Art-Inspired Movies to Get You in the Mood for Classes to Start

Art-Inspired Movies to Get You in the Mood for Classes to Start

We can’t think of a better way to kick off the weekend before Spring semester than watching movies about professional artists and the art industry.

And whether your major is graphic design, fine art, photography, or fashion, we’ve found seven movies and documentaries about the art world for you to binge watch.

So grab you friends, plug in your laptop, pop a bag of popcorn, and enjoy!

Art School Confidential (2006)

It didn’t do so well at the box office, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a watch. Directed by Terry Zwigoff, the movie tells the story of a kid named Jerome who leaves his suburban hometown to pursue an art career at Strathmore College in New York City. Jerome is obsessed with drawing and determined to make a name for himself in the illustration field. Along the way, he discovers the reality of the art world and how he must adapt to become successful.

Available to rent on Amazon Video for $3.99.

Bill Cunningham New York (2011)

This movie profiles veteran New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. Well into his 80s, this Harvard University dropout was well-known for pedaling around Manhattan on his bicycle, “simply taking photographs of what people were wearing.” He became famous for doing this, and his work has been featured in the Times, in Women’s Wear Daily and the Chicago Tribune.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime for free.

The September Issue (2009)

For those who eat, sleep, and breathe fashion, Vogue‘s yearly autumn issue is a must-have. This documentary follows Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour’s preparations for the 2007 fall fashion issue.

Available to rent on Amazon Video for $3.99.

Dior and I (2014)

Another great documentary about the evolving world of fashion, Dior and I documents what it’s like behind-the-scenes of the Christian Dior fashion house. It also gives viewers a deep look into the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection as its new artistic director.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime for free.

Pollock (2000)

A movie where the director also plays the main character? Sign us up! In Pollock, the American abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock’s life is portrayed in vivid detail. This includes his struggle with self-doubt, engaging in a lonely tug-of-war between needing to express himself and wanting to shut the world out, alcoholism, and infidelity.

Available to watch on Amazon Video for $3.99.

Milton Glaser: To Delight and Inform (2008)

Graphic designers will love this documentary that profiles the life and work of Milton Glaser. You might not know him by name (yet), but you’ve definitely seen his art. The “I [heart] NY” logo was designed by Glaser, and he also founded New York magazine. 

Available to watch on Amazon Video for $2.99.

Crumb (1994)

Crumb is about the experiences and characters of underground cartoonist, Robert Crumb. Highlighted in the movie are Crumb’s most notable creations “Keep On Truckin,” Fritz the Cat, and how he paved the way for the creation of satirical underground comix.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime for $3.99.