By Travis Mckenry
Since coming into college, I have always loved finding new films to watch that capture the essence of what it is like being at a university. I admire some aspects of these stories and their characters regardless of their genre or synopsis, and I’ve found that even some of my friends love these films simply because of how it touches on college life in one way or another. From films about a ‘whodunit’ campus serial killer to aspirational stories about finding yourself and your place on campus, all have some type of inspiration that I am able to draw from and look on when thinking of my college experience (although, there aren’t any masked murders roaming around my school thankfully).With that being said, I have put together a list of my top 10 films (not in order) that every college student must check out before they turn the tassel!
With that being said, I have put together a list of my top 10 films (not in order) that every college student must check out before they turn the tassel!
1) Scream 2 directed by Wes Craven
This film serves as the sequel to one of the most iconic horror movies ever, and follows Sidney Prescott as she tries to move on with her life in college until another Ghostface killing spree ensues. This is probably my favorite film franchise of all time, so watching this as a college student made it 10 times more enjoyable for me. (I recommend everyone check out this franchise, especially before the new entry hits theaters on March 10!)
2) Sorority Row directed by Stewart Hendler
Another slasher about a masked maniac hunting down college students, this film follows a group of sorority sisters who try to cover up their house sister’s murder. A secret meant to be taken to the grave eventually gets uncovered just before their big graduation day, as they begin getting stalked and murdered one-by-one. College horror is such a guilty pleasure of mine, and this one is by far one of my favs! My friends and I were all on the edge of our seats for the entire last act.
3) Legally Blonde directed by Robert Luketic
What does a popular sorority queen do when she gets dumped by her popular fraternity boyfriend? She follows him to law school! The iconic story of Elle Woods and her journey through Harvard Law is an essential piece of film for EVERY college student! Every second of this film is bundle of happiness and joy, and is one of the truest examples of what beauty and brains looks like.
4) Dear White People directed by Justin Simien
More of a cult classic than a blockbuster hit, Dear White People is probably the most important film on this list to watch. The film follows the lives of four black students as they navigate their way through their prestige Ivy League university, amidst a heinous black-face party thrown by a group of popular white students. This film will make you sad, angry, and even happy, but most importantly it will make you aware.
5) Pitch Perfect directed by Jason Moore
This is without a doubt, one of the best examples of what a feel-good movie looks like. Upon entering her freshman year of college, Beca gains interest in joining the university’s all-girls a cappella group before competing against their male rivals at their upcoming competition. This movie is filled with so many memorable scenes and moments, and will for sure leave you feeling super optimistic and joyful.
6) The Social Network directed by David Fincher
One of the most prestigious and note-worthy films from director David Fincher, this story follows the rise of one of the biggest business moguls of our time – Mark Zuckerberg – as he brings his iconic social media platform to the forefront of technology, expanding beyond his Harvard dorm room. This film is so gritty yet inspirational, and the key takeaway here is that anything is possible once you put your mind from it – but at what cost?
7) Stomp The Yard directed by Sylvian White
Another film that leaves its audiences full of mixed emotions, this story follows a young man who ventures to away to Georgia to further his education after his brother is murdered. Being as though he is an expert street dancer, he also joins his fraternity’s step team for a big dance competition with one end goal: to take home the trophy, obtain his education, and get the girl.
8) The House Bunny directed by Fred Wolf
After a signature Playboy bunny (Anna Farris) gets kicked to the curb for being deemed ‘too old’, she acquires a job as the house mother for a sorority of shy, awkward girls as they attempt to bring in more pledges before being kicked off campus. This film is full of some hilarious moments that will leave your stomach tight, as well as some key takeaways about going after your dreams and finding your purpose at any age.
9) The Roommate directed by Christian E. Christiansen
It’s no secret that I am a fan of college-based horror films, but this list would not be complete without this film. Imagine coming to college your freshman year, thinking you lucked out with your super fun roommate who was randomly assigned, only to find out that she is madly obsessed with you? This story is full of many twists and turns, as well as a good amount of suspense.
10) Mona Lisa Smile directed by Mike Newell
Julia Roberts stars as a modern, passionate art teacher at a prestigious conservative university in the 1950s, whose strong bond with her students goes beyond the classroom in the most impactful way possible as she teaches young girls to prevail against the gender roles society has placed on women and marriage in this grounding period piece. This is yet another motivating film with a powerful message behind it.