Must-Watch Films Depicting the American College Experience

16.02.2024 - 16:45

Curious about the intricacies of university life in America? If your answer is yes, we've curated the perfect list for you. Dive into the vibrant world of American college culture through these must-watch films that beautifully encapsulate the spirit of university life. Explore the highs, lows, and everything in between as we bring you a cinematic journey through the diverse and exciting landscape of American higher education. Here's your ticket to understanding the essence of the university experience in the United States.

Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)

IMDb: 6.9

Of course! Set in Texas in the late 1980s, Jake, the new member of the college baseball team, navigates the excitement of campus life while trying to balance partying, friendships, and relationships. The film showcases Jake's adventures on fun-filled nights with teammates, his attempts to meet women, and efforts to focus on his studies. As the college classes begin, Jake and his friends embark on unexpected adventures, immersing themselves in the craziness of campus life.

Real Genius (1985)

IMDb: 6.9

Mitch Taylor, accepted into a university known for its programs for genius students, is one of the youngest students admitted. He collaborates on a high-powered laser development project with his roommate, the legend of the science club, Chris Knight. Alongside his hyperactive friends, they use their intellectual powers for more significant explosions, pranks, and a deeper understanding of what true genius means. When they learn that their professor plans to share their work with the military to use as a weapon, they decide to take action.

Old School (2003)

IMDb: 7

When life becomes monotonous, longing for the good old days is inevitable, isn't it? What about going back to school days? Imagine a school term without boring classes and traditional teachers, focusing entirely on entertainment. The director of the film takes on the post-fraternity lives of the pranksters a decade later. Three buddies with a glamorous school history now in their thirties, aim to revisit the old days and capture that essence once again. Creating a school period with no classes, just pure fun, becomes their ultimate dream.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

IMDb: 7.1

The Barden Bellas is an a cappella singing group at college, known for their performances of female pop songs and flawless appearances. After a major failure in the previous year's finals, they must regroup. Among the new members is Beca, a first-year student who is an independent, promising DJ uninterested in college life. However, after meeting Jesse from the rival male a cappella group, Beca's perspective changes. She takes it upon herself to help the Bellas find a new look and sound, and they work to return to competition.

Glory Road (2006)

IMDb: 7.2

Don Haskins starts his coaching career as the basketball coach at Texas Western College, aiming to recruit the best players regardless of racial segregation. The team comprises initially untalented players in organized defense and ball distribution. Haskins subjects the team to rigorous training to unify them into a single team successfully. However, as the team wins victories, racism and hatred increase, ultimately endangering the players' safety. In the final match, Haskins decides to start with an all-black lineup and use only two black players in the rotation. Texas Western defeats Kentucky in a challenging battle and returns to El Paso victorious.

Monsters University (2013)

IMDb: 7.3

Mike Wazowski's dream of becoming a top scarer at Monsters Inc. begins on a class trip as a child. Years later, at Monsters University, he enters into intense competition with naturally talented Sulley. After an accident during an exam, Mike forms an odd team with Oozma Kappa, an underdog fraternity, to win the Scare Games and prove himself. Despite their victories, Mike later discovers that Sulley cheated to help him. Feeling betrayed, Mike attempts to prove himself by scaring human children but fails. Sulley realizes his mistake, helps Mike, and together they reopen the door to return to the monster world. Despite being expelled from the university, they gradually rise in Monsters Inc., with Sulley becoming a scarer, and Mike his coach/scare assistant.

National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)

IMDb: 7.5

Faber College has a fraternity house with such a bad reputation that even Dean Wormer can't stand them. The second house is filled with white, Anglo-Saxon, rich young men who are so hypocritical that not even Dean Wormer can tolerate them. The Dean enlists the help of the second fraternity to get rid of the Delta House kids. The Dean's plan comes into play just before the most massive toga party of all time.

Rudy (1993)

IMDb: 7.5

Rudy grew up in a steel mill town where most people worked as laborers, but he wanted to play football at Notre Dame. There were just a few problems. His grades were a bit low, his athletic abilities were weak, and he was only half the size of other players. But he had the spirit and determination of five people and aimed to join the team.

The Social Network (2010)

IMDb: 7.8

One October night in 2003, intoxicated Mark Zuckerberg hacks into Harvard University's system. Dumped by his girlfriend and fueled by thoughts of revenge, he creates 'Facemash,' a site based on voting for girls' photos. However, due to privacy breaches and hatred towards women, Harvard reacts strongly. As Facemash evolves into Facebook, the social media giant is born. Initially used only at Harvard, Facebook quickly spreads to other universities and the world. Mark Zuckerberg's story reveals the truths behind the rise of Facebook and its impacts on the modern world.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

IMDb: 8.3

Will Hunting is a self-taught mathematical genius working as a janitor at MIT. When discovered by a professor while solving a math problem, he receives an offer to work with him. However, Will struggles to overcome his past traumas and inner turmoil. With the help of a therapist named Sean, Will confronts his past and takes a step towards a new life. Eventually, he makes a decision and moves towards a new future.