Dead Poets Society
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Judy Stone
    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]
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  2. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Rick Schultz
    100
    One of Australian director Peter Weir's most sensitive films.
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  3. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Pauline Kael
    100
    The picture draws out the obvious and turns itself into a classic. [26 June 1989]
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  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    90
    Sings whenever Williams is onscreen.
  5. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    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.
  6. The New Republic
    Reviewed by: Stanley Kauffmann
    90
    Nothing about this film sounds, as described, novel. Yet it grips, because it has been made with plentiful feeling and vigor. [June 26, 1989]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 98 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. Negative: 1 out of 45
  1. grandpajoe6191
    8
    Although "Dead Poets Society" copies the original book with no prominent changes, It still lives as a classic movie.
  2. ichiro
    9
    One of the best movies I watched. It helped me through a lot in my life. Williams was pretty good in that movie - his character made me rethink everything. I enjoyed the movie from the beginning until the end. And even though I'm a male, I cried at the ending.… Full Review »
  3. Rachel
    10
    It is probably the most influential movie I've seen in my life. I was truly inspired to change. Everyone should see it. CARPE DIEM!
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