6.5
Where can I stream Higher Learning legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Higher Learning fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Violent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence8
- Tension7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Moving and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Coming of Age9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, growing up, and society
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighViolent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Higher Learning is violent and tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, growing up, and society
Its world is built around everyday modern life, growing up, and society.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
Question the knowledge.
African-American student Malik is on a track scholarship; academics are not his strong suit, and he goes in thinking that his athletic abilities will earn him a free ride through college. Fudge, a "professional student" who has been at Columbus for six years so far, becomes friendly with Malik and challenges his views about race and politics in America.
Campus DramaRace RelationsSocial IssuesPolitical AwakeningComing-of-AgeTensionViolenceCollege Life
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Higher Learning
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Higher Learning worth watching?
58
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59/100 (IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 48%, and Metacritic 54). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Higher Learning rated?
RViolenceStrong languageDrug use
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.
How long is Higher Learning?
2 h 8 min
Higher Learning runs 2 h 8 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Higher Learning?
Critics51
Audiences68
Not quite. Audiences rate Higher Learning higher (68) than critics (51). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Higher Learning a box office hit?
Budget$20 million
Box office$38 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $20 million to make and earned $38 million worldwide, 1.9 times its budget.
What language is Higher Learning in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Higher Learning?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Higher Learning in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Higher Learning use?
Bisexual Love TriangleMaligned Mixed MarriageFreudian ExcuseMalcolm XeroxTitle DropAuthor AvatarCool TeacherSoundtrack DissonanceScrew This, I'm Outta Here!Statuesque StunnerRape and SwitchHeroic BSoDand 54 more
TV Tropes lists 66 storytelling tropes for Higher Learning, including Bisexual Love Triangle, Maligned Mixed Marriage, Freudian Excuse.