they get to be around for any PG movie is just wrong. Sorry, but even a Discovery Channel explanation of the Holocaust is going to horrifying that is the point.

Sorry, but as a parent if you really do have a problem with anything a teacher is doing in the classroom they are always going to be less defensive, more willing to work with you, and in a better position to do so if you don’t involve their boss from the start trying to get them in trouble.

I always have alternative assignments, movies kids can watch individually on a computer in the library etc. available if a student is uncomfortable and I generally tell them to expect violence etc if there is going to be some but that I am showing them the film because I believe it is important to their understanding of events including sometimes how horrible they were, but that if they don’t want to see that they don’t have to do so. I think that giving the teacher the benefit of the doubt that she/he may be doing something you don’t agree with but they have their reasons for, is always a good idea and discussing it with them before they are feeling threatened with their boss there you will probably have a much more productive conversation about it.

November 20, 2011 at 9:10 pm

My daughter is an innocent 12-year-old (6th grader) who has not viewed many movies (long story). She brought home a permission slip from school requesting permission to watch “Twister” rated PG-13 in her science class to demonstrate what tornadoes are like. I am conflicted…my husband said it’s fine and doesn’t want to ostracize her from her classmates…I think there’s too much that’s negative (cursing, scary and intense scenes, violence, etc) My plan is to watch it on my I-pod tomorrow, but I am interested in hearing others’ views on the movie, especially teachers. Thanks!

November 20, 2011 at 11:02 pm

I haven’t actually seen “Twister”. But it’s a good idea to view the movie first You should also check and ee if it’s an edited version. If you have contact numbers or emails for other parents, you can see where they stand in regards to the viewing of this movie. It helps to know you don’t stand alone with your concern. It seems as though your child’s school has followed the appropriate procedure. Iam a teaching artist and work in schools as a consultant through an arts education organization. I don’t work in schools 8hrs aday but I am aware of some of the policies and the power of parent participation and opinions. Do what you feel I best for your child! But make sure you check and see if they will be viewing an edited version, that may solve all your worries.

All the best…

November 21, 2011 at 7:29 am

Your husband is right. I was kept from seeing a lot of films when I was young(er than your daughter by a lot) because I was scared of everything and my parents didn’t want me to have nightmares. But I still have memories of feeling horribly left out (my teachers thought the best way to deal with me was to leave me to literally play all by myself while EVERYONE watched the movie…in the same room…). I say talk to your daughter ahead of time about what you/she might find objectionable, but then sign the form.

November 27, 2011 at 10:31 pm

Laura, I can understand your concerns about the movie. There is a lot of profanity and adult topics in the movie that have nothing to do with tornadoes. In addition, if you live in a tornado prone area, this movie will make your daughter more fearful for her safety. If the goal of the class is to learn about tornadoes…how about watch an educational show about tornadoes….hey, that’s a new concept! I feel that the teacher is just using “Twister” as a cop-out because she is not willing to do a little research on her end. Just with a few key words on Google and voila….this is what I found: http://www.brainpop.com/science/weatherandclimate/tornadoes/preview.weml My daughter, who is also in middle school, loves science and she loves these programs. I would ask the teacher what she would have against a program like this in lieu of watching Twister. If her intention is to teach and not entertain, you know which one she/he will select.

November 26, 2011 at 5:28 pm

You Again is the best movie ever for kids middle school and i’m 13, I didn’t think it was going to be very good but it was funny, witty, and has a great plot. Definitely a must watch!!!

January 20, 2012 at 12:56 pm

Is You Again a documentary? What is it about?

November 28, 2011 at 8:19 pm

Update re the showing of the movie “Glory”, to my daughter’s 8th graade class.

I did submit a letter of grienvance to the teacher and cc’d the principal. I got a phone the same morning from the Principal, he said that he put a stop to the viewing of Glory and that the movie should not have been shown. The teacher previously showed the movie to a senior class and I’m asuming she thought it was appropriate for 12/13yr olds.

The principal was extremely apologetic and said my daughter’s class would be watching a documentary instead. A much better showing for my daughter’s age group. My daughter said all I well in class and the teacher is not treating her any differently. Whether the teacher was reprimended or not, I don’t know but parents should always speak up if you have a legitimate concern about your child’s education and well being. You are your child’s strongest advocate! Thanks for the advice.

November 29, 2011 at 3:45 pm

WOW! Thanks for the update. I am glad that all is well and that movie has not been and won’t be shown to that age group! Yes, speak up for your children. Even if there are problems that you may not realize are problems, like class sizes, or accommodations, or response from teacher, or turnaround time of graded assignments. Us teachers, well, I am overwhelmed. I am unsure if I can make it to June with these extraordinary class sizes…. 🙁

December 4, 2011 at 9:12 pm

The list is crap, other than pirates of the Caribbean there are no good movies on here. And middle schoolers will think this is babyish. The movie has to be at least rated PG for them to watch it, anything rated G forget it. And I’m in middle school too. How about these.

Black Hawk Down, Saving private Ryan, Windtalkers, 300, Diary of a Wimpy kid, Diary of a Wimpy kid Rodrick Rules, Thirteen, Cyberbully, War of the Worlds, Millers Crossing, lots of middle schoolers I know like gangsters, Robin Hood, the Patriot, Harry Potter series, and Pirates of the Caribbean is good.

December 5, 2011 at 8:45 pm

Perhaps you ought to add to your list some old School House Rock movies to expand your vocabulary; surely there are other adjectives that would convey your point with a tad more civility. If you want to be taken seriously, please don’t use the word “crap” to describe someone’s suggestions. Thanks.

December 5, 2011 at 9:14 pm

So you want me to use the other word?

February 25, 2012 at 12:03 pm

I get that the young man’s use of the word “crap” is not the most appropriate, but give the guy a break. He’s trying to tell us adults where middle schoolers are, what their preferences are.

Dear I suggest these -- of course, you see, that teachers have to use movies as part of a lesson. Which of the movies you suggested do you think would be most effective in school? Keep in mind, we can’t just show something for your entertainment (like, we literally can’t. We have to explain ourselves and justify our choices to school boards, parent boards, etc). Help us be able to do that!

February 25, 2012 at 9:56 pm

———————————————————————

Black Hawk Down explains the battle of Mogadishu which can be used in history class. Saving Private Ryan has the Omaha beach scene. Windtalkers is about the secret code used to fight the Japanese by Navajo indians. 300 is about the battle of Thermopylae, Diary of a Wimpy kid could be used in English class, to show students how the directors and script writers use humor to help people get the story well. Thirteen can be used in Science class to show the dangers of doing the things those girls did. Cyberbully movie can be used to teach kids why they shouldn’t bully, and how serious it is. And what to do in a bullying case. War of the Worlds can’t really be used in school, since it’s science fiction. Millers crossing can teach kids about the mafia in history class. Robin Hood can be in history class also to teach them about Robin Hood, history class needs some world history in it too. The Patriot is about the Revolutionary war. Harry Potter could be used to show the connection between the books and the movies. Using the books description and putting it into movies.

October 22, 2013 at 7:25 pm

Actually, I often use War of the Worlds when we discuss that historically what happened was that this story was broadcast over the radio and people thought it was real and panic started across the country. The kids love that unit.

January 20, 2012 at 12:57 pm

Well I’m looking for documentaries only. But it’s good to know what movies middle schoolers like too.

December 4, 2011 at 9:14 pm

Glory can easily be shown to middle schoolers! I watched it when I was in 6th grade and thought it was awesome!

December 13, 2011 at 10:28 am

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The best series of movies that accurately depicts middle school and there is a moral to the story. Even my 8th graders are quiet while watching them.

December 13, 2011 at 6:38 pm

Diary of a Wimpy Kid was fantastic.

January 14, 2012 at 10:01 pm

I am not a teacher but I am wondering if anyone knows where I can find a particular movie I watched in 5th grade. I do not know the name of it. The only thing I remember is the Nazis had the Jews on trains, transporting them to concentration camps. Then the Jews were standing in lines waiting for the ‘death shower’ and a little girl took off running, only to be attacked by a dog. Does anyone have a clue what movie this is? I watched in in 1989/90.

March 11, 2012 at 9:15 pm

“Escape from Sobibor”?

January 21, 2012 at 3:44 pm

this is not not agood list.

January 21, 2012 at 7:25 pm

I agree. As a middle schooler I know people my age would hate these movies. People my age want movies with violence, or something about school, since they can relate to it.

January 22, 2012 at 8:13 am

I agree with you, but I think you are looking for a different list. The list you are looking for is, “Movies that middle schoolers like the best.” But that list has a lot of movies on it that your teachers wouldn’t want to show in class.

Just out of curiosity, which movies on this list have you seen and hated? I’m talking really disliked here. Not just the movies that were not your favorites. It would also be useful to know if you are a guy or a girl.

January 26, 2012 at 8:33 pm

I am a guy, and the ones I hated would be how to eat fried worms. Ok seriously that was disgusting. I can handle guts and gore, but for goodness sake don’t put a worm in your mouth. I also hated Enchanted, It was the worst I personally have seen. I’m not sure if your talking about Enchanted or Ella Enchanted here. Haven’t seen Ella but have seen Enchanted, my parents forced me to go, because I was only 11, and too little to be left at the house alone. I thought it was horrible.

February 8, 2012 at 10:26 am

I’m sort of surprised that nobody has mentioned Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org). Our school has bought into this web site and its advice (metaphorically — it’s free), and I check for movie ratings from there when considering a movie. The reviews address the following categories: educational value, positive messages, positive role models, violence & scariness, sexy stuff, language, consumerism, and drinking, drugs & smoking. It also gives recommended ages for each movie, not just PG, PG-13, etc.

I print out the Common Sense Media review for each movie my department acquires and tuck it into the DVD cover; that way if there are any questions, I can point to the review as backup.

June 14, 2012 at 4:34 am

I, too, recommend the site. I’m always wary of censorship or overly judgmental lists and sites, but Common Sense Media just gives information and examples. Then, judge for yourself.

As a teacher, my one recommendation is to create a permission slip with all of the movies for the year, a brief description of a) purpose, b) concerns a family might have--a sentence or two in all. Parents then raise concerns, if any. I get one or two, and they are really food for thought. One was about a kid who gets upset about horror, so I touched base a lot. Another was concerns about bias, which was easy to address. Then, all year, parents trusted me to do what was good for their children.

September 13, 2012 at 9:19 pm

Common sense media is brilliant. I use it all the time as both a parent and a teacher!

February 16, 2012 at 8:35 am

If it has already been mentioned I apologize, but the National Treasure movies are great. My students love these films.

March 13, 2012 at 12:48 pm

Labyrinth is great, but WAY too many disturbing shots of David Bowie’s “parts” clearly visible through his tights. Middle school girls pick up on it IMMEDIATELY.

March 21, 2012 at 7:13 am

I’m thinking of showing The invention of lying for an ethics discussion on lies… How appropriate would it be for high- school?

March 24, 2012 at 12:57 am

How about October Sky? So many great themes in this one!

March 24, 2012 at 1:00 am

Forgot to mention To Kill a Mockingbird, a classic not to be missed.

March 24, 2012 at 1:03 am

Wow, one more….The Sound of Music. In my college class of future teachers to be, only two students out of 35 had seen this movie, now that’s sad.

April 24, 2012 at 11:41 am

I saw mentioned quickly Blackboard Jungle. I was thinking of showing that the last week of class to 6th graders in an inner city school. Do you think this would be appropriate? I saw the movie in college and thought it was exceptional. I think it would be good for students at their age to see that teachers really do want to help them and guide them in the right direction. All that the student has to do is work with them. Any thoughts???

May 3, 2012 at 11:24 am

The film Glory Road is fabulous! It is the true story of the 1966 NCAA tournament. In the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, the Texas Western Miners were the first college basketball team to start 5 black players. The film deals with tolerance, respect, perseverance, hard-work, and overcoming fear. It is similar to Remember the Titans, but much better, in my opinion.

May 16, 2012 at 10:52 am

Cyberbully was great too. It hit home. Then we watched the 90 minutes special on bullying. Words can kill.

May 16, 2012 at 4:03 pm

I need a great movie to show my 7th and 8th grade art class. Suggestions?

November 19, 2014 at 5:53 pm

heres 2 suggestions

1. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

2. The Da Vinchi Code (2006)

i definitely suggest The Da Vinchi code because its ver well made and i’m sure your class will enjoy it.

May 18, 2012 at 5:24 pm

My urban 8th graders loved “A Good Life”. There was a little cursing, but they were all entranced and they had a lively discussion about immigration afterward.

May 18, 2012 at 5:25 pm

They loved October Sky as well.

June 11, 2012 at 1:25 pm

I am looking to show a mountaineering movie to my grade 8 english class. Can anyone comment on either K2 or Vertical Limits with Chris O’Donnell? Any other suggestions? I would like to make a parallel between the chosen movie and the latest Everest expedition (Spring 2012).

June 14, 2012 at 4:25 am

Some of it depends on intent. Straight mountain, those two movies aren’t very memorable. The documentaries on Everest are a bit more stirring, though.

Could a larger theme work? Many kids love the classic My Side of the Mountain, although it is certainly not Everest or climbing it is the human side.

June 14, 2012 at 4:22 am

The advice about movies being part of the curriculum is one of the most important things here. Reading some of the suggestions in the comments, they seem to be a) time fillers that keep the kids quiet or b) one-shot deals (let’s watch a movie about tenacity and move on. Nearly any movie can be part of a curriculum, but it needs support both before and after showing.

Two odd choices that kids LOVE.

1. My Neighbor Totoro. It was mentioned as the #1 movie kids should see before age 13, but I didn’t think my students would go for it. They LOVED it, demanded to see it again, and adopted Totoro as our class’s t-shirt design.

2. Lagaan. Nearly 4 hours, in Hindi and about a 19the century cricket match between villagers and a British army contingent, it is really engaging. Oh, and it has musical numbers--I cut out all but one (training montage) and a few scenes in the first half. If you can get a copy, it’s something they’ll have never seen otherwise.

I have several kids who are inspired by Ghandi. Another teacher swears by Sandlot and West Side Story, the latter he shows while reading The Outsiders. Our guidance counselor uses Stand By Me and we do an afterschool showing of Speak.

June 17, 2012 at 7:55 pm

A Dolpin Tale and the Rookie

August 22, 2012 at 2:30 pm

I haven’t read through all of the comments, but thought of two that I would add to the list. 1. Akeelah and the Bee 2. Never Cry Wolf

September 13, 2012 at 9:25 pm

I agree 100% about the films used in class needing to be shown with intent. I’m a bit annoyed when someone bothers to come to a thread like this to post something along the lines of “all teachers are lazy and they just show movies as filler.” Most of the teachers here seem to be approaching film as text. They are seeking meaningful films that will promote thought and discussion. It’s not like showing a movie is no work. When I show a film a have to: a) preview it, then b) watch it again to identify key points I want to discuss, places to pause, etc., and c) prepare any materials and assignments to go with the film. Personally, I’m looking to use film as part of a visual and media literacy unit in my class. The unit will also include texts such as graphic novels, picture books, posters, and advertisements. Not exactly lazy filler!

November 18, 2012 at 12:08 pm

For my 8th Grade Social Studies classes, I show The Patriot for the American Revolution and Glory for the Civil War. Both are rated R, so you’ll need to find an edited version. Students absolutely love both movies; I get applause, laughter and tears; the students get completely absorbed in the movies! I show the films before the chapter, so I have a “frame of reference” and I refer to the movies often when discussing the history. It allows the students to not just learn facts, but really involve themselves in history.

February 11, 2013 at 8:48 pm

Thank you! Running into the same problem choosing!

March 4, 2013 at 9:46 pm

I might have missed it on the list, but Rabbit Proof Fence is always a hit with my 7th graders.

March 12, 2013 at 11:58 am

does anyone have anything in mind for a middle school health class dealing with decision making and goal setting?

March 19, 2013 at 6:15 pm

Believe it or not, I show “The Miracle Worker” during March for women’s month and biography month. It’s the Helen Keller story with Anne Bancroft as the Teacher and Patty Duke as Helen Keller. The middle schoolers are RIVETED, even if it’s in black and white. (conversation topic: takes place in the South, small black children are servants that are bossed around, might talk about how that’s not true anymore, (thank God) but it was true for the time) It’s a great movie! Shown it for 7 years, every year the students loved it. (I now teach ESL, so I don’t show it.)

April 19, 2013 at 6:09 pm

Also, I know this a movie list, but I would love to add the Twilight Zone. The kids love those. They are short and always have a message. Plus they are a great way to teach a lot of English literary terms, especially irony.

May 18, 2013 at 1:30 pm

Part of or 7th grade English curriculum is to read “Monsters are Due on Maple Street”, which is one of the highest rated Twilight Zone episodes. After much analysis of the teleplay, students watch the original [black and white] version and write a compare/contrast of the written text to the video. They were spellbound when watching the video and it really helped my lower readers to better understand the content.

June 16, 2013 at 11:25 am

I was given this wonderful, if incomplete, list from a fellow teacher and it prompted me to reflect. There are two trains of thought I have about films in the classroom. One, they are a powerful tool and second, they help teacher’s connect to the social side of their students in a way other things don’t. In the beginning of my career, 30 years ago, I used media a lot to tie into the themes I was teaching. Visual learning is one of the intelligences,and it made those who rely on sight more than any other intelligence feel a true part of the lessons. For the students whose intelligences could be reached through kinesthetic or auditory, etc., means, I found other ways of connecting for them. As years went by, and more and more perceived important curriculum has been hoisted on us, my times was greatly limited, and I could only show snippits of films that would help my visually intelligent students connect with content. More’s the pity. In our world today, our students are mostly all visual, being surrouded by that form of media constantly, from texting to movies. Now that we’ve had the Common Core curriculum scripted for us, finding time to show visual aids will be harder. As to my second point, I remember, back in the day, having Friday Fun, from 2 -- 3 pm. Most times we’d play games, where I could use the time to help students learn social skills. Every once-in-awhile I would show a movie, in a “serial” manner, parts each Friday over time. Those times were precious. We’d talk about what we’d view. We’d make predictions, study characters (analysis), ask and answer questions about why they felt the director chose to show a particular scene in the way s/he did, etc. What a fun way to learn about each other and get closer. I read through this entire comment section, marveling at the opinions, and the professionalism shown when someone, not a teacher, touched upon sensitive areas. I also gasped, several times, at the lack of grammatical accuracy that reigns in America. We teachers, loved at times, detested at others, are forever defending our choices. Either to the Board or to the public. I applaud you professionals for keeping this site clean and respectable. I’m not done teaching yet, still have a few more years in me, I think. I will use this site and recommend it to others. Now, don’t forget, The Neverending Story, Part 1 (bullying, staying true to who you are, using imagination), Good Morning, Ms. Dove (classic on how teaching was then as compared to now, lifestyles), definitely A Far Off Place (poaching, hidden enemies, greed)and It’s a Wonderful Life (to quote a student of mine when asked what he thought the movie was about. After he’d heard the rest of the class, his comment was, “‘nuf said.” And I agree). And remember, summer vacation is to remind parents why teachers need summer vacation! Rest well.

August 13, 2013 at 10:21 pm

I like to read Freak the Mighty with my students and then watch the video Mighty. It not only deals with bullying but a slew of other subject and the kids love it.

November 24, 2013 at 9:03 pm

My students are asking for either “The Goonies” or “Men in Black III” as a reward movie. The eighth grade team typically does a multiplex kind of thing, where each of the four teachers show something different. The other teachers are showing really young movies- “The Lion King,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Freaky Friday.” However, I wanted to show something a little bit more…well, not Disney. Although I thought of “The Goonies”, would “MIB III” be more appropriate? I keep thinking of Mouth’s scene in “The Goonies” where he is talking to the Spanish housekeeper….not really school appropriate. However, there is some mild stuff in “MIB III” too. Please help…we show this on Wednesday.

November 19, 2014 at 5:42 pm

Definitely MIB III. its a well made movie with some humour and a few life lessons like: friendship and being trustworthy.

November 30, 2013 at 6:12 pm

Thank for the list! When I taught 6th grade I tried to show movies that the kids might not otherwise watch. I was surprised at how attentive they were when I showed ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ and of course, after reading To Kill a Mockingbird, we watch the old Gregory Peck version of the movie.

December 4, 2013 at 1:52 pm

Thanks for the list!

National Treasure (2004) from Disney starring Nicolas Cage is a great resource for making some connections with US History. Appropriate for grades 4-8 and there are a number of study guides available online (official and teacher-made).

Hotel Rwanda is a wonderful Humanities study appropriate for older classes (6-12). This film also has study guides available online.

December 4, 2013 at 2:16 pm

I also created a documentation sheet that mirrors Literature Circles — I use it for a grade and the students are to record their observations and thoughts (Character Description, Setting, Connections, Interesting/Funny, Confusing/Questions, Important Details/Facts, Predictions w/ Support & Clues).

This also allows me to support my purpose for using films/movies/videos for their educational/literature value … for parents, fellow educators, and administration.

December 18, 2013 at 10:52 am

I shared this info with some of my fellow teachers. Thanks for posting it.

April 2, 2014 at 11:24 am

I want to show a film to 7th graders that is about diversity and tolerance. I am showing Remember the Titans, so diversity other than race would be great. Any ideas?

April 26, 2014 at 11:31 am

I also like Radio, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Ed Harris. Gooding plays a special needs person in the community--also sports themed. Rated PG & runs 109 minutes.

April 24, 2014 at 2:19 pm

I got a good laugh from the licensing talk. Never one to decry obtaining more knowledge but, in my opinion, it was a waste of space in an article regarding educators. Thinking of my seven periods, that’s $525 per movie. LOL. Then ROFLAO. Without so much as a Google search I’m betting it’s safe to say the authorities will not raid your classroom for showing Matilda for the 5th time in one day.

It’s mid-2014 time to update your list Lauren and Lloyd!

April 26, 2014 at 11:42 am

Another movie that I like to show is The Truman Show. It is the precursor to reality TV. Jim Carey plays his first semi-serious role. It’s filled with the ethical issues of invading privacy for the sake of ratings on TV.

May 3, 2014 at 7:06 am

I’ve been showing The Rookie to my classes for about 3 years now. All 7th grade teachers now own a copy. If we aren’t able to watch the movie all in one day, the students beg to stay and watch it or the next day immediately want to watch it. They really love it!

May 18, 2014 at 12:00 pm

I suggest you should add the movie “42”

June 2, 2014 at 4:05 pm

Selma, Lord Selma (Civil Rights) Helen Keller (Disney recent version) Hidden in Silence(with Kelli Martin, World War 2 & Nazis)

August 27, 2014 at 9:51 am

Little Giants …. what are your thoughts

August 27, 2014 at 11:06 pm

Is Paulie appropriate? It’s about a talking bird. Very adorable. Perhaps a little “too babyish” for Middle School? I thought it was well written and well acted, and it was very poignant and simple in its delivery.

September 22, 2014 at 6:52 am

What is a good movie to show 8th graders on the subject of Matter, Atoms and Periodic Table?

November 19, 2014 at 5:37 pm

Remember the Titans is the by far the best movie to show to your middle school students. It teaches about many life lessons like: teamwork, friendship, racial differences and my favorite: coming together as a team.

December 10, 2014 at 7:26 am

Ruby Bridges would be a good film to add for teaching about Civil Rights. I have had students watch it before as a multicultural lesson during Black History Month, and it was very powerful. I used to teach in an area where there wasn’t much diversity, so the movie was really an eye opener for my students.

March 12, 2015 at 11:16 am

I happened upon this page while looking for new movies for my kids and me to watch together…. I’m sick to death of animation and/or pratfall, pie-in-your-face humor. 🙂 These are some great suggestions and I think they’ll spark some good conversation for me and my 10- and 12-year-olds.

I do hope the list is updated soon, though — a lot of movies have been released since 2009! 🙂

Thanks to all the teachers who’ve added their thougths.

May 20, 2015 at 3:38 pm

The Pistol--Pete Maravich story--Believe in yourself, never give up. Daryl--What is being human? When does artificial intelligence deserve to live?

June 1, 2015 at 6:34 am

Any PG movies about anti-bullying that have a run time of less than 60 minutes?

August 16, 2015 at 2:25 pm

Would “I am Legend” be a good an appropriate movie for 8th Grade Science? It deals with Microbiology, cells, epidemics, biotechnology. I am considering but I would like to have a couple other opinions. && suggestions

September 26, 2015 at 6:29 pm

Great movies I have shown in class have been “McFarland” -- migrant workers and cross country running, “Standing Up” being the outcast and overcoming, “Soul Surfer” overcoming obstacles, “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” with Don Knots is great for Halloween, “From Above” with Danny Glover about Native American Culture and lasting love.

January 12, 2016 at 9:58 am

Sorcerer’s Apprentice…we discuss Tesla and early contributors and the battle between them. Then we talk about electricity, the tesla coil, etc…Kids love it and get very interested in the movie as well as the “fight” for the rights to claim the inventions of all time back when

February 12, 2016 at 9:30 pm

How about Star Wars: Episode VII -- The Force Awakens??

March 7, 2016 at 3:29 pm

Hey, I need a movie about economics that is grade 9 appropriate…. any suggestions?!! thanks

April 27, 2016 at 7:22 am

I’ve shown Labyrinth in my class. Kids loved it because it was so bizarre. I then showed The Dark Crystal. It was so weird that they loved it too. The Lego Movie is a good one as well or Space Jam.

July 20, 2016 at 2:16 pm

I teach newcomer middle school meaning my students are from all around the world. I think it is important to highlight all races, genders, creeds, so although I like your list, I was hoping to see more people of color. Its simply just harder to find movies with people of color as leads though, I know! I’d like to suggest Selena for your list!

January 3, 2017 at 3:35 pm

Could you put “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” or “Finding Dory”?

January 4, 2017 at 1:36 pm

What can I show to Middle school for Business Class?

February 5, 2017 at 8:42 am

Also put “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”?

February 17, 2017 at 8:12 pm

I show my grade 8s “Hugo” -- after getting them to do a webquest on Georges Melies, the zoetrope, and the first moving picture. I also talk about the techniques used in the filming of the movie, and all the allusion in the film. It’s pure gold! There’s a great article on http://www.cinemablography.org/ about the movie that I share excerpts from.

February 24, 2017 at 11:18 pm

I check Feature Films for Families. They have many original movies and edited popular ones. All are edited or made with a G rating. Teacher guides can be purchased also. The movies all have at least 5-6 questions on the back of the case that relate to morals, values, or doing the right thing. I have written them about showing their movies at school, and they sent me a list of ones that I was able to show.

April 20, 2018 at 7:28 pm

I liked Over the Edge and The Cheerleaders when I was a young teenager.

October 10, 2019 at 5:06 am

If it’s a good movie, the sound could go off and the audience would still have a perfectly clear idea of what was going on. -Alfred Hitchcock

October 22, 2019 at 8:39 pm

I realize that this list is a few years old, but there are some great movies that have come out recently that could be added to this list.

Wonder (teaches about bullying and being kind to everyone regardless of what they look like) The Greatest Showman (teaches acceptance of people who are different, also it has fabulous music) Coco (teaches Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead, and the importance of family) Hidden Figures (history and math) The Lorax (environmental responsibility) Wall-E (environmental responsibility)

Also, there are many books that have been made into movies that you could do as a whole unit where the students read the book first, then watch the movie and write a compare/contrast literary analysis essay. I have done this with 8th grade language arts. My regular classes read/watched Murder on the Orient Express (we watched the old version of the movie not the one from 2017 with Johnny Depp) and my advanced class read/watched/listened to The War of the Worlds, they compared the book, Orsen Wells radio program and the film from 1953, which they got a chuckle out of because the “special effects” are so cheesy compared to what they are used to. The essay they had to write was not a simple compare/contrast essay, they had to analyze the choices the directors made and what impact those choices had on the audience. It was not easy for them.

There are so many movies out there that are great for teaching respect, kindness and acceptance, as well as many movies that teach the importance of the core subjects.

June 17, 2020 at 2:34 am

Thanks for stopping by my page! I’m Keiren. Even though I jokingly credit my mother for my writing talent, I know that it is a ability I have fostered from childhood. Though my grandmother is a writer, I also started out young. I’ve always had a way with words, according to my favorite professor . I was always so excited in science when we had to do a research writing assignment. Now, I help current pupils achieve the grades that have always come easily to me. It is my way of giving back to communities because I understand the troubles they must overcome to graduate.

Keiren – Professional Writer – standrewspres.org Team

December 16, 2020 at 9:48 am

You should add”A little princess,” I cried over it and it is a very good movie.

March 10, 2021 at 5:08 am

I have been teaching Film Appreciation at a middle school for 8 school years now. I like to show a mix of fun and challenging films. Here is a list of films I have shown over the years:

SPEEDY ADAM’S RIB THE APARTMENT 2001 THE CONVERSATION KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE AMERICAN GRAFFITI THE DEFIANT ONES CLEOPATRA JONES STREETS OF FIRE JOJO RABBIT THE MAJESTIC CJ7 CROOKLYN IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT ON THE TOWN PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE TOP SECRET CLOVERFIELD A QUIET PLACE MONSTER SQUAD NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD PAPER HEART FANTASTIC PLANET THE KING OF COMEDY DICK TRACY BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA GOOD BAD AND THE UGLY REAR WINDOW THREE O CLOCK HIGH HUDSUCKER PROXY TRUE GRIT (COENS) ROCKY WIZARDS UNBREAKABLE FORD VS FERRARI RIO BRAVO STAN AND OLLIE MINORITY REPORT MILLION DOLLAR BABY THREE AMIGOS LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS NUTTY PROFESSOR (LEWIS) CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON SKY CAPTAIN 9 MOONRISE KINGDOM ABYSS KRAMER VS KRAMER TOOTSIE DEATHTRAP THE ARTIST RANGO RAISING ARIZONA THE PRODUCERS GREEN BOOK PEE WEES BIG ADVENTURE SUCKER PUNCH SPACEBALLS SILENT MOVIE SIGNS SCOTT PILGRIM GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE TWILIGHT ZONE THE MOVIE SUPERMAN JAWS HUGO THE KID HARD DAYS NIGHT GOONIES

This past year, I polled my students to see what their favorites were. The top 5 were THE Apartment, Adam’s Rib, Cleopatra Jones, Killer Klowns, and The Conversation.

My advice. Don’t under estimate the students.

June 6, 2023 at 1:13 pm

Jaws tomorrow 😉 Top 3 best Summer Movie in history…

January 6, 2022 at 11:22 am

Did anyone mention October Sky? My science students enjoy that one and it is inspiring for kids who are not well supported in education at home.

January 15, 2022 at 3:52 am

The Secret Society of Second Born Royals -- an amazing movie not listed here

March 4, 2022 at 10:09 am

Looking for good movies to show at the end of the year for study hall kids. I have to stay PG. Any thoughts?

May 16, 2022 at 2:56 pm

Try Alabama Moon -- not sure where all you can get it, although I streamed it for my classes from Amazon Prime.

May 16, 2022 at 2:54 pm

I just showed my students “Alabama Moon” -- my students 6th, 7th and 8th grade loved it -- honestly the room was totally silent. The book is very good!

February 5, 2023 at 12:36 pm

More Diversity for your list.

You left out 42, Queen of Kwate, McFarland, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and even any version of The Miracle Worker.

September 17, 2023 at 11:57 pm

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The 25 Best Movies For Middle Schoolers

Seemingly always an uncomfortable time for children, not quite old enough to be considered an adult but not young enough to be considered a little kid anymore, middle school is often a real curve ball on how things will be changing in the lives of young people. However, thanks to these incredible movies for middle schoolers, they won't have to go in alone or blind into this new chapter of their lives. These wonderful films will help give the tweens and teens of the world confidence to be themselves, try new things, and live their lives the ways they want to. While they may not save them from hardships, they will undoubtedly prepare them for the next and most important steps of their lives.

Whether it be films that show them what their worlds are going to look like throughout the next few years in modern-day classics like School of Rock and The Goonies or films that can take them away on a magical journey to escape from reality in Harry Potter or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, middle schoolers have a plethora of films to help them through this trying time. For those daring enough, they can even venture forward to the often feared next chapter of their lives, high school, in movies that show them this is just the beginning of the fun with Mean Girls and To All The Boys I've Loved Before. With a look and escape into a fun and fictional world of the future, the incredible films on this list prepare middle schoolers for what's to come.

Vote up the best movies for middle schoolers, and don't forget to check out The Best Movies For Kids to get a full and healthy dose of films the entire family can enjoy.

The Fault in Our Stars

The young adult sensation that rocked the world in 2014, The Fault in Our Stars is the ultimate peak sappy romance film for teens and tweens who have yet to feel heartbreak. The emotional rollercoaster provided throughout the film is enough to make any viewer feel sorrowful, but for those young enough to be in the midst of young love, this film will hit differently. A devastating, heartbreaking, uplifting, and ultimately tragic tale of love and loss, The Fault in Our Stars will reshape the romance world for middle schoolers across the globe.

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13 Going on 30

Almost every child longs for the days when they can be an adult. When they won't have rules, when they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, however, no film shows the harsh realities of this rose-colored ideology that 13 Going on 30 . While keeping an incredibly uplifting and hilarious tone throughout, the film manages to tackle some fairly serious topics like work dynamics, the struggles of relationships, and the chaos of the real world all through the eyes of a teenager who was magically aged up to become 30. A wonderful tale that shows the importance of enjoying childhood, 13 Going on 30 shines as a premier example of what a movie made for teens should be.

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• # 43 of 155 on The 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies

School of Rock

Jack Black shines and captivates audiences in a fascinating and hilarious performance as part-time rock and roll legend and part-time substitute teacher Dewy Finn in Richard Linklater's fantastic School of Rock . A film that shows the importance of keeping a dream alive, no matter what anyone else tells you, School of Rock does a wonderful job of mixing the harsh realities of the real world with the prep school dynamic and showcasing to the youngsters out there that they truly don't know everything. Open minds lead to new adventures, and the film openly invites people of all ages to let their freak flag fly.

• Dig Deeper... Every Song in School of Rock, Ranked by Singability
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• # 304 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

The Sandlot

Ask any man in their 20s or 30s what was the most influential film in their youth, and nearly all of them are going to say The Sandlot . A film that was seemingly specifically designed for kids in the most awkward stages of their life looking for friends and adventure, The Sandlot is a premier example of a sports film for young men in middle school. With a rowdy but lovable cast, some of the most hilarious jokes of the 90s, and an overwhelming feeling of comradery and acceptance, the film wonderfully showcases that no matter how different you may feel, there is always going to be a group of friends who have your back.

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• # 80 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

The Princess Diaries

While not everyone will be able to ditch high school to chase their dreams of becoming a princess for a fictional country, the escapism The Princess Diaries offers to tweens and teens is nothing short of magical. While keeping the tone and themes of the film very child-friendly, the film manages to have some truly heartfelt and powerful moments throughout, as it beautifully showcases that being one's true self is more important than any crown. With a fun and frantic high-school environment mixed with the regalness of royalty, The Princess Diaries is a fantastic escapist fantasy for middle schoolers of all ages.

• # 318 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 64 of 369 on The Best Movies Based On Books
• # 21 of 113 on The Best Movies Of 2001

Night at the Museum

For those who want a history lesson with their adventures, look no further than the incredible 2006 smash hit, Night at the Museum. A film that doesn't take itself too seriously, but still manages to keep a roaring adventure in its midst, the film is any young history buff's dream as it doesn't tone down the education factor, but simply enhances it and makes it palatable for the masses. Viewers of all ages will undoubtedly want to visit a museum once they finish checking out Night at the Museum , and the next great scholar could easily get inspired just by watching this wonderful film.

• # 93 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 187 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 4 of 101 on The Best Movies Of 2006

One of the most quoted, beloved, and influential comedies of all time, no film more accurately and hilariously portrays how it feels to be in high school than Mean Girls. Showcasing some of the crudest and most side-splitting jokes that a teen could hear, the film is filled to the brim with memorable lines, and even offers a fairly important message, to always be yourself and just be kind to others. Even if she doesn't even go here, it would be totally fetch for any teen or tween to sit down and watch Mean Girls for the first time.

• Dig Deeper... Behind-The-Scenes Secrets Of 'Mean Girls'
• # 6 of 113 on The 100+ Best Movies About High School
• # 161 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

In the ultimate tween dream, Yes Day takes a look at what happens if parents have to say yes to anything, and everything, their kids come up with in a single day. An exciting, family-fun adventure that can be enjoyed by all, while the film doesn't dig too deep into any important themes, what it showcases is arguably more important. Spending time with family doesn't always have to be a drag, because believe it or not, parents were semi-cool one time too. While it may be a tad bit sentimental and cheesy, Yes Day is still an incredibly fun watch that offers a wonderful and heartfelt message.

Based on the beloved children's novels of the same name, Goosebumps is a harrowing and fantastical adventure that many will enthrall and entertain kids, while not dumbing down or talking down to them. A fantasy horror kids' movie, Goosebumps checks off a lot of boxes but does so in a fascinating and fun way. Keeping the tone light and the frights fun, while the film may not have a resounding message of hope or inspiration behind it, what it does is offer an incredibly fun and exciting adventure for kids of all ages, especially middle schoolers. Plus, it may just get them excited to read the latest installments in R.L. Stein's work, which is always a bonus.

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Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Superhero movies have been all the rage over the past two decades, but no superhero movie has left as much of a resounding impact on communities as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. A harrowing, heartbreaking, and fantastic tale of learning to accept yourself for who you are, flaws and all, is brilliantly packaged in a way that every child can and wants to see, as a hero. Through trials and tribulations, the highest peaks, and the lowest lows, the film always showcases its main character with his head held high, knowing he can and will get through anything. This message alone is vitally important for kids, especially entering a scary, but exciting new world.

• Dig Deeper... Behind-The-Scenes Stories From ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
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• # 10 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies

The Parent Trap

One of the most influential and revered stories in cinema was retold in 1988, and Lindsay Lohan shined in Nancy Meyer's adaptation of The Parent Trap . A fun, lighthearted, and inspirational tale of strangers, who just so happen to be sisters, helping their parents re-spark their romance is simultaneously sentimental and hilarious. The film shines as offering a wonderful look at the ideology and character of children. While the film may have that hokey Disney magic-air surrounding it which may turn some kids away, for the most part, this film will undoubtedly be a guilty pleasure for all teens and tweens alike.

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• # 321 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

A classic that was updated and improved for modern times, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle offers tweens and teens alike the same wonderful adventure their parents went through, this time with quadruple the star power. With many of the biggest names in Hollywood acting just like a tween or teen would if thrust into the middle of the jungle with no clue of what is going on, it offers kids a rare opportunity, a chance to look at themselves if they were all grown up in that very moment. With appearances not meaning everything, time for growth and learning, and a fun and wacky adventure, the film offers something for children of all ages.

• # 6 of 155 on The 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
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To All the Boys I've Loved Before

The premier romantic comedy for the new age, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, is a wonderful, albeit hilarious romance movie that teens and tweens will love. The hit Netflix original took the world by storm when it was released in 2018, and while the idea of romance between youngsters is enough to make any adult shudder, the heart, compassion, and elegance displayed throughout are perfect for the younger demographic. Simultaneously heartfelt and heartbreaking, To All the Boys I've Loved Before is the ultimate entry way for rom-com's for the next generation.

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• # 95 of 113 on The 100+ Best Movies About High School
• # 5 of 168 on The 150+ Best Teen Romance Movies, Ranked

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

One of the premier comedies about middle school anxieties showcased in a lighthearted and fun adventure, Diary of a Wimpy Kid brilliantly brings the source material to life and gives tweens a hero they can thoroughly relate to. From the jump, audiences can tell this isn't going to be a stereotypical “down on his luck” children's story, as the film uses fast pace editing and quick and efficient one-liners to keep the pace and tone light, never letting the real world implications slow down the story. While it is a bit on the more absurd side, Diary of a Wimpy Kid manages to enthrall and entertain tweens to this very day, over a decade after its initial release.

• Dig Deeper... All the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books, Ranked Best to Worst
• # 253 of 369 on The Best Movies Based On Books
• # 99 of 104 on The Best Film Franchises, Ranked

The Goonies

The most lovable band of misfits ever put to screen shows the importance and power of friendship in Richard Donner's 1985 classic, The Goonies . A rip-roaring adventure right out of the game, the film has anything and everything tweens could ever hope for. A sappy romance, with a cast of weird friends, a roaring adventure, and most importantly, no parents. The kids run this show and prove once and for all that just because they are young, that doesn't mean they don't know what they are doing. With heart, laughs, tears, and cheers, The Goonies is the ultimate adventure for a younger audience.

• Dig Deeper... Behind-The-Scenes Stories That Will Make You Want To Rewatch The Goonies
• # 25 of 113 on The 100+ Best Movies About High School
• # 7 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked

What happened when a teenager gets the superhuman power of the gods? Well, thanks to Shazam! , we know exactly what would transpire, and it is utterly hilarious. A deep dive into the confidence and power a child could get if given the right environment, and a bit of superhuman strength, Shazam! is a brilliant examination of how the environment of a child can shape who they are, all wrapped expertly in a superhero shell.  While the film is undoubtedly a superhero film first and foremost, the amount of detail and care thrust into ensuring the childlike wonder is firmly engraved in the film's DNA is nothing short of spectacular. 

• # 336 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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• # 186 of 308 on The 300+ Best Epic Movies Of All Time

An incredibly earnest, powerful, and emotional familial drama about a boy with a genetic facial difference, Wonder is a fantastic film to showcase to show how seemingly differences don't truly matter, as long as a person is who they truly are. This film will undoubtedly not appeal to most teens and tweens, but it is one that is a must-watch. While it may not be a fun story to witness, it is an incredibly important one nonetheless. The incredible amount of bullying, perseverance, and support showed throughout the film help show the younger audience that no matter how bad things may appear, they can, and will, always get better.

• # 55 of 75 on The Best Movies For Boys To Watch
• # 21 of 30 on Movies Based On Books You Should Have Read In 4th Grade
• # 45 of 65 on The 60+ Funniest Kid Movies For Adults

Pitch Perfect

In a world where acapella singers are somehow the coolest kids on campus, Pitch Perfect offers a wonderful and wacky look into what college life could be like in a perfect world. With some incredible performances headlined by Anna Kendrick and Adam DeVine, some side-splitting laughs, and catchy versions of songs that will stay in people's heads all day, the film is aca-perfect for tweens and teens. While the humor may be a bit adult and gross at times, there is no doubt that this is the film for middle schoolers prepared to take that next step in life.

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• # 406 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
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Dora and the Lost City of Gold

An update on one of the most beloved animated cartoons of all time, Dora and the Lost City of Gold may have tweens rolling their eyes from the name alone, however, a rip-roaring adventure awaits any who are brave enough to venture into the world with Dora. Incredibly goofy but undeniably charming in the same breathe, the film is a fantastic coming of age film that doesn't take itself too seriously but respects the source material and the audience it is catering to. Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a rare example of a film adaptation that somehow surpasses the original, and is an incredible time on the silver screen.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

The film franchise that inspired a generation and is still going strong today, tweens and teens in middle school should undoubtedly take the time to check out Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as the film has been so important and revolutionary to so many young lives. With themes of patience, strength, kindness, heart, and warmth, youngsters who take the time to watch the kids of Harry Potter grow up with them will be rewarded in an ultimate way, by always having a ragtag group of friends when they are simply at home watching tv.  Prepare to go down a rabbit whole, and prepare your wands, as the journey into the wizarding world is one that will reshape the lives of young adults forever.

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• # 24 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
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Napoleon Dynamite

The ultimate awkward high school fantasy, Napoleon Dynamite is an ideal film for all middle schoolers who are afraid of taking the next step into high school. Delivering a seemingly neverending stream of side-splitting laughs, this genuinely unique and one-of-a-kind high school comedy is as weird as it is witty, and will undoubtedly resonate with every person's inner weirdo. Geeks, weirdos, jocks, nerds, and popular kids come together, make sure you vote 4 Pedro, and prepare for the ride of your life with Napoleon Dynamite .

• # 31 of 113 on The 100+ Best Movies About High School
• # 312 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 85 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

The Karate Kid

For all the Cobra Kai lovers currently out binging the show on Netflix, take a trip back to 1984 to see where all the drama originated with John G. Avildsen's The Karate Kid. A film about embracing change, working hard, and fighting off bullies in the metaphorical and literal sense, film is a wonderfully empowering and important film that teaches teens and tweens the importance of self-respect, self-preservation, and how to properly wax a car. The Karate Kid is a wonderful time capsule and looks into the 80s, while still remaining as timely and important today as it was nearly 40 years ago.

• # 12 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 97 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 26 of 279 on 'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime

Actions have consequences, and no film properly justifies this lifelong point that the hit adaptation of Louis Sacher's bestselling novel turned Walt Disney Pictures classic, Holes. With a hilarious and show-stopping performance by Shai LaBeouf, the film is incredibly important in the fact that it painstakingly and masterfully tells the tale of a good kid, who did a bad thing, and the ramifications of his actions. While on paper this may seem like any hokey Disney film, Holes elevates itself above the rest of the Disney films released during this time by bringing a powerful message, some fantastic acting, and a hilarious cast of characters all kids can relate to.

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• And Deeper... What Happened To Everyone In The ‘Holes’ Cast?
• # 35 of 155 on The 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

While many parents may have loved Ferris Bueller's Day Off while they were younger, the thought of their children doing this surely sends a shiver down their spine, and for any teens and tweens who are up for venturing back into the 80s, the reward will be ever so sweet. Following a rebellious popular kid as he ditches school and does whatever he wants for the day, the film may seem like the worst thing to show a child, however, the very adult themes of time, self-reflection, love, and hope offer a wonderful message for kids of all ages.

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Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Nearly 40 years after the release of the original, Ghostbusters: Afterlife takes fans of all ages back into the wacky, weird, and wonderful world of busting ghosts. A film that was directly made to tickle every sentimental bone in adults' bodies while keeping things hip and relevant for a younger demographic, the film beautifully toes the line of honoring the past while providing something a new generation can enjoy. An exciting adventure with tons of laughs and a whole new world to explore lie ahead for any willing to enter the spiritual and freaky world of Ghostbusters.

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Writing a Movie Review: Teaching Tips and Lesson Ideas

To me, there’s nothing more enjoyable as a middle school teacher than blending films into English language arts classes. I’m a real movie lover, and I find that a good film-based activity is the perfect way to engage students in work on essential ELA skills in the last few weeks of school.

Thanks to Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming services, our students have more access to films than people at any other time in history! But I’ve noticed that even with so much exposure to movies, students need quite a lot of guidance to view films critically and with intention. 

This is why I find an end-of-year film review project to be so useful in the ELA classroom. Most students are natural movie reviewers already. They always come in on Monday mornings buzzing about the movies they saw over the weekend!

With this in mind, I like to tap into their natural instincts to share what they love, and help them learn the step-by-step organizational skills for writing a film review in the process. Here’s how this looks in the classroom:

1. Show Students Film Review Examples

To begin, I like to lead a brief whole-class discussion where we chat about the difference between getting a recommendation from a friend and reading a professional movie review . During this discussion, I point out that there are some specific things that a movie reviewer considers, including cinematography, actors, lighting, and sound.

Once students have the basic idea, I like to show them several examples of film reviews in different formats. If your school receives a newspaper subscription, you could collect and save film reviews to share with your class. Or, you may prefer a more modern approach and search online! Written film reviews tend to follow a similar structure and provide students with a good understanding of what they need to include.

Because most students also enjoy video content, we spend time looking at YouTube reviews as well. I might be dating myself, but I like to show old clips of Siskel and Ebert, the famous “two thumbs up” reviewers from the ‘80s and ‘90s! What I especially enjoy about their style is that they don’t always agree, but their reviews are still effective and engaging.

2. Know Your Audience

As we wrap up this lesson, I ask students to consider the audience of each review. For example, is the review aimed at children, adults, or even a teen magazine? The target audience affects not only tone and style, but also impacts the focus of the review. For example, a teen magazine review might focus on the famous actors of the film. By contrast, a special effects magazine might provide insight into a particular element of the filmmaking process.

3. Teach How to Watch the Film

The next step is to teach students how to watch a film with purpose, rather than simply for pleasure! In an ideal situation, I recommend watching a film twice. The first time is to get an overall understanding of the plot, and then to consider the choices the director and actors made in creating the film.

In the classroom, I like to pause the film frequently and let my students jot down notes. While they are watching, I remind them to consider each scene with an observant eye. I ask:

• What does the director choose to show (or not show)?
• How do the actors convey emotion, depth, and intention through their movements, as well as their words? 

4. Provide Common Vocabulary

As part of a film study, it’s important for students to be able to speak the “language” of movie making. After viewing the movie, I like to take some time to outline some key terms to help students write their reviews.

Words like blockbuster, avant-garde, disjointed, or uninspired can help elevate movie reviews in ELA from “friendly recommendations” to “review quality.” I find a printable list of useful writing terms is especially helpful. This is especially true if you want to avoid the “It was a good movie,” trap! 

5. Provide An Organizational Framework

When it comes to actually writing the review, I like to be quite specific in my instructions, breaking down the review into specific paragraphs .

For example, introductory paragraphs should start by engaging the reader with a strong opinion, thought-provoking statement, or even a quote to act as a “hook.” I like to remind students that the purpose of this paragraph is also to share some basic information about the film. This should include title, director, genre, and setting, as well as a brief plot overview. No spoilers, please!

Next, I have students plot out their paragraph about the main characters of the movie. I like to begin this process by having them reflect on the portrayal of the characters, and whether the actors are well-suited for their roles. As they evaluate the performances, middle school ELA students can support their opinions using evidence and examples from the film.

Because film techniques can vary so much from movie to movie, I like to give quite a lot of freedom in the next paragraph. I ask students to consider the following film techniques and choose one to focus on in detail:

• Camera work
• Sound effects

After they have evaluated film techniques, it’s time for students to flex their ELA muscles and reflect on the overall theme of the movie. In their fourth paragraph, I ask them to consider how the director uses filming techniques, set design, characters, conflict, or other elements to express or develop this theme. I like to guide this paragraph by asking questions like:

• Has the theme been developed effectively?
• Does it have an impact on the viewer, a specific community, or the world?

Finally, it’s time to wrap up the review! In this final paragraph, students need to give the film a rating in whatever “system” they choose. Popular choices in my classroom include thumbs up, stars, or even popcorn kernels on a scale of one to five! As they justify their rating and provide their personal opinions, I also encourage the class to consider what type of person would enjoy the movie.

6. Give Prompting Questions

In my experience, prompting questions help students focus on key things to include in their ELA movie review. I like to remind my students that graphic organizers are a tool for working through their ideas. They don’t need to be filled out in complete sentences, but they provide a useful framework for structuring their review. 

7. Make time For Peer Feedback & Editing

While students always resist the peer feedback and editing stage of the writing process, it really makes a difference in their overall quality of work.

Before they finalize their review, I have students work with a peer for a closer look at the grammatical and structural elements of their movie review. One way to do this is to follow the “three stars and a wish” format. In this activity, each student has to identify three positive things about the writing and one “wish” – an area of improvement.

Alternatively, if you have an established peer editing process in your classroom, this is a great opportunity to use it!

8. Provide Options for Presentation

Now for the fun part – the presentation of the movie review! I believe that students do their best work when they can express choice and voice in their finished product. 

Movie reviews can be shared in a lot of different ways (in the ELA classroom and in real life!). First, I have students select whether they want to share their completed review as a newspaper article, blog post, podcast, pre-recorded video, or even a live presentation in class.

If you’re tight on time, one trick I love is to put students in small groups (I find four works well) and present their reviews to each other. This alternative to whole-class presentations frees me up to circulate among the different groups. You’d be surprised at how much you can see and hear while doing this! At the end of each presentation, I like to have students grade each other using a common rubric. The presenters can self-assess their work as well!

There you have it! I hope you have a blast bringing a movie review assignment into your middle school ELA classroom. Three cheers to the end of the year!

Looking to integrate more videos into your ELA classroom? Check out my suggestions for 7 Ways to Bring Videos Into Secondary ELA .

Wrapping up your year? My 9 Creative Ideas for Student Awards celebrate every student in your class!

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Best Motivational Movies for Students

Here, I'm shown some best movies who Inspire and Motivate Students and teachers.

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1. 3 Idiots (2009)

PG-13 | 170 min | Comedy, Drama

Two friends are searching for their long lost companion. They revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of the world called them "idiots".

Director: Rajkumar Hirani | Stars: Aamir Khan , Madhavan , Mona Singh , Sharman Joshi

Votes: 434,428 | Gross: $6.53M

2. Good Will Hunting (1997)

R | 126 min | Drama, Romance

Will Hunting, a janitor at M.I.T., has a gift for mathematics, but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life.

Director: Gus Van Sant | Stars: Robin Williams , Matt Damon , Ben Affleck , Stellan Skarsgård

Votes: 1,067,732 | Gross: $138.43M

3. Nil Battey Sannata (2015)

100 min | Drama, Family

A story about a single woman (a Mom) and dreams on her Daughter.

Director: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari | Stars: Swara Bhasker , Riya Shukla , Ratna Pathak Shah , Pankaj Tripathi

Votes: 8,087

4. I Am Kalam (2010)

Not Rated | 88 min | Comedy, Drama, Family

An impoverished boy forms an unlikely and unstable friendship with the lonely son of a nobleman.

Director: Nila Madhab Panda | Stars: Gulshan Grover , Harsh Mayar , Pitobash , Hussan Saad

Votes: 4,877

5. 42 (2013)

PG-13 | 128 min | Biography, Drama, Sport

In 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and faces considerable racism in the process.

Director: Brian Helgeland | Stars: Chadwick Boseman , T.R. Knight , Harrison Ford , Nicole Beharie

Votes: 102,703 | Gross: $95.00M

6. Freedom Writers (2007)

PG-13 | 123 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

A young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves and pursue education beyond high school.

Director: Richard LaGravenese | Stars: Hilary Swank , Imelda Staunton , Patrick Dempsey , Scott Glenn

Votes: 85,364 | Gross: $36.61M

7. The Great Debaters (2007)

PG-13 | 126 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.

Director: Denzel Washington | Stars: Denzel Washington , Forest Whitaker , Kimberly Elise , Nate Parker

Votes: 62,853 | Gross: $30.23M

8. The Theory of Everything (2014)

PG-13 | 123 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

Stephen Hawking gets unprecedented success in the field of physics despite being diagnosed with motor neuron disease at the age of 21. He defeats awful odds as his first wife Jane aids him loyally.

Director: James Marsh | Stars: Eddie Redmayne , Felicity Jones , Tom Prior , Sophie Perry

Votes: 482,010 | Gross: $35.89M

9. The Social Network (2010)

PG-13 | 120 min | Biography, Drama

As Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg creates the social networking site that would become known as Facebook, he is sued by the twins who claimed he stole their idea and by the co-founder who was later squeezed out of the business.

Director: David Fincher | Stars: Jesse Eisenberg , Andrew Garfield , Justin Timberlake , Rooney Mara

Votes: 758,569 | Gross: $96.96M

10. Dead Poets Society (1989)

PG | 128 min | Comedy, Drama

Maverick teacher John Keating returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys' boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression.

Director: Peter Weir | Stars: Robin Williams , Robert Sean Leonard , Ethan Hawke , Josh Charles

Votes: 545,843 | Gross: $95.86M

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Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

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List of The Best Movies Middle School Students Can Learn From

Middle school is that part when we are all set to step in our teens.

Excited and curious! Adolescence is very complicated phase of life. This is the time when kids’ behavior is molded. Young minds are all set to explore all the things.

Movies can be a great way of teaching kids a lot apart from the academic stuff.

Below is a list of movies with educational outcomes that kids in middle school must watch. Check them out!

1. Evan Almighty

A very funny movie in which Congressman Evan’s wish to change the world is heard by God, who asks him to build an ark for an upcoming flood. Soon, wherever he goes, pairs of all types of animals seem to hound a skeptical Evan. Kids will learn to be respectful towards environment.

2. Super Size Me

See what happens when one man lives on only McDonald’s food for 30 days. You may be shocked to learn what a fast food diet does to your body.

3. Wall – E

This touching animated film envisions a future that could be where modern culture takes itself without restraint.

4. Food Inc.

The corporate culture that has taken over the food industry has created something far from healthy.

Okay! So this can be a good watch for the mid teens. Watch consequences of being careless towards mother earth.

This animated film deals with issues of urban sprawl, ecology, and responsible stewardship in the midst of a touching story about unexpected friendships.

7. Kung Fu Panda

Amazing animated movie. A series of 2 films. Learn to be responsible as the Dragon Warrior, Po. The Furious Five (Po’s friends), residing in the barracks, and he take on the responsibility to battle against the inimical forces in the Valley of Peace.

8. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

A very emotional tale of a dog Hachiko. Kids will definitely love the movie. Make them understand the meaning of loyalty, friendship and caring for animals. 

9 . Jurassic Park  

Dinosaurs are brought back to life with dangerous consequences. The incidents in the movie portrays the power of togetherness and friends.

10. March Of Penguins

This film describes a year in the life of an Emperor penguin colony. The special features provide additional information concerning penguins, their environment, and the filming of the movie. Know how you can be caring for animals and learn to respect for the environment

11. Wild Child

A rebellious Malibu princess is sent off to a strict English boarding school by her father. Unwilling to accept the strict regime, she decides to misbehave, in the hope of being dismissed from school. Eventually she turns out to be the best student, adapt to the environment and make everyone proud at the school.

12. Pursuit of Happyness

A great watch starring Will Smith. Learn to never give, be determined and persistent. Have a positive outlook. Be hardworking. This is a must watch for the mid teens.    

An alien is left behind on Earth and is saved by young Elliot who decides to keep him hidden. While the task force hunts for it, Elliot and his siblings form an emotional bond with their new friend. Question kids on EQ and understand their perspectives.

14. Edward Scissors Hand

Edward, a synthetic man with scissor hands, is taken in by Peg, a kindly Avon lady, after the passing of his inventor. An emotional watch. Will move young kids emotionally.

15. The Muppet Christmas carol

A depiction of the great play Christmas Carol. Scrooge, an old miser who doesn’t care about the joyous season of Christmas is visited by spirits who foretell his future. Learn to be kind.   

16. Harry Potter (First Three Movies)

Namely, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and the third part, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Must watch. Let the kids travel in a world of magic. Kids will learn about friendship, being helpful to others and a lot more.    

This biography tells the story of the famed leader of India, from his beginnings as a lawyer to his eventual embracing of non-violent protest to his assassination.

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In ‘The Teachers’ Lounge,’ One Middle School as Microcosm of a Troubled World

Please try again

What happens in the teachers’ lounge, anyway? When we were kids, that closed door seemed so tantalizingly forbidding, though it probably only hid some coffee-sipping, light chitchat and paper-grading.

Well, not in the brilliantly taut and absorbing The Teachers’ Lounge , in which that room — and gradually, the whole school around it — hosts an expanding web of uneasy power dynamics, mutual suspicion and misinformation, and that’s just for starters. This film also explores cancel culture, institutional racism, privacy rights and even censorship and press freedom.

That’s a lot for one middle school. But writer-director Ílker Çatak pulls it off, aided by excellent performances all around and two truly superb ones: Leonie Benesch as an idealistic new teacher and a heartbreaking Leo Stettnisch as her troubled student. (The film, Germany’s submission to the Academy Awards, has justifiably made the short list for best international feature.)

The Teachers’ Lounge dives immediately into the controversy that will tear this modern, bustling school apart. Carla Nowak (Benesch) is called to an uncomfortable meeting between school officials and two student representatives of her sixth-grade class. The students are being grilled as to which fellow classmates may have been responsible for a series of thefts — essentially, they’re being asked to denounce friends without evidence. Carla is angry at the tactic, but lacks the confidence to speak out.

She’s even more appalled by what happens next: The principal and her colleagues come to her classroom, ask the girls to leave and force the boys to surrender their wallets for inspection (why only boys?) Of course, the adults note unconvincingly, the process is entirely voluntary — but if the students have nothing to hide, there’s nothing to fear. One boy seems to have a lot of money, but his Turkish immigrant parents, summoned to the school, explain indignantly (in a typically bristling, beautifully modulated scene) that they’d given him money to buy a video game as a gift. They argue that he’s being racially profiled.

Already, back in the teachers’ lounge, Carla is clashing with her more aggressive colleagues. And then, in her misguided zeal to identify the real thief and exonerate her kids, she steps right into an ethical morass.

Leaving her wallet in her coat on a chair, and setting her laptop camera to record, she soon has video evidence — just an arm, in a distinctive blouse — of someone stealing from her pocket. It only takes a moment to track down the wearer of that blouse.

Perhaps because Benesch is such an effortlessly empathetic actor, she makes Carla’s decision to confront the person she suspects — and then, to hand over the video — feel logical, like something anyone might do. But her action raises issues of privacy rights, and puts her on a collision course with not only the accused school employee but that employee’s child, Oskar (Stettnisch), an intelligent and sensitive boy in her class.

At every step, it seems, Carla’s earnest efforts to do the right thing — by her students, and by her job — land her into ever hotter water. And then, she must navigate an angry group of parents on parent-teacher night, an experience so harrowing it leaves her heaving on a bathroom floor, blowing into a bag.

Angry parents, suspicious colleagues — can it get worse? Yes, when Carla is interviewed by the student newspaper, an intriguing subplot raising questions of censorship. Carla, rightfully concerned about how she will be portrayed, asks to see the article in advance, and when the students (also rightfully!) defy her, the principal ends up banning distribution of the paper on campus.

“What happens in the teachers’ lounge, stays in the teachers’ lounge,” Carla says in that student newspaper interview, her definition of a “no comment.” That is, however, hardly what transpires, as Carla, despite her best intentions, begins to drown in a swamp of her own making, with seemingly no way out.

All the students have been thoughtfully cast here, and perform with a natural quality rare in movies about kids. As for Stettnisch, he darned near breaks our hearts as he ultimately loses control and threatens his own future.

As for Benesch, from whom the camera rarely departs, she has a luminous presence that carries the film. So skillfully does she draw us in, in fact, that it’s easy to forget we hardly know anything about Carla: Is she in a relationship? What is her family like? We never see her home, nor anyone’s home, nor even a glimpse of the outside world.

But the outside world certainly finds its way into the school. Çatan and co-writer Johannes Duncker, who in fact attended school together, are making the point that even a middle school is a microcosm of society and all its tensions and ills. Perhaps that is why their film ends without clear answers: In school, as in life, one cannot simply close a door, keep out the bad stuff, and solve everything.

‘The Teachers’ Lounge’ was released in select cities on Dec. 25, 2023. It will screen at Sonoma’s Sebastiani Theater on Jan. 11, 2024 , as part of the Sonoma International Film Festival .

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Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

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In Theaters

• October 7, 2016
• Griffin Gluck as Rafe Khatchadorian; Lauren Graham as Jules Khatchadorian; Alexa Nisenson as Georgia Khatchadorian; Thomas Barbusca as Leo; Isabela Moner as Jeanne; Andrew Daly as Principal Ken Dwight; Retta as Vice Principal Ida Stricker; Adam Pally as Mr. Teller; Jacob Hopkins as Miller; Efren Ramirez as Gus

Home Release Date

• January 3, 2017

Distributor

• Lionsgate, CBS Films

Movie Review

Rafe Khatchadorian is a middle schooler who loves to draw. Cartoons, spaceships, aliens, doodles—you name it. In fact, it’s the main way Rafe’s coped with the death of his brother a year before.

That’s his strength. But it’s also his weakness.

Rafe’s not interested in much more than drawing, and getting lost in his created, imaginative worlds. Oh, Rafe’s smart, mind you. But not school smart, as they say. At least, not recently: He’s been kicked out of two schools already this year.

Rafe’s longsuffering single mom, Jules, is doing her best. Her husband bolted when their son died. Now, she’s just trying to hold it together, working multiple shifts as a sous chef while parenting Rafe and his younger sister, Georgia. And when she can’t pick the kids up from their new middle school, she leans on her smooth-talking beau, Carl, to do it for her.

Ah, middle school.

It’s a challenging season for many students even under the best of circumstances. But the sixth, seventh and eighth graders sentenced to—er, I mean attending Hills Valley Middle School have an even greater share of adolescent suffering to shoulder. That comes courtesy of Principal Ken Dwight and his right-hand enforcer, Vice Principal Ida Stricker.

Principal Dwight cares about exactly two things: his encyclopedic list of rules and prodding his students into acing the annual B.L.A.A.R. (BaseLine Assessment of Academic Readiness) standardized tests. And ace it they always have.

Rafe, though, he’s not really a rules guy. Or a standardized test guy. He’s just trying to make it through, draw some doodles and keep a low profile.

And so he might have, were it not for his mischievous best bud Leo. He’s more oppositionally defiant than Rafe. So when Principal Dwight confiscates Rafe’s beloved journal full of sketches and throws it in a bucket of acid, well, Leo’s not having it. Instead, he incites Rafe to “shred the rules,” to join him in becoming “vigilantes for freedom.”

They’re not going to let Dwight’s legalism “suck the life out of our childhoods,” he intones. “It is up to us to speak for the voiceless, to stop the suck. Let’s show them we don’t give a—,” he proclaims before interrupting himself: “What rhymes with suck?”

“Nothing good,” Rafe responds.

Positive Elements

Jules Khatchadorian is trying to do what’s best for her troubled son. She loves him, she wants him to succeed, and she values the artwork he creates. And while Rafe and Georgia have their moments, they’re mostly there for each other. Georgia becomes increasingly concerned that her big brother isn’t coping with the loss of their brother very well.

[ Spoiler Warning ] And, actually, Rafe’s not doing very well. It turns out that Leo isn’t real. But he’s not quite imaginary, either. Instead, Leo is Rafe’s longed-for projection of his deceased brother. By the end of the film, we realize that Rafe’s never really processed Leo’s death, something that’s supposed to make us feel more sympathetic to the vandalism Rafe uncorks on Principal Dwight.

Speaking of Dwight, the principal is a mean, selfish and hypocritical man, and those character weaknesses are well and truly exposed. Mixed into this jumbled narrative is also a strong anti-bullying message, with the principal ultimately being painted as nothing more than an administrative thug.

His antithesis is Rafe’s homeroom teacher, Mr. Teller, who engages with his students and who’s more interested in coming up with creative ways to help them learn than he is making sure they have covered everything on the B.L.A.A.R. He nurtures their creative, artistic impulses where the principal stifles them. Mr. Teller defends his students and challenges them when Principal Dwight tries to frame his entire class for the mischief that Rafe and Leo have wrought. He’s even willing to put his job on the line to stand up to his bullying boss.

Joining Rafe and Leo in their struggle against this “oppression” is a young social justice warrior named Jeanne Galleta, who plays a key role in uncovering Principal Dwight’s greedy, narcissistic hypocrisy. She (mis)quotes Gandhi as having said, “Be the change you want to see.”

Spiritual Elements

Science fiction-tinged references are made to a reunion between Rafe and his deceased brother in the afterlife. We see a sign that reads, “BLAARMAGEDDON.” A student welcomes Rafe to the school by saying, “Welcome to hell.” A bumper sticker in someone’s locker reads, “Psychic Migrations.”

Sexual Content

Rafe and Leo reminisce over the drawings that were in the notebook Principal Dwight destroyed. “Expertly drawn boobs,” Leo quips. “Those were realistic, I think,” Rafe adds. “I hope,” Leo finishes.

Jules’ boyfriend, Carl, eventually pops the question and moves in with her (but they never tie the knot). But he’s got a wandering eye, hitting shamelessly on a waitress. Throughout the film, there are animated cutscenes in which Rafe drifts into his own cartoony fantasy world. In one of these, he imagines Carl as a bear (with pants that don’t quite cover his backside completely) chasing that waitress and suggestively telling her, “I just want to get some honey, honey.” Jules eventually realizes she’s been duped.

A student says, “My mom is really hot.” Principal Dwight agrees. There’s a rumor that Principal Dwight’s got three nipples, but he dispels it by saying he actually doesn’t have any at all.

Rafe and Jeanne kiss once. Rafe’s mother wears a cleavage-revealing top. Carl kisses her hand. It’s perhaps implied that Ida Stricker has a crush on Dwight, and she shampoos and massages his hair suggestively to remove the colored dye Rafe and Leo put in it. Mr. Teller counsels a student about how to break up with his girlfriend.

Violent Content

A bully named Miller menaces Rafe, threating to kick him, kicking his desk and knocking his notebook out of his hands.

Cartoony cutscenes include fantastic characters inflicting damage on each other, such as a two-headed alien blowing both heads off with a laser (they grow back), characters sliding out of Rafe’s notebook into the acid bucket to “die,” and a wild chase scene. An animated version of Miller explodes. Maggots feast on his remains, with one exclaiming, “Oh, try the butt cheek.” Another such scene pictures shambling zombies.

Stricker falls when she’s thrown off balance by an avalanche of colored plastic balls. Georgia tells her brother, “Snitches get stiches.” While driving (more on that below), she also intentionally sideswipe’s Carl’s car against a barrier. Carl tries and fails to break a door down.

Crude or Profane Language

Leo ponders (but doesn’t speak) what (obvious) word rhymes with “suck.” Carl threatens, oddly, to “F your eye.” Someone says, “sh—,” suggesting but not fully pronouncing that s-word. Georgia tells her brother, “Pull your head out of your keister.” Principal Dwight says of Rafe, “I’m tired of that guy busting my balls.”

God’s name is misused five times. We hear “p-ssed” once. The word “sucks” is used at least five times, and “butt wipe” (as an insult) four times (more on that below). Other exclamations include: “jeez,” “gosh,” “crap,” “crapstorm” and “snotty.” Name-calling insults include “jerk” and “stupid.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

Carl and Jules drink wine at a restaurant. Mr. Teller mentions rapper Drake’s pseudonym “Champagne Papi.”

Rafe tattles to his mother about Georgia drinking espresso, which she’s not supposed to do. “Narc,” she accuses. “Addict,” Rafe fires back.

Other Negative Elements

Rafe repeatedly sneaks out his window at night and heads to school, vandalizing it and setting up traps for the administrators. Some of his and Leo’s pranks are messy but innocuous, such as covering the school with colored paper of various designs and messages (including an acronym for Rafe’s name: “Rules Aren’t For Everyone”). They can be predictably adolescent, such as rigging the school bell to make a flatulence sound. Other pranks, however, do more damage. A trophy case is turned into a giant fish bowl. Rafe and Leo cover a portion of the school’s exterior in graffiti. They repeatedly put gooey neon dye in Principal Dwight’s hat, with predictable results.

At Leo’s prompting, Rafe steals Carl’s credit card number and uses it to purchase supplies for their vandalism. One idea that’s not acted upon is Leo’s suggestion, “Let’s pee in [Principal Dwight’s] cologne.”

Jeanne uploads info on what’s happening at the school to Facebook, which she says is generating lots of likes and kids imitating Rafe’s rebellion in their schools. She tells Rafe that she loves it that “someone has the guts to take on the establishment.”

Elsewhere, Georgia—who’s perhaps 8 or 9—repeatedly drives cars (though her mother rebukes her for doing so). Together, she and Rafe steal Carl’s BMW. Georgia also gets disgusted with Carl and calls him a “butt wipe,” leading to a conversation that involves more uses of that word and ends with Georgia wiping her dog’s backside with a towel and throwing it in Carl’s car. When Carl later accuses the dog of urinating on his sport coat, Georgia says that it did—then gleefully adds, “I did it too.”

Carl schemes to ship Rafe off to military boarding school. Principal Dwight is willing to expel an entire class of underperforming students in order to help his school’s overall achievement on the B.L.A.A.R. test. We learn he gets paid a financial bonus for good scores, and that he’s driven by greed.

Mr. Keller cares about his students, but he also relates to them via inappropriate pop culture examples, such as namechecking rappers Drake, Future and the Wu-Tang Clan. He expresses his own defiance of Principal Dwight’s rules by essentially telling the kids they don’t apply in his classroom. “I don’t see any Principal Dwight in here,” he says. Before turning on a video message from the principal, Mr. Keller says, “Time for our daily dose of propaganda.” There’s also a reference to kids playing the M-rated video game Call of Duty .

Dwight suggests the B.L.A.A.R. should be more important to students than their family (and was, apparently, more important to him than his wife). The principal also tries to cut a deal with Rafe, letting him off the hook for his vandalism in exchange for blaming his whole class instead (but Rafe doesn’t bite).

We hear many gags about all things scatological, including butts, flatulence, poop and wedgies. Regarding the latter, Miller threatens Rafe, “I’ll wedgie you so bad you’ll be able to taste your underwear.” Dwight tells the janitor, Gus, “Would you fix that farting bell. I want my ding dong back.” The principal eventually ends up covered in excrement. There’s a joke about Uranus. Leo jokes about not wanting to give Rafe mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life offers some sweet, momentary reflections on the pain of losing someone and the importance of family in working through grief.

But I do mean momentary .

The balance of this middle school fever-dream finds Rafe and Leo doing their best to stick it to the Man. (They even use that very phrase at one point.) It’s as if they binge-watched Ferris Beuller’s Day Off , Home Alone and maybe even Animal House over a long weekend, then decided to unleash similar assaults on the film’s two bumbling, old-school stereotypes, all in the name of being “vigilantes” for “freedom” … with plenty of butt, excrement and flatulence jokes delivered along the way.

On the most basic level, this is the kind of movie that will have conscientious parents face-palming and shaking their heads. After all, how many parents really want their kids latching on to insults like “butt wipe” or “crapstorm,” or going home and Googling Game of Thrones if somehow they’ve never heard of it, or—more problematically—entertaining the idea of sneaking out at night.

On a deeper level, the entire construct of this story—creativity vs. rules—is a false dichotomy. Over and over again, we’re told that artistic expression and healthy individuality are at odds with rules and limits. And the story’s response to those limits is to “shred” them, as Leo says.

Even in a silly, annoying little movie like this one, it’s not a helpful or healthy thing to tell kids that the best response to rules is to break them.

Adam R. Holz

After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.

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Our Favorite Book-Movie Adaptations for Every Grade Level

Read the book, then watch the movie.

We know, we know, the book is almost always better than the movie—but book-movie adaptations can be great for talking about how stories get translated into different forms (part of the Common Core standards). Here are some of our favorite book-movie adaptations to use at very grade level.

Best book-movie adaptations for grades K-3:

1.  how the grinch stole christmas.

For 53 years, the Grinch has lived in a cave on the side of a mountain, looming above the Whos in Whoville. The noisy holiday preparations and infernal singing of the happy little citizens below annoy him to no end. The Grinch decides this frivolous merriment must stop.

2.  Matilda

Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she’s just a nuisance. She expects school to be different, but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a kid-hating terror of a headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back.

3.  Stuart Little

Follow the adventures of the bravest little mouse with a loving big heart. The book and movies differ entirely in terms of story line, but the love and kindness of Stuart Little are at the center of both.

4.  The Polar Express

A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole. Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.

Best book-movie adaptations for grades 4-5:

5.  harry potter and the sorcerer’s stone  .

Harry has no idea how famous he is. That’s because he’s being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he’s really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, and he begins to discover some clues about his birthright.

6.  A Series of Unfortunate Events

The Baudelaire orphans are sent to live with their “Uncle” Count Olaf, who is very clearly after their enormous fortune that was left to them by their parents, who died in a mysterious fire. With more questions than answers, these funny and tragic 13 books beg you not to look. (The movie covers books 1-3, the Netflix show will cover them all.)

7.  Bridge to Terabithia

Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie’s house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia.

8.  The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Four adventurous siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change and a great sacrifice.

9.  Coraline

When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous. But there’s another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.

Best book-movie adaptations for middle school:

10.  the hunger games.

Each district sends one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, “The Hunger Games,” a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games.

11.  The Help

Skeeter, a 22-year-old college graduate; Aibileen, a black maid who is raising her 17th white child; and her best friend Minny, a sassy cook who just lost another job, ban together to write a tell-all book about the work of a black maid.

12.  The Princess Bride

What happens when the most beautiful girl in the world marries the most handsome prince of all time and he turns out to be … well … a lot less than the man of her dreams? Fencing. Fighting. True love. Strong hate. Harsh revenge. A few giants. Lots of bad men. Lots of good men. And beasties monstrous and gentle.

Stanley Yelnats is unjustly sent to a boys’ detention center, Camp Green Lake, where there is no lake. He and the other boys dig holes all day, every day. It quickly becomes apparent that they are not just digging for character improvement; The warden is looking for something.

14.  The Outsiders

Ponyboy is pretty sure he’s got things figured out, especially with his buddies, who are also “greasers.” Their only problem is the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up on greasers like Ponyboy. Life is simple, until one night someone takes things too far.

15.  The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Berlin,1942: Bruno’s father receives a promotion and the family moves to a new house, far away. A tall fence stretches as far as the eye can see at the new house, cutting off people in the distance. Bruno befriends a boy on the other side of the fence, and everything changes.

16.  Ender’s Game

Andrew “Ender” Wiggin is drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training. Growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers, Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders.

17.  The Remains of the Day

In 1956, Stevens, a long-serving butler at Darlington Hall, decides to take a motoring trip through the West Country. The six-day excursion becomes a journey into the past of Stevens and England, a past that takes in fascism, two world wars, and an unrealized love between the butler and his housekeeper.

Best book-movie adaptations for high school :

18.  the kite runner.

Amir is a young Afghani from a well-to-do Kabul family; his best friend Hassan is the son of a family servant. Together the two boys form a bond of friendship that breaks tragically on one fateful day. Years later, Amir is called back to Kabul to right his wrongs.

19.  The Perks of Being a Wallflower

First dates, family drama, and new friends. Sex, drugs, and  The Rocky Horror Picture Show . Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

20.  Life of Pi

Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, a Tamil boy from Pondicherry, explores issues of spirituality and practicality from an early age. This is all brought to a boiling point when he is suddenly the lone survivor of a sinking cruise ship. Well, him and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger.

21.  Jurassic Park

An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind’s most thrilling fantasies have come true. Creatures extinct for eons roam Jurassic Park with their awesome presence and profound mystery, and all the world can visit them—for a price. Until something goes wrong …

22.  To Kill a Mockingbird

The story of a young Alabama girl, her sleepy Southern town, and the crisis of conscience that rocked it. This story explores the roots of human behavior—innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos.

A man-eating shark terrorizes a beach town, and it’s up to Chief Brody, scientist Matt Hooper, and the gruff fisherman Quint to do something about it.

24.  Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Holly Golightly knows that nothing bad can ever happen to you at Tiffany’s. She has no job and lives by socializing with wealthy men, who take her to clubs and restaurants, and give her money and expensive presents; she hopes to marry one of them.

What are your favorite book-movie adaptations?

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Middle schooler helps stop school bus after driver passes out behind the wheel

GLENDALE, Wis. (Gray News) - A middle school student in Wisconsin came to the rescue this week after his bus driver passed out while driving students home.

According to school officials, eighth-grade student Acie Holland III was riding the bus after school Wednesday night when the bus driver experienced a medical emergency, causing her to lose consciousness.

The bus started to veer into the oncoming lane and that’s when Holland jumped in to help.

The Glen Hills Middle School student rushed to get the bus driver’s foot off the gas and applied the brakes, safely bringing the bus to a stop.

The school’s principal Anna Young said he then called 911 and made sure the younger students were OK, telling them to contact their parents.

Holland also contacted his grandmother, who is a nurse, for help.

The school’s principal said the driver was able to regain consciousness and called dispatch, which sent a safety team and another bus driver to bring the students home.

“The Glen Hills school community could not be any prouder of Acie,” Young shared in a note to families. “The compassion and leadership that we see him exhibit daily was taken to the next level on his bus ride home.”

School leaders said what easily could have resulted in tragedy was avoided due to the student’s quick thinking.

“We are grateful that all of our Glen Hills students are safe and are wishing their driver a healthy recovery,” Young said.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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'It's a poison for people.' Stark County students offer thoughts on cellphones in school

• Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. John Husted suggested school leaders ban the use of cellphones in school.
• Research shows cellphones negatively impact students' mental health, academic performance and social well-being.

Libby Reese admits she is addicted to her phone.

So when the Northwest High School senior learned about the district's new cellphone policy this school year, she wasn't very happy.

The 18-year-old was used to having her phone on her all the time. While she wasn't allowed to sit on her phone in class, she knew she could sneak a peek.

This school year, the policy has changed. High school students must place their cellphone in a numbered pouch at the door of the classroom.

"I was not a fan," the 18-year-old said. "But I see the difference. I am focusing more on schoolwork. Honestly, it's a poison for people in general."

Last month, Gov. Mike DeWine and  Lt. Gov. Jon Husted met with school leaders during a roundtable to discuss research showing cellphone use  is negatively affecting students' mental health, academic performance and social well-being.

DeWine urged educators across the state to consider banning — or at least limiting the use — of phones in schools.

What are schools doing about students using cellphones?

Districts across the nation have different policies dealing with cellphone use at school. The Clark County School District in Nevada will require students in sixth through 12th grade to put their phone in pouches next school year. The non-locking pouches will be placed in an area of the classroom accessible to students in case of an emergency.

Florida became the first state to crack down on phones in school. A new law requires public schools ban the use of phones by students during class and block access to social media on district Wi-Fi. Other states also have introduced similar measures.

In Stark County, rules regarding cellphones range from keeping phones shut off and in backpacks to placing the phones in a designated pouch during class.

The Repository asked area students what they thought about DeWine's recommendation to ban phones in school and what they liked about their school's policy.

What do Stark County students think of cellphone use at school?

Cellphone bans: Schools don't want kids on cellphones. Is banning them the solution?

At Hoover High School, phone use is at the discretion of teachers.

Senior Reese Henne said some teachers don't mind if you have your phone on your desk while others require it to be turned off and put away.

She prefers the freedom of being able to see and use her phone. When a teacher requires them to be out of sight, Henne finds herself tempted to look at her phone.

While she doesn't see the need to ban phones from school, Henne understands the impact of phones on a student's mental health.

The 18-year-old said social media plays a part in how teens view themselves.

Henne doesn't believe it negatively impacts her academics. She often uses her phone in the classroom as a calculator or for quick reference — noting sometimes it takes longer to look something up on a Chrome book rather than her phone.

"I feel like DeWine didn't grow up with a phone like we did," she said. "It shouldn't be his decision. Taking away our phones will lead to more disciplinary problems."

Henne's classmate Grant Walker enjoys the freedom of being able to have his phone during school.

"I wouldn't like to have it taken away from me," the 18-year-old senior said. "We're not used to not having our phones. We've grown up with it. It's normal."

He sees how the use of a phone could impact mental health, but the freedom to use his phone at school allows him to escape from school and refresh his mental health by playing a quick game or scrolling on social media.

'We were the cellphone police.'

At Northwest High School, Reese has seen the difference the new policy has made. Previously, students were using their phones to cheat on tests.

Northwest Principal Larry Tausch said the new policy has helped in a number of ways.

Teachers are not spending their time policing the use of cellphones. The former policy, he said, would work but it would lose steam as the school year progressed.

"The last nine weeks of school, we were the cellphone police," Tausch explained. "It was exhausting to ask of our teachers."

Teachers believe the new policy has given them 15 minutes more of instruction time, he said.

It's also cut down on bullying and cheating.

"A student would be videotaped in the classroom without knowing, then it got posted. It's cut down on that," Tausch said. "You can't videotape a fight. Things are kept private. There is no downside."

Positive cellphone policy: An Ohio school banned cellphones. Turns out students actually like it

To ensure the policy worked, Tausch said, they got parents invested in the plan from the start. There was a simple message: If you don't like the policy, go somewhere else, he added.

They also agreed to allow students to use their phones in the hallway, during lunch and in study halls.

"That's three minutes tops (in the hallway) and then they are back into a pocket," Tausch said. "I think we almost empowered parents to use their cellphones as a behavioral tool. A lot of times parents are afraid to take their phones away."

Northwest freshman Brayden Venables was already used to not having his phone in school when he made the move to the high school. In middle school, phones had to remain off and in a book bag.

He believes the school's policy is a good balance.

There are times when a phone at school is useful, such as communicating about a blood drive and reaching out to students for surveys. Some Northwest teachers also allow them for various activities. Recently, one of Venables' teachers created QR codes for a scavenger hunt.

"People aren't trying to sneak their phones," the 15-year-old said. "I like the policy with pouches. We can focus on learning."

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or [email protected] .