Iconic Academic Characters, Shows and Movies To Get You Through Exam Season

Sometimes, channelling iconic fictional characters can give you the motivation you need to pick up your books and start studying.

We’re heading into exam season once again.

During a time where you may feel overwhelmed with classwork and revision timetables, a loss of motivation is completely normal. 

If you’re struggling to get through your classwork, a little boost might be exactly what you need.

Have you ever watched a show or movie and felt inspired by how hardworking the characters are? Whether they’re studying themselves, making waves in their careers or simply living a life you aspire to, there are many ways a character can give you the boost you need.

Here is a list of iconic characters, shows and movies that can help motivate you this exam season.

Characters

Rory Gilmore - Gilmore Girls
"Who cares if I'm pretty if I fail my finals?"

Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) has taken over Pinterest boards for years as an academic role model. Rory is one of the main characters in Gilmore Girls, a seven-season show set in the cosy town of Stars Hollow. She is known for her intelligence, work ethic and resilience, and she loves everything to do with school. With plenty of episodes to get through, this is the perfect choice if you’re craving an early 2000s classic with a cosy, light-academia aesthetic.

Paris Geller - Gilmore Girls
"I can cope with the little annoyances now... I accept it because I can't control everything."

Another iconic character from Gilmore Girls, Paris Geller (Liza Weil) is introduced as Rory’s academic rival at Chilton Preparatory School. Driven by pressure and a chaotic family background, Paris constantly strives for perfection. Fans love Paris for her intelligence, determination and strong opinions on almost everything. In the quote above, she’s talking about her life coach and how she has learned to be more at peace with small problems that pop up in life. This quote is a great reminder not to worry about things we have no control over. Try your best, study hard, and let the results play out.

Elle Woods - Legally Blonde
“You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”

Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is another character who is well loved for her fierce determination and relentless pursuit of academic success. In Legally Blonde, she is introduced as a cliché: a pretty and popular character who applies to Harvard Law School to prove herself to, and win back, her ex-boyfriend, Warner. However, it doesn’t take long for her to completely subvert the stereotype that her character represents. She reaches for success without shedding a single piece of herself. Her journey is a joy to watch unfold on the screen. If you haven’t yet seen Legally Blonde, take this as your sign.

Movies/TV Shows

Grey’s Anatomy
"Life is not a spectator sport. Win, lose or draw, the game is in progress, whether we want it to be, or not. So, go ahead, argue with the refs, change the rules… cheat a little, take a break… and tend to your wounds. But play. Play. Play hard. Play fast. Play loose and free. Play as if there’s no tomorrow." - Meredith Grey

Grey’s Anatomy is a long-running American medical TV drama that follows the personal and professional lives of surgical interns, residents and attending physicians at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle. It centres on Dr Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), who starts as a surgical intern. The show is loved by many, and inspires students by showcasing ambitious characters overcoming many challenges. Whether you’re heading into a medical field or not, this show has a way of motivating you to try your best, no matter what.

Dead Poets Society
“That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?” - John Keating

Choosing a single inspiring quote from Dead Poets Society is harder than you would think, and that speaks to the impact this movie can have. Dead Poets Society is a 1989 coming-of-age movie following an unorthodox English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), who inspires his students at a conservative prep school. There are many messages that John Keating shares with his class, including to ‘seize the day’, find their own voice and value their passions. It’s hard not to feel a fresh burst of motivation after watching.

Whisper of the Heart
"You're wonderful. There's no need to rush. Please take your time to polish your talent." - Shirou Nishi

If you haven’t yet seen a Studio Ghibli movie, you’re missing out. Studio Ghibli’s catalogue of movies covers a wide range of human experiences, and there’s often one for every stage, struggle or joy in life. For academic motivation, Whisper of the Heart is impactful. It’s a 1995 coming-of-age anime film about a young bookworm, Shizuku, who finds her passion for writing after meeting Seiji, a boy dedicated to his own aspirations. Seiji’s grandfather, Shirou Nishi, is a wise antique shop owner who offers Shizuku his mentorship. The movie explores the self doubt and artistic frustration that comes from wanting to be perfect at something straight away. In addition to the inspiring storyline, the beautiful animation and soundtrack is a joy to experience.

Now, time to lock in.

We hope these characters, movies and TV shows give you some newfound inspiration to knuckle down and get some work done. 

Don’t forget about our Disney+ and Prime Video student deals. Just try not to turn a quick study break into a total series rewatch. 

Happy watching and good luck with your exams!