In between classes, studying and partying, every student should make time to unwind by watching a good movie. Watching fantasy movies and thrillers isn’t the only way to let one’s mind venture; movies about college can be even more entertaining because students can either relate to them or use them as motivation to live their college years to the fullest.
“Pitch Perfect” (2013)
In this modern musical comedy, Anna Kendrick stars as Beca Mitchell, a reclusive and rebellious college freshman who wants to pursue a music career but is forced by her father to attend classes and get involved in campus life. She reluctantly joins the Barden Bellas, a female a capella group, and injects her modern musical style into their repertoire. With her help, the Bellas take on their male rivals in a prestigious competition, and Beca unexpectedly — and hilariously — gets caught up in the world of college a capella.
“The Social Network” (2010)
Facebook is essential to the college social scene, and this film tells the story of the young man who redefined the word “friend.” Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard University student suffering through a bad breakup. He and his friends experiment with blogs and dating sites, and although one lawsuit after another impedes his progress, Zuckerberg ultimately creates a website that catapults him to billionaire status and changes the world. An Academy Award winner for the Best Adapted Screenplay, this film is definitely one for the generation of social media addicts.
“The House Bunny” (2008)
Anna Faris stars as a washed-up Playboy bunny who becomes the “house mother” of a dowdy university sorority. Zeta Alpha Zeta, a group of socially awkward girls, is startled by Shelley’s Playboy personality but welcomes her as their mentor in order to gain popularity. The makeovers, dates and parties that ensue show the girls a new way to enjoy college, but also emphasize the importance of self-confidence and genuine friendship.
“Accepted” (2006)
Come the end of the school year, many high school seniors’ worst nightmare is receiving rejection letters from universities. In this comedy, Justin Long plays Bartleby Gaines, a senior who fails to get accepted into any of the schools he applied to. To fool his strict father, Bartleby uses his cunning to create a fake university, the South Harmon Institute of Technology, complete with a fake dean and campus. But when other college rejects begin applying to his school, Bartleby’s plan spins out of control. This film is more than just a funny story about a student’s prank; it stresses the importance of following your passions and making your own way.
“Legally Blonde” (2001)
In her senior year at the University of California, girly sorority president and fashion merchandising major Elle Woods is suddenly dumped by her serious boyfriend. She attempts to win him back by earning an impressive law degree, and along the way, break free of the “dumb blonde” stereotype. Elle’s time at Harvard University helps her discover that she might be more than just a popular, pretty face. This famous film,based on the novel by Amanda Brown, has inspired many spinoffs and musicals, a testament to the hilarious story’s success.
“Good Will Hunting” (1997)
Matt Damon stars as Will Hunting, a young janitor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who is secretly a genius. Even though he cannot afford to attend college and has a long history of run-ins with the police, Will demonstrates an aptitude for advanced mathematics. Stellan Skarsgard and Robin Williams play a professor and therapist duo who attempt to change Will’s life for the better. Through his math lessons and therapy sessions, Will reevaluates his relationships with his best friend, played by Ben Affleck, his girlfriend and himself.
“National Lampoon’s Animal House” (1978)
This infamous film chronicles the efforts of college freshmen Larry “Pinto” and Kent “Flounder,” as they attempt to embrace Greek life. They pledge to Delta Tau Chi, a typical fraternity full of dimwitted degenerates, and encounter stern opposition from the college’s dean, played by John Vernon. From cheating on exams to hooking up with administrators, the male cast demonstrates a wild contempt for the rules and an undying desire to have fun.
