As journalism majors, you are responsible for providing society with reliable media and news. But how does the media portray you in films? The following films have prominent journalists in varying areas of emphasis, such as music, fashion, and politics, to help you determine what you will be most interested in. These must-watch movies will not only entertain you, but help you learn more about your future profession: the exciting world of journalism.
1. Almost Famous (2000)
In the 1970s, fifteen-year-old aspiring music journalist William Miller (played by Patrick Fugit) goes on tour with rock band Stillwater, despite his mother’s concerns. There he discovers the nitty-gritty of rock and roll: sex, drugs, alcohol, jealousy, and infidelity. When the band pleads with him not to publish their sins, William must choose between his journalistic integrity and his devotion to his new friends.
When you experience the lives of your subjects while pursuing a story, it can be easy to forget your responsibilities. You must remember what you owe to your readers, your subjects, and yourself. Almost Famous has a uniquely incredible way of portraying this inner turmoil through William, making it a must-watch for all journalism majors.
Run Time: 2 hr 2 min
Where to Watch: Paramount+, The Criterion Channel
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
2. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
An investigative journalist named Lloyd Vogel writes an article about Fred Rogers, a benevolent television host. Loosely based on a true story, Vogel must overcome his broken relationships and embrace the good in humanity with Mr. Rogers’ guidance.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not just a feel-good piece — it is an immersive experience into the world of journalism and what happens when you leave your comfort zone. As journalism majors, you will learn countless things about the world, but only if you are willing to — if you are, you will certainly make a difference with your writing.
Run Time: 1 hr 49 min
Where to Watch: DIRECTV
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
3. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
In New York City, ambitious journalist Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) lands a job at the prestigious Runway Magazine as the assistant of Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep). Knowing nothing about fashion, Andy must learn how to manage this cutthroat world through trial and error.
When she gets an unexpected promotion from her intimidating boss, she faces a series of moral dilemmas, losing herself in the process. What is a good story worth to you? What are you willing to give up? How far will you go when there is no guarantee that you will even be taken seriously?
Run Time: 1 hr 49 min
Where to Watch: DIRECTV, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
4. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Andie Anderson (played by Kate Hudson) is a journalist who must find the perfect subject for her new article “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” Benjamin Barry (played by Matthew McConaughey), a bachelor who bets he can make any woman fall in love with him in only ten days, happens to be that victim.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is both hilarious and heartwarming, but it raises ethical questions about building personal relationships with sources. As journalists, you must consider how far you are willing to go to obtain a true and entertaining story for your readers. How will your work influence your readers?
Run Time: 1 hr 50 min
Where to Watch: Paramount+, MGM+, DIRECTV
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
5. Shattered Glass (2003)
In this field, your word is everything. What happens when someone claims your word was built from nothing? Shattered Glass tells the thrilling true story of Stephen Glass (played by Hayden Christensen), the infamous former journalist of The New Republic.
As journalists, your readers trust you to provide reliably accurate news. They don’t just want to be entertained—they want to be informed. If you compromise truth for popularity, it harms more than just your reputation. A breach of ethical journalism risks your publication, your readers, and the field as a whole. Shattered Glass is a cautionary tale of how journalists can pervert a story for their own benefit, making it a must-watch for all journalism majors.
Run Time: 1 hr 39 min
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, freevee, tubi
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
6. Someone Great (2019)
To cope with being dumped by her boyfriend of nine years, music journalist Jenny Young (played by Gina Rodriguez) day drinks and parties with her best friends (played by Brittany Snow and DeWanda Wise) who are struggling in their own relationships. As their final hurrah before Jenny moves to California, the girls are determined to go to New York’s hottest music festival.
Journalists report because humanity needs communication to flourish. Someone Great explores communication and the importance of its role in interpersonal relationships, whether that be a fling, a long-term committed relationship, or a friendship. Journalism exists not to rehash the past but to learn more about the world and our place in it, which is exactly what Jenny must do to heal.
Run Time: 1 hr 32 min
Where to Watch: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
7. Spider-Man (2002)
Peter Parker (played by Tobey Maguire) is your average nerdy teenage boy… who just happens to have superpowers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. After a tragic incident, he swears to anonymously protect New York City from criminals and supervillains, while also trying to balance his regular life.
Unfortunately, public opinion of him is swayed by a journalist (J. K. Simmons) who claims that Spider-Man is the real criminal. Journalists have a moral responsibility to report the facts with as little distortion as possible, but sometimes their biases can cloud their judgment and have serious consequences. How will you combat your own biases when writing?
Run Time: 2 hr 1 min
Where to Watch: Disney+, Sling TV, DIRECTV, Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Movies Can Count as Studying
While it is an unconventional way to learn more about your major, these must-watch movies have great depictions of journalists in diverse fields. Beyond visual representation, these movies showcase important ethical dilemmas you will likely encounter. As you watch, consider what you would do in the characters’ situations and how it would impact your readers and sources.
