In recent years, dark academia has taken the world by storm. Several mood boards on Pinterest have started coming to the surface. This has certainly contributed to the demand for pop culture releases that fall under this particular genre. Not only this, but fans of dark academia have also started digging up all the incredible releases in the movie industry that give off the vibes of this highly popular genre.
If you have clicked on this article, then there is a good chance you are also looking for some iconic dark academia movies. Also, what is a better time to binge-watch these spectacular films than winter? After all, it adds more to the feel you are looking for. So, stop whatever you are doing because we have compiled a list of some of the best dark academia movies you should watch this season.
Just FYI, to watch these movies seamlessly, you need to make sure you have the right internet connection for it. In this regard, Optimum caters to its subscribers of all kinds. It offers unlimited data with impressive download speeds. If you belong to a Hispanic household, then we recommend you visit Optimum Internet Español to learn about all the plans in your native language.
Without much further ado, let’s get started.
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Dead Poets Society (1989)
It is impossible not to talk about the Dead Poets Society while discussing dark academia movies. It has all the elements you look for in this particular category. The whole film is endearing, inspiring, and a rollercoaster of emotions. What’s more? It stars one of the best actors Hollywood has ever witnessed – Robin Williams.
The movie tells the story of an all-boys school, where a new English teacher – John Keating – is hired. Keating is unlike the other instructors. He uses unorthodox methods of teaching, and this becomes one of the prime reasons for his massive popularity among students. With his help, Neil comes to realize the importance of seizing the day and living your life unapologetically.
Dead Poets Society introduces you to poetry, friendship, love, and passion. Needless to say, it is a skillfully crafted masterpiece that has managed to withstand the test of time.
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Dorian Gray (2009)
Adapted from the famous novel of Oscar Wilde “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, the film focuses on the concept of the human desire for immortality. Dorian Gray gives off the vibes of dark fantasy and gothic. Although the movie is a bit different than the book yet it is well-crafted and excellently acted.
When Dorian first comes to London, he meets highly influential Lord Henry Wotton and an artist named Basil Hallward, who paints a portrait of Dorian, capturing his youthful essence and beauty. The three soon become friends but Dorian shortly realizes the dark secrets behind his portrait.
The movie involves the right amount of all elements unsettling and eerie. The costumes remind viewers of the Victorian era and the atmosphere further makes the movie one of the charismatic films of the dark academia genre.
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Kill Your Darlings (2013)
A biographical drama film, Kill Your Darlings tell the story of Allen Ginsberg back when he was a student at Columbia University. The movie captivates the audience due to its entire atmosphere of poetic elements since it is loosely based on the lives of English poets; Allen Ginsberg and Lucien Carr.
Kill Your Darlings goes back to 1944 and tells the story of young Allen Ginsberg and his forbidden affection for Lucien Carr. When out of nowhere, Allen’s enemy is found dead, his friends William, Carr, and Jack are arrested for the murder.
What comes to your mind when you think of dark academia? Of course, long coats, collared shirts, and vests, right? Well, Kill Your Darlings has all that and this is why we think you should watch this film.
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The Riot Club (2014)
Mysterious club? Oxford University? Eerie atmosphere? These all factors check off our list of prime examples of how a dark academia movie should look like. It is a shame how underrated this movie is. Apart from some of the most talented actors, the plotline is also phenomenal. Moreover, it is loosely based on the real-life Oxford Bullingdon club which has only 30 members.
Two students of freshman year at Oxford university join a secret society and later realize how influential and powerful this club in question is. They go through multiple stages to get into the club only to learn that it could alter their image entirely.
The cast of charming students at Oxford gives an appealing visual to the audience in addition to the whole portrayal of British elites.
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Tolkien (2019)
You probably know J.R.R. Tolkien as the author of the famous franchise Lord of the Rings. This film is based on his life or more specifically, his earlier years as an orphan and a part of forces during WWI. It gives you an insight into his experiences and no matter how many times you watch it, it continues to fascinate you every time.
In his youthful days, J.R.R. Tolkien finds his inspiration for art and literature when he encounters a group of outcasts. The friendship between them only grows more and more as Tolkien also goes through the times of World War I. All these experiences combined inspired him to write his famous fantasy novels – The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Whether it is the outfits featured in this film or the depiction of university life, Tolkien accurately captures the feelings of dark academia.
Wrapping Up
The aesthetic of classic art and literature in the setting of a mysterious educational institute is enough to excite any dark academia fan. Therefore, we have listed some of the best films in this genre that have gothic vibes to them. So, don’t wait any longer and binge-watch these films this winter.
