Time is fleeting as each year passes by. We face milestones like birthdays, graduations, first jobs, first loves, and first heartbreaks. While each person has their own timeline, we’re all navigating how these moments affect our past, present, and future.
Since there’s no guidebook on how to go through life, many of us turn to art that helps us understand how we feel and how to deal. Books, music, TV shows, and films are our mentors and let us know we’re not alone.
One piece of art that has stuck with me since my transformative years of teenagehood is the coming-of-age movie.
What exactly is a coming-of-age movie?
The phrase “coming of age” is the transitional period when a person loses their innocence from childhood and enters adulthood. In a coming-of-age movie, the plot follows a protagonist who evolves into adulthood. This character will experience a significant conflict or make a decision that will determine their future.
Coming-of-age films focus on 1 or many monumental moments like experiencing romance, dealing with hardships, questioning identity, forming meaningful connections, or going to college.
The science behind coming-of-age movies
The coming-of-age film catches a protagonist in the fifth stage of psychosocial development. German-American psychologist Erik Erikson founded this theory, which splits a person’s development personally and socially into 8 stages starting from birth and ending at death.
In the fifth stage, categorized as “Identity vs. Role Confusion,” adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 gain independence and learn about their sense of self. During this stage, young people can feel confused about where they belong in the world. They often take on different roles, exhibit new behaviors, or try new activities to find answers about themselves.
Through interactions with others their age, adolescents may grapple with establishing an image that is constant or finding what makes them unique or special. This stage can affect a person’s mental and physical health.
In the coming-of-age movie, filmmakers are honing in on the theme of identity vs. role confusion and the ever wanting need of finding your place.
Coming of age movies and their impact
Since the early 20th century, coming-of-age films have had a big place in Hollywood. From James Dean and Natalie Wood in Rebel Without a Cause, John Hughes and his Brat Pack in The Breakfast Club, and modern adaptations like Moonlight and Eighth Grade, these movies have audiences validating or reliving their formative years.
Coming-of-age films can make us feel like we’re not alone in our search for our purpose. At Hollywood.com, we asked friends, colleagues, and movie fans to tell us which coming-of-age films have been the most influential.
Best coming-of-age movies: Booksmart
What happens when 2 best friends cram 4 years of high school fun into 1 night? In Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart, academic overachievers Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) go on a wild adventure on their last night of high school to get rid of their straight-laced image.
The film removes the stereotype of male coming-of-age content like Superbad and has 2 young women at the center. It’s filled with scenes like awkward hookups, bad drug trips, crazy parties, and a comical police chase. Abigail enjoys how the movie presents an “honest, updated female perspective on the classic high school party trope.”
Unlike some other female coming-of-age movies, Booksmart’s main goal doesn’t center around romance. The overall focus is on Amy and Molly’s friendship and how they work together to find out more about who they are. “They’re changing their stories in a way that’s not to get the interest of a romantic partner but their overall peers and ultimately themselves,” Anna says. “It tests and ultimately strengthens their friendship.”
The story also modernizes themes of past coming-of-age films by including pop culture references and diversifying the mainstream narrative with LGBTQ representation. Booksmart is a movie that has introduced new ways of defining “coming-of-age.”
Best coming-of-age movies: The Goonies & Stand By Me
The Goonies and Stand By Me both encapsulate the essence of ‘80s coming-of-age films. The Goonies follows a group of misfits who discover an ancient map and go on a quest to find the lost treasure. This movie has everything, from supernatural moments, fast-paced action scenes, horror-like special effects, and heartfelt dialogue. There’s nothing better than seeing a group of friends battle evil together. Hollywood.com’s Heather calls The Goonies her “perfect mix of adventure, drama, and comedy.”
Stand By Me offers a similar plot with darker themes. A group of friends travel through their Oregon hometown to find the body of a stranger who has gone missing. The movie addresses youthful concepts like insecurity, sadness, and joy. “The themes of growing up and general life changes between people really hit me hard back then and still does,” Zach says.
When watching The Goonies and Stand By Me, audiences can think back to events that defined the rest of their lives. Whether they were happy or sad, they impacted us. These 2 classics bring a sense of comfort and rewarding nostalgia that we all pine for.
Best coming-of-age movies: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Perks of Being a Wallflower accurately captures the feelings of teen loneliness. Adapted from Stephen Chbosky’s novel of the same name, the movie follows socially awkward high school freshman Charlie (Logan Lerman). He becomes friends with 2 free-willed seniors and stepsiblings, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), who teach him about his own worth.
With brilliant performances by Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, this group of ragtag best friends exudes friendliness and true love. It almost feels like you’re a part of their friend group when you watch the movie. While it’s set in the ‘90s, the plots’ themes apply to teenagers in every generation. It tackles the complexities of mental health, sexuality, and sexual abuse while showing the power of social connection. Madison loves that the film illustrates “how difficult and traumatizing losing your innocence can be and highlights the special moments of being a teenager.”
We can’t forget the amazing soundtrack filled with songs by David Bowie, Sonic Youth, and Dexys Midnight Runners. The film and its soundtrack catches audiences at a formative period of their lives. The Perks of Being a Wallflower teaches us that we are all capable of loving and being loved even through our darkest moments. Cue the film’s final line, “And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.”
Best coming-of-age movies: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
John Hughes brings our dreams of skipping school to life with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Our protagonist, popular high school senior Ferris (Matthew Broderick), calls in sick and embarks on a journey through Chicago. When young people reach a certain age, this question of authority goes hand in hand with questioning identity. For some, it results in the form of rebellion, like Ferris skipping school.
The most relatable character of the movie is Ferris Bueller’s best friend, Cameron (Alan Ruck). Unlike Ferris, Cameron is a bit more uptight. He’s afraid to skip school and worries that his father will find out about his missing Ferrari. Ferris and his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) let Cameron see the joys of living life without fear.
The movie may fit the trope of a stereotypical high school film, but many movie-watchers love the comfort it brings. Hollywood.com’s Melissa calls the film “funny but also relatable.” People still talk about the parade scene to this day, as Ferris takes over a street parade and sings “Twist and Shout.”
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off brings a more lighthearted coming-of-age movie to the mix.
Best coming-of-age movies: The Way Way Back
Growing into adulthood isn’t flawless. It’s messy, emotional, and painfully awkward. In The Way Way Back, Duncan (Liam James) is our shy teenage protagonist who spends the summer at a beach house with his mother Pam (Toni Collette), Pam’s boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell), and Trent’s daughter Steph (Zoe Levin). When Duncan gets a job at the town waterpark, he finds a father figure in park manager Owen (Sam Rockwell).
This movie stands out from other coming-of-age plots because of its ability to slowly build tension organically. There’s not a single moment in Duncan’s time at the beach house and water park that changes the trajectory of his life. Many different moments change him. One minute, he’s breakdancing with his employees, and the next, he freaks out at a party about Trent’s overbearing nature. “It made an impact on me due in part to its themes of finding your place in life,” Patrick says. “It taught me that it’s ok to be spur-of-the-moment and that the bad situation you may be in one place does not always follow you to another.”
The film reflects unavoidable heartbreak and the lesson that adults will never have power over how you go on to live your life. Hollywood.com’s Cassandra says her favorite part of the film is the “awkwardness of the main character Duncan and the meaningful relationships he forms.”
Best coming-of-age movies: Big Fish
Coming-of-age doesn’t need to focus on a specific age of adolescence. Sometimes, coming of age can be at different points of our lives. In Big Fish, a journalist and frustrated son William (Billy Crudup) must figure out whether his dying father Edward (Albert Finney) has exaggerated the tales throughout his life. As audiences watch a younger Edward (Ewan McGregor) relive his experiences, we see a man trying to find his purpose.
Through colorful cinematography and magical creatures, movie-watchers learn that the more you go on in life, the more you will learn. As a young person, it can be frustrating not to know everything. Although it sounds cliche, when you grow older, you’ll grow wiser.
Instead of focusing on the formative years of 12-18, Big Fish broadens the idea of coming of age. The film illustrates all our growth until we reach our deaths. “We are all constantly coming of age,” Laura says. “Big Fish’s epic opts out of focusing on a single moment and instead highlights the changes made throughout all stages of life.”
It rewrites the idea of what coming of age has to be. There is no right way or right age to grow up. We all are learning new things and gaining new perspectives every day.
Best coming-of-age movies: Secondhand Lions
Life is full of surprises which are clearly illustrated in the comedy Secondhand Lions. In this movie, a 14-year-old boy named Walter (Haley Joel Osment) must spend the summer with his 2 wealthy great uncles who he’s never met before, Hub (Robert Duvall) and Garth (Michael Caine). While Walter is introverted and distrusting of people, Hub and Garth find his presence at their home annoying.
Eventually, though, the 3 learn special qualities from each other. Walter learns how to let people in while Hub and Garth awaken their youthful spirit. Sumantha can never get enough of the “sublime acting, the captivating storyline, the cruel mom, and the adventures of the boy and the relationship that cements between Hub, Garth, and Walter.”
Through tons of action scenes and creative cinematography shots, Secondhand Lions shows audiences both the importance of embracing life and the beauty of living with a young spirit. While we may sometimes wish away our childhood to grow old, it’s vital never to lose that innocent and fun spirit.
? Film ?
I watched “Secondhand Lions” on TV
Country：US（2003）
Director：Tim McCanlies
Cast：Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, Haley Joel Osment— ?♡ (@pen_ginn_) August 3, 2020
Best coming-of-age movies: Lady Bird & The Edge of Seventeen
Saoirse Ronan and Hailee Steinfeld take the crown for most relatable leading ladies in a coming-of-age film for Lady Bird and The Edge of Seventeen. In Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird, Saoirse plays Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a Sacramento high school senior who has a turbulent relationship with her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf).
The main character embodies feelings we’ve all had as teenagers: the desire to leave our small town and make something of ourselves. With her sights set on attending NYU, Lady Bird makes many big mistakes along the way. “Lady Bird is a protagonist who is flawed,” Emma says, “but that’s why audience members can relate with her because she’s human.”
In The Edge of Seventeen, Hailee Steinfeld plays high school junior Nadine who must deal with her best friend, Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), dating her older brother, Darian (Blake Jenner). Nadine also struggles with the loss of her father and a strained relationship with her mother, making her cynical, emotional, selfish, and pretty snarky. “She breaks down and lashes out easily and swears unnecessarily,” Sophie says. “I like that it feels unscripted.”
As Nadine navigates the awkwardness of her teenage years, she builds a connection with her teacher Max (Woody Harrelson). Like Nadine, all young people strive to have a relationship with someone who understands what they’re going through. Isabella believes the movie “emulates what life is like” without the “romanticization about teenage years.”
In both Lady Bird and The Edge of Seventeen, both protagonists are flawed and make bad choices. But isn’t that a part of growing up? These films validate these experiences, making us grow with each decision we make, good or bad.
Best coming-of-age movies: Treasure Planet
Disney animated films have always had a special place in our core memories from childhood. One of the most underrated movies in the Disney universe is Treasure Planet. Based on the famous story Treasure Island, this film with a steampunk twist follows Jim Hawkins (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he sets off on a journey across parallel universes to discover an intergalactic treasure.
Jim is a 15-year-old bored with his life and has a constant feeling of sadness after his father abandoned him years prior. When he boards a ship full of aliens to help find Treasure Planet, he establishes a close relationship with cyborg cook Long John Silver (Brian Murray).
This film is a perfect example of how milestones and people can help us grow. Jim begins as this aloof and impulsive kid with deep-seated emotional trauma. Throughout the journey, he matures with confidence and becomes more openhearted. Jessie loves how “Jim embodies the conflicting nature of adolescence and this crushing desire to prove oneself and forge your own path.”
With brilliant action scenes and a gorgeous soundtrack, Treasure Planet teaches us to have faith in ourselves.
Best coming-of-age movies: Clueless
While Clueless is known for its stylish wardrobe and unforgettable lines, the film defined the coming-of-age genre in the ‘90s. Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is a self-obsessed rich girl from Beverly Hills who works with her best friend Dionne (Stacey Dash) to invite new student Tai (Brittany Murphy) into their clique.
While Cher’s Beverly Hills shopping life may be out of reach for most of us, deep down, she’s just like any other kid growing up. With her mother gone, she has no maternal figure to reach out to or mentor her. Like the movie says, she is “totally clueless.”
We may not have Cher’s iconic outfits or live her exciting party life, but we all know what it’s like to be lost during our high school years. As the movie goes on, Cher realizes her shallow outlook and leads a donation drive at her school while making amends with friends she hurt.
The movie solidifies the joys of a close friend circle in our formative years of high school. It also shows us regardless of who we are or where we come from, we’re allowed to aim high. Like Hollywood.com’s Jeanne says, the movie has “tons of heart.”
We’re also all a little bit clueless.
Best coming-of-age movies: Almost Famous
Almost Famous is my personal all-time favorite coming-of-age film. Set in 1973, the story follows 15-year-old music journalist William (Patrick Fugit) as he goes on tour with the up-and-coming rock band Stillwater.
Not only is this movie set in my favorite period of the ’70s, but it also acts as a love letter to music. During William’s travels, he builds relationships with colorful characters like the free-spirited “groupie” Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) and mysterious lead guitarist Russell (Billy Crudup).
Almost Famous acts as a semi-autobiographical account of Cameron Crowe’s life as a music journalist with Rolling Stone. While William has this wide-eyed vision of the world of rock music, he soon realizes the industry is filled with diva performers, money-hungry agents, and betrayal.
While I was enthralled with the mystical and heartbreaking essence of Penny Lane, I connected more to the character of William. Although he has this innocent and deep love for music, William’s time on tour causes him to grow up faster than he expected.
This coming-of-age film helps audiences like me understand that childhood and adolescence are fleeting. If you grow up too soon, you’ll miss out on the beautiful moments. It also showed me how music has powerful effects on all of us. Cue the tour bus scene where the band, William, and Penny sing along to “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John.
The future of coming-of-age movies
As the next coming-of-age film, Licorice Pizza, makes its way to theaters at the end of December, Hollywood will continue directing movies about navigating the long journey into adulthood. The genre may have started with movies like The Breakfast Club and Rebel Without a Cause, but it has evolved with more diverse stores. From films like, The Half of It, Love Simon, and Okja, among others, there is a large desire for films that showcase the different perspectives of growing up in terms of race, gender, sexuality, and class.
Coming-of-age movies remind us that while growing up can be scary and daunting, we have the power to create positive moments that can change our lives for the better.
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