Not many genres engage audiences like coming-of-age. Since the 1960’s, the genre has produced strong movies. Whether it’s rebellious teenagers, boys growing up over 12 years or inspirational teachers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite coming-of-age movies which deserve to be appreciated.
1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. At an early age, I developed a tendency for feeling anxiety causing emotional damage. As a shy wallflower teenager, I remember that I was constantly under pressure. 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 painful nervous breakdown that impacted my academic success. I felt humiliated having a nervous breakdown in front of school teachers that I had always 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 the greatest coming-of-age film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Chbosky did an amazing job adapting his coming-of-age book about teenagers facing despair. Chbosky has always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of anxious teenagers, and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a nervous breakdown after he is separated from his friends causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Logan Lerman, who embodies a traumatized teenager facing conflicted emotion. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” my favourite coming-of-age film of all-time is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about teenagers targeted towards a young demographic, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. A terrific adaptation of a timeless book about wallflower teens experiencing anxiety causing their lives to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies audiences appreciate.
2. The Breakfast Club
High school shaped my identity. I remember memories attending a school putting me under pressure. Being a shy teenager, I couldn’t ever fit in with any group in school. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against bullies in school leaving me terrified. Nevertheless, high school played a role in shaping the person I have become today. As someone treasuring fond memories of high school, I adored “The Breakfast Club”. Following its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Hughes is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for capturing lives of teenagers, and his strengths are evident in “The Breakfast Club”. For instance, the scene in which the five teenagers sit together in a circle sharing their views on trauma is one of the greatest moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Judd Nelson, who created one of the most iconic teen characters in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Despite capturing the 1980’s, its themes resonate with adolescents today. A powerful portrait of adolescence, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that made unforgettable movies earning a big audience.
3. Boyhood
Childhood is a crucial time in life that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of growing up that shaped my persona. I remember being an aimless child daydreaming that was unconcerned about the future. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my emotions of growing up in childhood as powerfully as “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie depicted a boy growing up over 12 years. Unlike most movies in the coming-of-age genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is its innovative cinematic techniques. Linklater’s decision to shoot the film over the course of 12 years is risky but paid off tremendously. For instance, the scene in which Mason bids farewell to his mother as he leaves for college in America causing trauma is one of the best moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ellar Coltrane, capturing a child growing up over 12 years. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of a boy growing up over 12 years of childhood, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced movies which are treasured in Hollywood.
4. Lady Bird
Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. I remember forming complicated bonds with my mother when I was a teenager. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do things has proven to be irritating. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the positive impact she had in shaping the person I have become today. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that made me feel heard, I adored “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Greta Gerwig’s movie captured teenage girls sharing strong relationships with mothers. Gerwig has always had an aptitude for making movies about strong teenage girls, and “Lady Bird” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Lady Bird has a tense argument with her mother facing a dilemma is one of the best moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodies a teenage girl facing conflicted emotions. Ultimately, what makes “Lady Bird” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful 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 relatable movies which audiences treasure.
5. Moonlight
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Years ago, I witnessed struggles endured by a gay cousin seeking acceptance in Toronto. Unaware he was queer, I bonded with a cousin about whom I came to care. However, the shocking discovery of his sexuality caused our relationship 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’ movie captured the plight of black queer teenagers searching for sexual identity. Jenkins always had an aptitude for capturing black men, and “Moonlight” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Chiron stands up to bullies that humiliated him causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ashton Sanders, who embodies a queer black boy facing adversity. Ultimately, what makes “Moonlight” a masterpiece 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 movies earning the spotlight.
6. The Graduate
The lives of graduate students are often aimless. I remember that my life lacked a clear purpose after I had graduated from university. Unable to find stable employment, I questioned what I was doing with my life. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my emotions of being an aimless graduate student as powerfully as “The Graduate”. Mike Nichols’ movie forever changed the coming-of-age genre through its depiction of an age-gap romance. Nichols uses stunning montages to capture the life of an aimless graduate student. Assisted by Dustin Hoffman who is amazing in the lead role, Nichols created a commemorated coming-of-age classic that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of graduate students that lack a meaningful goal, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made films which often touch the soul.
7. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are towering figures that shaped my identity. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a therapist that taught me how to overcome adversity. Through his inspirational words of wisdom, I overcame challenges posed by Autism. As someone treasuring fond memories of a therapist I found inspiring, I adored “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s movie depicted therapists shaping people’s identity. Gun Van Sant used naturalistic dialogue to create a commemorated therapist relationship that’s compelling. Assisted by Matt Damon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Gus Van Sant created a compelling therapist depiction. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which are worth celebrating.
8. Eighth Grade
Eighth Grade is a stressful time in life that shaped my identity. I remember being a socially awkward teenager struggling to fit in with peers. It was a tumultuous time marked by complicated emotions. As someone treasuring fond memories of my time in Eighth Grade, I adored “Eighth Grade”. Released in 2018, Bo Burnham’s movie captured socially awkward teenagers in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its sharp 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 genre in which interest has rarely ever begun to fade.
9. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. His words of wisdom motivated me to pursue film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my personality, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dead Poets Society” stand out is its depiction of teachers. Peter Weir uses stunning montages to capture teachers inspiring students. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Robin Williams, who proves how great of an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. A powerful portrait of the role teachers play inspiring students to seize the day, it’s a profound reminder of a genre that has produced inspirational movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
10. American Beauty
Few movies ever made about beautiful American families are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Since its release in 1999, Sam Mendes’ movie has become a coming-of-age classic. I may be in the minority but I’ve never been a huge fan of the movie. On a technical level, the film is extremely well-made. Mendes introduced innovative storytelling that has defined the genre. However, the film’s power has been diminished over time by its lead actor. Allegations surrounding Kevin Spacey have tarnished the film’s legacy. Nevertheless, the film remains a beautiful addition to the coming-of-age genre. As powerful as the beauty sought by Lester Burnham, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre with wisdom that has made timeless films achieving stardom that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 