Night School

Night School

Year: 2017

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Cohn

Echo Score: 63

Budget: $29M

Documentary

Greg, Melissa, and Shynika are determined to earn their high school diplomas in Indianapolis, where dropping out is a widespread problem. They join Night School, an unconventional program designed to help adults finish what they started. Faced with unique challenges and quirky instructors, they navigate the obstacles in their lives while striving to achieve this life-changing goal and build a brighter future for themselves.

Night School (2017) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the bustling streets of Indianapolis, where the high school dropout rate is an unspoken statistic, an unconventional program offers a second chance. Night School gathers adults who have stalled on the traditional path, providing a supportive environment to earn the diplomas they never finished. The film opens on the city’s restless energy, blending the everyday grind with a hopeful undercurrent that promises redemption through education.

Teddy Walker is a charismatic yet reluctant student who once ruled the halls as a popular bully before life steered him into a sales job and a relationship with his affluent girlfriend, Lisa. When an unexpected career setback forces him to confront his unfinished education, Teddy discovers that a GED is the key to a new opportunity—one that his best friend Marvin, an eager entrepreneur, insists could launch him back into success. The prospect also pits him against Stewart, the current principal of his old high school and a quiet reminder of his former misdeeds.

Enter Carrie, an unconventional instructor whose humor and unconventional teaching methods create a classroom that feels more like a community than a school. Among Teddy’s new peers are Theresa, a determined mother juggling parenting and coursework, and Mila, a free‑spirited hipster searching for her own direction. Their diverse backgrounds infuse the night‑time sessions with both comic relief and genuine moments of connection, setting a tone that balances laughter with heartfelt growth.

Against this lively backdrop, Teddy’s journey becomes a playful exploration of self‑discovery, friendship, and the courage to rewrite one’s story. The film promises a light‑hearted ride through the challenges of returning to the classroom as an adult, while hinting at the transformative power of second chances and the unexpected bonds forged under the glow of fluorescent night‑school lights.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 03:16

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about adult education and second chances like Night School

Uplifting stories of adults returning to school to transform their lives.If you liked the uplifting journey of Night School, you'll enjoy these movies about adults going back to school. They share a hopeful tone, steady pacing, and focus on personal growth, academic struggles, and the life-changing power of education.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically center on an adult protagonist who, after facing setbacks or regrets, enrolls in an educational program. The story follows their struggle with academic challenges, often linked to a personal revelation like a learning disability, balanced with comedic moments from their fish-out-of-water situation. The journey culminates in achievement and self-acceptance.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared focus on late-blooming redemption, a blend of heartfelt struggle and lighthearted humor, and an ultimately empowering message about it never being too late to learn and grow.

Uplifting and humorous documentaries similar to Night School

Documentaries that balance real-life struggles with comedy and hope.Fans of Night School will appreciate these documentaries that share its hopeful, humorous, and heartfelt approach. These films explore real people overcoming obstacles, blending genuine emotion with comedic moments for a motivational and positive viewing experience.

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Narrative Summary

These documentaries follow a straightforward, observational structure, tracking individuals or groups as they work towards a positive goal. The narrative weaves together moments of struggle and setback with humor derived from personalities and situations, building towards a satisfying and happy resolution that validates the subjects' efforts.

Why These Movies?

They share a unique tonal blend: they are grounded in real-life adversity but are crafted to be hopeful and funny, avoiding heaviness. The pacing is steady, focusing on character and incremental progress, making them accessible and feel-good.

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Night School Summary

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Night School Summary

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Night School Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Night School

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Night School

More About Night School

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