With move-in just around the corner, I figured I would compile a list of the top five greatest college movies of all time. Now, I’m not gonna pretend to be some critic for Rotten Tomatoes, so this list is based solely on my opinion and the level of enjoyment I experienced as I watched each of these movies. For those still in school, I hope you all have as wild of a year as Bluto from Animal House.
Honorable Mentions: Good Will Hunting, Legally Blonde, and Monsters University
All of these movies are true gems, but they all lacked the stereotypical fraternity or “college” vibe that I look for in this niche genre. Good Will Hunting is a downright solid movie with a great cast, but I think I’d enjoy it more if Matt Damon’s character chugged a whole case of Natty Light while attempting to solve one of those ridiculous math problems. Legally Blonde feels like a movie I’d watch on a Sunday afternoon with my mom because it was on FreeForm, even though it’s still a banger. Monsters University was a great part of my childhood, but the fact that I won’t get to participate in the Scare Games this year at school just bums me out.
5. Real Genius
Real Genius is a hilarious story about not only college friendship but also taking the stick out from way up inside your ass and enjoying life. Sometimes, we need a buddy like Chris (Val Kilmer) to encourage us to worry a little less about that assignment and more about setting up for the Hawaiian-themed party in the school auditorium. Real Genius teaches us to not get bogged down in all the negative things in life, but rather fill the houses of our enemies with an ungodly amount of popcorn.
4. Rudy
Who doesn’t love Rudy? The ultimate feel-good story, Sean Astin inspires us all to reach for the stars, regardless of any shortcomings we might have. While I’m not expecting “hard work and determination” to earn my 5’8” build a walk-on spot at Notre Dame, the thought of Rudy leading the Fightin’ Irish out of the tunnel fires me up anytime I need a little extra motivation (mostly just the times I try to get out of bed with an excruciating hangover). Not only is Rudy a deserving top five college movie, but arguably a top five sports movie as well.
3. Old School
Now, Old School is one of my favorite movies across any genre (hence “the godfather”), but if you’ve ever seen Frank the Tank in action, you can tell there is very little bias as to why I’ve got this movie in my top three. This movie has countless iconic scenes – from Blue’s KY-Jelly-induced heart attack to Frank the Tank streaking up through the quad – you simply can’t go wrong.
2. The Social Network
While a majority of this movie takes place outside of Zuck’s college years, The Social Network gives us an intriguing insight into the life of a Harvard student, which 99% of us will never get to experience. The story of Facebook’s inception is downright amazing, and I always find myself completely locked in to this movie every time I throw it on. It also helps me sleep better at night knowing I’ll never be able to pull as big of a dick-move as Zuckerberg kicking Saverin to the curb.
1. National Lampoon’s Animal House
Animal House is the quintessential college movie. When they get placed on “Double Secret Probation”, Delta Tau Chi of Faber College must do everything in their power to prevent their charter from being revoked. This movie somehow glorifies the disgusting pit that is the Delta Tau Chi house, truly exciting me for the week-long benders, toga parties, and sporadic food fights that inevitably arise during the school year. Animal House is my G.O.A.T., and if it isn’t yours, I honestly can’t tell why not.
