My Favourite Films About Growing Up of All-Time

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 Breakfast Club

High school is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I remember memories attending schools causing pressure. No matter how hard I often tried, I couldn’t stand up against mean bullies in school leaving me terrified. Being a shy teenager, I often struggled fitting in with 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 growing up in a high school 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 film ever made about growing up. 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 danger, 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. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Judd Nelson, who embodied a teenager seeking to start a school rebellion. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” my favourite film about growing up of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a profound message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about rebellious teenagers lacking a life direction forming bonds in detention, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies deserving celebration.

2. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I grew up to cherish a teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. A professor with a larger-than-life presence, he always offered students valuable guidance. His wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my personality, I loved “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured the impact of genius teachers on boarding schools. Weir uses montages to capture the impact teachers on students growing up in boarding schools. For instance, the final scene in which John Keating bids emotional farewell to his students standing on top of chairs in salute is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robin Williams, who reminds us of how great an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about teachers, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of roles genius professors play inspiring students to seize the day, it’s a profound reminder of a genre that has made films which deserve to be celebrated today.

3. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” is a classic film about growing up that my mother always considered special. I remember a great mother which appreciated a film about cute aliens causing disaster. She would always praise a classic film that depicted cute aliens in a friendly manner.  Nearly 50 years after its release changed Hollywood, Steven Spielberg’s movie remains one of the best films ever made about growing up. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for making great movies about children growing up, and “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene in which E.T. bids tearful farewell to Elliot as he leaves Earth causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Henry Thomas, who portrayed a bold child forming a lasting friendship with aliens. Ultimately, what makes “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood which would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary portrait of extra-terrestrial aliens forming friendships with children that are powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made great movies which audiences consider extremely special.

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. As far as I can remember, I’ve always been an anxious person. My anxiety first began in high school when I faced tense pressure to succeed in a tough class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced a grim nervous breakdown affecting my success. I felt humiliated having a public nervous breakdown. As someone that faced severe anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie honoured a book about teenagers. Chbosky used montages to capture an anxious teenager struggling to cope with trauma. For instance, the scene in which Charlie faces a nervous breakdown after he bids farewell to his companions causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, who embodied a teen under pressure. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teen, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre making strong movies about process of growing up that deserve to be definitely seen.

5. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens is a legendary author whose literature impressed my father. I remember a father that adored the author’s literature. He always had great expectations from an author that he grew up to appreciate. Growing up has always been a central theme throughout books written by an author that’s inspiring.  In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the author whose stories have appealed in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Iannucci used captivating montages capturing hardships that an orphan growing up in poverty is facing. For instance, the scene in which David Copperfield has a tense argument with Uriah causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who portrayed an orphan that’s successful. Ultimately, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Charles Dickens adaptations, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Charles Dickens’ literature to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about poverty which would resonate with everyone. As strong as David Copperfield’s desire to become a successful author, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which audiences commonly treasure.

6. Slumdog Millionaire

Children that grow up in India often experience trauma. India has built an image of being a country where impoverished children often face trauma. The hardships faced by Indian kids experiencing despair in India is beautifully depicted in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning movie depicted children in India facing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating montages capturing hardships children in India are facing. Assisted by Dev Patel who is outstanding in the lead role, Boyle created a powerful portrait of Indian children. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about which audiences commonly care.

7. Moonlight

Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Hollywood has often shied away from the stories of LGBTQ communities that are misunderstood. In an industry that rarely shines light on queer people’s plight, it’s worth praising “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ movie captured struggles faced by queer teenagers growing up in poverty. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Moonlight” stand out is its depiction of the LGBTQ community. Jenkins uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a queer teenager growing up in a poverty-stricken neighbourhood is facing. Assisted by Ashton Sanders who is amazing in the lead role, Jenkins created a captivating coming-of-age drama. A bright portrait of barriers that gay teenagers fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has achieved spotlight.

8. 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 memorable films which touch soul.

9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Narnia is a beloved book series that shaped my persona. I grew up to adore a book series about magical lions caring for orphans with a loud roar. Growing up is a central theme that has played a pivotal role in the book series. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the series about a magical wardrobe in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of siblings. Adamson used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphaned siblings in a magical world are experiencing. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a beloved children’s book about childhood. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a riveting reminder of genre making movies which audiences commonly adore.

10. Boyhood

Few movies ever made about kids growing up over childhood are as beloved as “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie traced a boy growing up over 14 years. Linklater used the stunning technique of filming the movie over 14 years to create a portrait of childhood that’s compelling. Assisted by Ellar Coltrane who is amazing in the lead role, Linklater created a portrait of adolescence that’s compelling.. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of boys without direction facing adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Mason’s desire to find his identity, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made captivating movies about growing up which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my film criticism dreams into reality.