
School of Rock
7.2
92%
82
7.1
A broke, rebellious guitarist impersonates a substitute teacher and turns a class of gifted children into a spirited rock band.
Ember's analysis
- MoodBright
- EnergyIntense
- PacingBrisk
- IntensityModerate
- ComplexitySimple
- ViolenceNone
More about the film
Overview
A slacker finds redemption through the power of music and the unexpected talents of his students.
What critics said
Critics broadly celebrated Jack Black's exuberant performance, sharp comic timing, musical energy, and unusually perceptive family-friendly message.
What sets it apart
- Dewey takes Ned's substitute teaching assignment and presents himself as a teacher at the private school.
- Dewey recognizes the children's musical talents and encourages them to perform, write, and take artistic roles.
- The self-centered guitarist gradually becomes invested in his students and their shared band project.
- The classroom rehearsals and Battle of the Bands performance foreground rock instrumentation, stage presence, and crowd excitement.
Films like School of Rock, and why
- School of Rockshared exuberant music comedy, outsider mentorship, and feel good ensemble energy
- The Substituteshared fish out of water comedy, unconventional teacher figure, and warm student ensemble
- The Full Montyshared performance-centered comedy, adult misfit protagonists, and joyful musical payoff
- The Holdoversshared rebellious self-expression, school setting, and uplifting ensemble spirit
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Linklater
- Release Date
- 2003-10-03
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (6458)
Common questions
- What is School of Rock about?
- A broke, rebellious guitarist impersonates a substitute teacher and turns a class of gifted children into a spirited rock band.
- What is School of Rock like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of School of Rock as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is School of Rock violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in School of Rock.
- What did critics think of School of Rock?
- Critics broadly celebrated Jack Black's exuberant performance, sharp comic timing, musical energy, and unusually perceptive family-friendly message.
- Which films are like School of Rock?
- Films with a similar feel include School of Rock, The Substitute, The Full Monty, and The Holdovers.
- How long is School of Rock?
- School of Rock runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch School of Rock?
- In United States, School of Rock streams on Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Philo, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Hoopla, YouTube TV, MGM Plus, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, YouTube Free, Starz Apple TV channel.
Cast
- Richard LinklaterDirector
- Jack BlackDewey Finn
- Joan CusackRosalie Mullins
- Mike WhiteNed Schneebly
- Sarah SilvermanPatty Di Marco
- Miranda CosgroveSummer Hathaway
- Joey Gaydos Jr.Zack
- Kevin Alexander ClarkFreddy Jones
- Rivkah ReyesKatie
- Robert TsaiLawrence
- Maryam HassanTomika





















