Often times movies can capture the realities of life very accurately. We are all familiar with the “coming of age” film, capturing the events of teenagerhood, high school, and young adulthood. I was always a really big fan of these movies. I probably lived a little vicariously through them, but I loved the melodrama and life lessons they spoke to. Thinking about these movies that focus on high school football games and prom and driving around at night because there is nothing to do, I wanted to find more films that would speak more to what life is like beyond that. We continue to figure out how to be adults in the next stage of life, your 20s. And its daunting. It’s scary and you often wish for simpler times. I wanted more movies that spoke to this. So here are 20 films that have to do with themes of college life, beyond college life, coming of age, growth, and finding yourself. I’ve seen a little over half of these movies, some are brand new to me, and some have been on my list for quite some time. Enjoy :)
1. Legally Blonde (2001)
Classic Chick-Flick set in Graduate school; we follow Elle Woods as she finds true potential as a successful lawyer. She learns lots about herself, her worth, her ethic, and her perseverance to achieve lots more than anyone thought she was capable of.
2. Pitch Perfect (2012)
Another classic musical comedy set in Beca’s first year of college. We follow Beca as she reluctantly finds her place and her people at school. She learns to let people in and she grows as a person via an a cappella group.
3. Scream 2 (1997)
The second of the classic horror series “Scream,” we follow Sidney after the events of the first movie in her years at Windsor College. We return to a familiar cast of characters and killer as Sidney becomes the target of the Ghostface killer once more.
4. The Social Network (2010)
The Social Network follows Facebook Creators, Mark Zuckerberg, and his classmate Eduardo Saverin though their legal battle over the rights of the company, filled with dramatic college life.
5. Monsters University (2013)
A silly recommendation, but one that holds true. Monsters University follows Mike and Sully in their first years at college as they both aspire to be the top scarers. Their determination and friendship strengthen as they go through the trials the school hosts.
6. Animal House (1978)
Set in 1962, we follow a group of misfit fraternity members who get into lots of trouble with the Dean on campus. It highlights rebellion, the classic college party, pranks, and the clash of social classes.
7. Frances Ha (2012)
Co-Written by well-known Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, the black-and-white comedy follows Frances as she navigates though New York City a new adult pursuing her passions in art. It follows not only her professional life but her personal relationships, exploring the complexities of friendship.
8. La La Land (2016)
One of my personal favorites on this list is La La Land. Known for its stunning cinemaphotography and the 2016 Oscars “Best Picture” mix-up. It follows Mia and Sebastian though the seasons and cycles of love as they both chase their dreams in Los Angeles, California. Full of Jazz and other musical numbers, it’s such a charming film that will leave you pondering what it means to love someone and how much you would be willing to sacrifice for them.
9. Reality Bites (1994)
We follow a group of friends in Houston, Texas trying to navigate post-grad life. Winona Ryder’s character films the events of the group as they learn about friendship, identity, love, and transitioning into adulthood for real. It does a good job at portraying the Generation X experience with the change in technology in the day-to-day world and the group tries to find meaning in the changing world.
10. Moonlight (2016)
True winner of the 2016 Oscars “Best Picture,” is known for its beautiful cinemaphotography, lighting, soundtrack, and storytelling. Telling the story of Chiron, a young boy growing up in Miami trying to navigate his sexuality and feelings of identity with challenging circumstances. The film is split into three acts, “Little,” “Chiron,” and “Black,” all masterfully crafted to depict Chiron’s experiences throughout his life.
11. Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig makes a comeback on our list here as writer and director of the 2017 “Lady Bird.” We follow high school senior Christine, or “Lady Bird,” (played by Saoirse Ronan) though her final year at her Catholic school. It depicts the growing pains of motherhood and young adulthood as well as she dreams of a life bigger and farther away from the life she has in Sacramento.
12. Before Sunrise (1995)
Two young travelers, Jesse (played by Ethan Hawke) and Celine (played by Julie Deply) meet on a train bound for Vienna. Because of their curiosity for one another they decide to get off and spend the night exploring the city together. In one night, they fall for one another as they talk of life, their hopes and dreams, and past experiences. It’s a brief and chance meeting of strangers.
13. Garden State (2004)
We follow Andrew, a struggling actor (played by Zach Braff), as he returns home to New Jersey for his mom’s funeral. He meets Sam (played by Natalie Portman) and reunites with old friends and starts to reevaluate his life. The film focuses on themes of family, love, and personal growth featuring an indie soundtrack and heartfelt storytelling.
14. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Classic 2006 flick features Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Meryl Streep in the New York fashion industry. Hathaway’s character is post-grad and dreams of being a journalist, she scores an internship with prestigious fashion magazine “Runaway.” She juggles living up to the expectations of her new boss and personal life and learns the price of success.
15. Sabrina (1954)
Sabrina, staring Audrey Hepburn, is about a girl who travels to Paris and returns to win the heart of the youngest son of the wealthy Larrabee family. When she returns a “higher class” woman, a love triangle forms as both brothers of the Larrabee family end up falling for Sabrina, and family drama ensues.
16. The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
This film follows Jessica, an aspiring playwright in New York City trying to navigate her career and a recent break up. She meets Boone, an app designer who just went through a divorce and an unexpected connection blooms. Despite their different relationship situations, they explore the complexities of love and connection in the modern world.
17. She’s Gotta Have It (1986, 2017)
Spike Lee’s directorial debut, the black-and-white film follows Nola Darling living in New York City as she navigates three very different relationships with Jamie, Greer, and Mars. Nola grows in her independence, sexual freedom, and sense of self in these relationships.
The film was adapted into a series on Netflix, created, written, and directed by Spike Lee. It follows the same events as the 1986 film but expands and modernizes the characters and events. Both are very worth the watch!
18. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
With a cult following, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind follows Joel and Clementine (played by Jim Carry and Kate Winslet respectively) through their breakup. Clementine decides to undergo a procedure that erases all the memories she has of Joel. Joel decides to receive this procedure as well and as each memory is wiped, he starts to realize just how much joy she brought him and how important their time together was. He tries to hold on to the memories though the landscape of his own subconscious.
19. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Staring Matt Damon, a young janitor at MIT and Robin Williams, his therapist. We follow Damon’s character Will Hunting, who is gifted with mathematical talents. He solves a complex problem on one of the chalkboards and is caught by one of the professors. Instead of being arrested for his involvement in several altercations, he must work with a therapist and attend math classes at the college. William’s Sean Maguire works with Will to unpack his upbringing and past traumas.
20. Whiplash (2014)
Whiplsh features a young and ambitious jazz drummer Andrew Neiman (played by Miles Teller) who attends a prestigious school of music. He has a goal of being the best drummer in the world and is mentored by an abusive conductor who pushes past limits to achieve perfection. The film explores the sacrifice in pursuit of one’s goals and dreams, as well as the relationship Andrew has with his mentor though the events of the film.