Ten Films Every Student Should Watch During Their Time At University

University is a time for exploration and self-discovery, and what better way to expand your horizons than through film. Whether you're studying an arts or STEM subject, there are certain films that every student should watch during their time at university. 

We've compiled a list of ten films that are perfect for watching in your dorm room or with your housemates in the kitchen.

Here are the ten films every student should watch during their time at university.

The Social Network (2010) - a movie about the creation of Facebook and the challenges faced by its founder, Mark Zuckerberg.

"The Social Network" is a 2010 biographical drama film directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. The film tells the story of the creation of Facebook, the social networking website that has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. It follows Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) as he creates the website while studying at Harvard University and the subsequent legal battles that ensue between Zuckerberg and his co-founders and the Winklevoss twins.

The film explores themes of innovation, ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of success. It is a compelling story that provides a glimpse into the world of tech entrepreneurship and the cutthroat nature of the industry. It also delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding intellectual property and ownership.

It provides an entertaining and engaging way to learn about the early days of social media and the tech industry. It can also serve as a starting point for discussions around entrepreneurship, innovation, and ethics. Additionally, the film is a masterclass in storytelling and screenwriting, with Aaron Sorkin's sharp dialogue and David Fincher's meticulous attention to detail. Aspiring filmmakers and writers can learn a lot from studying the film's structure, pacing, and character development.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006) - a movie about a recent college graduate who gets a job as a personal assistant to a powerful fashion magazine editor.

The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 comedy-drama film directed by David Frankel and based on the novel of the same name by Lauren Weisberger. 

The film follows Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway), a recent college graduate who lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the demanding editor-in-chief of a prestigious fashion magazine. As Andrea tries to balance her new job with her personal life and values, she begins to learn about the cutthroat world of fashion and the sacrifices that come with success.

The film explores themes of ambition, identity, and the pressure to conform to societal norms. It also delves into the complex relationships between women in the workplace and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries.

It provides a humorous and insightful look into the world of fashion and media, which may be of interest to students studying related fields such as marketing, communication, or fashion design. The film highlights important issues such as the challenges faced by women in the workplace and the pressure to conform to societal norms. These themes may be relevant to students as they navigate their own career paths and personal lives. Finally, the film features strong performances from its lead actors, providing an excellent example of skilled acting and character development.

The Intern (2015) - a movie about a retired businessman who becomes a senior intern at an online fashion company.

"The Intern" is a 2015 comedy-drama film directed by Nancy Meyers and starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. The film follows the story of Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro), a 70-year-old widower who becomes a senior intern at an online fashion company run by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). As Ben adapts to the fast-paced, high-tech world of the company, he becomes a mentor and confidant to Jules, helping her navigate the challenges of running a successful business and balancing her personal life.

The film explores themes of ageism, career, mentorship, and work-life balance. It also raises important questions about the changing nature of work in the digital age and the value of experience and wisdom in the workplace.

It provides a heartwarming and inspiring portrayal of the value of mentorship and the ways in which intergenerational relationships can enrich our lives. The Intern raises important questions about the changing nature of work and the ways in which technology is reshaping our understanding of careers and success. It features excellent performances from its lead actors and provides an entertaining and engaging viewing experience. The film encourages viewers to reflect on their own values and priorities in life, making it a valuable tool for personal reflection and growth.

Good Will Hunting (1997) - a movie about a young janitor at MIT with a gift for mathematics who receives help from a psychologist to reach his potential.

"Good Will Hunting" is a 1997 drama film directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The film tells the story of Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a brilliant but troubled young man who works as a janitor at MIT and is discovered by a professor (Stellan Skarsgård) to have an extraordinary talent for mathematics. With the help of a therapist (Robin Williams), Will must confront his past traumas and confront his fears in order to realize his full potential.

The film explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the transformative power of education. It also delves into issues of class and privilege, as Will struggles to navigate his working-class background in a world of intellectual elites.

It provides a powerful portrayal of the potential for personal growth and transformation through education and mentorship, which may be of particular interest to students navigating their own educational journeys. Good Will Hunting film provides an example of the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the importance of seeking help and support. Third, the film features strong performances from its lead actors, providing an excellent example of skilled acting and character development. The film raises important questions about class and privilege, which may be relevant to students studying social justice and inequality.

Legally Blonde (2001) - a movie about a sorority girl who enrolls in law school to win back her ex-boyfriend and discovers her own potential.

"Legally Blonde" is a 2001 comedy film directed by Robert Luketic and based on the novel of the same name by Amanda Brown. The film follows Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a bubbly and fashionable sorority girl who enrolls in Harvard Law School in an effort to win back her ex-boyfriend. As she navigates the challenges of law school and works to prove herself to her peers and professors, Elle learns about the power of perseverance and self-confidence.

The film explores themes of ambition, identity, and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields. It also delves into issues of class and the stereotypes that people face based on their appearance.

Legally Blonde provides an entertaining and engaging way to learn about the law school experience and the challenges of pursuing a career in law. It highlights important issues such as the stereotypes and biases faced by women in male-dominated fields, which may be relevant to students studying fields such as law, business, or engineering. The film features a strong female lead character who defies expectations and shows the importance of self-confidence and perseverance. The film provides a lighthearted and humorous break from the stresses of university life.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) - a movie about a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son and strives to turn their lives around.

"The Pursuit of Happyness" is a 2006 biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith, based on the true story of Chris Gardner. The film follows Gardner (Will Smith), a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son (Jaden Smith) after a series of financial setbacks. Despite facing incredible adversity and discrimination, Gardner refuses to give up and works tirelessly to secure a better life for himself and his son.

The film explores themes of determination, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It also delves into issues of poverty, homelessness, and the challenges faced by single parents.

It provides an inspiring and uplifting portrayal of the power of determination and hard work, which may be relevant to students as they navigate their own academic and career journeys. The Pursuit of Happyness highlights important social issues such as poverty and homelessness, which may be relevant to students studying fields such as social work or public policy. It also film features strong performances from its lead actors, providing an excellent example of skilled acting and character development. Finally, the film provides a valuable lesson in resilience and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

500 Days of Summer (2009) - a romantic comedy-drama about a young man who falls in love with a woman who doesn't believe in love.

"500 Days of Summer" is a 2009 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Marc Webb and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. The film follows Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a greeting card writer who falls in love with his coworker Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel). The film is structured in a non-linear narrative, jumping back and forth between different days in their relationship, and explores the complexities and realities of love and heartbreak.

The film explores themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of modern dating culture. It also delves into issues of identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life.

500 Days Of Summer provides an honest and realistic portrayal of the ups and downs of romantic relationships, which may be relevant to students navigating their own love lives. The film raises important questions about identity and self-discovery, which may be relevant to students who are exploring their own sense of self and purpose. 500 Days Of Summer features an excellent soundtrack and creative storytelling techniques, providing an engaging and entertaining viewing experience.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014) - a movie about two teenagers with terminal illnesses who fall in love and try to make the most of their time together.

"The Fault in Our Stars" is a 2014 romantic drama film based on the novel of the same name by John Green. The film follows the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), a 16-year-old girl with thyroid cancer who meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), a charming and charismatic young man who has lost his leg to cancer. As their relationship deepens, Hazel and Augustus confront the challenges of living with terminal illness and strive to make the most of the time they have left.

The Fault in Our Stars explores themes of love, loss, mortality, and the human condition. It also raises important questions about the meaning of life and the ways in which we find purpose and hope in the face of adversity.

The Fault in Our Stars provides an honest and moving portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals living with illness, which may be relevant to students studying healthcare, medicine, or other related fields. The film raises important questions about the meaning of life and the ways in which we find hope and purpose in difficult circumstances, which may be valuable for all students navigating the challenges of university life. The Fault in Our Stars is a powerful film that encourages viewers to reflect on the nature of life, love, and mortality, making it a valuable addition to any university student's must-watch list.

A Star is Born (2018) - a romantic musical drama about a seasoned musician who falls in love with a struggling artist he helps to find fame.

"A Star is Born" is a 2018 romantic drama film directed by Bradley Cooper, who also stars alongside Lady Gaga. The film is the fourth remake of the original 1937 film of the same name and follows the story of Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), a famous musician struggling with addiction, who discovers and falls in love with Ally (Lady Gaga), a talented singer-songwriter. As Ally's career begins to take off, Jackson's addiction and personal struggles threaten to tear their relationship apart.

The film explores themes of love, addiction, fame, and mental health. It also delves into the complexities of the music industry and the pressures placed on artists to maintain their public image.

A Star is Born provides a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues, which may be relevant to students studying fields such as psychology or social work. It raises important questions about the nature of fame and the impact it can have on personal relationships and mental health.

La La Land (2016) - a romantic musical comedy-drama about a struggling actress and a jazz pianist who fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles.

"La La Land" is a 2016 musical romantic comedy-drama film directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. The film follows the story of Mia Dolan (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling), a jazz pianist, as they pursue their dreams in Hollywood. As they navigate their careers and their relationship, they must confront the realities of their chosen paths and the sacrifices that come with them.

La La Land film explores themes of ambition, creativity, love, and the pursuit of dreams. It also pays homage to classic Hollywood musicals and explores the ways in which the entertainment industry has evolved over time.

La La Land provides an entertaining and visually stunning portrayal of the joys and challenges of pursuing a creative career, which may be relevant to students studying fields such as music, theater, or film. The film raises important questions about the nature of success and the sacrifices that must be made in order to achieve one's goals.

Movie nights, film clubs and quiet nights in watching films can be a valuable part of a student's university experience. Films can provide a unique perspective on a wide range of topics, from social issues to personal growth, and can help students develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Our list of ten films including "Good Will Hunting," "The Social Network," "Legally Blonde," and "A Star is Born" are a great addition to any university student's must-watch list.

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