Student life is a unique blend of excitement, challenges, and self-discovery. These films delve into the complex world of academia, exploring themes of friendship, rivalry, love, and the pursuit of dreams. Whether you're a student yourself or simply nostalgic for those formative years, this curated list of drama films about students offers a rich tapestry of stories that resonate with the universal experiences of youth.

The Paper Chase (1973)
Description: A first-year law student at Harvard Law School faces intense pressure from his demanding professor, learning about the law and life in the process.
Fact: The film was adapted into a TV series that ran for four seasons. It was one of the first films to depict the rigors of law school.


Dead Poets Society (1989)
Description: This film captures the transformative power of education through the story of an unconventional English teacher who inspires his students to seize the day and make their lives extraordinary.
Fact: Robin Williams won a Golden Globe for his role as John Keating. The film was also nominated for four Academy Awards.


School Ties (1992)
Description: A Jewish student at a prep school in the 1950s faces antisemitism and the challenge of keeping his identity a secret to fit in.
Fact: This was one of Brendan Fraser's early roles. The film addresses themes of prejudice and identity in a preppy school setting.


Good Will Hunting (1997)
Description: While not strictly about students, this film follows Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT with a genius-level intellect, as he confronts his past and future with the help of a therapist.
Fact: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the screenplay, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film also won Best Supporting Actor for Robin Williams.


Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Description: Set in the 1950s, this film explores the impact of a progressive art history professor on her students at Wellesley College, challenging their traditional views on women's roles.
Fact: Julia Roberts was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role. The film was inspired by real-life events at Wellesley College.


The History Boys (2006)
Description: A group of bright, yet rebellious students navigate their final year at school, grappling with the pressures of exams, university applications, and their own personal growth under the guidance of two very different teachers.
Fact: The film is based on the award-winning play by Alan Bennett. It features an ensemble cast of British actors, many of whom were part of the original stage production.


The Wave (2008)
Description: A high school teacher's experiment to demonstrate the appeal of fascism goes awry when his students become too enthusiastic about the authoritarian movement.
Fact: The film is based on a true story from a California high school in


The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Description: This coming-of-age story follows Charlie, a shy and introspective high school freshman, as he navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and mental health.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also wrote and directed the movie. The soundtrack features iconic 80s and 90s hits.


Educating Rita (1983)
Description: A hairdresser enrolls in an Open University course, seeking to expand her horizons, and forms an unlikely bond with her alcoholic professor.
Fact: The film is based on the play by Willy Russell. Michael Caine received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.


The Class (2008)
Description: A French teacher in a Parisian school faces the daily challenges of teaching a diverse group of students, reflecting on education and societal issues.
Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It's based on the autobiographical novel by François Bégaudeau, who also stars as the teacher.
