Lean On Me
1989, English. Directed by John G. Avildsen.
Eastside High was out of control...until Joe Clark took it back.
When principal Joe Clark takes over decaying Eastside High School, he's faced with students wearing gang colors and graffiti-covered walls. Determined to do anything he must to turn the school around, he expels suspected drug dealers, padlocks doors and demands effort and results from students, staff and parents. Autocratic to a fault, this real-life educator put it all on the line.
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.3/10 from 361 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch Lean On Me
Lean On Me isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online.
Rent
Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- John G. AvildsenDirector
- Morgan FreemanPrincipal Joe Clark
- Beverly ToddMs. Levias
- Robert GuillaumeDr. Frank Napier
- Ethan PhillipsMr. Rosenberg
- Lynne ThigpenLeonna Barrett
- Michael BeachMr. Darnell
- Tony ToddMr. William Wright
- Karen Malina WhiteKaneesha Carter
- Alan NorthMayor Don Bottman
- Robin BartlettMrs. Elliott
- Sandra Reaves-PhillipsMrs. Powers
- Sloane SheltonMrs. Hamilton
Details
- Released
- 3 March 1989
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Michael Schiffer
- Budget
- $10M
- Box office
- $32M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Lean On Me is based on
Lean On Me is based on a true story.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
If you liked Lean On Me
The Principal
1987 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Hate U Give
2018 · 8.1/10
Absolute CinemaRecommended by TMDB viewers
Brave the Dark
2025 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Class of 1984
1982 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Basketball Diaries
1995 · 7.4/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Freedom Writers
2007 · 7.9/10
Absolute CinemaRecommended by TMDB viewers
Foxfire
1996 · 6.0/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Beautiful Boy
2018 · 7.6/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Bad Education
2019 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
My Friend Dahmer
2017 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Lean On Me: quick answers
Is Lean On Me worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.3/10 from 361 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Lean On Me?
Lean On Me runs 108 minutes (1h 48m).
Does Lean On Me have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Lean On Me. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Lean On Me parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Lean On Me is rated PG-13 in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Lean On Me on?
Lean On Me isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Lean On Me?
If you liked Lean On Me, try The Principal, The Hate U Give, Brave the Dark.
Who directed Lean On Me?
Lean On Me (1989) was directed by John G. Avildsen and stars Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume.
What is Lean On Me based on?
Lean On Me is based on a true story.