9 Must-See Films for College Students

When you need to believe in romance:

Before Sunrise - There are conversations and connections you can only make when you’re in your early twenties, full of idealism and determined to right the world’s wrongs. Richard Linklater’s 1995 romantic drama captures the instant soul connection between passionate Celine (Julie Delpy) and clumsy idealist Jesse (Ethan Hawke), who meet on a train and spend a night together wandering around Vienna, discussing their hopes and dreams.

The first in a trilogy, Linklater revisited Jesse and Celine twice more, each installment coming nine years apart, so that audiences could grow with the couple.

When you’re not sure of your life path:

Frances Ha - Greta Gerwig co-writes and stars in Frances Ha, Noah Baumbach’s 2012 comedy about a 27-year-old dancer struggling to find her direction while living in New York. When Frances’ best friend announces she’s moving, Frances is sent into a tailspin, feeling abandoned and like everyone around her has their lives together. Frances may not always have a plan, but she has an insatiable desire to find joy and connection. We could all do with a little more of her spirit.

When you need to be enlightened and inspired by real people:

I Am Not Your Negro - James Baldwin should be required reading for everyone, as his writing about conflict, racism, xenophobia, war and homophobia remain ever-relevant. Raoul Peck’s Oscar-nominated 2016 documentary is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, and explores the history of racism in the United States through Baldwin’s analysis of major moments in the Civil Rights movement, including recollections of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. An unflinching look at history and an inspiring portrait of a brilliant mind.

When you need to have your mind blown:

Mulholland Drive - If you haven’t already had your mind blown by David Lynch, college is the perfect time to have your ideas of narrative, style, and atmosphere upended. Lynch’s 2001 neo-noir film, Mulholland Drive, remains one of the most exceptional examples of style, atmosphere and emotional resonance. Eerie, dream-like and laden with symbolism, Lynch plays with the subconscious, using striking imagery and an incredible soundscape to get under your skin.

When you want to understand more about racism:

Do The Right Thing - Spike Lee’s iconic 1989 dramedy explores racial tensions during a swelteringly hot day in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, as relevant today as it was in the ‘80s, Lee’s understanding of the everyday microtraumas of racism; of systemic issues like gentrification; and the structural ways that brutality against Black people is normalised and excused is clear – but his delivery is never didactic. The film is full of wit, brilliantly charismatic characters and irrepressible energy.

When you want a film that embraces philosophy:

Women Talking - English majors will be aware of Shauvian drama techniques, where dialogue-heavy narratives explore philosophical and societal questions: Sarah Polley’s 2022 drama is a stunning modern example. Based on Miriam Toews’ novel that was itself based on real events, Claire Foy, Rooney Mara and Jessie Buckley star as Mennonite women who realise that many of them have been repeatedly drugged and raped by men in their community.

As the men are questioned by police, eleven women gather to discuss whether they should forgive the men, fight them, or leave the colony forever. Featuring phenomenal performances and layered dialogue that merges the personal and philosophical, it’s a beautifully sensitive and thought-provoking film.

Photo credit: Michael Gibson

When you need to feel earnest and inspired:

Dead Poets Society - Sometimes you need to be inspired by the possibility of great teachers. A classic for a reason, this 1989 drama stars the late great Robin Williams as an English teacher who joins the staff of an elite boarding school in 1959. Finding his students’ individuality being squashed, he introduces the boys to poetry and passion, encouraging them to discover their own voice. Featuring an irresistible turn from Williams, Dead Poets Society is emotional and inspiring.

When you need to rage against capitalism:

Margin Call - As the cost of living crisis rages on, it’s important to become aware of how people’s lives can be irreversibly altered by self-serving elites. JC Chandor’s 2011 drama Margin Call takes place at a large Wall Street investment bank in the 24 hours of the initial stages of the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Featuring a prickly script and superb performances, this is one of the best Wall Street movies ever made.

When you need some authentic queer representation:

Weekend - College is a time of self-discovery for many people, and for LGBTQ people, it can be a time of community and connection. Having films that accurately reflect the complexity of these experiences is vital, and Andrew Haigh’s beautifully intimate film Weekend is a gentle masterpiece.

Tom Cullen plays sensitive Russell, who hooks up with confrontational art student Glen (Chris New). Glen is working on an art project about the difference between the image people present to the world, and who they really are, and Weekend is an exercise in slowly stripping away its characters’ defences to show us their true selves. Intimate, honest and beautifully performed.

Read the full Student Special in the current issue of Hot Press – out now: