Ernest Goes to School.

Name: Ernest Goes to School
Genre: Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi
Released: 1994-06-10
Duration: 89 min
Cast: Jim Varney, Linda Kash, Bill Byrge, Jason Michas, Sarah Chalke

Back to class, the Ernest way.

School maintenance worker Ernest must finish his education to keep his job. An extraordinary invention seems to offer a shortcut, but getting through classes and helping students turns out to require more than sudden intelligence.

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Why it’s a little special

A broad back-to-school comedy about confidence and learning, with a familiar hero making spectacular mistakes in the process.

BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY

Know the story.
Know your little people.

Parental guidance suggested

US film rating

Bullying, pranks, mild rude humor, and exaggerated experiments. The story treats intelligence-changing science as fantasy rather than something to imitate.

Our notes are a starting point, not an age recommendation. G and PG films can still include intense moments. You know your family best.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The little details.

Directed by: Coke Sams
Starring: Jim Varney, Linda Kash, Bill Byrge, Jason Michas, Sarah Chalke, Gabe Khouth, Corrine Koslo, Russell Porter, Will Sasso
Release date: June 10, 1994
Runtime: 89 minutes
Genre: Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi
Studio: FilmRise
Language: English

LIGHTS DOWN. SNACKS READY.

Where to watch.

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United States · Checked Oct 18, 2026 via JustWatch. Availability and plans can change. Channels may require an extra subscription; ad-supported plans may have restrictions.