The lives of two different families collide when their children begin a relationship that leads to a tragic accident.

Maverick teacher John Keating uses poetry to embolden his boarding school students to new heights of self-expression.

Painfully shy Todd Anderson has been sent to the school where his popular older brother was valedictorian. His room-mate, Neil, although exceedingly bright and popular, is very much under the thumb of his overbearing father. The two, along with their other friends, meet Professor Keating, their new English teacher, who tells them of the Dead Poets Society, and encourages them to go against the status quo. Each, in their own way, does this, and are changed for life.

English teacher John Keating inspires his students to look at poetry with a different perspective of authentic knowledge and feelings.