Though college is said to be one of the most exciting times of our lives, sometimes you just need to take a break from all of the excitement and stress. I highly value my time alone and love to spend it watching movies. However, there are also times when a big group of my friends and I will get together with a bunch of snacks and watch one. Whether played on an old-school VHS, modern Blu Ray player, or Netflix, bonding over movies is a big part of the college experience.
Lately, I have become stuck in a movie rut trying to find new things to watch. This got me thinking about some of my favorites that I know are popular around campus and among my friends. So without further ado, here are the top 10 movies every college student should have in their collection!
The Princess Bride (1987)
Don’t let the title fool you, this definitely isn’t a comedy just for girls. Based upon the book by the same name, it’s romantic, hilarious, and full of swashbuckling – not to mention ultra-quotable! The nice thing is that you don’t have to have read the book to understand the story. A classic tale with some definite twists, this movie will no doubt remain popular far into the future. I honestly don’t know anyone that doesn’t like this movie.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
One of my favorite movie of all time, this Disney film combines the best elements of costume dramas and action films. With a great cast and an amazing plot full of adventure, humor, and romance, it’s hard to believe that this tale was based off of the Disney ride of the same name. It is definitely a favorite movie around campus for both the male and female population, and a perpetual pick for movie nights.
Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection
Harry Potter: The Complete 8 Film Collection
In case you’ve been living under a rock, Harry Potter is a series based on the wonderful books by J.K. Rowling, and a favorite source of fashion inspiration here at CF. The whole Harry Potter is extremely popular on my campus, so I recommend picking up the box set. Since there are eight films in the series, almost everyone can find their favorite. Additionally, it works great for having marathon parties!
The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy
The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy
This popular movie series is full of action and fantasy, following the hobbit Frodo on his quest to destroy the One Ring. Based off of the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, the story centers around love, sacrifice, and the battle of good vs evil. Again, these movies are among our favorite sources of fashion inspiration – see our post on fashion inspired by Lord of the Rings for proof. Another fantastic series for a marathon, these movies will be sure to entertain you and your friends for hours!
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Based on the book by Jane Austen, this movie shows the difficulties of love, life, and the separation of classes within the regency era. Elizabeth Bennett and her sisters are pressured to marry in order to improve the family status. Full of romance, this costume drama is a timeless story that is definitely great for a night in with the girls.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Most of us are no strangers to the Toy Story trilogy and have literally grown up with Andy through the years. This time, Andy is going off to college, leaving Buzz and Woody to take one last adventure as Andy’s toys. A fantastic film that especially hits home for college-aged students, this movie is a great addition to your college collection – just have the tissues handy!
Mean Girls (2004)
Perhaps the most quotable movie of our generation, Mean Girls is a hilarious and reality-based movie focused around high school culture and the cliques, backstabbing, and social warfare that we’ve all experienced in HS. The best part? The ending to the story has a great moral about being kind to everyone, even if they aren’t kind to you. My friends and I love to quote this movie!
Legally Blonde (2003)
Truly a hilarious and uplifting movie, Legally Blonde is a favorite for almost every girl. It’s especially great if you are looking for a light story after a rough day of classes or just want to chill out and relax! This is also a perpetual favorite for girls nights in.
Iron Man (2008)
Crazy popular among my friends and around campus, this comic book movie tells the story of how a man named Tony Stark becomes the superhero Iron Man and saves the day. Though the movie is mostly action-based, there are also elements of romance and comedy… and, hi, Robert Downey Jr. If you’re having a party that isn’t just confined to your girlfriends, Iron Man is a safe choice for a movie that almost everyone will enjoy.
The Young Victoria (2009)
Okay, okay…so this may not be the most popular film out there. However, if you haven’t seen this movie yet, you definitely need to soon. This beautiful film follows the first years of Queen Victoria’s reign and the surprising romance that influenced a nation. Truly a romantic and heartfelt story, I think this movie deserves more popularity. Those I know who have seen it love it – it’s the perfect romance movie to watch with girlfriends.
What are your thoughts?
Is your favorite movie listed on here? Have you watched any of these with your friends? Is there another super awesome movie we should know about? I’d love to know!
good picks but you left out White Chicks!!!
Ummmmmm where’s Clueless? Haha it’s such a classic in my opinion. I watch it at least once a month.
I would add But I’m a Cheerleader! to the list for sure. It’s one of those cheesey movies that everyone ends up loving.
The BBC version is long, but amazing. And has Colin Firth pointlessly in a wet shirt. Classic moment.
I agree with “Mean Girls” and would also add “Clueless”. I was in college in the first Pirates of the Caribbean came out, and it wasn’t my thing, but the girls I lived with were absolutely obsessed with it. You should also be able to get away with not owning LotR or Harry Potter, because you should easily be able to find someone who does and mooch off of them, hehe.
I agree with Breakfast at Tiffany’s! Love your selection of movies, wide selection!
I’m so glad you added the Young Victoria to the list. I saw it two years ago, and it’s been one of my favourite films ever since! I could watch it again and again. The soundtrack, setting and story is just so beautiful.
I would add Downton Abbey by the same writer to the list, I have a huge soft spot for period movies.
Good choices! I’d have left off the Princess Bride, because I feel like everyone has seen it 50 million times (and also, say hello to the first person you’ve met who actually doesn’t like that movie!). But besides that, the others are all good, and I think I’ve watched all of them on campus. I’d add Secretariat, honestly, because it was a really great movie and a cool story, and not enough people know that. Everyone I’ve shown it to has really liked it, even if they weren’t horse people. Plus, it’s a non-sad animal movie, and those are rare enough.
Roman Holiday is a good choice, too!
I actually can’t stand The Princess Bride… and yes, I get weird looks for that, but I can’t help it, I don’t like it, and that’s all there is I can say on that.
I do so love Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Pride and Prejudice (and other Austen films) though… and I actually prefer this version of P&P to the older one – the cinematography is beautiful, and the characters seem more real. Those films, along with Anne of Green Gables 1 and 2 have had a major impact on my life… shaped me into who I am today. I’m a great fan of period dramas, but I still need to watch The Young Victoria.
i would recommend Mona Lisa Smile
These are wonderful choices!
Miss Congeniality ! It’s like one of the best movies to watch with your girls friends ! And all Audrey Hepburn movies ! And I agree with Katy .. the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice is amazing ! Must have !
I would add Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Gone with the Wind, and Some like it Hot. But I enjoy old movies.
Iron Man!!! Hunger Games is my favorite, though.