By Steph Moore

Animal House: The Granddaddy of them all ~ Set in 1962, this no-holds-barred comedy is raunchy, highly inappropriate, and a playground for John Belushi’s inimitable Bluto Blutarsky. Who hasn’t had the urge to scream “FOOD FIGHT” in the cafeteria or smash a guitar against a wall just ‘cause?
Starring: John Belushi, Tim Matheson, John Vernon, Kevin Bacon

Old School: “All the fun of college. None of the education.” A trio of thirty-something guys start an off-campus frat house so that they can hang out with the college crowd . Great comedic talent, KY wrestling, angry “earmuff” tirades, plus Frank the Tank’s famous quad streak almost let this new classic edge out Animal House!
Starring: Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn

Good Will Hunting: It’s the movie that launched Matt & Ben mania ~ but back in those days, they deserved all the acclaim! Twenty-year-old South Boston born and bred Will works as a janitor at MIT. And he’s a genius. A messed up genius, but still a genius. He spends most of his time with fellow blue-collar friends at the neighborhood bar, occasionally spouting obscure historical references and finding time to hook up with Minnie Driver.
Starring: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver

Revenge of the Nerds: The tagline for the first (and best) of the Nerds series is “It’s Time for the Odd to Get Even,” and you can’t deny that there’s some part of this film that appeals to the geek in all of us. On campus, a group of bullied outcasts and misfits resolve to fight back for their peace and self respect The Nerds employ high-tech warfare against the smug and oh-so-dislikable jocks of the Alpha Beta Fraternity. And of course, hilarity ensues.
Starring: Robert Carradine, Anthony Edwards, Ted McGinley, Timothy Busfield

Rules of Attraction: During a semester at the uber-expensive Camden College, a sexual triangle develops amongst Sean Bateman (yup, Jason’s brother), the all-American hottie who just happens to be a drug dealer on the side, Paul Owen, who’s character is bisexual, and Paul’s (female) ex, Lauren. It’s all about lusting, luring, and laying. And about James Van Der Beek trying to shed his Dawson wholesomeness.
Starring: James Van Der Beek, Ian Somerhalder, Shannyn Sossamon, Eric Stoltz

Back to School: A footloose and fancy-free millionaire enrolls in college to convince his disillusioned, stick-in-the mud son not to drop out ~ and how to have a little fun. The late Sam Kinison turns up in a hilarious scene as a Vietnam Vet turned angry professor. The often riotous film points out that the chance to attend college should not be taken for granted ~ and that there’s something to be said for enjoying life.
Stars: Rodney Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman, Keith Gordon, Robert Downey Jr.

PCU: It was the mid-90s and we were LONG overdue for an anti-political correctness comedy. And then along came this parody about a campus that’s way too PC for its own good. The film puts every imaginable group in the worst light possible and makes merciless fun of it, right down to feminists in sturdy flannel shirts. In the end, George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic step in to make everything OK. “Flunk ‘em if they can’t take a joke.”
Starring: Jon Favreau, Jeremy Piven, Chris Young, David Spade

Higher Learning: High school athlete Malik, OC girl Kristin, and mild-mannered Remy from Idaho embark enter their freshman year at Columbus University. Cue the typical problems of late adolescence as well as more significant social issues serious prejudice, intolerance, racism and sexism. Not your average college experience film, Higher Learning is well-written and has some major depth.
Starring: Omar Epps, Kristy Swanson, Michael Rapaport

With Honors: Who says Harvard students are out of touch with reality and don’t have heart? When roommates befriend a homeless man, they soon discover that they aren’t teaching him half as much as he’s teaching them. There are some very, very funny scenes and lines here, but there’s also some stuff that will bring a tear to your eye. And it will make you think about book smarts vs. real world application, degree vs. education.
Starring: Joe Pesci, Brendan Fraser, Moira Kelly, Patrick Dempsey