So it’s the end of the semester and Finals Week is almost here. Everyone is scrambling to bring up their grades (or keep them up), professors are throwing out tons of work just to torture us, and half of your classmates are so stressed they seem to be balding. So what do you do?
Well clearly, the smartest option would be to find a nice quiet spot in the library and study, but not all of us are that responsible. I like to sit in my bed—pretend that my problems aren’t looming over my head and weighing on my shoulders—and watch a good movie.
The following is a list of some of my favorite “Cult Classics” that get me through finals.
1. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
We can all relate to Ferris Bueller. Sometimes the stress of schoolwork can be too much. Even just the idea of getting up and going to class is torture. We all need to take a “sick” day once and awhile. During finals week, when many of us cannot afford to take an entire day off, a two-hour study break is perfect. We can afford to spare the time watching Ferris, Cam and Sloane’s shenanigans without feeling like we’re getting too behind. Watching this movie is a great way to relieve stress; plus who doesn't love seeing Charlie Sheen before things went...downhill?
2. "Mean Girls"
"Mean Girls" is easily one of my favorite movies. I worship Tina Fey and her fantastic writing. Who else could have managed to make such a hilarious movie that also has such an important (and well-received) message. I mean when’s the last time you learned a life lesson from an Adam Sandler movie? It just doesn’t get old, especially Amy Poehler; she makes one heck of a suburban mom.
3. "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"
4. The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
Rocky Horror is the hottest cult classic around! It has everything: line-dancing, sequin top hats, alien incenst, Meatloaf riding a motercycle…
(For those of you who get the reference, congratulations.)
5. The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is great if you want to reminisce about high school, that magical time before exams were complicated and you actually had to study to do well. While not all of us have had to sit through a Saturday detention, we can relate to at least one, if not all of the characters in this movie. You might be the Princess, the Jock, the Basket Case, or the Criminal, but one things for sure: during Finals Week, almost no one feels like the Brain.
6. Matilda
Matilda has always been a movie that makes me feel optimistic. From the beginning Matilda is loveable character that you can’t help but root for. Her story is whimsical and magical and just the slightest bit sad (until the happy ending obviously). I mean, anything based off of a Roald Dahl book tends to be that way, but this one is my favorite. We all want to have a teacher like Miss Honey. Hey Professor Cunningham: please just adopt me instead of testing me for my retention of a semester's worth of knowledge!!!
7. Clueless
Clueless is highly underrated. Cher seems like a typical blonde at first glance, but when you finish the movie you realize that she’s actually pretty intelligent and self-aware. I wish I could argue for higher grades on my report card like she can.
8. The Princess Bride
Even if you don’t like romance, this movie is precious. It feels like the love child of Monty Python and Disney. My favorite character is Miracle Max (played by Billie Crystal). He’s only in the movie for what feels like 0.5 seconds, but it's worth it. (If you’re not familiar with him think Mike from Monster's Ink.)
9. How to Marry a Millionaire 
How to Marry a Millionaire: an oldie but a goodie (as my grandmother would say). It’s one of my favorite Marilyn Monroe movies. While I’m a true advocate for appreciating personality in a partner and not emphasizing superficial traits like appearance and wealth, I’d be lying if I didn’t have a plan to snag a millionaire of my own.
10. The Wizard of OZ
I love the Wizard of OZ. Even though technology in the movie industry is far more advanced today, this movie is visually stunning. The wide array of colors and characters can really take you out of reality. If you want to forget your troubles this is the way to do it. No one could ever be worried about their final paper while they’re watching Glinda land her magic bubble. And don’t even get me started on the costumes! Socks and high heels have never looked so good.
11. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Sad Canadian Indie bands, colorful hair, and a ton of epic fight scenes. What more could a girl ask for?
12. Heathers
Watching Heathers is a life changing experience. I recommend a first viewing absolutely any time except finals week. It’s too jarring for a first timer to watch between study sessions. However, if you’ve seen it before, you know what's coming and it can be almost comical. Nothing that's happening to you is as bad as what's happening to Veronica.
Finals Week is almost here. We have to brace ourselves for the stress and the strain, but we can also look forward to the stress relief. When you have time for a study break or when you’re feeling too exhausted to be responsible, pick a movie off of this list to turn your day around. Remember: your mental health is arguably more important than your grades, and these movies will keep you sane. Stay healthy folks.
