40 College Campuses That Starred In Popular Movies
36. Reed College (Portland, Oregon)
Reed College may not have the brand-name cachet of the Ivy League, but its intellectual edge and bohemian vibe made it the perfect setting for Into the Wild. The film, based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, used Reed’s austere brick buildings and dense Pacific Northwest surroundings to capture the raw idealism of a young man breaking away from convention. With moss-draped trees and understated Gothic architecture, Reed’s campus exudes a cerebral, slightly rebellious energy—ideal for stories of existential questioning and academic intensity. For filmmakers seeking authenticity over flash, Reed delivers mood, intellect, and quiet drama.
