Three other Teacher-Student Movies you can stream after watching The Holdovers

I need to give a shoutout. Mrs Brantz was my favorite teacher of all time. She was my audio visual teacher, who always said yes to my funny brainstorming ideas, and always helped get my skits on the daily announcements show we put on every morning for my high school. She gave me confidence and esteem to finish the whacky videos me and my peers would film.

If I asked you to name your favorite teacher, I bet you could rattle off a few people that changed your life. Maybe even one or two teachers that weren't always the best, but at least helped you to change, grow, and expand your knowledge.  

After the success of The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne, many people were reminiscing back to their pupil days, recalling the teachers they loved,some they hated, and some teachers that they loved to hate. After finishing the film, I wanted to follow up with some other movies that included that special bond that only happens for a short time in life. 

Election (1999)

Another Alexander Payne flick, this film centers on Matthew Broderick playing a high school history teacher who also helps out on the student council. His nemesis, Reese Witherspoon, is a Hermoine Granger-like, high achieving, and incredibly super annoying teacher's pet. We all remember that one kid: the one that was always wanting to be the top of the class, no matter what or who they had to push out to accomplish it. Not thrilled with the idea of sharing lots of time with a Student Body President who grinds his gears, Broderick’s character decides to try and get the most popular jock to try and oppose her. Chaos ensues–of course–with comedy at the forefront. This film dives into the humor of teachers' ethical dilemmas when you really can't stand a certain student, and the fallout when you let your personal feelings get involved. This is a hidden gem, and is one of the first Reese Witherspoon films pre-Legally Blonde. We get to see her shine, along with Matthew Broderick's foil to her character. 

Check out Election on MAX. 

Miss Stevens (2016)

Now here’s another teacher-student movie, but this time we aren’t really sure if this teacher is capable. The film centers on Miss Stevens, played by the stunning Lily Rabe, and a fresh faced and very unknown, (at the time) Timothee Chalamet. Along with a supporting actress Lili Reinhart (Pre-Riverdale!!) This film takes place over the course of three days when a drama teacher takes her three students to a state drama competition. Through the film we see Miss Stevens struggle with the death of her mother and confidence in herself, while Chalamets character provides a good foil to her by playing a troubled teen trying to stay the course and graduate. This indie feature is a hidden treasure, and one that’ll have you take another look at the inner conflict of teachers and adult figures that seem to have it “all figured out”. Spoiler alert: do any of us? 

Watch Miss Steves for free on Tubi. 

Kindergarten Cop (1990)

This is the cutest Arnold Schwarzenegger film you’ll ever see. The Terminator becomes the Teacher in this film about an undercover cop substitutes a kindergarten classroom to find more intel about one of the kid’s fathers–who is related to a drug cartel. Through some fun incidents and a good ol’ montage of this tough cop becomes a softy at heart. It’s definitely a comedy that shows that not just anyone could become a teacher. One of Arnold’s finest. 

The Kindergarten Cop is streaming now on Netflix.