Many college students are desperate for a break from studying but feel guilty “wasting” two hours watching a movie. Film and acting majors especially want nothing more than to snuggle up with a blanket and see the art form that inspired their life goals. Why not watch a movie about film and actors so you can enjoy yourself and learn something useful? I assure you, these must-watch movies are not a waste of your valuable time as aspiring actors, directors, and screenwriters.
Must-Watch Movies for Film Majors:
The Fall Guy (2024)
After a tragic injury, stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) swears off the entertainment industry. When his old friend (Hannah Waddingham) encourages him to come back and work on the set of his ex-girlfriend’s (Emily Blunt) movie, Colt finds himself in a world he could have never imagined, full of danger, death, and mystery.
The Fall Guy is a hilarious action film that dramatizes an easily forgotten but vital role in every action movie: the stuntman. As aspiring filmmakers, you must value every role that brings your vision to life, especially the “fall guys” who risk their own. Even more, The Fall Guy highlights how workplace dynamics off-screen can affect the film itself.
Run time: 2 hr 6 min
Where to Watch: Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Geek Charming (2011)
A film geek (Matt Prokop) records a documentary about his high school’s most popular girl (Sarah Hyland), who turns out to be more layered than he suspected.
While undeniably juvenile, this nostalgic film questions the morality of creating a film that will hurt the reputation of its stars. Every director must decide how to portray their subjects, but are controversial choices to further one’s own career worth compromising trust?
Run time: 1 hr 34 min
Where to Watch: Disney+
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Scream 3 (2000)
In the third installment of this popular horror franchise, Ghostface targets Sidney (Neve Campbell) and the cast of Stab 3, the fictional film trilogy based on the events in Woodsboro.
While this movie may not be incredibly accurate to the process of making a horror film, it does include interesting notions like actors shadowing real people that their characters are based on. Scream 3 is a hilarious and iconic movie that all film majors should see.
Run time: 1 hr 54 min
Where to Watch: Max, Sling TV, DIRECTV
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
The Truman Show (1998)
Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) lives a seemingly perfect life, but his reality soon falls apart before his eyes. Unbeknownst to him, his entire life has been orchestrated and internationally broadcast. Everyone he has ever interacted with is an actor, including his wife and best friend. As Truman slowly discovers the truth, he must make his own decisions for the first time in his life.
The Truman Show is a brilliant commentary on the ethics of reality television and the lack of privacy its stars face. Ethical directors must understand and respect the humanity of their subjects, as should the viewers. The Truman Show is a life-changing experience for almost all who watch it, but it resonates with film majors even more.
Run time: 1 hr 47 min
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Must-Watch Movies for Acting Majors:
A Different Man (2024)
An aspiring actor whose career is hindered by a physical disability decides to change his appearance through a drastic medical procedure. Soon after, he spirals into an obsessive identity crisis.
Nominated for forty-eight awards, including an Oscar, and winning eight, A Different Man is celebrated by viewers and critics alike.
As an acting major, you will face constant rejection and unwarranted advice on how to “improve” your looks. Only you can decide how far you will go to become successful and if you will look forward to seeing your face in the mirror. As you perform hundreds of diverse characters, be careful not to lose who you are. A Different Man confronts identity crises, a rampant problem in the entertainment industry, in an interesting and meaningful way, making it a vital watch for all acting majors.
Run time: 1 hr 52 min
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
La La Land (2016)
Aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and musician/jazz enthusiast Sebastian struggle as they pursue their unlikely dreams while keeping their romance alive in this multi-award-winning musical.
People in the entertainment industry must maintain hectic and unusual schedules, making it difficult to find time for their loved ones. What are you willing to give up to achieve your dreams? Are you prepared to endure countless rejections and persevere?
La La Land makes you fall in love with the main characters as they fall in love with each other and their crafts. Mia’s struggle to become a successful actress will resonate with every acting major.
Run time: 2 hr 8 min
Where to Watch: PLEX, Prime Video, Apple TV, ROW8, Fandango at Home
IMDb Rating: 8/10
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
In this iconic movie musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a young girl named Christine (Emmy Rossum) is trained as a musical prodigy by a masked murderer (Gerard Butler) who haunts the theater. When she averts her attention to an old friend (Patrick Wilson) and neglects her training, the phantom retaliates and chaos ensues.
Beyond a breathtaking soundtrack, The Phantom of the Opera has an enticing plot that makes it a favorite of actors, singers, and viewers. It explores the relationship between Christine and the Phantom, who has been rejected by society because of his disfiguration. The entertainment industry is often unwelcoming to talented actors and singers with disabilities, a disappointing truth that we still must work on in the modern world. This movie musical showcases an important era in theater history while emphasizing how discrimination is an ongoing issue for actors.
Run time: 2 hr 23 min
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, Tubi
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Tick, Tick… Boom (2021)
In 1990, Jonathan Larson turns 30 and realizes he needs to get his life together before it’s over. He puts all his energy into producing his masterpiece, Superbia, while inadvertently ignoring the needs of his girlfriend and best friends.
Based on true events from his live performance of Tick, Tick… Boom!, it treats every watcher as a dear friend, welcoming them into Larson’s difficult world of rejection, poverty, friends’ sicknesses from the AIDS epidemic, and fighting with the one you love. Everyone in the arts or humanities can find solace in a movie like Tick, Tick… Boom!
Run time: 1 hr 55 min
Where to Watch: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Catherine Pallay
February 27, 2025 at 5:15 am
Not only is this artical extremely well written, it also particularly resonates with me as a current Acting Major and aspiring Actress. Thank you for your insightful opinions on these movies! I will definitely watch the movies that I have not already seen and appreciate the ones I have seen even more now. I can not wait to read another one of your articles!!
Jael Thomas
February 28, 2025 at 6:52 pm
I loved your recommendations and it is well thought out. I grew up watching Geek Charming and many more of these movies. The way you highlighted the themes and ratings in each film really helped me. It brought back so many memories of my childhood and the feelings those movies evoked.
I especially appreciated how you included a mix of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Your insights on lesser-known films were a pleasant surprise, and I can’t wait to check them out. Overall, your article is a fantastic resource for movie lovers, and I look forward to your future posts!