English

Anna Karenina (2012). This gorgeous film directed by Joe Wright is based on Leo Tolstoy’s 1873 novel of the same name. While it’s based on a book that many English majors will probably be assigned to read at one point or another, powerful performances by Keira Knightley and Jude Law will dazzle viewer for the entire two hours.

Biology or Chemistry

Resistance (2014). A documentary by Michael Graziano that tackles the world’s growing resistance to antibiotics. L.V. Anderson of Slate.com describes the film as “everything you need to know about antibiotic abuse without once veering into the condescending tone of a PSA.” This film combines interviews and archival material to tell a fascinating tale about antibiotic abuse and its dangers.

History

Forrest Gump (1994). This film, while not historically accurate, is probably as close as a History major will get to seeing real moments of history in a fictional film. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this heartfelt tale is a classic every lover of US History has sat through at least once. The films insertion of Tom Hanks into archival footage is what makes it a must watch for History majors over break.

Business and Economics

The Big Short (2015). The New York Times stated that this comedy about the 2008 financial crisis “will affirm your deepest cynicism about Wall Street while simultaneously restoring your faith in Hollywood.” Directed by Adam McKay, this film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and it took home Best Adapted Screenplay.

Psychology

Good Will Hunting (1997). Gus Van Sant directed this film about Will Hunting, an MIT janitor and math genius. This film features Robin Williams in one of his most memorable performance, and, although it is lacking in strict psychological references, it is sure to produce laughter, tears, and all the feels in any viewer.

Math

The Imitation Game (2014). This biopic, directed by Morten Tyldum, features Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, the mathematician hired to crack the enigma code during World War II. With memorable supporting performances by Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode, this film is perfect for any Math major who wants to procrastinate over break.

Music

Amadeus (1984). Directed by Milos Forman, this biopic about musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is sure to make audiences laugh while sweeping them up in the film’s gorgeous score and cinematography. This film swept at the academy awards in 1984 winning Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Makeup, Best Sound, Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Picture.

Politics

Barry (2016). A Netflix original movie, directed by Vikram Gandhi, about Barack Obama’s college years. This is one of the film’s I am personally most excited to see over break. This film balances the art of portraying a powerful political figure and a clueless college student at the same time. In the Variety review of the film, Owen Gleiberman describes this dynamic saying, “You could almost watch “Barry” even if you’d never heard of Barack Obama: The movie is simply interested in what it looks like when a guy who’s got this much going for him has a piece missing.”