SummaryRobin Williams stars as John Keating, an unconventional teacher at a conservative New England prep school who inspires his students and encourages them with the rallying call "carpe diem" (seize the day).
Directed By:Peter Weir
Written By:Tom Schulman
Dead Poets Society
Metascore
Generally Favorable
79
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.3
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
80% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
20% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
The picture draws out the obvious and turns itself into a classic. [26 June 1989]
100
Hurrah! Poetry and passion, comedy and tragedy are fused into one absolutely marvelous affirmation of independent spirit in Dead Poets Society. [2 June 1989, Daily Notebook, p.E1]
User score
Universal Acclaim
91% Positive
338 Ratings
338 Ratings
7% Mixed
27 Ratings
27 Ratings
1% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
Sep 23, 2025
10
While not necessarily original in it's themes, the stellar performances by the entire cast make this film unique and powerful. Brings me to tears every time I see it. It has been and shall remain one of my favorite pieces of cinema.
Jul 13, 2025
10
DPS was the movie that introduced poetry to me. Nowadays I’m a huge lover of poetry. The movie also made me realize a lot of things about life and it changed how I think about my environment and life. It has been a very influential movie for me and it also has great acting, awesome script and a great plot. Everything in the movie is perfect. DPS is a must-see movie for anyone so when you have a moment of free time seize the chance and watch it!
90
Sure, the heroes and villains are arranged in a convenient moral gallery. But the performances, Weir's adroit direction and John Seale's superb cinematography take care of that banality.
80
It's a literate though strained uplifter.
75
A refreshing if obvious drama. [9 June 1989, Friday, p.A]
50
Beneath the polished surface, Dead Poets Society is moribund at the core - too pat, too safe and too hypocritical, as conformist as the conformity it so easily decries.
50
Not the worst of the countless recent movies about good kids and hidebound, authoritatian older people. It may, however, be the most shameless in its attempt to pander to an adolescent audience.
Jul 21, 2024
6
Dead Poets Society is sad, predictable, and doesn't tap into its true potential. Full review on my letterboxd @ldrben
Sep 18, 2021
6
We watched this in school. Weird pick for a bunch of 13 - 15 year olds :D. Not my favourite movie, fine for what it was in the 80's or whenever it was made. Not for me since i **** despise poetry...
Nov 26, 2022
3
i liked the message they gave throught the movie.
Not really my type of movie to watch.
I didn't like the ending to be honest.
Jan 11, 2017
0
J'ai du mal à m'en rappeler, car à chaque fois je pionce pendant tout le film comme un dimanche après-midi devant Drucker. Au moins ce bon vieux Michel a-t-il le mérite de me réveiller de temps à autre dès qu'il pose l'inévitable question à ses invités endormis : "vous aimez les chiens ?' Alors je lui réponds que j'adore les chiens. A la broche. Le cercle des poètes disparus (heureusement qu'ils sont disparus, morts d'ennui sans doute !) me fait le même effet et déclenche une haine encore plus forte de tout ce qui touche à la poésie et autre pseudo-littérature intello-pleurnicharde. Un prof comme ce Robin Williams, ça donne des envies de meurtre. Au fusil de chasse. Dans la tête. C'est la "philosophie de la vie" à la petite semaine, sirupeuse à souhait, tellement bon enfant gnangnan que je cours me réfugier chez Casimir pour qu'il me fasse un bon gloubiboulga. Casimir ne pérore pas, ne pontifie pas non plus comme cette troupe d'étudiants complètement schlass en admiration malsaine devant ce prof bêtifié qui raconte n'importe quoi pour remplir du vide.
Production Company:
- Touchstone Pictures
- Silver Screen Partners IV
- A Steven Haft Production
- Witt/Thomas Productions
Release Date:Jun 16, 1989
Duration:2 h 8 m
Rating:PG
Tagline:He was their inspiration. He made their lives extraordinary.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Win & 4 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 4 Nominations
BAFTA Awards
• 2 Wins & 6 Nominations
