7 films to see before you graduate

Condor Properties dig out seven films every student should see.

So we’re three weeks into the new term, which probably means you’ve run out of money already. Fear not, if you’re looking for some cheap entertainment during these dark winter evenings, have a gander at these iconic films which every student should see before they graduate...

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Touted as one of the greatest high school films ever made, this coming of age comedy follows the fortunes of five hapless students who are thrust together one Saturday morning during detention. Ordered to write a 1,000 word essay about “who they think they are,” this punishment forces the stereotypical teenagers to take a look at themselves – and each other. Comedy, drama and romance abound in what is one of John Hughes’ finest films.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Robin Williams is on fine form in this drama, which is set in a conservative Vermont college during the fifties. Nominated for a raft of awards, it tells the story of an unorthodox English teacher who inspires his students through poetry. Together with his pupils, John Keating (Robin Williams) helps fight conservatism through creativity. They box clever but the battle does come at a price.

Road Trip (2000)

This classic college comedy takes viewers on a journey across America, following the misfortunes of student, Josh Parker, who is trying to intercept an illicit tape, which was accidentally mailed to his girlfriend. Cue a calamitous road trip across America, during which Josh and his pals crash fraternity parties, crash their car and steal a school bus from a blind person. Oh, and did we mention a snake attack? Uncompromisingly funny.

The History Boys (2006)

A film adaptation of the eponymous play by Alan Bennett, The History Boys is a comedy drama set at a fictional grammar school in Sheffield in the early eighties. The film follows a group of whippersnapper history students, who are preparing for their entry examinations for Oxford and Cambridge. They’ve got great teachers – although their interest in the boys strays beyond academic. This coming of age drama has won countless awards and is essential viewing for students.

Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

There are laughs aplenty in this college comedy, which follows a group of downtrodden geeks who triumph over their jock adversaries. Satirising social life as a student, this film is one of the original campus comedies and follows our nerdy protagonists as they attempt to exert revenge on the cruel jocks in the Alpha Beta fraternity. Pigs, marijuana and scantily clad cheerleaders make for a potent, comedy cocktail.

Old School (2003)

Keen to relive their wild college years, three middle-aged men return to campus and form their own fraternity, dragging in a motley crew of groupies as they party like it’s 1984. Trouble is, it’s not 1984 and their loved ones don’t appreciate their new found lifestyles. Not only that but their old sparring partner, the Dean of Students, is once again trying to evict them. Will Ferrell at his best in a campus comedy that might sit uncomfortably with mature students.

Van Wilder (2002)

Van Wilder (Ryan Reynolds) is the perpetual student, bankrolled by his businessman father he has been at university for seven carefree years and still hasn’t graduated. But with the endless parties why would you? A woman of course; cue Gwen (Tara Reid), a student journalist with whom Van falls hopelessly in love with. Suddenly he has something to graduate for. Trouble is there’s the small matter of her boyfriend, Van’s dad, who refuses to pay for his son’s dossing, and the university, who are kicking him out. This college caper is a classic student comedy.