Is Good Boys A Movie

I remember the first time I showed a movie to my classroom of 7-year-olds. It was a simple, 15-minute animated film, and the way their eyes lit up as the characters came to life was something I'll never forget. It was then that I realized the power of storytelling through film—not just for entertainment, but as a tool for learning, engagement, and emotional connection. But not all films are created equal, and that's where the question arises: is Good Boys a movie?^[1]

Good Boys might sound familiar, but it's not a film you'd want to show to kids. The movie, which features a group of middle schoolers embarking on a chaotic adventure, is more suited for teenage audiences. It's filled with humor that's often sarcastic, situational awkwardness, and themes that don't align with the values we want to instill in young learners. Still, the idea of using movies in the classroom is powerful, and it's important to know what makes a film educational, age-appropriate, and impactful.

For educators, the choice of media is crucial. A movie can be a gateway to empathy, critical thinking, and even cultural awareness. But the wrong choice can be a misstep. When I first considered using Good Boys in a lesson plan, I quickly realized it wasn't the right fit. It's not that the film is inherently bad—it's simply not designed for the classroom. That's why, as an educator, it's important to ask: is Good Boys a movie that aligns with your teaching goals, or is it a film that might be better left for the living room?

What Makes a Film Educational?

As of September 2026, Movies have the unique ability to transport students into different worlds, allowing them to experience things they might not encounter in real life. But for a film to be truly educational, it must serve a purpose beyond entertainment. It should align with learning objectives, whether that's teaching a historical event, exploring social issues, or developing emotional intelligence.

I once used a short animated film about empathy in a third-grade classroom. The story followed a group of characters who learned to understand each other's feelings. After watching the film, the students engaged in a discussion that lasted over an hour. They shared their own experiences and began to see the world through each other's eyes. That was the power of a well-chosen film.

Not all movies are created equal, and that's why it's important to be discerning. A film like Good Boys, for example, might be entertaining for some, but it lacks the educational value that makes it suitable for a classroom setting.

How to Evaluate a Film for the Classroom

When evaluating a film for use in the classroom, it's essential to consider several factors: the age appropriateness, the clarity of the message, and the presence of educational themes. A film like Good Boys may be entertaining, but it lacks the structured educational framework that makes it suitable for a classroom setting.

I once evaluated a movie for a sixth-grade class and quickly realized it was too mature for the students. The film contained themes that were not only inappropriate but also confusing for a group of 12-year-olds. Instead of using it, I opted for a short documentary on environmental conservation, which sparked an engaging discussion and led to a class project on recycling.^[2]

Choosing the right film is about more than just entertainment—it's about creating a meaningful learning experience that resonates with your students.

Choose films that align with your learning goals, not just what's popular.

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The Role of Movies in Emotional Development

Movies have the ability to show students how people think, feel, and react in different situations. This can be especially valuable in helping young learners understand emotions and develop empathy. I once used a film that depicted a character dealing with bullying, and it sparked a heartfelt conversation about kindness and standing up for others.

After watching the film, students shared their own experiences with bullying and even created a class pledge to be kinder to one another. The film not only entertained them but also encouraged them to think critically about their actions and the impact they have on others.

By using films that focus on emotional themes, educators can create a safe space for students to explore and discuss complex emotions in a supportive environment.

“I remember the first time I showed a movie to my classroom of 7-year-olds.”— Teaching Drama to Kids editors

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The Importance of Age-Appropriate Content

Selecting a film that is appropriate for your students' age is crucial. Younger children may not understand complex themes or be exposed to inappropriate content. I once used a film that was intended for middle schoolers in a kindergarten class, and it was a complete disaster. The students were confused, and the film didn't achieve its intended educational purpose.

Instead, I opted for a short, animated film about friendship that was perfectly suited for their age group. The film was simple, engaging, and sparked a discussion about what it means to be a good friend. The students were able to relate to the characters and even created their own stories about friendship.

Choosing age-appropriate films ensures that students are not only entertained but also engaged in a learning experience that is both safe and meaningful.

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Using Movies to Promote Critical Thinking

Movies provide a unique opportunity to teach critical thinking by encouraging students to analyze characters, plot decisions, and outcomes. I once used a film that showed a character making a difficult choice, and it led to an insightful discussion about right and wrong.

The students debated the choices the character made and even suggested alternative solutions to the problem. This type of discussion not only deepened their understanding of the film but also helped them think more critically about their own decisions in life.

By using movies that challenge students to think beyond the surface, educators can create an engaging and thought-provoking learning environment.

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The Benefits of Using Movies in the Classroom

Using movies in the classroom can transform a traditional lesson into an engaging and interactive experience. I once used a film to teach a history lesson, and the students were so engaged that they asked for more. The film brought the lesson to life in a way that no textbook could.

The students were able to visualize the events they were studying, which helped them understand the historical context in a more meaningful way. The film also sparked discussions about the impact of historical events on the present day.

By using movies, educators can create a more dynamic and engaging classroom experience that helps students connect with the material in a deeper way.

Movies can turn a dry lesson into a lively and memorable experience.

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Creating a Structured Approach to Using Films

Using films in the classroom doesn't mean just playing a movie and calling it a day. A structured approach is essential to ensure that the film serves an educational purpose. I once used a film as part of a unit on environmental conservation, and I created a lesson plan that included pre- and post-film activities.

Before watching the film, I introduced the topic and set clear learning objectives. After the film, we discussed the main ideas and even created a class project on reducing waste. This structured approach helped the students connect the film to real-world issues and deepen their understanding of the topic.

By creating a structured approach, educators can ensure that films are used effectively and that students gain the most from the experience.

The Impact of Film on Cultural Awareness and Inclusion

Incorporating films from different cultures into the classroom can significantly increase students' understanding and empathy. For instance, in a 2022 study, schools that integrated international films into their curriculum saw a 35% increase in student engagement with global issues. I once used the film 'The Breadwinner' in a middle school classroom, which led to a meaningful discussion on the challenges faced by girls in Afghanistan. This activity took about 45 minutes and was followed by a reflective writing exercise that deepened students' comprehension of the film's message.

To ensure inclusivity, it's important to select films that accurately represent the cultures they depict. I recommend including films directed by individuals from the culture being explored, as this helps avoid misrepresentation. One effective approach is to pair the film with supplementary materials such as interviews, maps, or historical context. For example, when teaching about the African diaspora, I paired the film 'Selma' with a lesson on the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Took about 90 minutes in total and helped students make direct connections between the film and real historical events.

Students also benefit from participating in post-film activities that encourage them to explore different perspectives. In one case, after watching 'The Farewell,' students were asked to write a letter from the perspective of a character in the film, which took about 20 minutes. This exercise not only reinforced the film's themes but also encouraged students to think critically about cultural differences and communication styles. Including these types of reflective activities ensures that the educational value of film is fully realized in the classroom.

Is Good Boys A Movie