Movies to reminisce about college

College.

For some of us, like yours truly, it’s coming to an abrupt, expensive end. As us seniors look back on our USC undergraduate experience, we remember our friends, lovers, classes – and of course, our movies.

Here’s one last roundup of must-see movies that encapsulate the college experience – either by being about college or just capturing the zeitgeist or just by having a release date from 2007-2011. Enjoy – and feel free to catch up on these films to procrastinate from studying for finals.

The Hangover (2009)

You know every single line. This will be a movie you show your children once they’re old enough. And you will tell them the story about the first time you saw this movie — in college.

The Graduate (1967)

A beautiful, classic film set, strangely, to an entire Simon and Garfunkel album.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Jason Segel’s bare butt appears within the first ten minutes of the movie. And who can deny that?

Animal House (1978)

John Belushi’s finest work was in this iconic frat film based on Dartmouth’s Greek life.

300 (2006)

The epic to end all epics, 300, got you and your friends to take every opportunity to scream “NO – THIS. IS. SPARTA!” after anyone declared “This is madness.”

Rudy (1993)

The ultimate sports tearjerker. End of story.

Up (2009)

Combining the Pixar look and nostalgia that our generation grew up with and a touching story that spoke to the lonely person inside all of us, Up is a nearly perfect movie.

Role Models (2008)

Come on, you know you love Kiss!

The Dark Knight (2008)

Who didn’t, at one point, have some sort of Joker-themed swag? Heath Ledger’s memorable performance is what separates this Bat flick from the litter.

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

Everyone has had their heart broken. And in this movie, it’s all set in front of our own downtown Los Angeles.

Up In the Air (2009)

George Clooney’s character is the man we at once aspire to become and hope to never be like. And it was a lesson in what not to choose in our upcoming adult lives.

The Social Network (2010)

Yep. I had to include this one.

Drumline (2002)

Though they’re not as awesome as the Trojan Marching Band, the musical hijinks entertain.

St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Following a group’s fruition from college to adult life, St. Elmo’s Fire explored growing up in the ‘80s – all to a super sick, albeit dated, soundtrack.

National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002)

If you haven’t seen this movie, you should be ashamed of yourself. But you probably still eat éclairs with a straight face.

Legally Blonde (2001)

Not only was USC part of the set of this classic, Reese Witherspoon delivers a spunky, adorable performance that she has not been able to replicate in her later career.

Old School (2003)

Shoutout to Trojan Will Ferrell! Old School is every middle aged man’s fantasy – and is a delight to watch.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Two words: Matt Damon.

Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

The ultimate buddy comedy convinced us all that cravings can create adventures. And rides on the back of tigers. Oh, and Neil Patrick Harris ain’t so bad either.

Back to School (1986)

Rodney Dangerfields hits the books – and gets the laughs in this classic.