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Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind

The Landmark Trial That Forever Changed A Nation.

TV movie1999113 minPGMidcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films
Director
Daniel Petrie
Starring
Jack Lemmon, George C. Scott, Lane Smith, Tom Everett Scott

Two great lawyers argue the case for and against a science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Inherit the Wind?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Inherit the Wind streaming on MGM+ via The Roku Channel and Tubi (free).

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Inherit the Wind?

Inherit the Wind earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Inherit the Wind worth watching?

Inherit the Wind's Midcredits score is the 82nd percentile of all films, from 3.5K ratings across 4 sources. 75% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

82nd percentile

Better received than 82% of films

84th percentile among Drama84th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)76th
Approval (how many liked it)85th

69 /100

76th percentile of all films

79th percentile among Drama80th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.2 — solid but not unanimous.

75% liked it

85th percentile of all films

86th percentile among Drama86th percentile among 1990s
75% rated it 7–1025% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 5 noms overall

  • WonGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television

Reach

How many have seen it

71st percentile

3.5K ratings across platforms

74th percentile among Drama65th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 30% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Fans praised

  • George C. Scott's nuanced Matthew Harrison Brady — fanatical yet sympathetic
  • Jack Lemmon and Scott's courtroom sparring as fitting swan songs
  • Timely themes of science vs. religion remain relevant

Detractors panned

  • Lifeless, take-one pacing and direction under Daniel Petrie
  • Jack Lemmon's restrained Drummond lacks fire compared to Tracy
  • Secondary performances (especially teacher and girlfriend) feel flat

What stands out

Dialogue70

Quotable Lawrence and Lee script remains powerful

ActingDivisive68

Scott magnetic as Brady, Lemmon serviceable but muted; Bridges effective but divisive

Emotional impact65

Scott's breakdown scene touching but unevenly earned

Plot and story55

Faithful to play but lacks dramatic tension of 1960 version

Tension50

Courtroom confrontation lacks spark due to direction

PacingDivisive35

Sluggish and meandering, lacks urgency

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 13 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Inherit the Wind like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something to think about afterwards.

It leaves you thinking.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
TenseContemplative
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its courtroom drama straight and earnest, treating the ideological conflict with solemn respect while allowing dry humor to surface in Lemmon's performance.
The rideThe trial's steady tension builds through sharp dialogue, with the heaviest emotional weight arriving in the final scenes as Brady's collapse makes the cost of rigid belief palpable.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward chronological order, following the arrest, trial preparation, courtroom proceedings, and aftermath of the trial.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers in the mind as it forces reflection on the enduring conflict between science and religion, while the human cost of the trial leaves a bittersweet residue.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows defense attorney Henry Drummond as he battles a state law banning the teaching of evolution, representing an oppressive system of religious orthodoxy that suppresses free thought.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfTruthIdeas
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5% (this title): Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Ideas

Truth · 4% of filmsFreedom · 5% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film pits scientific truth against religious dogma, exploring the courage needed to defend intellectual freedom in the face of societal and legal pressure.
StanceThe film warns against the suppression of scientific inquiry by religious fundamentalism, arguing that such dogmatism endangers free thought and education.

The world

Early 20th centurySmall townInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Laurence Rosenthal
SettingA small Tennessee town during the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial

Content guide

Is Inherit the Wind okay for kids?

PG

Inherit the Wind is rated PG.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • Germany12

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does Inherit the Wind have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Inherit the Wind?

Cast

Jack Lemmon
as Henry Drummond
George C. Scott
as Matthew Harrison Brady
Lane Smith
as Reverend Jeremiah Brown
Tom Everett Scott
as Bertram Cates
Kathryn Morris
as Rachel Brown
John Cullum
as Judge Merle Coffey
Brad Greenquist
as Tom Davenport
David Wells
as Mayor Carter
Peter Mackenzie
as Jesse Dunlap
Dennis Cockrum
as Meeker

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Inherit the Wind?

Movies like Inherit the Wind include Inherit the Wind (1960), The Life of Emile Zola (1937) and A Passage to India (1984). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories of oppressive states, and most are films about truth.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its story type: courtroom drama. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Inherit the Wind?

413 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: politician. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.