There are strict teachers, cool teachers, teachers who seem to have stepped out of another planet (hello, Doc Brown!), and also those who make us want to go back to class if only to listen to them talk about literature, science or… the Force!
In honor of Teacher’s Day, today we won’t talk about the periodic table or how to divide fractions. Today we celebrate those characters who taught us from the screen, either with millenary wisdom or legendary scoldings.
Here is our top of the best teachers of film and television. Because yes, you can also learn in a robe, with a magic wand or while saving the world.
1. Mr. Miyagi – Karate Kid
Wax on, wax off!
Mr. Miyagi not only taught karate… he taught patience, balance and how to clean your car while learning to fight. His zen-like style and love of bonsai make him one of the coolest and wisest teachers in movie history.
Besides, who wouldn’t want a teacher to train you in martial arts and fix your bike?
Unforgettable lesson: “The best defense, don’t be there.”
2. Minerva McGonagall – Harry Potter
Elegant, powerful and with more character than a dragon with insomnia, Professor McGonagall is the kind of teacher you don’t need to have… but you should!
Firm but fair, always ready to defend her students and with a look that can freeze you faster than a Petrificus Totalus spell.
Unforgettable lesson: Being strict is not the same as being mean.
3. John Keating – The Dead Poets’ Society
Oh captain, my captain!
Robin Williams in professor-poet mode gave us one of the most inspiring characters in cinema. With his love for poetry and his educational rebelliousness, Mr. Keating taught us that life is short, that you have to think differently… and that it’s okay to stand on your desk (carefully).
Unforgettable lesson: Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Make your life extraordinary.
4. Walter White – Breaking Bad
Ok, ok… We’re not saying you should cook meth, but we can’t deny that Mr. White started out as a pretty dedicated chemistry teacher.
A bit boring at first, yes, but then he transforms into a legendary villain. educational? Maybe not. Iconic? Undoubtedly.
Unforgettable lesson: If you have a student named Jesse and are considering going “into business” with him… rethink your vocation.
5. Yoda – Star Wars
This master is small, green and talks like he does mental yoga… but he is one of the most important sages in the galaxy.
Yoda doesn’t just train Jedi, he trains minds, hearts and patience (poor Luke!). With his legendary phrases and mystical staff, he’s the kind of sensei we all wish we had in days of existential crisis.
Unforgettable lesson: “Do it or don’t do it, but don’t try.”
6. Dewey Finn – School of Rock
Technically he wasn’t a teacher… but what kind of teacher he was!
Jack Black sneaks into a school as a substitute, teaches his students how to play rock and inadvertently gives them a lesson in self-esteem, teamwork and how to kick ass with a good electric guitar.
Unforgettable lesson: We all have something to offer, even if the system says you don’t fit in.
7. Annalise Keating – How to Get Away with Murder
Imagine your criminal law teacher not only teaching you how to litigate… but how to survive crimes!
Annalise is tough, brilliant and a little (ok, a LITTLE) intense. But if you’re ever in trouble, you’ll want her on your side. Mind you, her classes are not for the faint of heart.
Unforgettable lesson: Knowledge is power… but it’s also protection.
8. Miss Honey – Matilda
We all dream of a Miss Honey. Sweet, empathetic and with a heart bigger than the Hogwarts library, this teacher believed in Matilda when no one else did.
She’s proof that sometimes you just need one person to say “yes you can” to change your world.
Unforgettable lesson: Tenderness and knowledge can coexist perfectly.
9. Mr. Garrison – South Park
Politically incorrect, chaotic and… well, very South Park.
Not the model teacher, but definitely unforgettable. If we put him in this list is because he represents the typical real-life teacher who leaves you with more questions than answers… but somehow, you learn something.
Unforgettable lesson: The education system also has its WTF moments.
10. Professor Jirafales – El Chavo del 8
Can we make a top without mentioning the classic Latin American professor par excellence? Of course not!
The eternal lover of Doña Florinda, with his deep voice and his iconic “Ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, tá!” marked generations. Beyond the scolding, Jirafales is a symbol of respect, romanticism and patience (lots of patience!).
Unforgettable lesson: Education also comes with a little love, flowers and cups of coffee.
Final Message
These teachers – fictional, yes, but more real than many flesh and blood ones – taught us that education doesn’t always come with a uniform or in a classroom. Some made us laugh, some made us cry, some left us thinking for days… and all, in some way, stayed with us.
Happy Teacher’s Day to those who teach with passion, with rebellion, with tenderness or with an electric guitar on their shoulder!
And if you have a favorite teacher from the screen that we didn’t mention, share it! The class is not over yet.