Whether you are about to enroll in, are already attending, or have recently graduated from college, there’s a movie out there for you! Movies centered around college life are eternally popular, whether for a message they send or for simply allowing you to sit back and mindlessly enjoy yourself for 120 minutes. Of course, everyone has different tastes in film, but here are our picks for the all time top five greatest college movies:

5. Higher Learning

Who will ever forget watching this film only to grow to sympathize with Remy? Michael Rapaport’s brilliant portrayal of the skinhead you know you should hate but can’t quite seem to makes this movie. You won’t see this movie on many top five, ten or even top twenty lists but we love it for its stark honesty. Everyone entering college has a different story; learning to live and interact with people who are different than you allows you to grow as a human being.

4. Legally Blonde

Okay. Admittedly, Legally Blonde falls into the genre of chick flick but who can resist Reese Witherspoon’s quirky but lovable Elle Woods? The movie comically exploits stereotypes of all manner but in a way that is completely non-offensive and fun. Look deeper and you will see a beautiful portrayal of girl power at its best. By the end of the movie you’ll be wishing Elle was your bff.

3. Van Wilder

This movie centers around every parent’s worst nightmare: the professional college student. Ryan Reynolds is Van Wilder, a certifiable legend on his college campus. Having attended for seven straight years, Wilder refuses to grow up, fights with frat boys for girls and throws some of the hottest parties on campus. A word of warning: once you’ve seen this movie you may never eat pastry again. Don’t know what we mean? Watch and you will.

2. The Graduate

Here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson! This is not only one of the greatest college movies of all time but one of the greatest movies of all time, period. What does life have to offer after graduation? If you’re Dustin Hoffman, the answer is depression and laziness. Throw in an affair with your mother’s friend and you’ve got the stuff of movie legend.

1. Animal House

There will never be a college movie that outranks the brilliance of Animal House. It’s good vs. evil and rich vs. poor rolled into one fantastic movie. You’ll root for the Delts and find yourself loving to hate the Omegas in this true classic. John Belushi shines in what may very well have been the best role of his life. Do you want to find out what your parents don’t want you to do at college? Animal House is the answer.

The list of college movies is nearly endless. Some are true-to-life, some are dramatic and some are so side-splitting hilarious you’ll find yourself with tears of laughter rolling down your face. We suggest you start with these that we’ve mentioned and keep going. There’s no doubt you’ll soon have your own top five list.

Peter Harrington is a career counselor and content contributor for Top Online Colleges, a great source for tons of information on expanding your education, from top education degrees to pharmacy degrees.