Best Film Schools in the US for 2025

By Christopher Smith Jun 29, 2025

Do you get goosebumps when the lights go down in a movie theater? Do you dream of creating stories that make people laugh, cry, and see the world in a new way? If you love movies, becoming a filmmaker might be your calling. And for many aspiring directors, writers, and producers, film school is the first step on that exciting journey.

Getting into a top film school is competitive, but it’s a place where you can find your creative voice, learn from experts, and get your hands on professional equipment. It’s where you can find the people who will help you make your first real movie.

This guide will give you a tour of the best film schools in the United States for 2025. We’ll explain what makes a film school great and give you simple, practical tips on how to create an application that stands out from the crowd.

How Are Film Schools Judged?

Unlike other college rankings, the lists for film schools—often from magazines like The Hollywood Reporter and Variety—focus on what really matters in the entertainment industry.

Here’s what they look at:

Famous Alumni: How many of the school's graduates have gone on to become successful directors, writers, producers, and cinematographers? A school with a powerful alumni network can open a lot of doors.
Industry Reputation: What do top people in Hollywood—the directors, producers, and studio executives—think about the school and its graduates?
Amazing Facilities: Does the school have professional-level cameras, soundstages, editing suites, and other equipment that students can actually use?
Expert Teachers: Are the professors just academics, or are they working professionals who have real-world experience in the film industry?

Remember, the "best" school also depends on what you want to do. Some schools are better for directing, while others are known for animation or screenwriting.

The Best Film Schools in the U.S. for 2025

The schools on this list are consistently ranked as the best of the best. They are the training grounds for many of the most creative storytellers in the world.

1. American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory

Location: Los Angeles, California
What It's Famous For: AFI is a legendary institution that is for graduate students only. It is not a traditional college; it’s a hands-on workshop where students (called "Fellows") make a lot of films. It has an incredibly powerful network in Hollywood.
Famous Alumni: David Lynch (Twin Peaks), Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan).
Best For: Aspiring directors, producers, and writers who want an intense, career-focused experience.

2. University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts

Location: Los Angeles, California
What It's Famous For: Located right in the heart of the movie industry, USC is a giant in the film world. It has incredible facilities and an alumni network that is second to none. If you’ve seen a blockbuster movie, there’s a good chance a USC grad worked on it.
Famous Alumni: George Lucas (Star Wars), Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy).
Best For: Students who want a classic, comprehensive film education with amazing industry connections.

3. New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts

Location: New York, New York
What It's Famous For: While USC is the king of Hollywood, NYU is the heart of independent filmmaking. Located in Greenwich Village, Tisch teaches students to be creative, hands-on storytellers who can make powerful films with any budget.
Famous Alumni: Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas), Chloé Zhao (Nomadland).
Best For: Independent-minded filmmakers who want to find their unique artistic voice.

4. Chapman University (Dodge College of Film and Media Arts)

Location: Orange, California
What It's Famous For: Chapman has quickly become a top-tier film school with amazing, brand-new facilities. It’s known for giving students a lot of resources and for its close, personal mentorship from professors.
Famous Alumni: The Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things).
Best For: Students who want a supportive, hands-on environment with access to incredible technology.

5. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

Location: Valencia, California
What It's Famous For: Co-founded by Walt Disney, CalArts is the most famous school in the world for animation. Its graduates have directed many of the most beloved animated films in history.
Famous Alumni: Tim Burton (The Nightmare Before Christmas), Brad Bird (The Incredibles).
Best For: Anyone who dreams of a career in animation, from experimental to character animation.

6. Loyola Marymount University (LMU)

Location: Los Angeles, California
What It's Famous For: LMU is known for its focus on humanistic storytelling and for its very supportive and collaborative community. It has strong ties to the Hollywood industry and a reputation for producing great writers and producers.
Famous Alumni: Barbara Broccoli (Producer of the James Bond films).
Best For: Students who want a strong, well-rounded film education with a focus on ethical storytelling.

7. Emerson College

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
What It's Famous For: Emerson is a fantastic school for all types of communication and arts. Its film program is very hands-on from day one, and it has a famous campus in Los Angeles where students can spend a semester interning in Hollywood.
Famous Alumni: Norman Lear (Legendary TV Producer), Jay Leno.
Best For: Students who want a broad education in media arts and great internship opportunities.

8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film and Television

Location: Los Angeles, California
What It's Famous For: As a top public university, UCLA offers a world-class film education that is more affordable than many private schools. It is known for its focus on social impact and for training filmmakers who have something important to say.
Famous Alumni: Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather), Justin Lin (The Fast & The Furious series).
Best For: Students who want to tell stories that matter and make a difference in the world.

9. Columbia University School of the Arts

Location: New York, New York
What It's Famous For: This Ivy League graduate program is most famous for its incredible screenwriting program. It is one of the best places in the world to go if you want to become a professional writer for film or television.
Famous Alumni: Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker), James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari).
Best For: Aspiring screenwriters who want rigorous training in the art of storytelling.

10. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Location: Savannah, Georgia
What It's Famous For: SCAD is a creative powerhouse with amazing programs in everything from film and television to visual effects and themed entertainment design (like for theme parks). It is very focused on preparing students for creative careers.
Famous Alumni: Many graduates work as visual effects artists on major Marvel and Disney films.
Best For: Students who are interested in the technical and design side of filmmaking, like visual effects and production design.

What You Need to Get Into Film School

Getting into a top film school is less about your grades and test scores and more about your creativity.

Your Creative Portfolio: This is the most important part of your application. It’s a collection of your creative work that shows your talent and unique voice. It could be:
- A short film you directed.
- A screenplay you wrote.
- A collection of photographs you took.
- A portfolio of drawings or storyboards.
Your Personal Statement: This is an essay where you explain your passion for filmmaking. Why do you want to tell stories? What kinds of stories do you want to tell? This is your chance to show your personality. To make it stand out, it's important to learn [how to write a compelling creative essay].
Letters of Recommendation: You’ll need letters from teachers or mentors who can talk about your creativity, work ethic, and passion for film.

Your Story Starts Now

You don’t need to be in a fancy film school to be a filmmaker. Your journey starts the moment you decide to tell a story. Pick up your phone or camera, write a scene on your computer, and start creating.

The schools on this list are amazing places that can launch your career, but your most important tool is your own unique voice. Start practicing, start making things, and get ready to share your story with the world.