Need a bit of motivation during SWOTVAC? Revising for exams, but finding your attention wandering elsewhere? It might be time to switch off your brain and switch on the TV! Watching a movie about studying might just be the motivation you need to open up your textbooks.
No matter your course, whether it’s law, physics, music, accounting or anything in between, we’ve found the perfect movie to get you back into a studying mood (or to help you switch off and relax)! Here are our top 8 movies about studying and student life.
The Internship
Good for: Mature age students, anyone who thinks they’re too old to try something new (spoiler alert: you’re never too old!)
When to watch: Turn off your brain and settle in with some popcorn after a long day of revising.
Our favourite scene: The crew breaks free from classes for an all-nighter out on the town in San Francisco.
Legally Blonde
Good for: Law students, or anyone who needs a bit of motivation to get back to your desk.
When to watch: With a group of friends to celebrate once you’ve finally finished your last exam.
Our favourite scene: The bend and snap. Works every time!
Whiplash
Good for: Reminding yourself that your teachers aren’t all that bad, really!
When to watch: Just before your exams, when you need an adrenaline rush.
Our favourite scene: The finale. We won’t spoil it for you – but prepare to be riveted.
Monsters University
Good for: Realising that you can have a successful career even if you’re not always top of the class.
When to watch: With your bestie, when you both need a break from studying.
Our favourite scene: When Sully and Mike put aside their differences and finally start working together.
Good Will Hunting
Good for: High achievers, deep thinkers, anyone who loves a challenge.
When to watch: When you’re in the zone and ready to focus on a dramatic storyline.
Our favourite scene: The iconic park bench monologue – true knowledge comes from lived experience, not just book smarts.
School of Rock
Good for: Music students who feel uninspired – it’s time to get back onstage.
When to watch: Have it on in the background while you’re studying, and try not to get distracted by the soundtrack!
Our favourite scene: The kids and Mr Schneebly writing their first rock song, and the banger of a tune at the Battle of the Bands.
The Social Network
Good for: Business students who need advice on what to do (or what not to do).
When to watch: The night before a big oral exam or debate – practice your speech at the same pace as this dialogue in this script (extremely fast).
Our favourite scene: The rowing competition, or Andrew Garfield’s character, Eduardo, storming into the Facebook offices to yell at Mark Zuckerberg.
Dead Poets Society
Good for: Drama, poetry or English students, anyone needing to hear a strong motivational speech.
When to watch: Exams stressing you out? Release the emotions with a good cry or two (or three or four).
Our favourite scene: John Keating (Robin Williams) teaching the boys in his class to ‘seize the day’, follow their passions and set themselves free from the expectations of society.
Not all of these films are about traditional study – some take on the topics of focus and determination, while others are about student life and learning about yourself. All are a great way to motivate (or distract) yourself during SWOTVAC. Good luck as you take on your exams!
