Many aesthetics have become increasingly popularized during 2024, and one of the most recognizable is dark academia. This internet subculture is associated with earthy colors such as brown, green, and black. The aesthetic is related to higher education, the arts and humanities, and the romanticization of academic studies. It is inspired by the maturation of the Harry Potter generation and older universities such as Oxford and the Ivy Leagues. The seasonal imagery of autumn and winter is common, as well as books, libraries, preppy fashion, and gothic architecture. That being said, here are the films that I feel most embody this aesthetic!
- Dead Poets Society
-
This older movie, released in 1989, centers around an English professor with unconventional teaching methods named Mr. Keating, and his students at an all-boys preparatory school known for its rigorous expectations and lofty standards. The students themselves are placed under a lot of pressure from outside influences like their parents, and Mr. Keating makes it his job to help them escape that. This film encompasses the dark academia aesthetic flawlessly, mainly because of its setting, but also because of the themes of poetry and literature in an academic atmosphere.
- The Theory of Everything
-
The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama film that portrays the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. The movie chronicles Stephen’s journey from his days as a Cambridge student to his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics despite being diagnosed with motor neuron disease at a young age. It explores themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge, offering insights into Stephen Hawking’s extraordinary life and his contributions to science. His most discussed contributions in the film include his revolutionary theories on black holes and the origins of the universe. This movie is definitely aligned with the dark academia aesthetic because of the involvement of an old university setting and the subject of gaining knowledge.
- Kill Your Darlings
-
This film describes the early years of several key figures associated with the Beat Generation, focusing on the relationship between Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William S. Burroughs. Set in the 1940s, the film follows Ginsberg’s journey as a young aspiring poet who enrolls at Columbia University and becomes entangled in a circle of literary rebels. The movie possesses themes of artistic rebellion and the quest for artistic freedom amidst societal constraints. The dark academia aesthetic is displayed in this film through the focus on writing and prestigious college setting.
- Harry Potter and the Half blood prince
-
Harry Potter is a series well-known and beloved by many, and is the inspiration for the dark academia aesthetic itself. However, I found it necessary to point out that the sixth movie in the series best reflects what the feeling is all about. The lighting is dark, the main characters are in a school with gothic architecture, and their uniforms are preppy – all of the ingredients necessary for a dark academic film. I would recommend watching the previous five movies before this one, although I think that the cinematography and scenery in this film is positively spectacular.
- Portrait of a lady on fire
-
This French film was released fairly recently in 2020. The main plot follows an artist paid to paint the wedding portrait of the young daughter of a French countess, who eventually develops a mutual attraction for her. There are a lot of good ASMR moments in this movie, and the overall impression is very relaxing – perfect to put on in the background when working or completing other tasks. The scenery is stunning, as the film is set in the French countryside by the sea. However, there are a few spicy scenes in this one, so be aware! It qualifies as dark academia because of its emphasis on art and the lower exposure on the screen.
- The Favourite
-
The Favourite is a dark comedic historical drama set in early 18th century England, during the reign of Queen Anne. The film revolves around the complex power dynamics and manipulative relationships within the royal court, particularly focusing on the triangle formed by Queen Anne, her close friend Lady Sarah Churchill, and Sarah’s ambitious cousin Abigail Masham. As Queen Anne’s health deteriorates and her decision-making abilities decline, Lady Sarah wields significant influence over both the queen and the political landscape. However, Abigail’s arrival at court and her cunning maneuvers to ingratiate herself with the queen threaten Sarah’s position. This movie is wildly entertaining, yet still retains some of the key dark academic factors.
