Most of us who are attending college right now were molded by the films of the 90s. They were either introduced to us because we grew up in their era or because they were just so timeless and influential that we had to see them. Either way, we all have movies from the 90s that we absolutely adore and the themes within them all speak to our different interests as college majors. That being said, here is a list of some of the most influential movies of the 1990s and their corresponding college majors (based on some of the most popular college majors in the country and at the U):
The Matrix (1999) – Computer Science
This film is about a programmer brought back to reality after learning he was living in a program created by machines which make human birth artificial. To save humanity, he will have to face enemies with technology and self-trust. This movie is both appealing to Computer science majors and pretty much sums up their ideal way to save the world. Most Comp Sci majors I have met have reminded me of Neo, and as most of them would tell you about their major, “I didn’t say it would be easy. Just said it would be the truth”.
Clueless (1995) – Communications
This film is about a successful girl at the peak of her school who gets two teachers to date each other and gives the klutzy new girl a makeover. The movie demonstrates how important it is to be able to communicate efficiently and stand confidently in any situation. Communication majors might also agree with Cher that anyone who criticizes their work or communication skills “are a snob and a half.” This is the perfect film to depict those pursuing a Communications degree.
Election (1999) – Political Science
A popular high school government teacher notices that one of his students uses ethically questionable tactics to get whatever she wants. Convinced that she would be a poor influence on the student body if she becomes president, he interferes and a feud begins. This movie depicts the skills of a poly sci major to know right from wrong and to convince people to do what they want. They are excellent critical thinkers, and understand their culture and audience to an incredible extent. They also understand Tracy more than most when she says “the weak are always trying to sabotage the strong”.
Jerry Maguire (1996) – Business
When the sports agent starts to question the conscience of his company, he gets fired and starts his own management firm. Business majors are very similar to Jerry. They have confidence, believe in themselves, and are wonderful salesmen. This film is about business majors of every type; from the ones who are people oriented to the ones who just want to say “show me the money!”
Dead Poets Society (1989) – English
This may not be a 90s film (missed the cut by a few months), but the film was too good not to include. Plus, what better movie to depict English majors. This film follows a phenomenal professor to an all-boys prep school known for its traditions. He uses unique methods to help his students with both their studies and lives with a little help from some of the greatest writers to walk the Earth. It really demonstrates the disciplined and creative manners of English majors and is easily relatable for those studying English because most of them have had “Oh captain, my captain” worthy professors.
As Good As It Gets (1997) – Psychology
Melvin Udall is an obsessive-compulsive romantic fiction writer who treats everyone he meets poorly. When he is asked to look after his neighbor’s dog, he begins to change for the better. This movie is an interesting nod to the psychological disorders that affect so many and how a simple change of heart can make them a little more manageable. Seeing how helpful and wonderful psych majors can be for a man going experiencing something like Mr. Udall is inspiring and should make any Psych major “want to be a better man”.
Patch Adams (1998) – Pre-Med
This film is about a recovering depression patient, Patch Adams, and his quest to become a doctor. He eventually starts his own medical clinic for those without insurance. It captures the desires of those extremely devoted pre-med majors to help others and save lives. Watching this movie would make any Pre-med major realize that “death is not the enemy”. The enemy is “indifference”.
Jurassic Park (1993) – Biology
This brilliant franchise film follows people visiting a theme park filled with dinosaurs as everything goes wrong. From a biological point of view, it may seem improbable, but it is fascinating. It also shows how many bio majors can be incredibly smart, intuitive, and ready to try anything, whether it is as crazy as starting a dino theme park or as brave as drawing the attention of a T-Rex away from loved ones. Also, bio majors understand the moral of this story better than anyone because they truly know that “life will not be contained”.
Toy Story (1995) – Education
Woody is Andy’s best friend until his parents buy Andy a new Buzz Lightyear action figure. After moving to a new house, Woody and Buzz must escape the grasp of the crazy neighbor and reunite with their kid. This movie is all about adapting to new scenarios and dealing with children, two things that education majors understand better than most. The characters, much like the major it represents are resilient, love children, and are very quick on their feet. Most education majors also understand that when it comes to teaching children, “the important thing is that we stick together!”.
Schindler’s List (1993) – History
After joining the Nazi party, Oskar Schindler staffs his factory with Jewish workers for pragmatic workers, and once their people start getting executed, Schindler ensures the safety of his workers and saves many innocent lives. History majors are strong enough to learn about the terrible things we have done as a society since the beginning of time, and they are smart enough to take these lessons and make sure we don’t mess up again. They are extremely strong, much like Schindler, and they understand and instill into society the idea that “he who saves the life of one man saves the entire world.”
Thelma & Louise (1991) – Gender Studies
This is one of the first empowering women movies of the time and it is very intriguing to most gender studies majors. It follows two women with an extremely close bond who have fallen victim to men one time too many and end up running from the police. They are fed up with being second class citizens and they decide to take life into their own hands. This desire for change and justice is something that runs deep within a gender studies major. I am sure that they would have their various critiques of this film and its limitations, but they truly understand that “you get what you settle for”. And they are only settling for the very best for all genders and people.
Good Will Hunting (1997) – Mathematics
This film follows a mathematical genius who has fallen victim to the system his entire life. He is discovered by a professor and is given counseling for his wild behaviors so he can have the chance to become one of the greatest mathematicians alive. Mathematics majors, like Will Hunting, understand how straightforward and mechanical this ancient art is, and they can also be easily overwhelmed by the length and abundance of the problems they face. However, they are definitely some of the strongest willed and intelligent people on campus, so “how do ya like them apples?”.
Titanic (1997) – Engineering
If any movie probably infuriates an engineering major to no end, it’s got to be Titanic. This movie is about the sinking of the actual ship that took place in 1912, but it also follows the story of two lovers. Any engineering major would understand the measures that could have been taken to prevent the ship from sinking and would probably understand that Jack could have definitely fit on that door with Rose. Engineering majors are smart, creative, and wildly helpful. You may even go as far as to call them “the king(s) of the world,” or the university.
Shakespeare in Love (1998) – Theatre
This movie follows a young will Shakespeare as he has difficulty finding a muse for his next play, and Viola de Lesseps as she follows her dream of becoming a player. This film shows the dedication, time, effort, and passion that goes into the life of theatre and its majors. It also shows how incredibly talented and moving people who choose this field can be.
No matter your major, I hope you were able to collect to at least one of these films because they are incredibly influential and wonderful. It just goes to show how different forms of media can shape our world and are connected to so many things that we hardly notice.