Dark Academia Movie & Series List Because It’s Not All Business

Alright, let’s be real—running a business like Slight Look is a full-time gig. But even the most ambitious entrepreneur needs a break from building their empire. And what better way to unwind than diving into the moody, cerebral world of Dark Academia?

Now, if you’ve spent any time on my website, you may have already guessed—I have a thing for Light and Dark Academia. It’s not just how I build websites; it’s how I watch TV, decorate my space, and, honestly, how I exist. That said, while I can (and will) help you curate your own aesthetic, this list is unapologetically influenced by my obsession.

So, let’s cut through the basic “Dark Academia” lists that just throw in every prep school drama and call it a day. If you’re tired of watching teens stress over SAT scores in candlelit libraries, this list is for you. We’re talking intellectual tension, power struggles, mystery, and just the right amount of supernatural, psychological, or historical intrigue to keep you hooked all year long.

Classic Dark Academia

Dark Academia isn’t just about aesthetic—it’s about power, knowledge, and the tension that comes with both. These films ditch the high school angst and bring a more mature, layered take on the genre.

✦ Cruel Intentions – Elite, manipulative, and deliciously wicked. If Dark Academia had a high-society cousin, this would be it.

✦ The Riot Club – Oxford elitism at its most disturbing. (Trigger WARNING)

✦ O – A modern retelling of Othello set in an elite prep school. Betrayal, obsession, and Shakespearean tragedy at its finest.

✦ The Queen’s Gambit – Dark Academia meets competitive chess. It’s more about obsession and psychological strategy than classrooms, and those outfits? Aesthetic goals.

✦ The Skulls – Secret societies, hidden power, and cult-like exclusivity—classic Dark Academia vibes.

✦ Mona Lisa Smile – Smart, feminist, and drenched in 1950s prestige. Julia Roberts takes on academia’s rigid expectations for women, and it’s a must-watch.

Gothic & Supernatural Elements

When Dark Academia leans into the eerie, the results are chef’s kiss. Haunted libraries, secret societies dabbling in the occult, and characters who are way too comfortable with the supernatural? Say less.

✦ Penny Dreadful – Gothic horror at its finest, blending Frankenstein, Dracula, and Dorian Gray into a darkly poetic masterpiece.

✦ Hemlock Grove – Werewolves, vampires, and small-town secrets. It’s weird, unsettling, and worth the ride.

✦ Mayfair Witches – Anne Rice’s iconic family of witches. Gothic mansions, dark magic, and a generational mystery? Sold.

✦ The Serpent Queen – Historical drama with a sharp, dark edge. Catherine de’ Medici’s rise to power is anything but boring.

✦ 1899 – From the creators of Dark, this show is a mind-bending, atmospheric nightmare in the best way.

✦ Shutter Island – A gothic psychological thriller with eerie asylum vibes and a slow burn that pays off hard.

Historical & Period Pieces

Dark Academia thrives in history—candlelit debates, royal intrigue, and intellectual sparring wrapped in period-accurate corsets and waistcoats.

✦ The White Queen / The White Princess – Royal court drama, political manipulation, and just enough mysticism to keep things interesting.

✦ Outlander – Time travel, Scottish intrigue, and a whole lot of moody historical drama. (Trigger warning: This one gets dark.)

✦ Death on the Nile – Agatha Christie’s murder mystery set against a stunning historical backdrop. Mystery, elegance, and secrets.

✦ Miller’s Girl – Power, obsession, and an unsettling teacher-student dynamic. It’s cerebral, moody, and downright disturbing.

Psychological Thrillers & Mystery

Dark Academia isn’t just about looks—it’s about tension, intellect, and the creeping feeling that something is off just beneath the surface.

✦ Rebecca – Gothic mansion, unsettling secrets, and a slow-burning psychological thriller that sticks with you.

✦ Gone Girl – Twisty, dark, and packed with psychological manipulation. You’ll never look at marriage the same way.

✦ Fracture – A sharp, cerebral thriller where power plays take center stage.

✦ Knives Out – Modern murder mystery with a quirky, intelligent edge. Dark and clever without being brooding.

✦ The Menu – A satirical thriller that dissects elitism with a side of psychological horror. Bon appétit.

✦ Fresh – If you like your thrillers extra dark, this one’s for you. (And yes, it involves cannibalism.)

Dark Comedy

Sometimes, you just need a little humor with your existential dread. These picks are sharp, twisted, and know how to make you laugh at the darkness.

✦ Arsenic and Old Lace – A black-and-white classic about two sweet old ladies who… murder people. Delightfully macabre.

✦ The Gentleman – Crime, sharp wit, and characters who are way too charming for their own good.

✦ Saltburn – A beautifully twisted blend of privilege, dysfunction, and dark humor. (I’m slightly horrified and obsessed)

Adventurous with a Dark Twist

Because sometimes, Dark Academia deserves a little action.

✦ The Mummy / The Mummy Returns – Ancient curses, supernatural adventure, and a touch of academia. (Also, Brendan Fraser.)

✦ Halloween H2O – It’s technically horror, but set in a private school, so… academia-adjacent?

The Final Note

So there you have it—Dark Academia that isn’t just high schoolers in blazers reading poetry. Whether you’re here for the historical drama, the supernatural thrill, or the psychological mind games, this list has something to keep your brain engaged and entertained.

Now, go light a candle, pour a glass of wine (or tea, sober crew), and get lost in something dark and brilliant.

Happy watching!