College is a time filled with unforgettable adventures like epic parties and joining exclusive clubs. It’s a time for endless fun and laughter, and what better way to capture the true essence of college than through hilarious movies? From intense academic battles to unexpected love stories, these films offer a side-splitting perspective on the college experience.
One of the all-time greatest college comedy movies is National Lampoon’s Animal House. Released in 1978, this film follows the uproarious escapades of the Delta Tau Chi brothers as they unleash chaos upon Faber College. John Belushi’s portrayal of the witty yet underachieving student, Bluto, is simply iconic.
If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud sports movie set in college, then Adam Sandler’s The Waterboy is a must-watch. Sandler brings his signature humor to the screen as he transforms from a water boy to a football player, delivering side-splitting moments along the way.
In Old School, comedy legends Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson, and Vince Vaughn embark on an uproarious journey of creating a fraternity without actually attending the university. This film showcases the incredible comedic talents of these actors and guarantees endless laughter.
But wait, there’s more! American Pie 2, How High, and Back to School are also featured on this list, each offering their own unique and hilarious take on the college experience.
Now it’s time for you to play the role of the ultimate critic and decide which college comedy movie reigns supreme. Show your appreciation for your favorites by giving them a thumbs up, and don’t forget to share your most beloved scenes in the comments section.
(Note: One movie, Neighbors, known for sparking debates, is not included in this list.)
1. National Lampoon’s Animal House
Featuring the shenanigans of a rowdy fraternity, this timeless comedy presents a group of unlikely heroes challenging the status quo at Faber College. John Belushi steals the show as the unforgettable Bluto, whose crazy antics and side-splitting pranks become synonymous with the Delta Tau Chi brotherhood. The movie is filled to the brim with unforgettable scenes, legendary food fights, and gut-busting humor that has solidified its place as a comedy benchmark for years to come.
Released: 1978
Directed by: John Landis
Actors: John Belushi, Kevin Bacon, Donald Sutherland
2. Back to School
Rodney Dangerfield takes on the role of a self-made millionaire in this hilarious film. His character, in a bid to connect with his son, makes the bold decision to join him at the university. As an older student, he brings his wild and unconventional lifestyle onto campus, causing chaos and shaking up the academic world. With his quick wit and perfect comedic timing, Dangerfield crafts a truly iconic character that has kept audiences in stitches for years.
Released: 1986
Directed by: Alan Metter
Actors: Rodney Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman, Keith Gordon
3. Old School
Three friends get together to relive their glory days by starting a fraternity. And let me tell you, it’s a hilarious disaster. They’re trying to figure out how to adult and college at the same time, and it’s pure chaos. Will Ferrell is absolutely brilliant in this movie, nailing the absurdity of trying to be young again. With its raunchy humor and side-splitting situations, it’s no wonder this film has become a cult favorite for fans of this kind of comedy.
Released: 2003
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Actors: Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn
4. Real Genius
This comedy is all about a bunch of super smart students at a fancy tech university who get roped into creating a laser weapon for the military without even knowing it. But once they figure out what’s really going on, they team up to outsmart the shady professor and government agents who are behind the whole thing. It’s a hilarious and clever movie that takes a fun look at the world of academia and shows just how powerful a group of smart people can be when they work together.
Released: 1985
Directed by: Martha Coolidge
Actors: Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarret, William Atherton
5. National Lampoon’s Van Wilder
Ryan Reynolds truly shines in his role as the main character, Van Wilder. He plays a seventh-year college student who has managed to turn party planning into a true art form. However, things take an interesting turn when a studious journalist tries to uncover and expose Van Wilder’s wild and debaucherous lifestyle. Suddenly, he is confronted with a decision: should he continue living his carefree partying life or finally step into the realm of adulthood? Brace yourself for a wild ride filled with extravagant parties and outrageous escapades in this comedy that delves into the comical aspects of being a perpetual student.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Walt Becker
Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Tara Reid, Tim Matheson
6. Revenge of the Nerds
A group of freshmen, who don’t quite fit in, find themselves subjected to oppression and humiliation by the jocks at Adams College. But instead of taking it lying down, they decide to join forces and create their own fraternity. These misfit nerds come up with a series of side-splitting pranks and clever tactics to outsmart their rivals, showing everyone that intelligence can be just as formidable as strength.
What makes this film so beloved is its timeless message of triumphing over adversity and celebrating individuality.
Released: 1984
Directed by: Jeff Kanew
Actors: Robert Carradine, Anthony Edwards, Ted McGinley
7. The Waterboy
Adam Sandler plays the role of Bobby Boucher, a socially awkward guy with a lot of pent-up anger and some amazing tackling abilities. This unique combination propels him into the spotlight of college football, where he becomes a sensation. Along the way, he has to deal with his overbearing mother and discovers some valuable lessons about love, friendship, and learning to accept oneself. It’s a classic underdog story meets slapstick comedy, and this film stands out from the rest with its quirky sense of humor and heartwarming message.
Released: 1998
Directed by: Frank Coraci
Actors: Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler
8. Road Trip
This film is about a college student who mistakenly mails a video to his long-distance girlfriend. To fix the situation, he and his friends go on a crazy trip across the country to intercept it. Along the way, they come across some really weird people and situations that make for a hilarious and unforgettable comedy experience. Trust me, this movie is fast-paced and full of off-the-wall humor. It’s a wild and uproarious ride from beginning to end.
Released: 2000
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Actors: Seann William Scott, Breckin Meyer, DJ Qualls
9. American Pie 2
In this sequel, the original gang is back together for another wild ride of adventures, this time at a summer beach house. They dive deeper into exploring their boundaries and relationships, providing audiences with even more hilarious and unforgettable moments. From the iconic pie scene to countless bawdy jokes, this film is an absolute must-watch for fans of outrageous, coming-of-age comedy.
Released: 2001
Directed by: James B. Rogers
Actors: Jason Biggs, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan
10. Accepted
So, there’s this high school graduate who gets rejected by all the universities he applies to. Poor guy, right? Well, in a desperate attempt to escape his overbearing parents’ disappointment, he comes up with a crazy idea. He decides to create his very own fake college. Talk about thinking outside the box!
But, as you can probably guess, things don’t go exactly as planned. Before he knows it, other misfits and outcasts catch wind of his made-up college and start enrolling. Uh-oh! Now, our protagonist and his gang find themselves in a hilarious mess, desperately trying to keep up the facade they’ve created.
This comedy flick not only gives us a fresh and unique premise, but it also serves as a funny commentary on the flaws of the higher education system. Plus, it’s a heartwarming tribute to the power of friendship. You’ll be laughing your socks off as you watch these characters navigate their way through this elaborate ruse.
Released: 2006
Directed by: Steve Pink
Actors: Justin Long, Jonah Hill, Blake Lively
11. PCU
An incoming college freshman unexpectedly gets caught up in a campus-wide culture war at Port Chester University, a fictional institution. He comes face-to-face with absurd political correctness and a rebellious anti-establishment group. Through this experience, he discovers the significance of maintaining a balance and embracing one’s individuality. This satirical and irreverent comedy continues to be both relevant and entertaining, cleverly mocking college life and politics.
Released: 1994
Directed by: Hart Bochner
Actors: Jeremy Piven, Chris Young, Jon Favreau