The Best Movies About Fraternities

Ranker Film
Updated April 29, 2024 21 items

The best fraternity movies are the ones that feature the most memorable characters, the best lines, and the greatest moments. These films also have to be about fraternities. Some of these movies are comedies, some are dramas, and some are even horror films. But they're all great fraternity movies. There are comedy classics like Animal House alongside newer favorites like Old School.

Some of these films feature fictional fraternities while others focus on real life Greek organizations. And a few of them even include sororities! The only thing that matters is that they're all about fraternities in one way or another (and they're awesome). Vote up your favorite fraternity movie below and check back for new fraternity movies once they're released and added to the list.

 

  • National Lampoon's Animal House
    1
    John Belushi, Kevin Bacon, Donald Sutherland
    34 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Slapstick, Parody/Spoof, Coming-of-Age
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: With its raucous portrayal of fraternity life and brotherhood, National Lampoon's Animal House remains a classic comedy that set the tone for future films in the genre. The film focuses on the misadventures of Delta Tau Chi, an unconventional and rebellious fraternity at Faber College, providing viewers with iconic scenes and characters that have become part of pop culture history. For those interested in fraternities, it offers a humorous look into the bond between brothers and the struggle against authority figures.

    In the raucous comedy National Lampoon's Animal House, party-crazed fraternity Delta Tau Chi, led by Bluto Blutarsky (John Belushi), is in a constant state of war with the college administration, personified by Dean Wormer (John Vernon). The film, set in 1962, navigates through wild parties, pranks and chaos. As the Dean plots to expel the fraternity, the misfits plan their revenge. A mix of slapstick humor and social satire, this John Landis directed movie remains a classic in its genre. It won People's Choice Award for Favorite Non-Musical Motion Picture.
  • Old School
    2
    Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn
    24 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Laugh-Out-Loud, Buddy Film, Slapstick
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Old School offers a fresh take on fraternity life by centering around three middle-aged friends who decide to start their own chapter as they long for their college days. The film humorously explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and navigating adulthood within the context of fraternity culture, with hilarious results. Fans of fraternities will appreciate its lighthearted approach and laugh-out-loud moments.

    In Old School, Mitch (Luke Wilson) returns home to find his girlfriend involved in an unusual affair, leading him to start anew. He moves into a house near a college campus, where his friends Frank (Will Ferrell) and Beanie (Vince Vaughn) decide to revive their glory days by starting a fraternity. The trio juggles adulthood responsibilities and fraternity antics, causing hilarity and chaos. This comedy explores the paradox of growing up while refusing to let go of youth, all within the wild framework of college life. Old School became a cult classic for its humor and quotable lines.
  • Revenge of the Nerds
    3
    Robert Carradine, Anthony Edwards, Ted McGinley
    18 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Nerd Culture, Slapstick, Coming-of-Age
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Revenge of the Nerds stands as a beloved 80’s comedy that showcases fraternity life from an underdog perspective, focusing on a group of socially awkward students who form their own chapter in response to being ostracized by other Greek organizations on campus. Through amusing antics and memorable characters, the film highlights themes like camaraderie among misfits and standing up against prejudice within traditional fraternal hierarchies. For anyone intrigued by fraternities, this comedic take offers both entertainment and food for thought.

  • National Lampoon's Van Wilder
    4
    Ryan Reynolds, Tara Reid, Tim Matheson
    18 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Slapstick, Buddy Film, Coming-of-Age
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Van Wilder provides audiences with another dose of over-the-top antics within collegiate Greek life through its titular character – a charming and popular party planner who refuses to graduate. As the story unfolds, viewers witness him navigate the politics of campus life, manage his fraternity's social events, and ultimately learn valuable life lessons about responsibility and commitment. This film is perfect for those seeking an entertaining look into the sometimes chaotic world of fraternities.

    He's the biggest man on campus. He's the boss with the sauce. He's the guy all the girls want and all the guys want to be. 'Cause in the collegiate jungle, there can be only one king ... and at Coolidge College it's Van Wilder. In the grand tradition of comedy classics like "National Lampoon's Animal House" and "National Lampoon's Vacation," "National Lampoon's Van Wilder" will charm you, move you and gross you out.
  • 22 Jump Street
    5
    Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare
    17 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Action, Buddy Film, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Although not focused solely on fraternities, 22 Jump Street offers a hilarious action-comedy that sends its undercover cop protagonists into the realm of Greek life as part of their mission. The satire-laden depiction of fraternity culture provides viewers with amusing characters and situations while also highlighting issues like loyalty and brotherhood. Fans interested in fraternities will enjoy this energetic buddy-cop take on college antics.

    In 22 Jump Street, officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are back on the beat. This time, their assignment takes them undercover at a local college where they're tasked with cracking down on a new drug menace. The sequel to 21 Jump Street weaves together comedy and action in a plot that's as unpredictable as it is hilarious. As Schmidt and Jenko navigate fraternity drama, football games, and their own friendship woes, they find themselves questioning if they can really make this partnership work. 22 Jump Street won the MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance (Hill).
  • American Pie Presents: Beta House
    6
    John White, Steve Talley, Jake Siegel
    17 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Teen Comedy, Sex Comedy, Slapstick, Coming-of-Age
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: As part of the popular American Pie franchise, Beta House serves up more raunchy humor within the context of fraternity life by following two freshmen pledging for what seems to be the wildest house on campus. The film delves into all sorts of outrageous activities one might associate with college parties and Greek organizations, providing ample laughs for fans seeking fraternity-themed entertainment.

    Freshman Erik Stifler (John White) arrives at college with his longtime friend "Cooze" Coozeman (Jake Siegel). Both freshmen pledge the Beta fraternity and begin a series of often disgusting initiation rituals, climaxing with stealing an object from the house of their rivals, the Geek fraternity. The furious Geek president, Edgar Willis (Tyrone Savage), challenges the Betas to the Greek Games -- a competition that's been banned on campus for 40 years.
  • PCU
    7
    Jeremy Piven, Chris Young, Jon Favreau
    11 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Slapstick, Parody/Spoof, Teen Comedy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: PCU is a satirical take on modern college life, focusing on a once-legendary frat house that's now home to an eclectic group of misfits fighting against their school's stringent political correctness. The film balances its critique of both campus culture extremes with humor while highlighting the importance of individuality and unity among fraternity members.

    Nervous high school senior Tom Lawrence (Chris Young) visits Port Chester University, where he gets a taste of politically correct college life when he's guided by fraternity wild man Droz (Jeremy Piven) and his housemates at The Pit. But Droz and his pals have rivals in nasty preppy Rand McPherson (David Spade) and the school's steely president (Jessica Walter). With their house threatened with expulsion, Droz and company decide to throw a raging party where the various factions will collide.
  • Neighbors
    8
    Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne
    13 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Slapstick, Family Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Neighbors pits a rowdy college fraternity against a young couple living next door, resulting in an escalating clash between wild youthfulness and newfound parenthood responsibilities. The movie delivers wit and hilarity through its endearing yet flawed characters while showcasing some over-the-top aspects of fraternal culture – perfect for fans curious about how these organizations can impact their surrounding communities.

    New parents Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne) move to the suburbs when they welcome an infant daughter into their lives. All goes well with the couple, until the Delta Psi Beta fraternity moves in next door. Mac and Kelly don't want to seem uncool, and they try their best to get along with frat president Teddy (Zac Efron) and the rest of the guys. However, when the couple finally call the cops during a particularly raucous frat party, a full-scale war erupts.
  • The Skulls
    9
    Joshua Jackson, Paul Walker, Hill Harper
    5 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Drama, Conspiracy Theory, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: For those seeking a darker approach to fraternity themes, The Skulls follows a promising college student who becomes entangled with a secret society that may have sinister motives. This thriller explores themes of power and corruption within elite organizations, providing a tense and intriguing contrast to more light-hearted fraternity films.

    For Luke McNamara (Joshua Jackson), an invitation to join the prestigious secret college organization, The Skulls, is a dream come true. But he soon comes to realize just how powerful The Skulls organization really is -- and that the truth, like success, comes at a very high price.
  • College
    10
    Drake Bell, Andrew Caldwell, Kevin Covais
    7 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Teen Comedy, Coming-of-Age
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: College follows three high school friends as they spend a weekend at a nearby university, immersing themselves in the wild world of fraternities and college parties. The film offers plenty of antics and comedic moments for viewers interested in exploring the lighter side of fraternity culture, as well as showcasing the bonds formed during these whirlwind experiences.

    After his girlfriend dumps him, high-school senior Kevin (Drake Bell) does not feel like attending freshman orientation weekend at Fairmont University, but his pals (Andrew Caldwell, Kevin Covais) drag him along anyway. Once there, the teens meet members of the rowdiest fraternity on campus, who introduce them to the college party scene, as well as a few sorority girls.
  • Scream 2
    11
    David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox
    3 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Slasher, Thriller, Sequel
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Though primarily focused on its slasher elements, Scream 2 does offer glimpses into fraternity life as one character becomes involved with a seemingly prestigious organization at her college. Fans interested in fraternities will appreciate the tension between collegiate social status and practical safety concerns that arise throughout the film.

    Scream 2, a sequel to the infamous horror film Scream, is a chilling thrill ride that keeps audiences on edge. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), survivor of the original Woodsboro murders, attempts to rebuild her life at Windsor College, only to find herself once again targeted by Ghostface (voiced by Roger L. Jackson). The movie also showcases Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Dewey Riley (David Arquette), characters who return from the first installment, grappling with their past trauma while trying to unravel the new mystery. Directed by Wes Craven, this film is a blend of suspense, mystery and smart commentary on horror sequels, without forgetting its roots in slasher terror.
  • Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise
    12
    Robert Carradine, Curtis Armstrong, Timothy Busfield
    14 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Slapstick, Sequel, Nerd Culture
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: The sequel to the classic comedy brings back the beloved misfit characters as they attend a national fraternity conference, facing off against their old rivals from Alpha Beta. Continuing on themes of underdog triumph and questioning traditional fraternal values, Revenge of the Nerds II offers more laughs and feel-good moments for fans seeking further adventures within this humorous take on Greek life.

    After triumphing over the jocks in the Alpha Beta fraternity at Adams College, the nerds of Tri-Lamba are headed to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to attend a national fraternity convention. Unfortunately, Alpha Beta is also in attendance and want to get even. Now Lewis (Robert Carradine), Booger (Curtis Armstrong), Lamar (Larry B. Scott) and Poindexter (Timothy Busfield) have to fight the jocks for their rightful place all over again, although at least this time they can take the fight to the beach.
  • The Fraternity
    13
    Malin Åkerman, Treat Williams, Robin Dunne
    6 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Offering a dramatic exploration of college hazing and its consequences within fraternities, The Fraternity tells the story of a young man investigating his brother's death during initiation rituals. This thriller delves into the darker aspects of Greek organizations, providing an intense and cautionary tale that contrasts with more light-hearted films in the genre.

    The Fraternity is a Canadian thriller film about a circle of friends that create an elite club while at the Runcie High School and cheat on an exam. The subsequent pressure on the administration for someone in the circle to be a "rat", and finding one of the students dead, prompts one of their members to search for the truth. The film was primarily shot at Bishop Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, where the school's prominent initials around campus conveniently matched those of Runcie College.
  • The Social Network
    14
    Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
    6 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Biography, Tech & Society
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: While not centered around fraternities, The Social Network does offer insight into elite secret societies at Harvard University – including one that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg sought admittance to. This critically acclaimed drama showcases themes such as ambition, power dynamics, and social status that can be found within exclusive organizations like fraternities.

    The Social Network is a biographical drama that dives deep into the tumultuous beginnings of Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), Harvard student and computer genius, launches a social networking site from his dorm room that rapidly becomes a global phenomenon. As Facebook's popularity skyrockets, so do the legal battles with former friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer). Directed by David Fincher, this critically acclaimed film won three Academy Awards. It's an engrossing tale of innovation, ambition, and betrayal that will keep you hooked till the end.
  • Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation
    15
    James Cromwell, Clancy Brown, Chi McBride
    9 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Slapstick, Nerd Culture, Sequel
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: In this third installment of the popular series, a new generation of "nerds" clash with established fraternity members as they strive for acceptance on campus. Maintaining its signature humor while exploring themes like standing up against prejudice and promoting inclusivity within fraternal culture, Revenge of the Nerds III continues to entertain fans interested in humorous takes on Greek life.

    Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation is a 1992 sequel to the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds.
  • Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj
    16
    Kal Penn, Amy Steel, Holly Davidson
    12 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Slapstick, Sequel, Coming-of-Age
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: The sequel to National Lampoon's Van Wilder takes the titular character's protege, Taj, across the pond as he tries to navigate the world of British fraternities and secret societies. This comedy provides a unique perspective on Greek organizations in another cultural context while maintaining the outrageous antics and humor fans have come to expect from the franchise.

    Van Wilder protege Taj Badalandabad (Kal Penn) heads to England's prestigious Camden University to further his studies and cement his burgeoning reputation as the "sultan of sheets." But when he arrives, he learns that he has not been accepted to the Fox and Hounds fraternal guild and, instead, becomes head of a house of student misfits. Taj rises to the challenge by establishing his own society, the Cock and Bulls, and whipping his misfit comrades into academic shape.
  • School Daze
    17
    Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, Tisha Campbell-Martin
    7 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Musical, Social Drama, African American Cinema
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Directed by Spike Lee, School Daze delves into issues of race, class, and identity through its depiction of fraternity life at a historically black college. The film offers poignant commentary on these topics while still providing moments of humor and showcasing the importance of brotherhood within such organizations.

    At historically black Mission College, the activist-minded Dap (Larry Fishburne) immerses himself in a world of political rhetoric and social movements -- one day he hopes to rally the students as a united front. At the other end of the spectrum, Julian (Giancarlo Esposito), the head of the biggest fraternity on campus, is more concerned with maintaining a strict social order. In between, Dap's conflicted cousin, Half-Pint (Spike Lee), spends most of his time rushing the fraternity.
  • Fraternity Row
    18
    Peter Fox, Gregory Harrison, Scott Newman
    7 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Historical Drama, Crime, Social Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Set in 1954, Fraternity Row offers a nostalgic look at fraternity life during a more innocent time while also exposing some darker aspects lurking beneath the surface. This drama explores themes like loyalty, acceptance and tradition within Greek organizations – making it an excellent choice for viewers seeking depth alongside their entertainment.

    Zac (Gregory Harrison) is an idealistic student who, after arriving at college, decides to pledge the Gamma Nu Pi fraternity. Unhappy with what he sees as the bigotry and abusiveness of the hazing process, he tries to reform the system, even though his steady girl, Jennifer (Nancy Morgan), doesn't approve. Zac eventually finds an ally in his pledgemaster (Peter Fox), but the head of the fraternity (Scott Newman) proves cruelly inflexible about preserving the uglier rituals.
  • Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love
    19
    James Cromwell, Robert Carradine, John Pinette
    8 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Slapstick, Sequel, Wedding Comedy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: Returning for yet another comedic adventure, this sequel sees fan-favorite characters navigating new challenges as they plan a wedding and face off against their old frat adversaries once more. Maintaining its humorous charm throughout various installments, this series continues to be a go-to choice for those interested in light-hearted explorations of fraternity culture.

    Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love is a 1994 sequel to the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds and the follow-up films in 1987 and 1992.
  • Dead Man on Campus
    20
    Tom Everett Scott, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Poppy Montgomery
    2 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Dark Comedy, Teen Comedy, Slapstick
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: This dark comedy places two college roommates in a desperate situation as they attempt to exploit a loophole around failing grades by finding a fellow student willing to commit suicide. While not directly about fraternities, Dead Man on Campus showcases the lengths some students will go for academic success and social standing within their collegiate community – aspects that can also be found within Greek life.

    College freshmen Josh (Tom Everett Scott) and Cooper (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) are more interested in hitting the bottle than in hitting the books -- and their poor grades are set to get them kicked out of school. Their only hope of passing is to find a roommate who will kill himself. That's because an oddball college code states that a suicide victim's roommates automatically get straight A's. But sharing space with a lineup of lunatics proves enough to drive both boys crazy.
  • Fraternity Vacation
    21
    Tim Robbins, Britt Ekland, Sheree J. Wilson
    2 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Teen Comedy, Vacation Adventure.
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Fraternities: This 1985 comedy follows the spring break adventures of three fraternity brothers as they take to Palm Springs for some fun in the sun. The film highlights the camaraderie and bonding experiences that can occur within fraternal organizations while also delivering plenty of laughs and beachside antics for fans interested in a lighthearted look at fraternity life.

    Fraternity Vacation is a 1985 low-budget American sex comedy starring Stephen Geoffreys as a nerdy pledge to the Theta Pi Gamma fraternity at Iowa State, with Tim Robbins and Cameron Dye as Theta Pi Gamma frat boys. On spring break in Palm Springs, California, several boys compete for the affections of a sophisticated co-ed, played by Sheree J. Wilson.