Dangerous Minds

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Dangerous Minds

R

Released Aug 11, 1995

1h 39m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

36%

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45 Reviews

64%

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100,000+ Ratings

Former Marine Louanne Johnson (Michelle Pfeiffer) lands a gig teaching in a pilot program for bright but underachieving teens at a notorious inner-city high school. After having a terrible first day, she decides she must throw decorum to the wind. When Johnson returns to the classroom, she does so armed with a no-nonsense attitude informed by her military training and a fearless determination to better the lives of her students -- no matter what the cost.

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Critics Consensus

Rife with stereotypes that undermine its good intentions, Dangerous Minds is too blind to see that the ones it hurts are the audience.

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Peter Travers

Rolling Stone

Pfeiffer gives a funny, scrappy performance that makes you feel a committed teacher's fire to make a difference.

May 12, 2001

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Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

The tale screenwriter Ronald Bass came up with, and the way director John N. Smith tells it, is stereotypical, predictable and simplified to the point of meaninglessness.

Feb 13, 2001

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Bradley Steinbacher

Film.com

Stay home and watch Welcome Back Kotter. It's more enlightening.

Jan 1, 2000

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Gary Wolcott

Tri-City Herald

Dangerous Minds is formula-feel-good that works most of the time. What makes it click is Pfeiffer's excellent acting and a supporting cast of talented kids.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 19, 2025

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Todd James

Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Alberta)

Often these students seem a little too easy to tame, but on this level, Dangerous Minds is enjoyable.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 29, 2024

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Sheila Reid

Women in the Life

If you liked Sidney Portier in To Sir With Love, this is the film for you.

May 13, 2022

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Crazy P

She wasn't believable as an ex Marine. She lacked control but finally figured it out. Then surprised the school would have the students who were the appropriate age to continue attending school.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/16/25

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ryan b

Wow can't believe critics have it such a dismal score. Sure it isn't the greatest movie ever made but it is a really good movie, with strong cast and gets deep sometimes. Shows how not just the educational system, but all the public help systems fail society and yes sometimes one person can make a difference.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/12/25

Full Review

Stephen C

I can handle this movie and soundtrack in 1 hour and 39 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $84,900,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/02/25

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Mitch B

I loved the performance by Michelle Pfieiffer in this film. She gives it her all. While not perfect and while it has its' share of flaws, like having Louanne come across as too cool at times, I loved the private moments between Louanne and the students. Not a bad film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

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thiago s

Filme legalzinho, o roteiro é bacana, o filme mostra uma professora que tenta controlar uma turma maluca e ela conquista cada um, só que um deles o Victor tomou um tiro e morreu, o filme tem um drama um pouco forte, gostei da música do filme gangsta's paradise do coolio, com tudo isso, eu até que recomendo esse filme.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/07/25

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Serena F

One of the best movies ever!!! Michelle Pifer is one of my fav actresses of all time!! Makes me cry every time I watch it. Beautiful story line!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/11/24

Full Review

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John N. Smith

Director

Michelle Pfeiffer

Louanne Johnson

George Dzundza

Hal Griffith

Courtney B. Vance

Mr. George Grandey

Robin Bartlett

Ms. Carla Nichols

Bruklin Harris

Callie Roberts

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Synopsis

Former Marine Louanne Johnson (Michelle Pfeiffer) lands a gig teaching in a pilot program for bright but underachieving teens at a notorious inner-city high school. After having a terrible first day, she decides she must throw decorum to the wind. When Johnson returns to the classroom, she does so armed with a no-nonsense attitude informed by her military training and a fearless determination to better the lives of her students -- no matter what the cost.

Director: John N. Smith
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer, Don Simpson
Screenwriter: LouAnne Johnson, Ronald Bass
Distributor: Hollywood Pictures Home Video, Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Hollywood Pictures, Via Rosa Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 11, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $84.9M
Runtime: 1h 39m
Sound Mix: Surround

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