Whether you’re rollercoastering your way through adolescence now or have come out the other end and want to relive those crazy years, here are 10 heartwarming and uplifting coming-of-age movies you really need to see.
Lady Bird
This year’s Lady Bird tells the story of an edgy teen trying to find her way through adolescence while retaining her unapologetic individuality.
Perks of Being a Wallflower
Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, Perks of Being a Wallflower is a beautifully believable and heartwarming movie about a group of misfits fighting their individual battles, but coming together as a group in the US in the 90’s.
Almost Famous
William Miller runs off with a rock ‘n’ roll band when he’s 15 to pursue his passion for music journalism. The best bit about his journey? He actually calls in to check on his mom and manages to live the rock ‘n’ roll dream without giving into the temptation of alcohol or drugs.
16 Candles
Molly Ringwald stars as a love-stricken teenager in this John Hughes classic.
Adventureland
One final summer and one impossible-to-get mysterious girl. It’s everything a classic coming-of-age movie needs.
Sing Street
Cosmo accidentally starts a band to get the attention of Raphina, the aloof model that stands outside his school waiting for someone to notice her. The soundtrack alone makes this movie worth the watch.
Moonlight
Last year’s Oscar winner and a powerful tale of adolescence and adulthood.
Dazed and Confused
We couldn’t not put it on here. It’s one of the most quotable movies of all time and it’s full of high school nostalgia.
Ferris Buller’s Day Off
The feel good movie of the last century.
Love, Simon
This year’s most recent coming-of-age story, which for the first time in mainstream media revolves around the life of a gay teen. Emotional, uplifting and one of the best movies of the year so far.
