8.1
Where can I stream Dead Poets Society legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Dead Poets Society
1989·Movie
Dead Poets Society fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension5
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Coming of Age10
- Pathos9
- Catharsis9
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody4
- Situational Comedy3
World
Growing up, everyday modern life, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability9
- World Immersion8
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and characters
- Acting10
- Dialogue Quality9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition9
- Music Centrality8
- Cinematography7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Dead Poets Society is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, cathartic, and wholesome. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age10Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis9Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighGrowing up, everyday modern life, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around growing up, everyday modern life, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical6Period settings and real events.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout performances, dialogue, and characters
The performances, dialogue, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout score
Look and sound: the score stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
He was their inspiration. He made their lives extraordinary.
At an elite, old-fashioned boarding school in New England, a passionate English teacher inspires his students to rebel against convention and seize the potential of every day, courting the disdain of the stern headmaster.
Inspirational DramaPoetic RealismAnti-ConformistTeacher-Student BondTragic Coming-of-AgeCarpe Diem PhilosophyEmotional CatharsisClassic Film ScoreElite Academy SettingRobin Williams Legacy
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Dead Poets Society
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Dead Poets Society worth watching?
83
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 79). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Dead Poets Society rated?
PGSuicide themes
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: suicide themes.
How long is Dead Poets Society?
2 h 9 min
Dead Poets Society runs 2 h 9 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Dead Poets Society?
Critics82
Audiences86
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 86 out of 100, so both groups see Dead Poets Society much the same way.
Was Dead Poets Society a box office hit?
Budget$16 million
Box office$236 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $16 million to make and earned $236 million worldwide, 14.4 times its budget.
What language is Dead Poets Society in?
EnglishLatin
It was made in English, with some Latin. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Dead Poets Society?
128
+114
+114GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Dead Poets Society in 128 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Dead Poets Society use?
Measuring the MarigoldsChurch of Saint GenericusKeep AwayEverything's Louder with BagpipesNo Good Deed Goes UnpunishedHope BringerForeshadowingPunch-Clock Villain"Gender-Normative Parent" PlotTone ShiftHourglass PlotAll Girls Want Bad Boysand 59 more
TV Tropes lists 71 storytelling tropes for Dead Poets Society, including Measuring the Marigolds, Church of Saint Genericus, Keep Away.