Movies about college life are not only for fun. They also help students find their way in life, learn something new, and take much of the daily stress away. The following top 5 movies about college life have all the above qualities, as they were rated the highest among professional cinema critics.
5. National Lampoon’s Van Wilder
Van Wilder is a hardened poor performer in his seventh year of undergraduate studies. He became famous as the main sloth and party guy on the campus. But suddenly the situation worsens: Van’s father decides to stop paying for his son’s education. Now the guy will have to take responsibility for his life and start growing up.
“National Lampoon’s Van Wilder” is a light and funny movie that will make the viewer laugh and have a very good time while watching it. The main role was played by Ryan Reynolds, who even then, at the early stage of his career, was able to demonstrate his comic potential.
It is noteworthy that the movie is based on reports from Rolling Stone Magazine about the parties organized by the student Albert Kreisher – the future famous stand-up comedian.
4. Mona Lisa Smile
The movie’s plot takes place in the 1950s. Katherine Watson, Ph.D., takes a job as an art history teacher at Wellesley College. Immersed in work, the heroine realizes that her students are arrogant and very erudite, but they don’t know how to think for themselves at all.
Communication between her and her students is also complicated by the behavior standards prevailing in Wellesley: parents and the administration of the institution raise girls only as future wives of successful husbands. Katherine decides to go against the system and instill other ideals in her wards.
Thanks to the costumes and scenery, the movie perfectly immerses the viewer in a retro atmosphere. A special compliment goes to the cast. The main role was played by the inimitable Julia Roberts, and her students were played by Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ginnifer Goodwin, and other prominent actresses.
3. The Rules of Attraction
Sean Bateman, a womanizer and drug dealer, falls in love with the virgin Lauren. She likes him, but she still has feelings for Victor, her ex. boyfriend, Paul Denton, who used to date her, and who still has feelings for Sean. This love knot must be untangled, and someone is forced to be left with nothing.
The movie is a vivid example of dramedy, that is, drama with elements of comedy. The basis of the plot is not cheap humor, but the deep personal problems of the characters, each of which is going through a difficult life period.
The movie is based on the work of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. It is noteworthy that the character of the book (and film) Sean is the younger brother of another hero of the writer – Patrick Bateman from American Psycho.
2. Starter for 10
In 1985, Brian Jackson entered the University of Bristol on a scholarship. There he gets into the university team of the TV show “University Challenge”. Brian immediately falls in love with another participant in the show – the charming but windy Alice. However, in the life of a guy, there is another girl – a serious and witty Rebecca. Brian will have to deal with his feelings and move on to a new stage in his life.
The lead actor James McAvoy is very organic in the role of a clever man who has broken free and knows all the delights of adult life. And the movie itself captivates not only with a simple plot and light humor, but also with soundtracks that perfectly immerse you in the era of the 1980s. Behind the scenes, one can hear hits from The Cure, The Smiths, Wham!, and other top-notch musical bands.
1. Accepted
Bartleby Gaines was rejected by every college he applied to. Having decided to creatively get out of the situation, the guy, with the help of his friends, creates his own, fictitious university. On the website of this “organization”, the “founders” indicate that they accept everyone. As a result, many similarly unsuccessful applicants come to them. Bartleby decides to use his tuition money to give trusted students a real education.
This is a fun comedy that will definitely cheer up the viewer. It is noteworthy that, contrary to the canons of the genre, this film does not consist entirely of vulgar jokes. Besides, the movie also presents an interesting thought: is education really necessary in this life? What do you think?