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Dead Poets Society

Play trailer 2:35 Poster for Dead Poets Society PG 1989 2h 8m Drama Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
85% Tomatometer 66 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
A new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), is introduced to an all-boys preparatory school that is known for its ancient traditions and high standards. He uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students, who face enormous pressures from their parents and the school. With Keating's help, students Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) and others learn to break out of their shells, pursue their dreams and seize the day.
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Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society

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Critics Consensus

Affecting performances from the young cast and a genuinely inspirational turn from Robin Williams grant Peter Weir's prep school drama top honors.

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Critics Reviews

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Kurt Jacobsen Chicago Reader 05/11/2022
1/4
We never are privy to Keatings’s personal life, nor do we quite grasp why such a talented individual is devoted to pedagogy. Go to Full Review
Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune 08/23/2017
3/4
A refreshing if obvious drama. Go to Full Review
Hank Gallo New York Daily News 06/01/2016
3.5/4
On the surface Robin Williams appears to be giving his standard performance as Prof. Keating - witty, sincere and lovable. But there's much more here. Go to Full Review
Grant Watson Fiction Machine Oct 28
9/10
One of Weir’s great gifts as a filmmaker is how he draws performances out of actors. Go to Full Review
Rudrangsh Gupta The Hindu Sep 8
By the end, the film not only makes you cherish friendships, but allows you to realise a deep gratitude for teachers, who in spite of all of their strictness, have the highest hopes for every single student who may cross their path. Go to Full Review
Mike Massie Gone With The Twins 09/16/2024
8/10
Though it’s marginally overlong, the script is absorbing. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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ryan J @ryanjazz 20h greates movie evea. watch nouw. See more Chris B @Papa13070 1d Dead Poets Society is not just a movie - it's an experience, a philosophy, and a powerful reminder of the beauty and urgency of life. Robin Williams delivers a career-defining performance as John Keating, an unorthodox English teacher who inspires his students to think for themselves, challenge authority, and seize the day - carpe diem. The film is beautifully shot. Each student in the ensemble cast, especially Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke, brings a raw, honest portrayal of youthful struggle, dreams, and self-discovery. The emotional weight of the film hits with full force in the final act, and the iconic "O Captain! My Captain!" scene is one of the most powerful moments in cinematic history. This film is more than just a coming-of-age story - it's a celebration of the human spirit, art, and the courage it takes to live authentically. Whether you're a student, a teacher, or simply someone who loves stories with heart and meaning, Dead Poets Society is a must-watch. See more James B. @JamesBass Apr 27 I’d forgotten just how powerful this film is. It’s a beautifully written, brilliantly acted coming-of-age story that captures the profound impact a single person can have on the trajectory of our lives. Robin Williams’s immense talent—coupled with the tragedy of his passing—adds an even deeper, more heartbreaking layer of poignancy to his performance. See more Ary T @RT22045433 Apr 20 this is the greatest movie I've ever seen, i suggest you take no spoilers and just get into it, that's the best way to enjoy this movie See more Christian K @ckacar Apr 14 Having had basically every beat and theme of this movie spoiled through movie osmosis kind of dampened the effect of it a little. But the central performances and story are so good and well crafted. See more faye S @lovelyflowers Apr 8 N - This is the best movie I have legit ever seen. The characters? 10/10. The plot? 10/10. Mr Nolan? 1/10. I loved how deep each character was and how important every aspect was. Absolutely phenomenal. The only thing I'd like better is if they gave a bit more focus on the "side" characters such as Pitts, Meeks, or Cameron. Other than that, amazing! F - (Spolier!!) A wonderful movie with such intense emotional scenes. I especially appreciated how, after Niel dies, the movie doesn't end and you have to sit with it. The poetry was amazing and so impactful. :3 See more Read all reviews
Dead Poets Society

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Movie Info

Synopsis A new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), is introduced to an all-boys preparatory school that is known for its ancient traditions and high standards. He uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students, who face enormous pressures from their parents and the school. With Keating's help, students Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) and others learn to break out of their shells, pursue their dreams and seize the day.
Director
Peter Weir
Producer
Steven Haft, Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas
Screenwriter
Tom Schulman
Distributor
Touchstone Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures, Touchstone Home Video
Production Co
Touchstone Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 2, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$94.5M
Runtime
2h 8m
Sound Mix
Surround, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Dolby
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)