Is it okay to write a college essay about my favorite movie?

Writing your college essay about your favorite movie can actually be a strong choice—as long as you make the essay about you, not just the film itself. Admission officers see a lot of essays, and it's true that some movie-related topics risk coming off as superficial if they just summarize the plot or sound like a review.

However, if you dig into why that movie resonated with you and how it shaped your values, thinking, or actions, then you’re on the right track. Instead of just telling the reader what the movie is about, focus on a moment or theme from the film that became personal to you. For example, let’s say the movie taught you something unexpected about family. You could write about a specific scene that prompted you to re-examine your own family relationships, then describe the steps you took to put those insights into action.

One student I know wrote about how watching an animated film with her younger sibling after their parents’ divorce helped her process change. She didn't just talk about the film, but how it became a backdrop for reconnecting with her family and eventually inspired her to lead a peer-support group for students dealing with family transitions. The key was that the movie sparked growth and action in her life—she was the main character in her story, not the film.

If you can tie the movie directly to a meaningful moment, decision, or transformation in your life, then your essay will feel genuine and unique. Make sure you’re highlighting your own voice, insights, and journey. Use the film as a jumping-off point rather than the centerpiece.

So yes, it’s absolutely possible to write a compelling essay inspired by your favorite movie! Just be intentional about focusing on your personal experience and what you’ve taken away from it. That’s how your essay will stand out.