MIT is one of the world's most prestigious academic institutions, but beyond that, it's a cultural icon since the mid-20th century. You just might see or hear the name "MIT" in a best-seller or at the movies in addition to the next paper you read or conference you attend. Whether completely fictionalized or based on real events, whether set at MIT or starring a character with an MIT connection, you'll see the Massachusetts Institute of Technology pop up all over the place in popular culture.

To read more about the context of the more recent history of MIT's depiction in popular culture in Marvel comics and movie adaptations, especially the two productions Avengers Endgame (2019) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), check out the MIT Technology Review Article by Jade Durham '25 from October 2023.

Back in 2011 to help celebrate MIT's 150th anniversary, the MIT Libraries have found many of these books, CDs, and DVDs, from the obscure and out-of-print to the biggest blockbusters, in our stacks (and added a few we didn't have too) and put them together in this guide. Please contact us if we have missed anything!

Check out representations of MIT in:

• Books
• Films
• TV Shows
• Music

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