Best Speech & Debate Films

Speech and debate are powerful tools for persuasion, storytelling, and intellectual challenge. Plenty of films capture the intensity, wit, and drama of competitive speaking. A lot of these can serve as inspiration or motivation for your speech & debate endeavors. In honor of the recent premiere of Speak, here are some of the best speech and debate movies to watch:

Why Watch: Okay, obviously, this has to be here. A moving film following five orators as they compete in the NSDA. The documentary covers the trials and triumphs of these competitors throughout a 9-month season. We watch them, their coaches, and their parents fight to keep a school speech program alive amid budget cuts and censorship efforts that reach a fevered pitch during the 2024 election year. The film begins at the 2023 NSDA Championships and follows the orators into the 2024 Nationals.

• Duration: 95 minutes

• Director: Jennifer Tiexiera, Guy Mossman

• Main Cast: Noor Garoui, Noah Detiveaux, Sam Schafer, Mfaz Ali, Esther Oyetunji

Why Watch: This inspiring drama, starring Denzel Washington, is based on the true story of the Wiley College debate team, which broke racial barriers in the 1930s. It’s executed masterfully and is easily one of the staple accomplishments of the speech and debate world. It demonstrates the power of words in the face of oppression and is a must-watch for anyone interested in debate and social justice.

• Duration: 126 minutes

• Director: Denzel Washington

• Main Cast: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker

Why Watch: This indie comedy-drama follows a high school student with a stutter who joins the debate team. It’s a heartfelt, quirky take on overcoming personal obstacles and finding confidence in speaking. Not only does it show us the very real and untold stories of those with disadvantages in competitive oratory but the film itself feels just as real and relatable. Definitely recommended.

• Duration: 101 minutes

• Director: Jeffrey Blitz

• Main Cast: Reece Thompson, Anna Kendrick, Nicholas D’Agosto

Why Watch: We know it’s not strictly speech and debate but this Academy Award-winning film tells the story of King George VI overcoming a speech impediment to lead Britain through World War II. It’s an excellent watch for those who want to see the emotional and technical aspects of public speaking.

• Duration: 118 minutes

• Director: Tom Hooper

• Main Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter

Why Watch: Based on the hit play by Stephen Karam, this film follows three high school students who start a speech and debate team to fight against their school's hypocrisy. It’s one of the first films you’ll find when searching for speech & debate movies and is good watch to pass the time

• Duration: 105 minutes

• Director: Dan Harris

• Main Cast: Sarah Steele, Austin McKenzie, Liam James

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or just something to pass the time. These are the best of the best, so grab some popcorn, take notes, and enjoy some of the best speech and debate movies out there!

Happy Watching,

The Forensic Funnel Team