Lean On Me

1h 48m · 1989 · Directed by John G. Avildsen · 3.5 / 5 on Letterboxd

Lean On Me (1989) runs 1h 48m, directed by John G. Avildsen. It is one of 3,647 films in the 100 Minute Movies catalog — every one rated 3.0 or higher by Letterboxd members and short enough to finish in an evening.

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.

Genres: Drama

No US streaming listed when we last checked (9 July 2026). Availability changes often.