Whether you want to learn a little bit more about college life, have a good laugh, or reminisce about your college days, there's a college film for you. We've rounded up 20 of the best movies about college life. Some are comedy films, some are dramas, and all offer a well-rounded view of the college from the student's perspective.
1. Old school
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2003
- Hauptdarsteller: Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: r
In this hilarious comedy, former college friends decide to relive their college days by starting a fraternity near their alma mater. They recruit a collection of other non-traditional students while trying to avoid eviction at the hands of the current student dean, who harbors a grudge against the friends.
Here's what you'll learn:Highs and lows of post-college life, student and sorority life, college politics, party culture
2. animal house
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 1978
- Starring: John Belushi, Karen Allen, Tom Hulce
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: r
National Lampoon's Animal House is a classic film about college life. This comedy pits two fraternities against one another: one is a group of misfits and the other is a group of homogenous, upper-middle-class preps.
Here's what you'll learn:Fraternity and sorority life, college politics and lots of party culture
3. Domestic rabbit
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2008
- Starring: Anna Faris, Emma Stone, Colin Hanks
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: PG-13
A Playboy bunny is thrown out of the mansion and has to find a new job and a place to live. She gets a job as manager of an unpopular fraternity and learns the values that define a sorority in a fraternity.
Here's what you'll learn:Fraternity and sorority life, a bit of party culture
4. Naturally blonde
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2001
- Hauptdarsteller: Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Luke Wilson
- Genre: comedy, romance
- Rating: PG-13
An unlikely applicant is accepted into an Ivy League law school in this cool girl power movie about college life. She proves that looks and gender aren't everything and that you can be successful if you work hard.
Here's what you'll learn:Law studies, school admission procedures, internships
5. Accepted
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2006
- Hauptdarsteller: Justin Long, Blake Lively, Jonah Hill
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: PG-13
One of the funniest movies about college life, this comedy follows a group of high school seniors who start their own college when they are rejected by other schools. This new school is an alternative student-run college that ultimately defies college accreditation standards. Being rejected by colleges you apply to can hurt, but that doesn't mean you should give up - there will always be a right school for you. It might also be a good idea to apply to some of themColleges with the highest acceptance rates. Some might surprise you!
Here's what you'll learn:College politics, college admissions process, group college dynamics, campus life, alternative colleges
6. Pitch perfect
Photo:IMDB
- year 2012
- Hauptdarsteller: Rebel Wilson, Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow
- Genre: Comedy/Music/Romance
- Rating: PG-13
In this film, a female college singing group competes against a rival male singing group. A humble newcomer helps the a cappella group rebrand and find a new identity.
Here's what you'll learn:Student groups, student music groups
7. Monster University
Photo:IMDB
- year 2013
- Lead Voices: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi
- Genre: cartoon
- Rating: g
Monsters University follows the story of an unlikely couple who become inseparable best friends in college. Mike and Sulley work together to become competitive sports heroes on campus. The two met on their first day of college, which for many is an exciting but nerve-wracking part of a college career. Check out our tips and tricks for a great first dayGuide to what to expect on your first day of study.
Here's What You'll Learn: New college friendships, first day of college, student and sorority life, campus life
8. Goodwill Hunting
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 1997
- Starring: Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon
- Genre: Drama/Romance
- Rating: r
A janitor at M.I.T turns out to be a math genius. With the help of a physicalologist, the young man struggles to find his identity and purpose while forging important relationships and bonds along the way.
Here's what you'll learn:Professor/student relationships, college dating, student identity
9. The social network
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2010
- Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
- Genre: Biography/Drama
- Rating: PG-13
A Harvard student and computer genius has an idea. What starts as a small and interesting project turns this student into a billionaire in just 6 years. But becoming a self-made billionaire and creating something the whole world uses comes with a multitude of personal and legal issues.
Here's what you'll learn:Student entrepreneurship, computer programming, Ivy League school culture
10. The internship
Photo:IMDB
- year 2013
- Starring: Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Rose Byrne
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: PG-13
Two men who are fresh out of college end up enrolling in an internship program where they compete with recent graduates for a chance to work at a top company. This film shows the intensity new grads face when attempting to break into the workforce, but not all job hunting is contentious — there are plenty of moments when you realize just how strong you can be.
Here's what you'll learn:Life after graduation, internships, group work and community building, competition in the labor market
11. Revenge of the Nerds
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 1984
- Hauptdarsteller: Robert Carradine, Anthony Edwards, Timothy Busfield
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: r
Two nerdy college freshmen head off to college. When they arrive, they find an unacceptable atmosphere, athletes making fun of them, and difficulties in getting the girls they want. But these two nerds get their revenge, using their wits and ingenuity to get back at the athletes.
Here you will learn about: Freshman Life, Fraternities and Sororities, College Cliques, College Dating and College Friendships
12. Rudi
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 1993
- Starring: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Betty
- Genre: Biography, Sports
- Rating: PG
This inspirational college film is about pursuing your dreams despite what other people think is impossible. Rudy comes from a small town where people tend to stay. He always wanted to play collegiate sports but was told he was too short and not athletic or smart enough. Nevertheless, he sets out to prove everyone wrong.
Here's what you'll learn:University sports, achieving goals, application process
13. Real genius
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 1985
- Starring: Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarret, Michelle Meyrink
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: PG
A teenage genius leaves college early and attends a school known for its science programs. This college student works with his roommate to develop a high-power laser for a class project, but soon discovers that their college professor is plotting to steal their idea.
Here's What You'll Learn: College Science, Group Projects, Campus Life, Early College Attendance
14. Waterboy
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 1998
- Starring: Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: PG-13
The waterboy starts out as just that - a college football waterboy who is very attached and close to his mother. But with the help of his couch and other teammates, he discovers his talent for soccer. But this waterboy must navigate the struggles while trying to please himself, his teammates, and family while he's in college.
Here's what you'll learn:University sports, family relationships during studies, disabilities during studies
15. Van Wilder
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2002
- Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Tara Reid, Tim Matheson
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: r
Van Wilder has a great college life - he's popular, throws great parties, and even has an exchange student as his personal assistant. So why should he graduate from high school? He does not do it. Instead, he becomes a professional student party-goer, until his father finds out he paid for those seven years of college and Van Wilder has to find another way to keep partying.
Here's what you'll learn:College dating, college parties, fraternities and sororities
16. Mona Lisa smile
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2003
- Starring: Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Genre: Drama
- Rating: PG-13
At a prestigious 1950s girls' school, a group of young women in an art history class are challenged by their professor. The art professor sees great potential in her students and encourages them to see life with new, progressive eyes. Learn about college life and women's struggles in the 1950s in this historical film.
Here's what you'll learn:College in the 1950s, women's roles in the 1950s, art history, women in college, student-professor relationships
17. Save the last dance 2
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2006
- Starring: Izabella Miko, Columbus Short, Jacqueline Bisset
- Genre: Drama, Music
- Rating: PG-13
Sara dreams of dancing and becoming a ballerina star, but this time she's joining Juilliard - a prestigious performing arts school in New York. She sets out to achieve lofty goals against all odds, and with the help of friends, she finds herself despite being in a whole new environment.
Here's what you'll learn:College dancing, college dating, college cliques, performing arts colleges
18. Life of the party
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2018
- Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falone
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: PG-13
A middle-aged mother finds out about her divorce and decides to go back to school. She ends up at the same college as her daughter. You'll laugh and find inspiration in this fun film that proves you can find yourself at any age. If you're thinking about going back to school later, you're not alone! Many adults find that the next best step for them is a college degree.Read tips for starting school here.
Here's what you'll learn:Family relationships during college, back to school, life on campus
19. Syndey White
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2007
- Starring: Amanda Bynes, Sara Paxton, Matt Long
- Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance
- Rating: PG-13
A newcomer attempts to swear sisterhood to her mother in this enchanting tale, a remake of the classic Snow White. But when she finds out that sorority life isn't the sorority she envisioned, she moves away to live with seven misfits who live outside the Greek community.
Here's What You'll Learn: Student and Sorority Life, College Politics, Off-Campus Life, College Dating
20. Drum line
Photo:IMDB
- Year: 2002
- Starring: Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldana, Orlando Jones
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Rating: PG-13
A Harlem drummer is recruited to play for a major Southern university. You'll also learn a little more about the cultural differences between the US North and US South in this fun and creative story.
Here you will learn about: college bands, college dance teams, college sports, college dating
Diploma
Whether you're looking forward to college soon, reminiscing about your college days, or just out of college and want to have some fun with these movies, you're sure to find something funny and inspiring in these 20 movies about college life.