The Graduate

Year: 1967

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Nichols

DramaComedyRomance

A recent college graduate, adrift and uncertain about his future, feels disconnected from his family and peers. He embarks on a complex and forbidden affair with a captivating older woman, challenging social norms and experiencing a period of disillusionment. Amidst this turmoil, he encounters a vibrant and unconventional young woman who offers a different path, but his choices come with unforeseen consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Graduate yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Graduate (1967)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Graduate (1967). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:26

Main Characters – The Graduate (1967)

Meet the key characters of The Graduate (1967), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:26

Major Themes – The Graduate (1967)

Explore the central themes of The Graduate (1967), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:26

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Movies about bittersweet coming-of-age and forbidden love like The Graduate

Young protagonists navigating complex affairs that challenge social norms.If you liked The Graduate, explore other movies about young adults grappling with disillusionment through complex, taboo relationships. These films often feature a steady pace, a melancholic tone, and a focus on generational conflict, resulting in a bittersweet emotional journey similar to Benjamin Braddock's story.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a young, uncertain protagonist who enters a relationship that defies social conventions, often with an older or otherwise 'forbidden' partner. This relationship serves as an escape from a predetermined future but introduces new complications. The story arc explores the thrill, confusion, and ultimate consequences of these choices, culminating in an ambiguous or bittersweet resolution rather than a clear-cut happy ending.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific emotional recipe: the restlessness of youth, the intensity of a secret affair, and the sobering realization that defying norms doesn't necessarily lead to fulfillment. They blend drama and romance with a critical look at society.

Movies about social alienation and disillusionment like The Graduate

Stories of profound disconnect within seemingly perfect communities.Discover films that capture the feeling of being adrift in a world that expects conformity, much like The Graduate. These stories explore themes of generational conflict, social hypocrisy, and the search for authentic meaning, often set against a backdrop of steady pacing and medium emotional weight.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist who, on the surface, has everything society deems successful, yet feels a deep sense of emptiness and disconnect. The plot unfolds through their internal struggle and often misguided attempts to break free from this ennui, whether through rebellion, affair, or escape. The structure is typically straightforward, focusing on the character's psychological state rather than complex external plots.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their core theme of existential alienation and their critical gaze at suburban or upper-middle-class life. They share a melancholic, observant tone and a pacing that allows the feeling of stagnation and quiet desperation to permeate the story.

Unlock the Full Story of The Graduate

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Graduate in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Graduate is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Graduate Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Graduate, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Graduate Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Graduate with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Graduate Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Graduate that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About The Graduate

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Graduate: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to The Graduate

Discover movies like The Graduate that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.