Not many movies attract audiences to the Cinema like the coming-of-age genre. Since the 1980’s, the genre has produced many strong movies. Whether it’s bold teenagers, poetic teachers or socially awkward loners, the genre has created several characters. Given the sheer number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best teen movies which deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Breakfast Club
High school is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I remember memories attending a school experiencing pressure. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against bullies in school leaving me terrified. Being a shy teenager, I often struggled fitting in with my peers in the school setting. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the fact that high school did play roles in shaping the person I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured emotions of teenagers struggling to fit into a club as powerfully as “The Breakfast Club”. Ever since its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest teen movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the heavy burden teenagers bear. Hughes has always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of teenagers that face turmoil, and “The Breakfast Club” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Hughes effectively used improvisation to create a realistic portrait of teenage angst. For instance, the confession scene in which the teens sit together revealing why they are in detention is one of the greatest moments of the coming-of-age genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” the greatest teen movie ever made is its universal message. The film delivers a profound message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Despite focusing on teenagers during the 1980’s, its themes of adolescence resonate with modern adolescents today. Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about rebellious teenagers lacking a life direction forming bonds in detention, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies worthy of celebration.
2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. This anxiety first began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to cope with stress, I faced a nervous breakdown that impacted my academic success. I felt humiliated experiencing a nervous breakdown in front of school teachers that I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured anxiety faced by wallflower teenagers as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Ever since its release in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” stand out is its powerful portrayal of mental health. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a severe nervous breakdown after bidding goodbyes to friends is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Logan Lerman, who captures an anxious adolescent. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a coming-of-age classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of wallflower teenagers that deteriorate, it’s a profound reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies which audiences appreciate.
3. Boyhood
Childhood is a crucial time in life that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of childhood that shaped my persona. I was often worried about passing classes that were challenging, being bullied and finding social acceptance among peers. Nevertheless, my childhood shaped the person I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured childhood as powerfully as “Boyhood”. Ever since its release in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie has become a classic. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is its unique filming technique. Linklater used the technique of filming the movie over 12 years to capture adolescence. For instance, the scene in which Mason bids farewell to his mother as he embarks on a journey to college in America remains one of the finest moments of the coming-of-age genre. Witnessing Mason grow up in front of my eyes brought back fond memories of my childhood. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ellar Coltrane, who embodies a child growing up over 12 years. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood that would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of childhood, it’s a compelling reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies in Hollywood.
4. Lady Bird
Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I can remember, I have shared complicated bonds with my mother. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do things has often been irritating. Despite her strict parenting, I have always admired a mother I find inspiring. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that made me feel heard, I adored “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Greta Gerwig’s movie offered a beautiful portrait of teenage girls sharing strong bonds with mothers. Greta Gerwig is one of those filmmakers that excels at capturing the lives of teenage girls, and “Lady Bird” showcased her strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Lady Bird has an argument with her mother in a car trip causing despair is one of the finest moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodies a teenage girl seeking identity. Ultimately, what makes “Lady Bird” a coming-of-age classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about motherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Lady Bird’s bond with her mother, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences treasure.
5. Moonlight
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Years ago, I witnessed hardships faced by a gay cousin seeking acceptance in Toronto. Unaware that he was queer, I bonded with a cousin about whom I came to care. The shocking discovery of his sexuality caused our bond to end abruptly. As someone treasuring bright memories of a cousin that kept his sexuality hidden in plain sight, I adored “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning movie depicted African-American teenagers discovering sexuality. Jenkins is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for capturing lives of black communities, and “Moonlight” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Chiron has an emotional breakdown getting into a violent fight with a bully in his class causing trauma is one of the best moments of the coming-of-age genre. Ultimately, what makes “Moonlight” a coming-of-age classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. A bright portrait of the back-breaking barriers that gay teenagers fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies earning the spotlight.
6. 10 Things I Hate About You
Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school seeking marriage. We always enjoyed spending time together. However, immigration brought our bond to a sudden closure. As someone treasuring memories of a childhood crush I value, I adored “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s romantic comedy captured the bonds between teenage lovers. Junger effectively used musical montages to capture joyous romantic relationships among teenagers. At the centre of it all is Heath Ledger, who proved how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. An engaging portrait of teens listing 10 things they hate about each other in high school, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies audiences consider to be cool.
7. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember bonding with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. His wisdom motivated me to pursue film criticism. As someone treasuring teachers that shaped my identity, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s classic movie depicted inspirational teachers. Weir used stunning montages to capture teachers inspiring teenagers to seize the day. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Robin Williams, who embodied an inspiring teacher. A powerful portrait of roles professors play guiding teenagers to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
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8. Eighth Grade
Eighth grade is a pivotal time in school that shaped my identity. I remember being a socially awkward teenager that struggled to fit in with peers. It was a frightening time that came with complicated emotion. As someone treasuring fond memories of eighth grade, I adored “Eighth Grade”. Released in 2018, Bo Burnham’s movie captured teen girls in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Bo Burnham uses his experience as a comedian to capture a dark time when teenagers face tension. Assisted by Elsie Fisher who is excellent, Burnham creates a powerful portrait of teenagers. An extraordinary portrait of teenage girls that are afraid in eighth grade, it’s an excellent reminder of a commemorated genre in which interest has rarely ever begun to fade.
9. The Spectacular Now
Realism is a rare quality that is seldom seen in teen movies. Most movies often paint a fantastical portrait of teens without confronting harsh realities of adolescence. Offering a sense of escapism, teen movies are rarely ever rooted in realism. In a genre that has rarely shown how teenagers deal with harsh realities, it’s worth praising “The Spectacular Now”. Released in 2013, James Ponsoldt’s movie offered a spectacular portrait of teenagers in love. Unlike most movies in the coming-of-age genre, what makes “The Spectacular Now” stand out is its strong sense of realism. Ponsoldt used naturalistic dialogue to create a romantic relationship that’s realistic. A realistic portrait of teenagers falling in love in a relationship that’s tragic, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made iconic movies which have captivated the public.
10. The Way Way Back
Summer is a great season that I have always regarded with affection. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of spending summers with grandparents in Canada. As someone treasuring joyful memories of being an adolescent way back, I adored “The Way Way Back”. Released in 2013, Jim Rash’s movie offered an engaging depiction of teens enjoying summer. Rash used stunning montages to create a realistic portrait of teenagers. Assisted by Liam James who is excellent in the lead role, Rash captured adolescence. While “The Way Way Back” may not live up to the greatest coming-of-age films, it proves the appeal of the genre. As strong as Duncan’s emotions of being an adolescent, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has produced poignant movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of entertainment.
The Film Buff 