From films about solving massive health crises to the passing of the 13th Amendment, movies can help show you the glamorized reality behind your aspiring career path. Here are 10 films that will connect to your major.
Health sciences: “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story”
This movie tells the story of neurosurgeon Ben Carson, following all the way from his upbringing to the ground breaking achievements he made in medicine.
The film highlights the discipline, patience and attention to detail needed to work in health care.
Beyond surgical skill the film underscores the importance of compassion and understanding of your patient. For anyone majoring in health sciences this move is perfect for you.
Biological sciences: “Contagion”
If Covid-19 inspired you to study biological science, “Contagion” offers a realistic and scary look into how diseases spread across the world.
The film follows doctors, governments and scientists as they work to identify an unknown virus and create a vaccine. This film shows the importance of research and collaboration in the field of biological sciences. The plot also delves into how misinformation and fear can help complicate a public health crisis.
For those in the field of biological sciences, it shows how epidemiology and biological scientists play a role during a health crisis.
Journalism: “Spotlight”
The movie “Spotlight” follows a team of investigative journalists who work at The Boston Globe as they bring to light a major scandal regarding the Catholic church.
This movie emphasizes the attention to detail, responsibility and importance needed in ethical reporting and journalism.
“Spotlight” is a slow burn that focuses on the methodical and sometimes arduous process that is evidence gathering.
This movie is perfect for journalism students as it shows the importance of accountability and the role of the press holding institutions responsible.
Mechanical engineering: “Big Hero 6”
While it’s an animated movie, “Big Hero 6” gives a look at engineering through the lens of innovation and creativity.
The film follows Hiro Hamada, an inventor who uses robotics and technology to help save the world from Professor Robert Callaghan, the head of a robotics program and the movie’s antagonist.
The film highlights the process of engineering from design, experimentation, failure and improvements.
The film also highlights the collaboration needed in engineering and how a mixture of imagination and science can help make technology that improves lives.
Business: “The Founder”
“The Founder” shows the rise of McDonald’s from the point of view of Ray Kroc, a businessman who turned a small restaurant into a world wide franchise.
The film talks about concepts such as branding and franchising while also raising ethical questions about ownership.
The movie shows how one’s strategic thinking can lead to great success although not without controversy. For business majors the movie gives insight into the complex world of entrepreneurship, innovation and ethical decision making.
Psychology: “Inside Out”
“Inside Out” takes a unique approach to psychology by personifying emotions such as joy, anger, sadness, fear and disgust.
Through the eyes of a young girl the film highlights how emotions can affect one’s behavior and the way they perceive the world.
The film portrays complicated psychological topics such as depression and emotional regulation in a way that is understandable and engaging to laymen folk. The film also talks about the importance of emotional balance that even emotions such as sadness and anger are vital to emotional well being.
Theater Studies: “Tropic Thunder”
While “Tropic Thunder” is a satirical comedy on the world of Hollywood it raises the question of how far actors will go to raise authenticity and embody their role.
For theater studies majors “Tropic Thunder” gives a funny perspective on acting techniques and expectations of the film industry.
The film also brings topics of representation in the film industry and artistic integrity when making films.
English/education: “Dead Poets Society”
“Dead Poets Society” is set in a boarding school and is the quintessential film for all English and education majors.
The film revolves around an English teacher who encourages his students to embrace poetry as a form of self-expression.
For English majors this film enforces the importance of analyzing texts and understanding and appreciating the emotional and cultural significance it holds showing that writing can shape one’s identity and bring about change.
Computer sciences: “The Imitation Game”
This historical drama tells the story of Alan Turing and his efforts to break the German Enigma machine during World War II.
“The Imitation Game” shows the early developments made in computing and the use of algorithms to solve problems.
For computer science students this movie gives insight into the origins of computer science and the importance of creativity and logical thinking in the field.
Political science: “Lincoln”
Lincoln focuses on the efforts made by President Abraham Lincon to pass the 13th Amendment during the Civil War.
The film gives insight into the legislative process, process of negotiation and leadership skills needed while running a country under pressure.
For political science students this movie gives important insight into how government works and the complexities of governmental decision making.