The coming-of-age genre is popular in both literature and film. It deals with a child or teenaged main character coming to terms with impending adulthood or some specific aspect of growing up. For literature, the coming-of-age novel most people think of is J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, and for film, most people think of ’80s classics such as The Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles.
While the stories, including films, have rightfully earned acclaim and recognition, there are other coming-of-age films that are just as well-written and well-made, if not better. Here are ten such coming-of-age movies that everyone should see.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
This film is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky, who also served as director and screenwriter of the film. The story follows Charlie, a freshman in high school trying to figure out himself and life. The film follows Charlie throughout his freshman year, depicting him figuring out the social politics of high school and adulthood while making friends with a group of seniors.
The film, like the book, deals heavily with different forms of abuse and mental illness. While these things are not necessarily explicitly shown, these are still things to consider before giving it a watch. For those who can, it is well worth the watch.
Lady Bird
Lady Bird is about a girl named Christine McPherson, who goes by the nickname Lady Bird. She lives with her family in Sacramento but is looking to go to college on the East Coast, where she feels there is more culture. She has a strained relationship with her mother and starts acting out at the Catholic School which she attends.
Her behavior strains her relationships with friends, the nuns, and with the different boyfriends she has. She, over the course of the film, learns more about herself, family dynamics, and gratitude. Even though the character of Lady Bird is rough around the edges, the story’s ending is heartwarming and will touch all viewers who watch it.
Real Women Have Curves
Real Women Have Curves is about Ana Garcia, who juggles her dream of attending college and her family’s need for additional support due to financial struggles. Ana has a strained relationship with her mother also presents problems in creating misogynistic expectations for Ana, saying Ana needs to be skinny, get married, and have children.
While Ana applies for college, she works at her family’s factory, where she meets women of all shapes and sizes and she learns that what society has deemed the “ideal” woman’s body is not the norm and does not take away from the value of women who do not fit that standard. The film is inspiring and empowering, especially for those who feel they do not meet societal beauty standards.
Whale Rider
Whale Rider is about Pai, the daughter and only child of the leader of her Maori village. The traditions of her village dictate that the first-born son of the leader ride on the back of a whale in order to inherit the leadership role. Pai had a twin brother, who died alongside their mother in childbirth. Pai is left to be raised by her grandfather who believes that she should not become the next leader.
Pai works behind her grandfather’s back to prove that she is worthy of leading the village and that she should not be patronized for being herself. The film is well-made and the story is heartbreaking, like a lot of other coming-of-age dramas.
Like Water For Chocolate
Like Water For Chocolate is a Mexican film based on the novel of the same name. It follows Tita, the youngest daughter in her family. Since the death of her father, she has been chosen to take care of her mother instead of being married off, per her family’s tradition. In spite of being unable to marry, she falls in love with two different men throughout the film and advocates for her niece, who also happens to be the daughter of one of her lovers, not to follow family traditions.
The film uses magical realism and cooking as plot devices, two things that are a large part of Mexican and other Latinx cultures. The film constantly raises the stakes, taking viewers to the edge of their seats as they watch Tita, the woman they root for, break free of her family’s impossible standards.
Stand By Me
Stand By Me documents the journey of Gordie LaChance and three of his friends as they set out in search of the body of Ray Brower, a local boy. During the journey, the boys deal with adult betrayal, deaths of family members, and emotionally absent parents. These events are narrated by grown-up Gordie, who is now a writer.
The only movie from the ’80s to make this list, this film has been deemed a classic by audiences and critics, making it a must-watch for fans of Stephen King, who wrote the novella on which the film is based, and fans of coming-of-age films.
Booksmart
Booksmart follows best friends Molly and Amy on the night before their high school graduation. They spent their high school careers being studious and never attending parties in the hope that they will be able to go to good colleges. On the last day of school, they learn that everyone who partied also got into good schools and decided to go to a party to have the full high school experience.
The film is hilarious but also brings the drama with crushes, broken hearts, and miscommunications between Molly and Amy. It is one of the best buddy comedies which also serves as a coming-of-age-film.
The Hate U Give
The Hate U Give is usually recognized for its depiction of police brutality and the strained relationship between black people and the police, both very important themes. Within these themes is another theme of being a black teenager and experiencing firsthand the systemic oppression and choosing to fight back.
In the film, Starr witnesses her unarmed friend be killed by a cop, inspiring her to use her voice and fight back. In doing so, she learns who she is as a person and starts to accept the inevitability of adult responsibilities and societal issues, much like other main characters on this list.
Eighth Grade
Eighth Grade follows Kayla, an eighth-grade student preparing to attend high school the next fall. The film takes place during her last week of middle school and depicts her dealing with trying to fit in with her peers as well as older high school students, maintaining a consistent and somewhat fake presence on social media, and dating.
During the film, Kayla develops a sense of self, therefore realizing her value, and finds friends who also value her without pretending to be someone she is not. She also improves her relationship with her dad, who she shut out for most of the film.
Moonlight
Moonlight follows Chiron through three stages of his life: childhood, teenage years, and early adulthood. Throughout these stages, he struggles with his sense of self and his sexuality on top of being bullied and neglected by his friends, peers, and family. Throughout the film, he meets key figures who play a role in his upbringing.
The film is beautifully shot and well-written. Both the story, the cinematography, and specifically the camerawork bring a lot of emotion to the film, typically mirroring the melancholy Chiron experiences throughout his life and the film. The film was rightfully awarded Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards.
Next: 10 Funniest Quotes From Booksmart
