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College is frequently viewed as a crucial time in one's life. A time for exploring oneself and gaining autonomy, and ideally, a phase for determining your lifelong aspirations. Usually, movies set in college offer a peek into wild parties and intricate social dynamics. In more extreme situations, they demonstrate personal development and adulthood, as seen in the iconic film Good Will Hunting. I have put together a list of six essential films that perfectly capture the drama of college life, whether you want to laugh or see a realistic depiction of transitioning to adulthood.
6. Legally Blonde
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
For those in the legal field, this ultimate comedy tracks Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) and her unexpected acceptance to Harvard. Stereotyped as a common unintelligent blonde, Woods is dumped by her boyfriend Warner because he desires a partner who is "more mature." Trying to regain his affection, she enrolls in the prestigious law school but soon discovers that he will never respect her regardless of her actions.
This inspires Woods to excel as a skilled and esteemed attorney, securing the top internship among the most prominent students in her class. Witherspoon excels in her role as the aspiring lawyer, fully capturing her character's intelligence, charisma, and resolve. The movie puts a fresh spin on the university application procedure, and one scene that I particularly like is when the admission officers view Wood's quirky application video. Witherspoon and the rest of the ensemble present a touching and classic movie that explores the importance of shattering stereotypes and the power of unwavering determination.
5. The Social Network
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: Netflix
This film by David Fincher follows the captivating journey of Mark Zuckerberg as he builds Facebook. When he was a second-year student at Harvard, Zuckerberg developed a site named Facemash, which enables male students to evaluate the looks of their female peers. This ultimately results in Zukerberg establishing the current worldwide social media platform, yet he faces several adversaries on the journey. The latter part of the movie focuses heavily on business and the legality of Zuckerberg's actions, while the scenes shot on Harvard's campus capture an authentic college ambiance.
The scenes in Zuckerberg's dorm perfectly capture the ambiance that any college movie requires. The film effectively portrays how building connections in college is crucial, as Zuckerberg leveraged a wide network of relationships to create his media empire. There is no need to commend the performance, script, music, or camera work because The Social Network is considered one of the great College movies of the past two decades, receiving eight Oscar nods in 2011. Undoubtedly based on true events, the movie provides an exciting two hours of tension, featuring outstanding performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield.
4. Pitch Perfect
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Where to watch: JioCinema
Surprisingly, I never expected collegiate A Cappella to be such a rich source of humor, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Anna Kendrick plays Becca, who appears to have been compelled by her father to enroll at the make-believe Barden University, and lacks motivation to attend lectures or participate in any campus organizations. Fond of music, she hesitantly tries out for The Barden Bellas, the all-girls vocal ensemble. Becca clashes with Aubrey and Chloe, but the team unites for a brilliant final show at the national competition.
This one of the comedic and College movies includes a funny screenplay and memorable songs, featuring Kendrick's well-known performance of the classic song When I’m Gone. Fat Amy, portrayed by Rebel Wilson, excels in physical comedy and dominates nearly every moment she appears in. The film highlights the significance of student organizations and campus events, showing how the tight-knit group of young women who form the Bellas is what every freshman hopes for in terms of building lasting friendships.
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3. Good Will Hunting
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The quest for self-discovery underscores the significance of a student's bond with a teacher or guide, as Maguire assists him in uncovering his genuine aspirations and goals. The film also explores the complexities of dating in college, as Hunting navigates the challenges of maintaining a relationship while focusing on his career. This one of the College movies, co-directed by Damon and co-starring Ben Affleck, showcases some of the best dialogue and acting ever seen in cinema, with any scene involving Damon and Williams being absolutely flawless.
2. Rudy
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Where to watch: Netflix
Sean Astin gives an impressive portrayal as the main character, with Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn standing out in their first film roles. This successful narrative addresses the complex realm of university athletics and enrollment criteria but demonstrates that dedication can result in accomplishing objectives that were believed to be unattainable.
1. Animal House
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The film is filled with unforgettable moments, ranging from the energetic performance at the toga party to the trial at the Delta house. In an optimal ninety minutes, just about every ridiculous joke lands perfectly, including plenty of iconic lines like “seven years of college wasted.” Almost half a century since it came out, Animal House still holds the title of one of the ultimate college movies, leaving little else to be said.
Every movie gives a peek into different parts of college life. There is a college film for everyone, whether they enjoy funny comedies or intense dramas. A few notable mentions that barely missed the cut include Old School, The Waterboy, Revenge of the Nerds, and Whiplash. If you haven't seen any of these excellent movies yet, take a few hours and have fun with some traditional college entertainment!
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