There are so many streaming movies out there it can feel overwhelming. The best you can do is choose which genre you feel like diving into, and then pick the one that got the most stars. Every now and then, though, you know you want to sink your teeth into a hearty film, something that will either reflect the most basic struggles of everyday life, or dazzle us so much that we forget what universe we currently live in. And the movies that fall into either one of these categories are meant to be seen if you are in college. Get out your laptops, because every last one of these is available to stream at this very moment.
1. Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino’s dark comedy film is hard to explain if you’ve never seen it. All you need to know is that there several really interesting, really wacky storylines to follow, with a near-perfect script and gripping characters. Some might even call it Pulp Fiction one of the best films of all time. Watch it on Netflix.
2. Sixteen Candles
Sixteen Candles is a classic ’80s coming of age film, starring Molly Ringwald obviously. She’s just trying to get through her 16th birthday, and we can’t help but sigh with her along the way. Okay, so turning 16 isn’t that dramatic in the long run, but it’s fun to remember those days when you thought the world was going to end over the smallest embarrassment. See it on Netflix.
3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Getting your memory erased probably isn’t the best idea to deal with a tough breakup, but don’t lie. You’ve considered it before, because we’ve all been that heartbroken at some point in our lives. Watch Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet win you over on Netflix.
4. 10 Things I Hate About You
Um, duh. You have to see this movie. You’ve probably already seen it 10 times. But you might as well watch it again on Netflix, and this time just try not to bawl your eyes out when Julia Stiles reads her poem to Heath Ledger, may he forever rest in peace.
5. Good Will Hunting
It was the movie the propelled Matt Damon and Ben Affleck to fame, and it’s a real tear jerker (mostly thanks to the ever brilliant Robin Williams). It’s got a wonderful script that makes you think about all the best things in life: love, friendship, forgiveness, trust, and staying true to yourself. Watch it on Hulu.
6. Boyhood
We’ve never seen anything quite like Boyhood, which was filmed over the course of 11 years. Watch a young boy grow up as a regular kid in America, experiencing all the normal things you probably went through yourself. There’s nothing fancy about the story, but that’s why it’s so magical. You really feel like it could be anybody’s story being told on screen. See it on Netflix.
7. When Harry Met Sally
This touching, hilarious tale of two best friends, played brilliantly by Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, is a must-watch for anyone who has ever dated and wondered whether men and women can ever actually just be friends. See it on Hulu.8. Gladiator
Russell Crowe plays the ultimate hero in Gladiator, and you can watch him defend his family’s honor on Netflix. Be prepared to cry and cheer and be sufficiently creeped out by Joaquin Phoenix.
9. Love Actually
It’s one of the most-watched Christmas movies of all time (or at least one of them). It makes us laugh until we cry, especially the part where the Prime Minister (played by Hugh Grant) gets caught snogging his girlfriend at a school musical. There are all kind of different love stories in this movie that will tug at your heart somehow and make you grateful for all the love you’ve got in your own life. Enjoy it on Netflix.
10. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
This movie will remind you how important it is to love your family, no matter how they may appear to the people around you. Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Juliette Lewis will have you glued to the screen with their stunning performances. See it on Netflix.