Light academia is the exact opposite of the dark academia aesthetic in that it focuses more on positive, optimistic, motivational, and sensitive subjects. Just as dark academia, this aesthetic too has been on the rise recently, especially with the increase in social media usage. And people have been assigning books, albums, clothes, TV shows, and movies to the light academia aesthetic. If you are new to the subculture and want to experience light academia movies, we have a list of 6 films that will fit right into that description.
1. Little Women
Little Women
Little Women (2019) is a coming-of-age period drama film directed by Greta Gerwig, and it is the adaptation of the 1868 novel of the same name, written by Louisa May Alcott. The film is about the growing-up of 4 sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth, who have different interests and desires in life. Little Women is the perfect example of a light academia film, with its themes, cinematography, colors, and costumes.
2. Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen’s books are highly enjoyed by the fans of the light academia aesthetic, and so are the well-made adaptations into movies and TV shows. Pride and Prejudice (2005) is not the only adaptation of this famous Austin novel, but it is one of the best versions for sure. The film follows 5 sisters from an English family of a landowning class. The lead character is Elizabeth Bennett, and the story is about her romance with Mr. Darcy. The film has beautiful scenery and incredible costumes that will be enjoyed by those looking for light academia movies.
3. Sense and Sensibility
Sense and Sensibility
Usually considered the best Jane Austen adaptation of all time, Sense and Sensebility (1995) follows 2 sisters from a landed gentry whose family suddenly finds itself amidst a financial crisis. The girls are forced to seek financial security through marriage, and both have suitors ready. As many fans of the light academia aesthetic know, one of the sister aesthetics of the subculture is the appreciation of the countryside. And this is seen in the movie when the sisters move to a cottage after their family experiences financial problems. We’re not even mentioning the light colors in the characters’ costumes!
Related: All Jane Austen Movie Adaptations Ranked From Best to Worst – Including Persuasion 2022!
4. The Age of Innocence
The Age of Innocence
Another film we recommend is The Age of Innocence (1992), a film by Martin Scorsese, adapted from the 1920 novel of the same name, written by Edith Wharton. The story takes place in the 1870s and focuses on the courtship of a New York attorney Newland Archer and a respectable young lady May Welland. Everything in their life changes when May returns to New York because Newland falls in love with him.
This movie is good not only because of its costumes or set design but also because it focuses on values of family and kinship, values that are highly precious to light academia fans.
5. Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting
One of the best movies of all time, Good Will Hunting (1997), follows the story of Will Hunting, a 20-something working as a janitor at MIT. Will is a natural genius and is self-taught. He has an excellent gift for mathematics but does not have a sense of direction in life. He meets with a therapist, who tries to help him. As the light academia aesthetic is a sucker for motivational movies, there could never be a better example than Good Will Hunting.
6. Mona Lisa Smile
Mona Lisa Smile
The last of light academia movies on our list is Mona Lisa Smile (2003), which follows a non-conformist teacher at an all-girls art school. As the teacher encourages her students to follow their dreams, she also makes them question their current positions in society. A great example of a movie that promotes free-thinking ideology, Mona Lisa Smile, will definitely be enjoyed by light academia fans.
Also, read 8 Best Rom-Com Actresses of All Time, From Julia Roberts to Cameron Diaz!
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