The Best Teacher Movies and TV Shows on HBO MAX
Finding a good Teacher movie and TV show to watch can be hard, so we've ranked the best ones and included where to watch them. Check out our list of the best Teacher movies and TV shows of all time streaming on HBO MAX.
1. Olive Kitteridge
What it's about: A look at a seemingly placid New England town that is actually wrought with illicit affairs, crime and tragedy, all told through the lens of Olive, whose wicked wit and harsh demeanor mask a warm but troubled heart and staunch moral center. The story spans 25 years and focuses on Olive's relationships with her husband, Henry, the good-hearted and kindly town pharmacist; their son, Christopher, who resents his mother's approach to parenting; and other members of their community.
Where to Watch: 4 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & HBO). 4 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $3.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).
2. Lean On Me
What it's about: When principal Joe Clark takes over decaying Eastside High School, he's faced with students wearing gang colors and graffiti-covered walls. Determined to do anything he must to turn the school around, he expels suspected drug dealers, padlocks doors and demands effort and results from students, staff and parents. Autocratic to a fault, this real-life educator put it all on the line.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX) & rent or buy from $3.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).
3. Head of the Class
What it's about: Head of the Class is an American sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991 on the ABC television network. The series follows a group of gifted students in the Individualized Honors Program at the fictional Monroe High School in Manhattan, and their history teacher Charlie Moore. The program was ostensibly a vehicle for Hesseman, best known for his role as radio DJ Dr. Johnny Fever in the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Hesseman left Head of the Class in 1990 and was replaced by Billy Connolly as teacher Billy MacGregor for the final season. After the series ended, Connolly appeared in a short-lived spin-off titled Billy.The series was created and executive produced by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias. Rich Eustis had previously worked as a New York City substitute teacher while hoping to become an actor.
Where to Watch: 112 episodes (98%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX).
4. Those Who Can't
What it's about: There are teachers who inspire, enlighten, and challenge us. These are not those teachers.
Where to Watch: 35 episodes (97%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & TVision). 7 episodes (19%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (TruTV). 36 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).
5. School of Rock
What it's about: Fired from his band and hard up for cash, guitarist and vocalist Dewey Finn finagles his way into a job as a fifth-grade substitute teacher at a private school, where he secretly begins teaching his students the finer points of rock 'n' roll. The school's hard-nosed principal is rightly suspicious of Finn's activities. But Finn's roommate remains in the dark about what he's doing.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & HBO) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).
6. Billy Madison
What it's about: Billy Madison is the 27 year-old son of Bryan Madison, a very rich man who has made his living in the hotel industry. Billy stands to inherit his father's empire but only if he can make it through all 12 grades, 2 weeks per grade, to prove that he has what it takes to run the family business.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX, Hulu & HBO) & rent or buy from $3.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).
7. The 400 Blows
What it's about: For young Parisian boy Antoine Doinel, life is one difficult situation after another. Surrounded by inconsiderate adults, including his neglectful parents, Antoine spends his days with his best friend, Rene, trying to plan for a better life. When one of their schemes goes awry, Antoine ends up in trouble with the law, leading to even more conflicts with unsympathetic authority figures.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX, The Criterion Channel & Kanopy) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).
8. Billy Elliot
What it's about: Set against the background of the 1984 Miners' Strike, 11-year-old Billy Elliot stumbles out of the boxing ring and onto the ballet floor. He faces many trials and triumphs as he strives to conquer his family's set ways, inner conflict, and standing on his toes.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & HBO) & rent or buy from $3.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).
9. The Girl with All the Gifts
What it's about: In the future, a strange fungus has changed nearly everyone into a thoughtless, flesh-eating monster. When a scientist and a teacher find a girl who seems to be immune to the fungus, they all begin a journey to save humanity.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & HBO) & rent or buy from $3.99 on 7 services (iTunes, Google Play & 5 others).
10. The Gazelle's Dance
What it's about: Eugenio's dream is to win a big trophy, but he could never achieve it as a football player. Now he is 72 years old and he sees a chance to fulfill his dream through a tropical dance contest. But when he loses his partner half way through the contest, his only chance of winning will be to face his own prejudices and those of your family. Now, he will change the Ball for the Hall.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & HBO).
11. Temple Grandin
What it's about: A biopic of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who has become one of top scientists in humane livestock handling.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & HBO) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).
12. An Education
What it's about: Despite her sheltered upbringing, Jenny is a teen with a bright future; she's smart, pretty, and has aspirations of attending Oxford University. When David, a charming but much older suitor, motors into her life in a shiny automobile, Jenny gets a taste of adult life that she won't soon forget.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & Sundance Now) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).
13. In & Out
What it's about: A midwestern teacher questions his sexuality after a former student makes a comment about him at the Academy Awards.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & HBO) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).