Looking for dark academic recommendations then you’ve come to the right place!
If you love movies set in elite schools with deep secrets and complex characters, these films are a must-watch! Think moody teenagers, elite school vibes, and characters who are led down a dark and dangerous path.
Some popular titles include Dead Poets Society, where poetry and rebellion lead to unimaginable consequences, and Kill You Darlings, full of twists and unexpected events.
Seriously, these movies will have you hooked from the start, and you’ll be thinking about them for years to come. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your watchlist immediately!
The Riot Club (2014)
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If you’re in the mood for something intense, The Riot Club is a must-watch!
This gripping drama focuses on a group of Oxford University students who are part of a secretive, elite club where privilege, power, and corruption meet. The members, consisting of young men, are wealthy, arrogant, and live for excess, but things take a dark turn when their reckless behavior leads to a dangerous series of events. With a cast including Max Irons, Sam Claflin, and Douglas Booth.
Where To Watch: Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, and Watch On Amazon Prime Video When You Start a 30-Day Free Trial.
Kill Your Darlings (2013)
Kill Your Darlings is the epitome of dark academia. It stars Daniel Radcliffe as a young Allen Ginsberg. When Ginsberg meets the charismatic Lucien Carr at college, their bond sparks a literary revolution.
But things take a dark turn when an unresolved murder shakes their world, pulling Ginsberg into a storm of secrets and setting him on a path to express the truth through his groundbreaking poetry.
Where To Watch: Watch On Amazon Prime Video When You Start a 30-Day Free Trial.
Like Minds (2006)
Like Minds is a chilling psychological thriller set in an elite British boarding school. The story follows Alex (Eddie Redmayne), a student accused of murder, and his disturbing connection to his enigmatic classmate, Nigel (Tom Sturridge). As the mystery unfolds, a forensic psychologist (Toni Collette) is brought in to uncover the truth.
Where To Watch: Stream on ITVX for Free and on Amazon Prime Video When You Start a 30-Day Free Trial.
The Oxford Murders (2008)
You’ll want to watch The Oxford Murders. The 2008 film follows an Oxford University professor and a student trying to decipher mathematical symbols and algorithms that are associated with a mysterious string of murders. It stars Elijah Wood as Martin, an American student at Oxford, and John Hurt as Arthur Seldom, a renowned professor of logic.
Where To Watch: Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
When you think of dark academia, you can’t help but think of Dead Poets Society.
The beloved classic is set at an elite all-boys prep school in 1950s New England and follows John Keating (Robin Williams), an unconventional English teacher whose passion for poetry inspires his students to think for themselves, and seize the day—”Carpe Diem.”
As the boys discover their own voices, they face pressure from the school’s rigid traditions and their families’ high expectations, leading to both triumph and tragedy. It also features performances from Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and Josh Charles.
Where You Can Watch The Film: Watch Dead Poets Society on Disney+ YouTube, and Apple TV.
The Dreamers (2003)
Set during the 1968 Paris riots, The Dreamers follows an American student, Matthew (Michael Pitt), who forms an intense bond with two eccentric siblings, Isabelle (Eva Green) and Theo (Louis Garrel). Isolated in their apartment, the trio explores art, cinema, and their personal boundaries as political unrest brews outside.
Where To Watch: Watch on BFI Player, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV
School Ties (1992)
A powerful dark academia-type drama set in the 1950s, following David Greene (Brendan Fraser), a working-class Jewish student who earns a scholarship to an elite prep school. Determined to fit in and secure his future, David keeps his religious identity a secret.
However, when the truth comes out, he faces intense prejudice and betrayal from his classmates, including Charlie (Matt Damon) and Rip (Ben Affleck).
Where To Watch: Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video When You Start a 30-Day Free Trial.
Dorian Gray (2004)
Listen up book-lovers! This one’s for you.
An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic novel, the film follows Dorian Gray (Ben Barnes), a handsome young man who makes a fateful deal: while his portrait bears the consequences of his sins and ages over time, he remains eternally youthful and beautiful.
However, things aren’t as they seem and his hidden portrait becomes a haunting reflection of his soul. Co-starring Colin Firth as the manipulative Lord Henry Wotton.
Where To Watch: Watch on NOW TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime – Sign Up To Start Your 30-Day Free Trial.
Saltburn (2023)
A more recent movie. Saltburn follows Oliver (Barry Keoghan), a socially awkward student who becomes obsessed with his wealthy classmate, Felix (Jacob Elordi).
Invited to Felix’s luxurious family estate, Oliver’s fascination takes a dark turn as he gets deeper into their dangerous, twisted world. The film also stars Rosamund Pike and Richard E. Grant.
Where To Watch: Available on Sky Store, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
Miller’s Girl (2024)
Miller’s Girl (2024) is a psychological drama about a teacher, played by Martin Freeman, who becomes entangled with his talented student (Jenna Ortega) after a creative writing assignment sparks a complicated and intense relationship.
Where Watch: On Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Sky Store.
Dismissed (2017)
An optimistic, straight-edged teacher finds trouble when a star student is willing to do anything to get an A. Starring Dylan Sprouse and Rae Gray.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
The Tutor (2023)
The Tutor stars Garrett Hedlund as a private tutor assigned to teach a wealthy student, played by Victoria Justice, at a remote mansion. As the student becomes obsessed with him, she threatens to expose his darkest secrets, leading to a dangerous game of manipulation and control. Noah Schnapp also stars in this film.
Watch on YouTube, Apple TV, Sky Store, and Amazon Prime – Sign Up To Start Your 30-Day Free Trial.
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Next on the watch list is The Da Vinci Code. This fast-paced thriller is about a symbologist’s quest to uncover a hidden truth behind a murder in the Louvre. Starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, Audrey Tautou as Sophie Neveu, and Ian McKellen as Sir Leigh Teabing.
Where To Watch: Now TV, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Store, Apple TV.
Tolkien (2019)
For lovers of The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings, explore the life of the creator behind the books. Tolkien is a deep delve into the early life of J.R.R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) exploring his years at Oxford and the experiences that inspired his writing.
You can watch Tolkien (2019) on Disney Plus. Additionally, it’s available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, Sky Store, and Microsoft Store.
Mary Shelley (2017)
You won’t want to give this one a miss. A biographical drama about the life of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley (Elle Fanning), it explores her youth, creative journey, and turbulent relationship with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (Douglas Booth) as she navigates personal struggles and her rise to literary fame.
Where To Watch: The movie is available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Sky Store & YouTube.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
A drama about a controversial teacher at an all-girls school who manipulates her students, encouraging them to challenge authority, but at a great cost. Starring Maggie Smith as the charismatic yet problematic Miss Jean Brodie.
You can watch The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) for free on YouTube. Additionally, the film is available for free on Roku.
I hope you enjoy these dark academia movie recommendations!