1. 21
Despite his high MCAT scores and near-perfect GPA, Harvard directors tell Ben Campbell that medical school is essentially impossible to pay for. Ben’s MIT professor luckily has some easy money tips (sort of). If solving linear equations is your thing, you might consider pulling a 21 and joining a blackjack team. (You’ll make thousands of dollars a night, it’s risky, and you did not hear this from me.) But that isn’t the only message in this film: 21 suggests you go above and beyond to “dazzle” college directors.
2. The Devil Wears Prada
As Andy struggles to find a decent job in New York City, she manages to land a killer job as “junior personal assistant” to the icy editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. Andy’s story is rocky, filled with bizarre responsibilities and lots of sass. In the end, you learn that loyalty to a new job and following your mentor goes a long way. Also, working in the magazine realm grants you a chic wardrobe.
3. Patch Adams
Amongst the memorable characters Robin Williams brought to life, Dr. “Patch” Adams is one of my favorites. After spending some time in a mental institution, Hunter Adams decides to become a doctor and help others. He faces many obstacles and is often doubted, but no matter what you’re studying this story will inspire you to either become a doctor or do everything in your power to brighten someone’s day.
4. Chasing Ice
Global warming is something we sort of think about when Christmas in New York is 65º or if it snows in April. However, it is tough to argue with this movie’s time-lapse evidence of actual climate change and damage on Earth. After watching this, you’ll want to become a climatologist and save the world.
5. 13 Going on 30
When Jenna Rink wakes up after playing “seven minutes heaven” in 1987 and suddenly has an amazing Manhattan apartment, a stylish job and takes a cab everywhere she goes, we wonder: how the hell does she do that? Well, like in most New York City rom-coms, the publishing industry brings the bread home. Jenna is a successful writer for Poise: she attends glamorous launch parties and dates handsome men. Suddenly, you wish you went into journalism. Me, too.
6. Chef
I remember this film and am immediately hungry, googling recipes, reading the Zagat list and adding an apron into my Amazon shopping cart. Chef will make you want to drop what you’re doing and become a badass food truck chef. Road-trip around the country, eat, tweet, and get paid. How do I get onto Chopped?
7. Dead Poets Society
There are very few Robin Williams personas whom I do not admire. In Dead Poets Society, Williams portrays English teacher John Keating, a wonderful educator who encourages his students to live an extraordinary life and to “carpe diem!” You’ll learn from both Keating and his students that standing your ground and being passionate can set you free. As Keating says: “Life… that powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?” Keating makes a lasting impact on his students and will inspire you to teach, become a poet, and simply be yourself.
8. Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde is more than just “bend and snap,” guys. As sorority girl turned law student, Elle Woods never fails to stun me. She is deceivingly brilliant and doesn’t give a damn if people think she is naive. She gets into Harvard, obtains a solid internship, graduates with honors and is just such a queen. Are you looking at law schools yet?
9. Whiplash
It’s all about jazz for Andrew Neiman, seriously. His drums mean everything. So much so that Andrew spends his freshman year at Shaffer – a fictional music conservatory in NYC – dealing with his conductor’s constant emotional mistreatment. Even after being harshly insulted for imperfect tempo, Andrew pushes forward to excel his drumming skills. His perseverance suggests that he’ll do anything to achieve greatness. Whether or not you get into Juilliard, you’ll want to chase your rockstar dreams after watching this.
10. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
If you study your butt off, work hard for a few years, and swiftly crave a flight to Greenland or Iceland or anywhere far away, you’ll be Walter Mitty. TSLWM is the ultimate “you only live once” film. It will not necessarily make you want to switch majors, but you’ll definitely want to work hard in whichever field you pursue. Basically, spontaneity is never a bad idea. Let go, travel, and live your life.