12 College Campuses That Starred In Popular Movies
Hollywood has a long-standing tradition of transforming everyday locations into magical cinematic settings. Among these, college campuses have often served as the backdrop for some of the most iconic scenes in film history. The combination of stunning architecture, lush landscapes, and a vibrant atmosphere make them an ideal setting for filmmakers. This article will take you on a journey under the Hollywood lens, showcasing twelve college campuses that have starred as iconic backdrops on the silver screen. Each campus holds a unique story, weaving together the worlds of academia and cinema in an intriguing blend of reality and fiction.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA's sprawling campus has been featured in countless films, from "Legally Blonde" to "Old School". The campus's Royce Hall, with its distinctive brick façade and twin towers, has become an iconic symbol of higher education on the big screen. The film industry's proximity to UCLA has made it a go-to location for filmmakers, further solidifying its status as a Hollywood favorite.
University of Southern California (USC)
USC's cinematic legacy is just as impressive. The campus's Gothic architecture and palm-lined walkways have been featured in films like "Forrest Gump" and "The Social Network". USC's School of Cinematic Arts, one of the oldest and most prestigious film schools in the world, has further cemented the university's connection with Hollywood.
Harvard University
Despite its location on the east coast, Harvard University has been a popular choice for filmmakers. Its historic buildings and ivy-covered walls have served as the backdrop for films like "The Social Network" and "Good Will Hunting". However, due to a ban on commercial filming on campus, many of these scenes were actually shot at other universities, with filmmakers going to great lengths to recreate Harvard's iconic look.
University of British Columbia (UBC)
UBC's picturesque campus in Vancouver, Canada has been a popular filming location for both Hollywood and Canadian productions. Its diverse architecture and stunning natural scenery have been featured in films and television shows like "X-Men: The Last Stand," "Smallville" and "Fifty Shades of Grey". UBC's reputation as "Hollywood North" is a testament to its cinematic appeal.
University of Toronto
Another Canadian university, the University of Toronto, has also made numerous appearances on the silver screen. Its Gothic Revival-style buildings have been used in films like "Good Will Hunting" and "The Incredible Hulk". The university's St. George campus, in particular, is a favorite among filmmakers for its historic charm and urban setting.
Columbia University
New York City's Columbia University has been immortalized in films like "Ghostbusters" and "Spider-Man". Its neoclassical architecture and urban campus provide a unique setting for filmmakers. The university's Low Memorial Library, with its grand dome and columned façade, is particularly iconic.
University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder's distinctive red-brick buildings and mountainous backdrop have made it a popular filming location. The campus has been featured in films like "The Prestige" and "Catch and Release". Its natural beauty and quintessential college-town vibe make it a favorite among filmmakers.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, with its centuries-old buildings and storied history, has been a go-to location for period films. Its iconic structures, including the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, have been featured in films like "Harry Potter" and "The Theory of Everything". Oxford's unique blend of history and academia offers a timeless appeal for filmmakers.
University of Cambridge
Like its rival Oxford, the University of Cambridge has also been a popular choice for filmmakers. Its historic buildings and picturesque scenery have been immortalized in films like "The Theory of Everything" and "Chariots of Fire". The university's King's College Chapel, with its stunning fan vault ceiling, is particularly iconic.
Princeton University
Princeton University's ivy-covered buildings and historic charm have made it a favorite among filmmakers. The campus has been featured in films like "A Beautiful Mind" and "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen". Its distinctive Collegiate Gothic architecture and lush landscapes provide a picturesque setting for cinematic storytelling.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago's Gothic architecture and urban setting have made it a popular filming location. The campus has been featured in films like "High Fidelity" and "When Harry Met Sally". Its unique blend of urban and academic life offers a dynamic backdrop for filmmakers.
Duke University
Duke University's stunning campus in Durham, North Carolina has been featured in films like "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Bull Durham". Its distinctive Collegiate Gothic architecture, particularly the Duke Chapel, provides a visually striking setting for filmmakers.
From the sun-drenched palm trees of UCLA to the historic spires of Oxford, these 12 college campuses have left their mark on the silver screen. Each campus offers a unique blend of architecture, history, and atmosphere, providing filmmakers with a rich backdrop for their cinematic stories. As we continue to watch films, we'll undoubtedly see more of these and other campuses under the Hollywood lens, further intertwining the worlds of academia and cinema in our collective imagination.
