Currently, a widely recognized fad in the artistic sphere is the dark academia subculture, which continues to gain popularity despite its roots being traced back many years within literature, films, TV shows, and more. This intriguing subgroup takes a particular interest in timeless and classical literature, as seen in productions like Peter Weir’s somber Dead Poets Society, Donna Tartt’s captivating The Goldfinch or The Secret History, and Tim Burton’s depiction of Wednesday from the Addams Family.
Primarily based around a university setting or linked to higher education, Dark Academia is a relatively modern term with roots deep in art history. In this compilation, we’ve featured the top 10 Dark Academia films and television series that have left an indelible mark on viewers everywhere.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Main Topic: Todd Anderson, a timid lad, gets transferred to an exclusive school and becomes acquainted with his gregarious roommate, Neil Perry. Alongside Neil and other companions, they cross paths with Keating who introduces them to the Dead Poets Society, inspiring them to join. Each member will undergo unique experiences within this group, ultimately shaping their lives forever.
Why I strongly recommend you to watch it: This series takes place in a prestigious academic institution, where English classes delve into the works of renowned poets and authors, making it an exceptional embodiment of the dark academia genre. It’s a profoundly moving tale that explores the transformative years of its characters, underscoring how their experiences – shaped by their environment and interactions with others – can have a lasting impact on their lives.
Kill Your Darlings (2009)
Title Synopsis: This play delves into the real-life experiences of Allen Ginsberg during his English major years at Columbia University in 1944. Disillusioned with conventional education, he befriended a progressive circle of students, including Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs. Together, they embarked on an intellectual journey that would eventually shape them as pioneers of the Beat Generation movement.
Why You Might Want to Watch: If you’re captivated by literature and eager to delve deeper into the lives of Ginsberg and his peers, or if you’re just intrigued by this era in literary history, this drama offers a compelling introduction. It authentically portrays the dark academia subculture.
Tolkien (2019)
This movie is a biographical drama that delves into the significant early years of renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien. It focuses on his personal experiences, particularly his understanding of friendship, affection, and interpersonal relationships. The film examines his connection with a band of misfits at school and the emotional impact when the looming threat of World War I threatened to dismantle their group.
Why it’s worth watching: This film offers an engaging introduction to J.R.R. Tolkien and sheds light on his creative process behind The Lord of the Rings series. While you won’t uncover every detail about him in this movie, it provides a unique angle that complements what you might learn from reading a book.
Maurice (1987)
This romantic drama unfolds around two male friends from England who develop feelings for each other while at Cambridge. Despite Clive’s deep affection for Maurice, he chooses to marry and uphold his position in society. However, Maurice remains by Clive’s side throughout his melancholy, eventually finding comfort in the arms of Alec, the gamekeeper.
You should watch it because it offers an exceptional directing job by James Ivory, combined with outstanding performances from Hugh Grant, Rupert Graves, Helena Bonham Carter, and James Wilby. The result is a deeply moving film that portrays the struggles faced by individuals who are different from the norm.
School Ties (1992)
In the 1950s, an accomplished footballer named David Greene is transferred to an elite school with the mission to boost its team’s performance against their long-standing adversaries. However, David isn’t a typical student at this institution; he hails from a working-class family and practices Judaism. Despite his outgoing nature and ability to form friendships effortlessly, he keeps his true self hidden due to the fear of rejection.
This film offers a fascinating glimpse into the diversity among prep school students and how they must adjust to their surroundings, particularly those transitioning from different socio-economic backgrounds. Remarkably, some of its themes align with the dark academia subculture, making it one of the pioneering works associated with this movement.
Wednesday (2022 – )
From my perspective, the narrative unfolds around my experiences during my freshman year at Nevermore Academy, a place I found myself after an unfortunate incident in my previous school. As I navigate through this academy where my parents were once students, I encounter a captivating cast of eccentric peers. Simultaneously, I find myself entangled in a thrilling chain of murders that seem to be connected with me and my ancestral lineage.
Here’s a reason to check it out: Over the past few months, one of the hottest dark academia titles has undeniably been this fantasy series. If you’re a fan of Tim Burton, don’t hesitate to watch it. It’s dark, quirky, and innovative, with Jenna Ortega delivering a standout performance as Wednesday. The writing is sharp and intelligent, the plot is intriguing and the characters are distinct, brimming with secrets, and it captures that distinctive dark academia atmosphere perfectly.
The Riot Club (2014)
Topic Overview:
Miles and Alistair embark on their initial year at Oxford University, two individuals with distinct personalities who find themselves joining an exclusive drinking society known as The Riot Club. This group places wealth above all else in their worldview, leading them to believe they can act without regard for the consequences. A pivotal evening unfolds within a country club’s function room, revealing the true capabilities and questionable moral compass of its members.
Here’s a compelling reason to watch: One standout factor for this film is its exceptional ensemble of promising young British actors. Additionally, it offers an engaging plot and a thought-provoking message that resonates with the current climate in many universities globally, where affluent students may perceive their world as revolving around them.
A Discovery of Witches (2018 – 2022)
In essence: This book adaptation, penned by Deborah Harkness, revolves around Diana Bishop, a historian and witch, tasked with unraveling the enigma of Ashmole 782 – a significant work by Elias Ashmole. Aiding her in this endeavor is Matthew Clairmont, an alluring and enigmatic vampire. The complication arises because witches are advised against trusting vampires.
Here’s why you might want to watch it: This is a captivating mystery drama that delves deep into the enigmatic world of dark academia, complete with intellectual intrigue. It’s a haunting and mysterious tale, set within the hallowed halls of a university, where literature plays a significant role and the atmosphere is thick with the allure of intriguing book titles. This makes it an outstanding example of this unique subculture.
The Skulls (2000)
Main Topic: Luke McNamara is a college senior from a working-class background who joins an exclusive, secretive fraternity called “The Skulls,” with the hope that it will aid him in getting into Harvard Law School. At first, he’s captivated by the club’s power and wealth, but after his friend’s suicide and a string of mysterious incidents, he starts to suspect that there’s more to this seemingly perfect secret society than meets the eye.
Reasons to watch: This exhilarating thriller-drama keeps you hooked till the end, offering a rollercoaster of emotions. Featuring impressive performances by Joshua Jackson and Paul Walker, it’s known for its intensity and intrigue. Allegedly inspired by a secret society at Yale that President George Bush was rumored to be part of, it sheds light on the secrets and various legal and illegal activities that take place within such organizations.
Cruel Intentions (1999)
From a movie enthusiast’s perspective:
I, as a cinephile, find myself drawn to the tale of Kathryn and Sebastian – step-siblings who have mastered the art of manipulation and living life on their own terms. Their latest scheme revolves around Annette, the charming daughter of our school’s headmaster. In a game of wit, Kathryn and I make a daring bet: to win her heart and spend a night with her, defying Annette’s decision to wait for her wedding vows. The plan unfolds flawlessly until my feelings for this innocent girl, who has stolen my heart, begin to surface.
Why you’ll enjoy it: The high society setting of this series conceals a multitude of puzzling mysteries and secrets, making it an ideal choice for those eager to delve into the intriguing world of dark academia. What truly embodies the essence and atmosphere of dark academia is its captivating soundtrack, filled with soothing, tranquil tunes.
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2025-06-09 17:47