The School of Rock

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The School of Rock

PG-13

Released Oct 3, 2003

1h 48m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

199 Reviews

64%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Overly enthusiastic guitarist Dewey Finn (Jack Black) gets thrown out of his bar band and finds himself in desperate need of work. Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite private elementary school, he exposes his students to the hard rock gods he idolizes and emulates -- much to the consternation of the uptight principal (Joan Cusack). As he gets his privileged and precocious charges in touch with their inner rock 'n' roll animals, he imagines redemption at a local Battle of the Bands.

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Critics Consensus

Black's exuberant, gleeful performance turns School of Rock into a hilarious, rocking good time.

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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

Yet there are subversive details that elevate it beyond standard feelgood fare, notably Black’s insistence on treating his young charges like battle-hardened veterans...

Rated: 4/5

Sep 8, 2023

Full Review

Antonia Quirke

London Evening Standard

School of Rock just doesn't rock. It has no appetite for destruction. No raw power. It's like late Whitesnake. Tidied-up, over-produced. Jack Black is not, sad to say, Jack White.

Dec 20, 2017

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Standout Jack Black in nerd-becomes-cool comedy.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 28, 2010

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Jack Walters

Loud and Clear Reviews

"School of Rock is a hilarious comedy that places Jack Black right in his comfort zone with a charming narrative about the power of self-belief."

Rated: 4/5

Jan 18, 2025

Full Review

Fico Cangiano

CineXpress Podcast

Vibrant, charming and adorable, School of Rock delivers on all fronts thanks to Jack Black's peak performance, talented young cast and amazing music/soundtrack. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 3.5/5

Apr 9, 2024

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

It sounds like the sort of sanitized product that might have starred Eddie Murphy (Dokken Day Care?), yet what gives the movie any semblance of an edge is Jack Black.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 4, 2023

Full Review

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Nancy

Such a good throw back. Loved how they played it on the big screen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

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David

one of the best movies of all time. jack black is phenomenal.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

Full Review

James E

This is a charming movie that has aged very Will and can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/28/25

Full Review

Millie A.

Jack black is awesome no matter what

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/03/25

Full Review

Tyler S

I had a really good time with it. For a movie that involves music, I was excited for the sound track, and man.... it didn't disappoint. Jack Black was super funny in this role, and everything flowed really well. I wish I had a teacher like this!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/16/25

Full Review

Alexander S

School of Rock from Richard Linklater strikes the right chord with Jack Black's most suited role that perfectly orchestrates comedy, entertainment, casting, chemistry and plot, allowing Black's charisma to take center stage. Grading: A-

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

Full Review

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Richard Linklater

Director

Jack Black

Dewey Finn

Joan Cusack

Rosalie Mullins

Mike White

Ned Schneebly

Sarah Silverman

Patty

Jordan-Claire Green

Michelle

The School of Rock: Official Clip - Stick-it-to-the-man-eosis

1:40

The School of Rock: Official Clip - Telling Off Schneebly

1:25

The School of Rock: Official Clip - Dewey's Code of Conduct

1:07

The School of Rock: Official Clip - The Rock Band Project

1:23

The School of Rock: Official Clip - Wound Too Tight

1:18

The School of Rock: Official Clip - The Man

1:57

The School of Rock: Official Clip - Creating Musical Fusion

1:54

The School of Rock: Official Clip - New Schedule

1:24

The School of Rock: Official Clip - Hung Over

2:06

The School of Rock: Official Clip - Learning in Song

2:13

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School of Rock: Trailer 1

2:23

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Synopsis

Overly enthusiastic guitarist Dewey Finn (Jack Black) gets thrown out of his bar band and finds himself in desperate need of work. Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite private elementary school, he exposes his students to the hard rock gods he idolizes and emulates -- much to the consternation of the uptight principal (Joan Cusack). As he gets his privileged and precocious charges in touch with their inner rock 'n' roll animals, he imagines redemption at a local Battle of the Bands.

Director: Richard Linklater
Producer: Scott Rudin
Screenwriter: Mike White
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Some Rude Humor|Some Drug References)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 3, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $81.3M
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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