critical thinking questions about films

Every movie in some way can act as a mirror to better understand our own self and a lens to help us better understand the culture in which we live. Here are some questions that we can ask for any movie.

Discussion Questions:

• What thoughts does this movie spur in you? What does it make you think about?
• What is your emotional response to this movie? What did this movie make you feel?
• What moments, character, or ideas resonated with you while watching this movie? What about them? Why did you connect with them?
• What themes are present in this movie?
• What is this movie saying about our world?
• Why would someone want to watch this film? 
• What is one good or winsome thing you could say about this movie to someone else?
• What does this movie have to say about the big story we are in?

Here's a link to a printable pdf for this discussion guide.

Share this Story

Related stories.

• Search Search Search …
• Search Search …

Best Movies for Critical Thinking: Top Picks to Challenge Your Mind

In today’s fast-paced world, movies have become an essential source of entertainment and learning, providing viewers with thought-provoking stories that challenge their intellect. One of the many subgenres of films that cater to this need is the category of movies for critical thinking. These films captivate audiences by presenting complex narratives that delve into unique philosophical concepts, moral dilemmas, and intricate character developments. A compelling critical thinking movie will often challenge perception and reality, encouraging viewers to reflect on the nature of humanity and the universe.

Such movies encompass a range of genres, from mind-bending dramas to thrilling science fiction. Critical thinking films often explore multi-layered philosophical themes and beliefs, offering distinct perspectives on the human condition and providing valuable insights into how we perceive the world around us. Ultimately, these movies aim to inspire audiences to think critically and question their pre-existing assumptions about life, society, and existence.

Key Takeaways

• Critical thinking movies span various genres, offering complex narratives that promote intellectual engagement.
• These films often explore philosophical themes and beliefs while challenging common perceptions of reality.
• Through captivating stories, critical thinking movies encourage viewers to reflect on their own understanding of humanity and the universe.

Understanding Critical Thinking

Definition and importance.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. It involves evaluating the validity of arguments, identifying biases, and considering different perspectives to make informed decisions. Critical thinking is essential in various areas of life, as it helps individuals to solve problems, make better choices, and foster deeper understanding.

The importance of critical thinking cannot be overstated. It enables critical thinkers to navigate complex situations, think creatively , and approach new challenges with confidence. It equips individuals to discern truth from falsehood, judge the credibility of sources, and differentiate between reliable and misleading information. By fostering critical thinking skills , people become more adept at reasoning, problem solving, and effective communication.

Relation with Movies

Movies can be a potent tool for promoting critical thinking. They offer diverse settings, complex characters, and intricate storylines that stimulate the mind and encourage viewers to engage with thought-provoking content. Many movies drive viewers to analyze the narrative, events, and character motivations, pushing them to exercise their critical thinking abilities.

Films like Inception and A Beautiful Mind challenge viewers to employ critical thinking by exploring complicated storylines and themes. These movies encourage audiences to deconstruct the elements of the plot, evaluate the motivations and actions of characters, and critically assess the impact of choices made within the story. By engaging with complex narratives, viewers develop a deeper understanding of the world portrayed in the film and enhance their own critical thinking skills as they explore various perspectives and theories.

Critical Thinking in Dramas

Forrest gump.

Forrest Gump is a captivating drama that takes viewers on an emotional journey through the life of its titular character, played by Tom Hanks. Set in America, the movie follows Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ, as he navigates various real-life historical events and situations. Through his innocent yet profound perspective, the film encourages viewers to critically examine themes such as acceptance, loyalty, and appreciation.

The character of Forrest Gump teaches us invaluable lessons about resilience, empathy, and determination, challenging the audience’s critical thinking abilities while presenting a heartfelt story. This thought-provoking movie serves as a right of passage for those seeking a deeper understanding of life’s complexities.

Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting is another remarkable drama that fosters critical thinking. The film revolves around a young, self-taught mathematics prodigy, Will Hunting, portrayed by Matt Damon, who faces the challenges of living in a tough, working-class environment in America. The movie delves into real-life issues of identity, relationships, and personal growth while presenting an enthralling story of brilliance, vulnerability, and human connection.

As the protagonist navigates through the intricacies of life and academia, the audience is encouraged to examine their own understanding of success, potential, and self-worth. Through Will’s journey to confront his past and pursue his extraordinary talent, Good Will Hunting provides an excellent opportunity for viewers to reflect and engage their critical thinking skills .

Exploring Philosophy and Beliefs through Movies

The Matrix is a groundbreaking science fiction film that invites audiences to question their beliefs about reality. The movie centers on the character of Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, who discovers that his entire world is actually a simulated reality called the Matrix. Throughout the film, themes of fate, free will, and the nature of reality are explored in a compelling narrative. As it portrays a world where nothing is what it seems, The Matrix challenges viewers to critically examine their own beliefs and assumptions about the world around them.

The Truman Show

Another film that delves into the world of illusions is The Truman Show . This unique story captures the life of Truman, an unwitting participant in a reality TV show that is, unbeknownst to him, centered around his every move. As Truman starts to unravel the truth about his artificial world, the film delves into philosophical questions about the nature of existence, the role of the media in shaping our perceptions, and the importance of personal freedom. With its thought-provoking concepts, The Truman Show encourages critical thinking in the exploration of reality and the human experience.

Cloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas is an ambitious film that takes viewers on a whirlwind journey through multiple time periods, exploring the interconnectedness of human lives across time and space. With its complex narrative structure and a wide range of characters, the film delves into themes of reincarnation, interconnectedness, and the impact of individual actions on the greater world. By weaving together seemingly disparate storylines, Cloud Atlas prompts viewers to contemplate the deeper connections that bind humanity together, inviting them to reflect on their own beliefs and philosophies about the nature of existence and the impact of individual choices on the world.

Movies that Challenge Perception and Reality

Inception is a groundbreaking film that delves into the world of dreams and the manipulation of the human mind. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this psychological thriller introduces us to the concept of dream-sharing and dives deep into the complexities of the subconscious. The film follows a group of skilled professionals, led by Dom Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), who specialize in extracting ideas from people’s minds through shared dreaming. Inception challenges our perception of reality in unique ways, pushing the boundaries of film storytelling and leaving viewers questioning the nature of their own dreams and realities.

Being John Malkovich

Being John Malkovich is a quirky, surreal, and thought-provoking film directed by Spike Jonze. The story centers on a puppeteer, Craig Schwartz (played by John Cusack), who discovers a mysterious portal in his office that allows people to enter the mind of actor John Malkovich. This bizarre premise raises intriguing philosophical questions about identity, ego, and the nature of reality. As the film unfolds, the lines between the real world, the fantasy world, and the life of John Malkovich blur together, challenging our preconceived notions of perception and self-awareness.

Shutter Island

Shutter Island is a suspenseful psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the novel by Dennis Lehane. The film revolves around two U.S. Marshals, Teddy Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (played by Mark Ruffalo), who are sent to investigate the disappearance of a prisoner from an isolated mental institution on Shutter Island. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover disturbing truths and confront the terrifying reality that their own sanity is at stake. The film is filled with twists and turns, constantly shifting the viewer’s perception of what is real and what isn’t, while exploring the complexity of human consciousness and the power of the mind.

These movies provide audiences with engaging and fascinating narratives that challenge our grasp on reality and perception. Through their thought-provoking storylines and inventive filmmaking techniques, Inception, Being John Malkovich, and Shutter Island inspire critical thinking and ignite our curiosity about the world around us.

Critical Thinking in Time and Space Movies

Predestination.

Predestination is a fascinating take on time travel, centered on the concept of a temporal agent who tries to prevent crimes before they happen. The movie keeps viewers on their toes, exploring themes of fate, free will, and identity. The protagonist’s journey through various time periods challenges the audience to think critically about the nature of time and the consequences of attempting to control it.

Interstellar

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Interstellar is a thought-provoking space odyssey that plays with complex theories of time, space, and the future of humanity. The plot follows a team of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity as Earth is on the verge of collapse. The movie stretches the boundaries of science fiction with ideas about black holes, time dilation, and artificial intelligence. The viewer is encouraged to think critically about humanity’s role in the cosmos and the potential consequences of tampering with the fabric of time and space.

2001: A Space Odyssey

Regarded as a masterpiece of science fiction, 2001: A Space Odyssey delves deep into themes of human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The movie’s enigmatic presentation of past, present, and future leaves viewers questioning the true nature of reality and human existence. The audience is introduced to HAL 9000, an artificial intelligence system that develops a malfunction with disastrous consequences. This storyline provokes questions about the ethical development and application of AI technology, pushing the viewer to think critically about the relationship between humans and advanced technology.

Movies Encouraging Reflection on Self and Humanity

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a thought-provoking film that delves into the concept of human memory and emotions. Starring Jim Carrey, this movie portrays the desire to erase painful memories in order to move on from a failed relationship. As the story unfolds, it offers a profound look into the soul, highlighting how memories define who we are and help us grow. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and evaluate the importance of embracing both joyful and sorrowful moments in life.

Life of Pi is a visually stunning and deeply contemplative film that centers around a young man named Pi, who finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger following a shipwreck. As he navigates the challenges of survival, the movie delves into themes of spirituality, faith, and the human will to live. The story provides an opportunity for viewers to examine their beliefs, question reality, and consider the role of storytelling in the perception of truth. Through Pi’s journey, Life of Pi offers insights into the complexities of human nature and encourages reflection on the evolution of our convictions and values.

Contagion is a gripping thriller that depicts the spread of a highly contagious and deadly virus. While the primary focus of the movie is on the epidemic and the race to find a cure, it offers a sobering exploration of human behavior in the face of a global crisis. The fear and panic exhibited by characters serve as a reminder of the fragility of society and the importance of cooperation and compassion in times of adversity. Examining the responses of individuals, government agencies, and the media, Contagion triggers discussions on ethics, social responsibility, and the resilience of the human spirit in the midst of chaos.

Critical Thinking in Thriller Movies

Primer is a mind-bending science fiction thriller that leaves viewers questioning the nature of time and the consequences of playing with it. The movie’s complex narrative structure and attention to scientific detail encourage critical thinking in the audience. Directed by Shane Carruth, Primer tells the story of two engineers who accidentally discover time travel and grapple with the ethical implications of their newfound power. The film challenges viewers to think critically about the role that technology plays in our lives, as well as the potential dangers and moral dilemmas associated with scientific advancement.

Memento is another example of a psychological thriller that inspires critical thinking. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film follows the story of Leonard, a man suffering from short-term memory loss, as he tries to unravel the truth about his wife’s murder. The movie is structured in such a way that it mimics Leonard’s disjointed memory, with scenes unfolding in reverse order. This unique storytelling technique engages viewers on a deeper level and promotes critical thinking by forcing them to piece together the narrative on their own. Memento also raises questions about the reliability of memory and the lengths people will go to create a sense of meaning in their lives.

V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta is a thought-provoking thriller that explores themes of political oppression, resistance, and personal freedom. Set in a dystopian future where Britain is ruled by a totalitarian regime, the film follows the mysterious anarchist ‘V’ and his quest to dismantle the fascist government. Directed by James McTeigue and featuring performances from Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman, this movie challenges viewers to critically assess the role of government, the importance of individual liberties, and the true meaning of freedom.

Throughout these thriller films, notable actors such as Hugh Jackman and Brad Pitt have portrayed characters experiencing paranoia and the consequences of difficult choices. Directors like Darren Aronofsky have also contributed to the genre, crafting narratives that leave audiences questioning their understanding of reality and the human psyche. These movies prompt viewers to engage in critical thinking as they navigate intricate plotlines, consider ethical dilemmas, and grapple with philosophical questions.

Appreciating Movies as Art and Stories

Cinema has long been revered as both an art form and a means of storytelling. It provides a unique platform that combines visuals, sound, and narrative to convey powerful messages and evoke emotions. Throughout time, different genres and styles have emerged to challenge audiences’ perspectives, offering thought-provoking experiences.

One exceptional example of artistic storytelling is the film The Lion King . This animated classic transcends its medium by delivering a rich, thought-provoking tale that delves into themes like family, leadership, and the circle of life. The film’s visually stunning animation and evocative score also demonstrate how the art of cinema can elevate a story to new heights.

In recent years, the exploration of artificial intelligence in movies has sparked critical thinking and raised ethical questions. For instance, Ex Machina is a visually captivating and intelligent science fiction film that delves into the complexities of human-like AI. The movie invites viewers to ponder the implications of creating and interacting with such technology, as well as the potential consequences that may arise.

When it comes to appreciating movies as art, the attention to detail in cinematography, sound design, and character development is vital. These elements work cohesively to create an immersive experience that allows the viewer to engage with the story. For instance, beautifully shot landscapes and meticulously curated sets often transport audiences to different worlds, while carefully crafted characters elicit empathy and spark debate.

Moreover, understanding the theme or underlying message of a film further enhances the appreciation of movies as both art and story. These themes can range from societal issues such as poverty or discrimination to existential topics like the value of memories or the nature of time. By paying attention to the intent and vision of the filmmakers, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork and its significance.

In conclusion, the art of cinema offers a unique platform for telling thought-provoking stories that challenge and inspire the audience. By appreciating the artistic elements and themes present in movies, viewers can engage in critical thinking and find meaning in the stories shared on the big screen. [url=” https://www.theodysseyonline.com/movies-for-critical-thinkers “]

Educational and inspirational movies play a significant role in fostering critical thinking skills among audiences. These films challenge the viewer’s perspectives and encourage them to analyze complex situations or ideas. By stimulating intellectual curiosity, these movies serve as a valuable addition to educational resources.

Inception, for example, is a well-known critical thinking movie that involves puzzling concepts and intricate storytelling. It pushes the viewers to delve deep into their thought process and keep up with the movie’s intricate plot. Another great example is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a romantic science-fiction film that utilizes a nonlinear storyline to promote critical thinking by constantly challenging the viewers’ beliefs.

Empowering movies such as Good Will Hunting and Forrest Gump also instigate critical thinking while evoking themes of acceptance, loyalty, and appreciation. These must-watch critical thinking movies demonstrate the power of human resilience in overcoming personal and societal obstacles.

Finally, the benefits of critical thinking are not restricted to fictional movies alone. Films like Queen of Katwe, based on true stories of perseverance, showcase the value of strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging chess games .

In summary, the captivating world of movies offers a vast array of films that foster critical thinking while providing audiences with thought-provoking and gratifying experiences. Whether they are fictional stories, biographical dramas, or even documentaries, these movies effectively serve as both educational and inspirational resources in today’s world.

You may also like

Critical thinking and Cyber security (How to protect your personal information online)

Whenever a job vacancy in cyber security is posted, you will always see one of the job requirements as ‘critical thinking’. Honestly, […]

Critical Thinking vs Positive Thinking (The Pros and Cons)

In a world where we are expected to be on top of things every second of the day, having the best coping […]

All about non-linear thinking

In the process of learning, comprehending, and gaining knowledge, thinking plays a very vital role. The approach we employ to resolve an […]

Critical Thinking and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has changed the way we think about the world; indeed, the very concept of a machine being able to think […]

Thought experiments: the films that turn us into philosophers

Lecturer in Philosophy and Ethics, University of Notre Dame Australia

Disclosure statement

Laura D'Olimpio is a member of the Cinematic Thinking Network ( http://cinematicthinkingnetwork.org/members/ ).

The University of Notre Dame Australia provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

View all partners

Showbusiness is about entertainment, right? Film-going should be fun. We want to laugh or squeal or sigh as emotion arises in us when the music swells and the camera zooms in for an extreme close up … but do we also want to think?

Marketers might wish the only thing viewers think about on leaving the cinema is where they can buy the product placement that was endorsed on the big screen. But many of us – contemporary philosophers included – have much higher hopes.

Some films do get us thinking, and there are a new breed of philosophers who are excited about the possibility that film can convey philosophical ideas. Michael Levine and Damian Cox claim The Matrix (1999) invites viewers to consider philosophical ideas such as “What is real?”

Neo (Keanu Reeves) has a choice between a red and a green pill. One allows him to continue living the life he has always known, which is an illusion, and the other wakes him up to the fact that a computer known as the matrix has been controlling all of his experiences up until this point. Which pill would you choose?

In telling Neo’s story, we see film can be the perfect medium to screen “ thought experiments ”, the traditional fictional examples used by philosophers to explore ideas.

In Ancient Greece, philosophers such as Plato (429-47 BCE) discussed the classical thought experiment known as the allegory of the cave in order to consider whether we could trust our knowledge of the world that is gained through our senses. The philosophical question “Is the world as it appears to be?” is convincingly explored in films such as The Matrix and Inception (2010).

Those films are screening philosophical ideas studied in epistemology that ask what we can know and whether we have reasonable grounds for trusting the world really is as it appears to us.

The classical thought experiment comes alive and is even more convincing when depicted on the big screen; and philosophers such Thomas Wartenberg claim “film is able to give philosophical concepts and ideas a human garb that allows their consequences to be perceived more clearly”.

For the philosophers who are celebrating films, there is much to celebrate. Films can introduce large audiences to philosophical ideas and make these concepts far more accessible and interesting than a technical article published in an academic journal. (Don’t get me wrong, there’s a place for those as well of course.)

Wartenberg gives the example of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), which plays out what could happen if people were able to erase their memories of failed relationships which caused them grief. Yet, unless the viewers are then thinking about or reflecting upon those ideas, are they really “doing” philosophy at all?

Claiming that films can be philosophical doesn’t mean that the majority of films are or that most audience members critically engage with the films they watch. Perhaps this is why not all philosophers have always been excited by the idea that films could encourage critical viewers to reflect on life, truth and morality.

Writing in the 1930s, theorists such as T. W. Adorno and Max Horkheimer feared the advent of the Hollywood Studio film as akin to Nazi propaganda. As Jewish academics working in America at the time of the Studio System , Adorno’s concern was that mass produced and distributed artworks portrayed social norms as immutable reality.

If the viewer’s imagination cannot enter and engage with messages depicted through the filmic medium, then viewers cannot critique the moral and social status quo as screened; instead, they simply receive it, and the depicted stereotypes are reinforced.

While Adorno may have overstated this concern, we have to admit Hollywood and Bollywood films still rely heavily on stereotypes. Consider the popularity of formulaic rom-coms or the endless car chase sequels.

Should we worry that viewers ingest these stories and the stereotypes therein passively without reflection? Those images convey values. Do they adversely affect how we relate to others and see men, women, cultures, or the trajectory of romantic relationships?

That’s not an easy question to answer and generally people worry more about – say – the effect of graphic depictions of violence. While there have been empirical studies on this, psychologists do not conclusively agree. Meanwhile, even theorists such as Adorno admit that films reflect society and will only change when society changes.

Therefore, it seems to me that critical thinking needs to be encouraged early on . By the time you’re selecting which films to see, you’re either likely to reflect critically on what you watch or not.

Films can certainly offer new and diverse perspectives, giving audiences the opportunity to imaginatively engage with stories and characters they may otherwise never encounter in real life. Tom Hanks starred in Philadelphia , widely credited with raising awareness about HIV and AIDS in the 1990s.

Yet, unfortunately, most popular films that are digested in large quantities promote stereotypes with dubious moral value, such as the classic rom-com with its pining heroine, commitment-phobic hero and the predictable final scene full of flowers, smiles and a white dress.

Even Katherine Heigl admits she starred in too many romantic comedies and they became rote and unchallenging.

Hollywood blockbuster films are screened ubiquitously and many simply do not encourage active, intelligent, imaginative participation with the stereotypes they depict. While this does not defeat claims that films can “do” philosophy, I believe it highlights the need to focus not just on the film itself, but also on the critical (or passive) viewer watching the film.

• Thought experiments

Commissioning Editor Nigeria

Subject Coordinator PCP2

Professor in Physiotherapy

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Editorial Internship

Using films to encourage reflection and critical thinking in your teaching

Noam Schimmel shares advice on how to leverage the pedagogical and emotive power of films to support your teaching

Noam Schimmel

Additional links.

• More on this topic

You may also like

Popular resources

.css-1txxx8u{overflow:hidden;max-height:81px;text-indent:0px;} Emotions and learning: what role do emotions play in how and why students learn?

Switching to a more equitable work allocation model, let students know they don’t know, webinar: present research to wider audiences for more impact, philosophy graduates need to know they are highly employable.

Film can be a powerful tool in teaching. By presenting multiple perspectives in engaging and emotive ways, films can enable students to gain a better understanding of, and empathise with, the life experiences of individuals and communities far removed from their day-to-day reality.

Taking my teaching on human rights as an example, film powerfully depicts the life experiences of survivors of extreme human rights violations as well as the extraordinary human capacity for resilience and renewal. My students are often inspired by the actions of human rights defenders, who model great conscience, courage, tenacity and perseverance. Films can have a memorable impact where other teaching mechanisms might struggle.

Here, I explain how this medium can be used in tandem with other teaching materials to explore challenging concepts: empathy, activism, individual perspective and political context.

Use film to build students’ empathy     

To foster engagement with potentially overwhelming subject matter, consider using segments rather than showing a full-length feature film.

Girl Rising is a pedagogically powerful film on the rights of girls; I divide it into “country chapters” and assign one each week. Students expand their knowledge and empathic connection with each viewing, enabling them to critically engage with human rights topics that impact the lives of girls globally.

Each 15-minute segment is a self-contained narrative of a girl from Ethiopia, Haiti, Peru, Cambodia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Nepal or India, illustrating human rights challenges such as child marriage, access to education and domestic violence, and responses to them.

After nine weeks, students have watched the full film and analysed and synthesised all the narratives. Students can explore the commonalities and differences in the personal stories and make connections between the individual experiences and the advancement of human rights.

Complement film with other media

Articles from media sources such as newspapers can be used to anchor core concepts presented in a film and to provide additional perspectives and context.

I accompany the film Taking Root: the Vision of Wangari Maathai , with articles by and about the human rights defender from sources such as the New York Times and the Guardian . The film illustrates the ways in which individuals and communities can mobilise to advance freedom and justice, and the articles help students see the broader picture.

Assignments for discussion and analysis

Asking students to write film reviews allows them to generate a personal commentary and perspective that is more descriptive and analytical. This synthesis helps deepen students’ understanding of the subject matter and films, as well as strengthening their skill in self-expression through writing.

Provide students with essay prompts on key themes. In my case, this could be practical policy responses to human rights violations or psychological and social sources of resilience among those surviving human rights violations. Essays of 3,000 to 4,000 words allow students to reflect on several films and the substantive issues they address.

Discussions in class and online enable students to bring the diversity of their life experiences into the learning environment. Students share and reflect upon experiences from work, volunteering, personal life, family and their own knowledge. These seminars are characterised by dynamic discussion that opens opportunities to delve further into the historical, cultural, social, economic and political aspects of human rights.

Provide information and brief three- to six-minute mini lectures that complement the opinions and perspectives offered by students. It also helps to signpost readings and other resources for students to explore beyond the course syllabus.

Film in the classroom and at home

Viewing a film together as a class in the classroom can be a powerful shared experience. That is how I screen most full-length feature films. But I also find students respond very well to watching some films at home, particularly shorter ones.

The chapter extracts from Girl Rising can be watched by students at home and serve as excellent springboards for seminar discussions. Shorter films available through New York Times Op-Docs and the Guardian Video section, for example, as well as short clips from NGOs can serve as an opening to class and offer an entry point to reflect on articles and books addressing related subjects and themes. An example might be There You Go by Survival International which, in just over two minutes, offers an ethical critique of development and its impact on indigenous and tribal peoples from a human rights perspective.

Emotionally distressing films and subjects

Films about human rights can be extremely distressing, ethically and emotionally. They often illustrate with graphic honesty and intensity, violence and severe human rights violations. For some students the films are shocking visually and in the topics they address. For others, the topic may be familiar but not the cinematographic depiction of it.

When selecting films, it is necessary to be mindful not to overwhelm students but also not to hide hard truths from them, which in the case of human rights can be a difficult balance. Make students aware of challenging thematic content and visual images of films. Where appropriate or relevant, share your own reactions to the films, and the ways in which they challenged you. This makes students aware that everyone can experience distressing emotions when viewing such films.

It is an effective way to acknowledge that many subjects have personal resonance, whether we are teachers or students. I emphasise the importance of being sensitive to the way films can touch upon intimate personal histories and contemporary experiences of difficult topics such as discrimination, exclusion, persecution and violence. Invite students to take breaks as needed, to speak to you after class, and email any questions, concerns or thoughts about the films and the issues they raise.

Try to present films that depict goodness, positivity or achievement as well as troubling or disturbing themes. I include films that illustrate examples of resilience, human rights activism and achievements that inspire hope grounded in past and ongoing successes. Students say that the inclusion of these films with their message of human rights possibility and realisation helps keep them emotionally anchored when it is easy to become unmoored by much of what we view.

Mix genres to build social, historical and political context

Drama and documentary can be viewed in tandem to access a range of perspectives and histories focused on a particular issue or event. In teaching about the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi, I often screen three full-length films (see Additional Links):

Beyond the Gates tells the story of one Tutsi girl and her community at a school in Kigali before and during the genocide. It makes the enormity of the genocide clear while providing a focused and relatable reflection specific to one community. Based on historical fact, it avoids the Hollywood misrepresentations of the film Hotel Rwanda .

Frontline: Ghosts of Rwanda is a PBS documentary featuring interviews and personal reflections, which provides students with extensive political, historical, legal and ethical commentary on the genocide and the complicity of so many world governments in it.

Finally, The Uncondemned illustrates the role of international criminal and human rights laws in advancing justice in Rwanda and prosecuting the crimes of genocide, sexual violence and rape by profiling lawyers, social activists and genocide survivors. This powerful film is a testimony to the power of survivors to seek and achieve a measure of justice and accountability.

My purpose as a teacher is not to provide a particular theoretical template for human rights and ultimate answers to students’ questions. It is to teach a plurality of perspectives in discussion and empower students to form their own opinions from the knowledge they acquire in class and beyond.

The films and other sources they are exposed to help provide them with a foundation for further study and reflection and may enable them to integrate human rights concerns into their lives as students, individuals and citizens. This same approach could be used across dozens of disciplines to encourage further analysis and engagement with the topics being studied.

Noam Schimmel is a lecturer in international and area studies at the University of California, Berkeley. 

If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week,  sign up for the Campus newsletter .

Many films are available through local libraries, academic libraries and streaming services. The ones available free online are marked with an asterisk.

Girl Rising *

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai

Frontline: Ghosts of Rwanda * (PBS)

Beyond the Gates – also marketed as Shooting Dogs

The Uncondemned

There You Go *

Emotions and learning: what role do emotions play in how and why students learn?

Artificial intelligence and academic integrity: striking a balance, time management tips for higher education teachers, a diy guide to starting your own journal, decolonising the curriculum – how do i get started, why i ban ai use for writing assignments.

Register for free

and unlock a host of features on the THE site