Dead Poets Society and 19 other movies for fans of the dark academia aesthetic

Boarding schools, tweed jackets, Latin classes, black coffee – these are just some of the things that illustrate and describe dark academia in movies. The aesthetic has become a popular trend among young adults who really like to broaden their perspectives on almost everything under the sun, especially the art of literature. Dark academy movies embrace an interest in learning – or sometimes, simply use the aesthetic to appear to embrace that interest in learning.

Dark academia is a type of aesthetic that romanticizes the yearning for knowledge, especially in literature and classical studies. It can be expressed through fashion, photography, writing and films. Dark academy movies are often set in Ivy League or prestigious universities And may involve a case of murder or simply one’s pursuit of self. With the very popular subgenre of drama films having such a respected place in film history, there are plenty of movies to go back and watch that possess dark academy traits, from the lucky librarians to the love of all things art, literature and Academy.

20

Dead Poets Society (1989)

A poetry teacher leads students to their passions

Released in 1989, Dead Poets Society is probably the pinnacle of all dark academy movies. It stars the late Robin Williams as Mr. Keating, Ethan Hawke as Todd Anderson, and Robert Sean Leonard as Neil Perry. The film follows their academic life at the Welton Academy boarding school. Mr. Keating was an English teacher with unconventional methods, who inspired the boys to pursue their love for poetry.

This heartfelt and tear-jerking movie Teaches fans the importance of self-discovery and freedom of expression. It also emphasizes the role of teachers and how their lessons can impact the lives of their students in the long run. However, the parents are not always ready to accept their sons according to their desires, and when a suicide occurs, it ends everything that Keaton tries to accomplish. Dead Poets Society Earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Peter Weir), and Best Actor (Robin Williams).

19

School Days (1992)

A Jewish high school student finds persecution at an elite pre-school

School ties is often mentioned in the same breath as dead poets society But they are very different films. While the latter actually focus on learning and the students opening their minds, the former focuses on the intolerance present in a close-knit community. Despite the different story focuses, They have the same dark academy aesthetic with the elite and classic prep school look.

School ties Boasting an impressive cast that includes Brendan Fraser, Ben Affleck, Chris O’Donnell and Anthony Rapp in some of their earliest roles. In the film, Fraser plays a Jewish teenager from a working-class family who receives a scholarship to an elite prep school because of his exceptional grades and his excellence on the soccer field. However, when he gets there, he finds himself at odds with the rich and often racist students he hangs out with.

18

Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

An art teacher in the 1950s wants to help women achieve their dreams

like School ties, Mona Lisa smile is also set in the 1950s. Not similar School tiesHowever, the focus of the movie is on the place of women in society at the time as explored by an art history course at Wellesley. Although the film received mixed reviews upon its release, it certainly touches on the different expectations of a university education at the time for women compared to men.

The women were not expected to use the academic education they received, but to become wives and mothers and remain in the R home.

The women were not expected to use the academic education they received, but to become wives and mothers and remain in the R home. Mona Lisa smile Does not play as hard in the dark academy aspect of the movie as it couldInstead allowing the audience to see that there are many paths for the women of the class as long as they are presented with their own choices about their future. Julia Robert led the cast, and the movie received award nominations for the Elton John song “Every Girl’s Heart.”

17

The Skulls (2000)

A secret society in a prestigious university

When it comes to more modern takes on dark academia in movies and television, many are dedicated to fantasy stories, viz The sorcerers. The skullsHowever, which was in theaters in 2000, is still relevant to modern audiences because it focuses on the sinister appeal of secret societies in prestigious universities. Starring Paul Walker and Joshua Jackson, The movie is just as much a thriller as it is a young adult drama, as conspiracies surrounding a secret society are slowly unearthed.

However, as the movie wears on, Luke realizes the secrets are deeper and darker than he ever suspected.

Luke (Jackson) is a student who wants to be a lawyer and gets his chance to attend a prestigious college on a rowing scholarship. He tries to join a secret society known as the Skols, which includes scholars at all levels of society, including a federal court judge who wants a seat on the Supreme Court. However, as the movie wears on, Luke realizes the secrets are deeper and darker than he ever suspected. Director Rob COehn said he based the movie on reality (viz Entertainment focus).

“It was a very intense process because I had in my mind that I was telling the story of George Sr. and George W. Bush… It’s interesting how many of the critics missed that and had it Not understanding and it removed as stupid skull and bones is a reality and the film was very close to how the reality works in oil.

16

Cruel Intentions (1999)

A brother and sister play twisted mind games

Cruel intentions is one of the most famous dark academy movies. After all, the characters go to an elite school where they have the best fashions money can buy, but they also favor a classic academic aesthetic about their books, furniture, and homes. The film reveals the darkness, which can also stem from jealousy With Sarah Michelle Gellar brilliantly playing a villainous role yet audiences are so used to seeing her as the hero.

Ryan Phillippe plays Sebastian, a teenager who uses his money and charm to manipulate and seduce women. When he sets his sights on a new conquest (Reese Witherspoon), his stepsister (Geller) makes a bet with her brother that if he succeeds in the new conquest, she will sleep with him, but if he fails, she will get his Jaguar car. The movie is an erotic thriller with a very dark turn of events that plays out as the bet progresses. The film received mixed reviews, but is something of a cult classic that is still rewatched today.

15

Harry Potter Films (2001-2011)

A boy wizard finds his destiny in an exclusive wizard academy

Harry Potter Might not be the first film franchise that comes to mind when you think of dark academy movies, but it certainly fits the bill. Dark academia is an aesthetic that calls to mind a highly idealized version of academic institutions. The Harry Potter Franchise has just that thanks to its lock of a setting for the scope of the stories, the deep classes viewers can observe, and the sheer amount of ​​​​knowing that the Harry Potter Characters are able to get while attending Hogwarts.

They are also beautiful to watch with immaculately dressed sets and effects

yes, The movies are a family-friendly fantasy seriesBut they’re also beautiful to watch, with immaculately dressed sets and effects that are perfect for fans of dark academia. There were seven movies in the original series and then three in a spinoff prequel series. However, there will be more to come in the future, as Max will remake each Harry Potter novel in a 10-season streaming series, which will likely tell many more stories from the books in the academic setting.

14

Good Will Hunting (1997)

A young woman from the streets gets a chance to find her place in the world

Good luck hunting is a dark academy film that shows what happens when someone from a lower class moves into high art, and finds that he no longer belongs where he feels comfortable. Matt Damon stars as Will Hunting, a brilliant mathematical genius who can solve any problem, earning him a place at a university, a goal none of his childhood friends could ever achieve. This puts him in a difficult spot where his friends don’t understand his new pursuits.

Robin Williams won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor

Robin Williams enjoyed a breakout performance as his mentor Dr. Sean MaguireA man who did what he could to help Will fit into the dark academy world he knew nothing about. Good luck hunting Has a 97% certified fresh rating on rotten tomatoes. It also picked up great acclaim when released, earning nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Robin Williams won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won for their screenplay.

13

The Theory of Everything (2014)

The True Story of Stephen Hawking

The theory of everything is a biopic about famous scientist Stephen Hawking. Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for his performance as Hawking, as he learns about his motor neuron disease and never lets it affect his desire to achieve his goals in life. Given that the movie starts with Hawking’s career at the University of Cambridge as an aspiring astrophysicist, The movie slides quite nicely into the world of dark academy movies.

Eventually, Hawking’s drive allows him to eclipse the academics who once taught him. Critics praised the film, awarding it an 80% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In addition to Redmayne’s Oscar win, the film itself has four other nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Felicity Jones), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score. Redmayne also won awards at the BAFTAs and Golden Globes awards for his performance.

12

The Goldfinch (2019)

A young man tries a career as an art thief

The Goldfinch is based on the novel by Donna Tartt, with Ansel Elgort starring as Theodore Decker. When his mother dies in a terrorist bombing, he ends up in a life of crime, specifically the world of art theft. The movie follows Theodore throughout his life as he learns lessons along the way and grows into a man with no parental figures in his life, but an innate desire to succeed and overcome his childhood trauma.

… Many of the reviews praised the beauty and look of the movie but felt that the story was mostly disappointing.

The film is a dark tale, with Theodore involving himself in the world of classical art and literature, making this a Dark academy movie without bothering with the university aspects of the genre. Critics mostly dismissed the film, with a low approval rating of 25% on Rotten Tomatoes, although many of the reviews praised the beauty and look of the movie but felt that the story was mostly disappointing. Author Tartt turned down the film and fired her agent after it was made (via Looper).

11

The Social Network (2010)

The creation of Facebook

The Social Network is a movie that shows what is wrong with dark academia. Although the idea of ​​the subject is a romanticism with literature and art, mostly in a university setting, this movie shows the dark side. This includes toxic masculinity, snobbish Ivy League cliques, and over-obsessive work habits, followed by betrayal and possible theft of intellectual rights.

Directed by David Fincher, the film has an approval rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie shows the rise of Facebook by its founders and the idea that the original concept was supposed to help connect the students in Cambridge. But, as with any good idea, There was a darkness behind him that corrupted everything she touched. Directed by David Fincher, the film has an approval rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. It also earned eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Aaron Sorkin won for his screenplay while Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross won for the score.

10

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

The True Story of Mathematician John Nash

Released in 2001 by Ron Howard, A beautiful view Tells the story of mathematician John Nash. While the film sparked controversy for the inaccuracies it made in Nash’s life and his true story, the entire film is steeped in the themes of dark academy movies. Nash arrives at Princeton University as a winner of the Carnegie Scholarship for mathematics and meets his new roommate, a literature student named Charles Herman.

However, as the movie progresses, Things are not as they seem and Nash’s life ends up falling apart While he still managed to succeed when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1994. A beautiful view Won some of the biggest Oscars that year, bringing home Best Picture, Best Director for Ron Howard, Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Connelly, and Best Screenplay for Akiba Goldsman. Star Russell Crowe lost to Denzel Washington (Training day) for Best Actor.

9

Kill Your Darlings (2013)

The True Story of Allen Ginsberg

Kill your darlings is loosely based on the lives of poets Allen Ginsberg and Lucien Carr. They attended Columbia University and became involved in the murder of one of their acquaintances. Played by Daniel Radcliffe, Ginsberg finds an unusual friendship with Carr (played by Dane DeHaan). Carr is a young man who ends up in a predatory relationship with an older sexual predator and ends up killing the man in self-defense.

The movie takes place at Columbia University and features appearances by other historical figures…

The movie takes place at Columbia University and features appearances by other historical figures, including Jack Kerouac (played by Jack Huston) and William S. Burroughs (played by Ben Foster). The film garnered positive reviews because of the chemistry and overall plot of the two actors. Regarding his historical accuracy, Ginsberg’s secretary confirmed some inaccuracies, which are only of minor value. The film has a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score and won Unsung Film of the Year at the Dorian Awards.

8

Morris (1987)

A Merchant Ivory production based on EM Forster’s novel

Based on EM Forster’s novel of the same title, Maurice Tells the extraordinary story of two star-crossed lovers. When Maurice Hall attended Cambridge University, he met and befriended the wealthy Clive Durham. Maurice admits that he is in love with Clive, and the latter gradually realizes that he is also attracted to his friend. Both of them follow their own passions, but because Clive needs to protect his reputation, they decide to go their separate ways.

The film explores gay love in the very repressed Edwardian English culture.

In this deep and chaotic tale of love and loss, Fans will love the chemistry between the two actors. The film explores gay love in the very repressed Edwardian English culture. Starring James Wilby and Hugh Grant, the movie received critical praise and is currently 82% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. It received an Oscar nomination for its costume design and won three awards at the Venice Film Festival, including the Silver Lion for Best Director.

7

Mary Shelley (2017)

The True Life Story of Frankenstein Author Mary Shelley

The historical drama tells the early life of the The romantic writer Mary Shelley and the creation of her best work, Frankenstein. Set in the 1800s, this visually pleasing and gothic-inspired film is sure to awaken the writer in any literature fan. Played by Elle Fanning, Mary Shelley is the wife of the poet Percy Blythe Shelley. Together with their friends, Lord Byron, John Polidori, and Mary’s half-sister, Claire Clermont, they are stranded in a house near Lake Geneva.

Sir Byron proposes a play to write a horror story, and this was the beginning of the performance of Frankenstein. The film did almost nothing at the worldwide box office and also received average to low critical ratings, sitting at 41% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the movie does well with the dark academy setting, and delivers an intriguing story led by some strong performances from the talented cast.

6

Tolkien (2019)

The True Story of JRR Tolkien

Everyone knows JRR Tolkien’s the lord of the rings And this biopic tells the English professor’s early life and his inspiration for creating the popular franchise. Nicholas Hoult stars as Tolkien, while Lily Collins plays his lifelong love and later wife. Tolkien finds love and inspiration among a group of outcasts. Their brotherhood is gradually strengthened as Tolkien deals with his relationship with Edith Bratt and the outbreak of the First World War.

These experiences later inspired him to create the fantasy world of The Hobbit And The Lord of the Rings.

These experiences later inspired him to create the fantasy world of The Hobbit And The Lord of the Rings. The film has all the elements of dark academy movies, from Their outfits for attending universities, everything displays the aesthetic. However, it ended up as a box office failure and also received mixed reviews from critics but it is another film that dark academy fans will likely appreciate.

5

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Robert Downey Jr. takes on the role of Sherlock Holmes

Of course, the genius detective Sherlock Holmes is a perfect fit for the dark academy movie theme. Although the entire film is not set in a university, his love for knowledge satisfies every aspect of the aesthetic. Everyone knows Sherlock Holmes and everyone who is capable of mystery and crime will certainly adore his adventures. The dark setting and atmosphere of the film give off the ambience of old London, which is full of an evil and bad society.

Directed by Guy Ritchie, The movie is based on the characters of Sir Arthur Conan DoyleBut the story is not based on any of his novels or stories. Instead, it follows Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Watson (Jude Law) as they try to stop three “unstoppable” deaths promised by his nemesis, Sir Henry Blackwood. The movie was a monster success, winning Downey a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, and spawning a sequel, with another on the way.

4

The Imitation Game (2014)

The True Story of Alan Turing

The newly created British intelligence recruits Cambridge math genius Alan Turing (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) to crack Nazi codes that cryptanalysts thought were unbreakable. Turing analyzes the Enigma messages as he builds a machine to decipher them. But the ending, which is supposed to be happy, turns sour when he is sent to prison when they find out that he is gay. One of the most common themes in dark academy movies is LGBTQ+ issues.

The aesthetic is inclusive and covers all genders, so it often presents stories of self-exploration and expression.

This aesthetic is inclusive and covers all genders, thus It often provides stories of self-exploration and expression. The imitation game Has a certified fresh 90% rotten tomatoes score. It was also a success at the end of the year, earning eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Benedict Cumberbatch), and Best Actress (Keira Knightley). However, the only award it ended up taking home was Best Adapted Screenplay for Graham Moore.

3

The Riot Club (2014)

A fictional all-male, exclusive Oxford dining club

Starring Sam Claflin, Max Irons and Douglas Booth, the film follows the story of a group of students attending Oxford University who join a secret society where they learn that a reputation can be ruined in just one evening. The Riot Club is an established drinking club that prides itself on money and hedonismThings that most dark academy movie fans are very well aware of.

Fans will also indulge in his spectacular cinematography and the portrayal of the British elites.

The aesthetics of the film is visually appealing, especially when the cast is all handsome boys in school uniforms. Fans will also indulge in his spectacular cinematography and the portrayal of the British elites. The film mostly follows an exclusive secret society that all believe they are above the law and can do anything they want without repercussions, which is proven to be mostly true by the end. The film has a 66% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised for its dark humor and look at unearned privilege.

2

The Dreamers (2003)

An erotic drama set during the 1968 Paris student riots

The French-English film stars Eva Green, Michael Pitt, and Louis Garrel, three students who find an unusual friendship with one another. Isabelle and Theo are twins who meet an American student, Matthew, and together they dream of utopian love and self-discovery in the age of revolutionary idealism. The movie became popular on social media Because of the scenes where the three are running and frolicking around a museum, a sight that will certainly thrill the hearts of dark academy movie fans.

The dreamers was directed by the auteur filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci, widely considered to be one of Italy’s greatest directors in history. This was Eva Green’s first movie and her major breakthrough. Bertolucci has both the R-rated theatrical version and a second version that is uncut and NC-17. The film received average to positive reviews, with a 60% Rotten Tomatoes score, and its music soundtrack includes hits by Jimi Hendrix, Steve Miller Band, The Doors and Grateful Dead.

1

Dorian Gray (2009)

Based on the classic Oscar Wilde character

Captivated by his own beauty, Dorian Gray Decided to trade his soul to the devil to keep his youth. Based on the novel by Oscar Wilde, Dorian Gray is a representation of the human desire for immortality. Played by Ben Barnes, Dorian was a student who met the artist Basil Hallward and the influential master Henry Wotton when he first came to London. The three became good friends until Lord Wotton poisoned Dorian’s young mind, and upon discovering that his portrait painted by Basil had some dark secrets, he decides to lock it away.

like Dorian GrayMany of the best dark academy movies don’t just use the aesthetic, but also have an inherent darkness to their stories.

The story involves murder and debauchery, which brings some evil into the film. like Dorian GrayMany of the best dark academy movies don’t just use the aesthetic, but also have an inherent darkness to their stories. The film received mostly mixed to negative reviews, sitting at 43% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, critics still praised the polished and polished production and the look of the Dark Academy Film