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Gone are the days when you had to show up at Blockbuster with your fingers crossed and hope the movie you wanted was still on the shelf. Now, we simply sign in to one of our 800 streaming accounts and have just about every movie ever made at our fingertips. However, such an array of options can also cause extreme indecisiveness, forcing you to throw in the towel after fifteen minutes of clicking around and just watch re-runs of Modern Family. In the mood to watch a college movie but aren’t sure which one to pick? Wishing you had a quick synopsis of each contender? You’re in luck—grab the popcorn and M&Ms (and if you don’t put the M&Ms in the popcorn, you’re missing out) because today we’re diving into a roundup of the best college movies.

Best College Movies

We organized our list of the best college movies as follows:

• Drama
• Comedy
• Musical
• Heist and Crime
• Thriller and Horror
• Sports

We’ve also noted where each movie is currently streaming for free (well, for the monthly cost of those aforementioned 800 subscription accounts).

Drumroll, please….

Best College Movies: Drama

1) Whiplash

Conservatory attendee or hopeful? Check out Whiplash, starring the excellent J.K. Simmons alongside Miles Teller (pre-Top Gun) in what is widely considered to be Teller’s breakout role. A harsh teacher (Simmons) turns all his attention to a gifted, perfectionist drummer (Teller). Both become obsessed with success at all costs…even if it turns abusive. Absolutely worth the watch for its psychological mind games and stellar acting. Nominated for multiple Oscars; won Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

2) Lady Bird

Saoirse Ronan plays Christine McPherson, aka “Lady Bird,” a senior at a private Catholic school in California. She and her mother are like oil and water (to put it nicely), and Lady Bird is desperate to attend a college on the East Coast, far away from home. She also grapples with her identity, relationships, financial reality, and the stress of the college admissions process. A film for anyone who has struggled (or is struggling) to find their place in the world. Greta Gerwig, the film’s director, has called this movie “semi-autobiographical.”

Where to Watch: Xumo Play, Pluto TV, Tubi, PLEX

 3) The Social Network

Back in the day, you could only sign up for Facebook if you had a college email account, and its intention was to create connections within universities (the OG university? Harvard, duh). While the standards have clearly been lowered—and the current Facebook bears little resemblance to the original version—The Social Network offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the company and all the lies, betrayal, and success that came along with it. Winner of three Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay (book counterpart: , by Ben Mezrich).

Where to Watch: Max, Hulu

 

4) The Great Debaters

In the South circa the 1930s, Black debate teams were unheard of. However, Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington), a professor at Wiley College, is determined to change that. The team battles racism, sexism, and fear of violence as they fight to be recognized (and succeed) within the debate community, leading to the country’s first-ever interracial debate. Based on a true story, which makes it even more inspiring and important. Also stars Forest Whitaker and Jurnee Smollett.

Where to Watch: Tubi

 5) Good Will Hunting

A math genius (Matt Damon) with a photographic memory who is in and out of trouble takes a job as a janitor at MIT, where he catches the attention of a Nobel Prize-winning mathematics professor (Stellan Skarsgard) after correctly solving a graduate-level math problem. What is “education,” and where does true knowledge come from? Co-written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the film gained both actors widespread recognition when it won the Oscar for Best Picture. It also features one of Robin Williams’ most beloved roles (and his sole Academy Award-winning performance). Most importantly, you can finally appreciate where “How do you like them…donuts” originated from in this.

Where to Watch: Max, Hulu

Best College Movies (Continued)

6) The Rewrite

Set at SUNY Binghamton, Hugh Grant stars as a once-famous screenwriter who reluctantly accepts a college teaching job as a hopeful “reset.” While he originally enters the classroom with the idea that writing can’t be taught, he leaves with a very different takeaway (as well as a healthy dose of personal inspiration). While some questionable teacher-student relationships are front and center, the movie raises interesting questions about what it means to be a writer. There’s also a large focus on nontraditional education.

Where to Watch: Roku Channel, Hulu, PLEX

 

7) CODA

CODA: Child of Deaf Adults. The 2021 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, CODA may seem like another unlikely choice for a college movie list. Ruby (Emilia Jones), the only hearing member of her family, is a lifeline for her parents and brother as well as a talented singer who has dreams of attending the esteemed Berklee College of Music. However, to do so, she’ll need to figure out whether—and how—she can leave her family and their fishing business, which requires a hearing adult on board the ship. The film was shot on location in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Where to Watch: Apple TV

 8) Dear White People

Set at a fictional—and predominately white—Ivy League college, Dear White People follows four Black students as they navigate mounting racial and social tensions. Sam White (Tessa Thompson) is the host of a radio show called “Dear White People,” which causes a serious stir that climaxes when a group of white students throws a blackface Halloween party. The film won and was nominated for numerous accolades, including those at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Sundance, the Black Reel Awards, and the Independent Spirit Awards.

Where to Watch: Max, Hulu

Best College Movies (Continued)

9) Mona Lisa Smile

Set at Wellesley College in the 1950s, Julia Roberts is an art history professor who is determined to challenge her students, particularly in regard to gender norms and expectations. Given that many women—in the US and around the globe—still experience crippling inequity within their homes, workplaces, and communities, the movie is a thought-provoking and very relevant watch. Also starring Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Julia Stiles, and Ginnifer Goodwin.

Where to Watch: Max, Hulu

10) Adventureland

If you’re having all the feels about your last summer before the real world, give Adventureland a try. Jesse Eisenberg stars as a college grad who just found out that his summer & grad school plans have been derailed by financial issues. Instead of gallivanting around Europe, he has to get a job. All he can find? Working at a nearby amusement park (which is about as fun as it sounds). He strikes up a friendship slash budding romance with fellow employee Kristen Stewart. Feel-good vibes ensue!

Where to Watch: Paramount+, Pluto TV

 

11) The Tender Bar

Although you may not think of The Tender Bar as a “college movie,” hear us out. It’s a coming-of-age story that follows J.R. (Tye Sheridan) as he grows up and ultimately heads out on his own, taking the lessons he’s learned at his Uncle Charlie’s (Ben Affleck’s) bar along with him. When he finally flies the coop to attend Yale (against many odds), it will be time for him to figure out the person he’s going to be. Bonus: this movie is based on the , a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and ghostwriter of Spare, Prince Harry’s memoir.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

12) Higher Learning

Set at fictional Columbus University in the 1990s, Higher Learning follows incoming freshmen Malik (Omar Epps), Remy (Michael Rapaport), and Kristen (Kristy Swanson) as they try to adjust to campus while facing challenges that include racism, sexual assault, and violence. When Remy joins a secret neo-Nazi group, tension rises to disturbing and deadly levels. While fictional, the movie confronts real issues that continue to exist on many college campuses today. Also features Laurence Fishburne and Regina King.

Where to Watch: Rent-only

Best College Movies (Continued)

13) Liberal Arts

Josh Radnor and Elizabeth Olsen star as Jesse and Zibby, a mid-thirties college advisor and 19-year-old college student who strike up a romantic relationship after meeting at a professor’s (Richard Jenkins) retirement party, held at Jesse’s alma mater. Romantic twists and turns follow, as well as an overall look at what it’s like to grapple with nostalgia, self-discovery, and aging. Trivia alert: this movie was shot almost entirely at Kenyon College, which is Josh Radnor’s actual alma mater.

Where to Watch: AMC+

14) Admission

The sole movie on our list that ventures into the admissions office. Tina Fey plays a Princeton admissions officer who has a secret past, which starts to unravel itself after she visits a high school helmed by one of her former classmates (Paul Rudd). Though fictionalized, you’ll get a fascinating peek behind the iron curtain of elite admissions. by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Worth noting that Korelitz consulted while writing, which is a nonfiction account of Jacques Steinberg’s year within the Wesleyan admissions office (excellent read).

Where to Watch: Rent-only

15) St. Elmo’s Fire

A Brat Pack classic and oldie (1985) but goodie, St. Elmo’s Fire is the only movie on this list to delve into what happens immediately after college graduation, and the disparity between the relatively insulated, structured world on campus and the “real world.” The premise? Seven Georgetown grads attempt to figure out what to do with their lives once their diplomas are in hand. Challenges, wins, love, and heartache follow.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Pluto TV

 

Best College Movies: Comedy

16) Legally Blonde

The timeless classic about a fashion major who sets her sights on Harvard Law. While earning acceptance was originally about getting her ex-boyfriend to take her seriously, Elle (Reese Witherspoon) discovers that she might actually have what it takes to make it in the legal profession. Featuring a truly aspirational video essay, a peek into the Harvard Law admissions process, and plenty of classic one-liners. Scented resume, anyone?

Where to Watch: Max

 

17) Accepted

Ah, the early 2000s: a time when you could fool your parents into dropping you off at a fake college as long as you had a semi-convincing website. If the Ivy League gauntlet is making you want to call it quits and enroll at South Harmon Institute of Technology in order to hang out at an abandoned mental institution, look no further than this college admissions staple. Featuring Justin Long, Jonah Hill, and Blake Lively.

Where to Watch: Rent-only

18) The House Bunny

Former Playboy bunny turned sorority house mom? That’s exactly the premise of this movie, which centers on a group of misfit college girls who are trying to figure out how to be “popular.” Enter Shelly, their unlikely yet heartwarming guide, who also has a few things of her own to learn about life outside the mansion. Anna Faris is pitch-perfect as Shelly; Emma Stone, Kat Dennings, and Rumer Willis co-star. Yes, Hugh Hefner makes an appearance.

Where to Watch: Pluto TV

Best College Movies (Continued)

19) Neighbors

A rowdy fraternity sets up shop next door to Mac and Kelly, a couple who just had a baby. As you can imagine, the new parents’ sleep deprivation and the fraternity’s keggers aren’t a match made in heaven. War ensues between both factions, with plenty of (actual) fireworks. New parents are played by funny people Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, and head frat boy is played by Zac Efron.

Where to Watch: Rent-only

20) Old School

Another college movie classic, Old School stars Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, and Will Ferrell as three thirty-somethings teetering on midlife crises who want to rekindle their college days—beer pong and all. What does this mean? They’re going to start their own fraternity for a motley crew of adults, retirees, and college kids, of course! If you liked Wedding Crashers or Step Brothers, this movie should be right up your alley.

Where to Watch: fuboTV, Paramount+

Best College Movies (Continued)

21) National Lampoon’s Van Wilder

Trying to figure out how to avoid graduating from college? Get ready to take notes. Ryan Reynolds is Van Wilder, a seventh-year senior at the fictional Coolidge College. He spends his days being a Grade-A slacker and throwing parties…until his father cuts off financial support. R-rated hijinks and pranks ensue. Not for those with weak stomachs.

Where to Watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The CW, Amazon Prime, PLEX

 

22) The Internship

Have aspirations of working at Google? Then you know how wild those internships are to come by. Somehow, mid-career salesmen Billy (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Owen Wilson) manage to talk their way into positions (woo!). However, they’re up against a group of fresh college grads who are about 10,000x more tech-y than they are (boo). Will they prevail in this Silicon Valley meat grinder?

Where to Watch: Hulu

 

Best College Movies: Musicals

23) Pitch Perfect

Becca (Anna Kendrick) is a salty Barden freshman whose only objective is to ditch college and become a DJ in LA. Then, she discovers the world of college a cappella. With plenty of jammable mash-ups, hilarious commentary by Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins, and inspiring cardio routines from Rebel Wilson, you will be obsessively practicing Becca’s “When I’m Gone” cup routine before you know it.

Where to Watch: Rent-only

24) Drumline

If you’re a band kid, put this movie at the top of your list. If you’ve ever cheered your face off during a marching band halftime show, put this movie at the top of your list. Dylan (Nick Cannon) is a street drummer from Harlem who heads to Atlanta A&T University on a full scholarship. To succeed in the school’s prestigious and competitive marching band, though, he’s going to have to learn how to work together with the rest of the group. With tons of high-energy music and tricks, this movie may just inspire you to buy a drum set (much to the chagrin of your family’s eardrums).

Where to Watch: Starz, Hulu

 

Best College Movies: Heist and Crime

25) 21

Need money for grad school? Major in card counting at MIT (just kidding…sort of). 21 focuses on a group of MIT math geniuses who use their skills to win it big in Vegas. Of course, those wins don’t come without consequences. Even better? This movie is based on a true story, which you can learn more about in Ben Mezrich’s Starring Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess, and Kate Bosworth.

Where to Watch: Rent-only

26) The Perfect Score

Chasing that elusive 1600? Ever casually considered breaking into the test’s headquarters to steal the answers? Well, that’s Kyle’s (Chris Evans) plan, anyway. He recruits five fellow students, including Anna (Erika Christensen), Matty (Bryan Greenberg), and Francesca (Scarlett Johanssen), to execute a heist that…does not go according to plan. Although the movie is mostly light-hearted, it does ask some serious questions: what’s a perfect score worth, and how much should you sacrifice to get there?

Where to Watch: Pluto TV

 

Best College Movies: Thriller and Horror

27) The Roommate

If you’re not in the mood for a comedy, The Roommate might be your jam. The plot? Sara’s freshman roommate, Rebecca, becomes completely obsessed with her. *cue Psycho music* We won’t spoil what happens, but know that Minka Kelly was nominated for an MTV Movie Award for “Best Scared-As-S**t Performance” and Leighton Meester was similarly nominated for “Best Villain.”

Where to Watch: Rent-only

28) Kill Your Darlings

Let’s continue in the thriller genre for a moment before we head to the safety of college sports movies. This film is based on the real-life murder of David Kammerer by Lucien Carr, a close friend of poet Allen Ginsberg, writer and artist William S. Burroughs, and writer Jack Kerouac. Part biography, part romance, and part thriller, Kill Your Darlings is a fascinating foray into a crucial year in the life of the founders of the Beat Generation. Starring Daniel Radcliffe in his post-Harry Potter glory.

Where to Watch: Hulu

 

Best College Movies: Sports

29) We Are Marshall

In 1970, a plane carrying 75 Marshall University football players, coaches, athletic trainers, and boosters crashed on its way back from a game, killing all aboard in one of the worst sports-related disasters in history (yes, this is a true story). In the aftermath, Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) is hired to helm and rebuild the skeleton team. To do so, the community is going to need to come together. Watch if in need of inspiration in the face of massive tragedy.

Where to Watch: Rent-only

Best College Movies (Continued)

30) The Program

Portraying the ups and downs in the life of DI college athletes, The Program’s main characters deal with serious issues like alcohol and drug abuse, injury, and intense competitive pressure alongside trying to navigate friendships, relationships, and academics. Interestingly, after a California teen died while attempting to recreate it. Starring James Caan, Halle Berry, Omar Epps, and Craig Sheffer.

Where to Watch: Rent-only

31) Rudy

No college sports movie section would be complete without Rudy, which chronicles the true story of Rudy Ruettiger, a walk-on player for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who—given his small size—was continuously side-eyed and sidelined. It’s a classic underdog story that champions perseverance and self-confidence. Starring Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, and Jason Miller. Fun fact: this movie was Jon Favreau’s and Vince Vaughn’s first film role.

Where to Watch: Rent-only

 

Final Thoughts — Best College Movies

Whether you’re applying to college, heading to campus for the first (or second…or third…) time in the fall, or have a fresh diploma in hand, you’re sure to find a movie on this list that matches your stage in life. No matter what you choose, tears, laughs, and/or thought-provoking lessons will commence. Happy watching!

If one of these movies happens to inspire you to work on your college application, check out the following:

• Should You Start College Applications in the Summer?
• What is Demonstrated Interest?
• Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
• College Fair Advice for High School Students
• How to Complete the Common App Activities List
• How to Complete the Honors Section of the Common App
• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay