Packing. Leaving your family behind. Missing home. These are all things people dread about college, yet there is so much to be excited about. To prepare for college, an important thing to consider is films to watch before. Movies can provide comfort and get you excited for some of the most formative years of your life.
- Pitch Perfect (2012) directed by Jason Moore
Pitch Perfect is a 2010s comedy classic known for its iconic scenes: the riff-off, the finale, the “Since U Been Gone” audition sequence. This movie follows Becca on her journey through college. Her father encourages her to become more involved on campus, so she finds herself auditioning for an a capella group. After being selected for the renowned female-only Barden Bellas, Becca slowly embraces the acapella journey while making important female friendships and finding romance.
The Takeaway: you will find your group in college, even if it feels like you can’t. Although it is a film with several “college movie cliches’ ‘ like cliques, romance, and comedy, there are important side characters who hold their own weight like Amy and Bumper. Pitch Perfect stands as one of a kind with flashy music sequences and iconic quotes.
- Legally Blonde (2001) directed by Robert Luketic
Legally Blonde is a fun, lighthearted watch about a woman’s journey attending Harvard Law. If you are one to judge a book by its cover, you would assume Elle Woods to be a ditzy blonde, but she is so much more. After her boyfriend dumps her because he wants a “serious girlfriend” before going to law school, Elle also decides to apply to Harvard Law. Once she gets in, she is determined to get her boyfriend back, but then she finds love within learning about the law.
The Takeaway: although this movie may not be the most realistic, and won’t provide an accurate lesson, it is definitely worthwhile for the comfort it provides. It is inspiring to watch a movie about women having each other’s backs in a male dominated workforce.
- The Social Network (2010) directed by David Fincher
The Social Network is a biographical drama depicting the founding of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles. The majority of the story takes place at Harvard University, following Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg as he creates the social networking site and faces lawsuits from former associates who claim he stole their idea. Facebook started as a book for incoming freshmen “yearbook” at Harvard with blurbs about classmates. Facebook launched online and spread across the country. The film ventures into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the ethical complexities of success.
The Takeaway: although this story is mainly about the creation of Facebook, there are important collegiate elements. One that especially sparked my interest was the side plot about fraternity rushing and how intensive it can be. Another topic discussed is envy which, like it or not, most people face in competitive academic environments.
- Whiplash (2014) directed by Damien Chazelle
Unlike any other movie on this list, this movie portrays a complicated relationship between a teacher and a student. Whiplash follows the story of Andrew Neiman, a young naive drummer attending a music school with intense and demanding conductor Terrence Fletcher. While the film explores themes of ambition, obsession, and the pursuit of greatness, Whiplash tells a tale of how perfectionism can get the best of you, which many students struggle with in college. Another aspect of this movie that cannot be ignored is the abuse Neiman endures.
The Takeaway: knowing your limits and what is best for yourself is crucial in college. It is important to be prepared for learning to be uncomfortable – but also to know that it should never be abusive or toxic.
- Monsters University (2013) directed by Dan Scanlon
As a nostalgia-filled classic, Monsters University is not a movie to miss before heading off to college. Though it is a sequel to Monsters Inc., it can stand alone. This movie follows monsters Mike and Sully and their journey together through college. People may say this is just a kids’ movie but it is filled with a ton of character development.
The Takeaway: the importance of having a good group of friends in college who are supportive of all your endeavors. A major aspect of college is having fun, and this movie does a great job portraying fun you can have on campus.
