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 recall memories attending high school that put me under pressure. No matter how hard I tried, I could not stand up against bullies in my 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. Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about rebellious teenagers lacking a life direction developing relationships 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of wallflower teenagers that deteriorate, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced timeless movies which audiences undeniably appreciate.
3. 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be members of the LGBTQ community to appreciate it. 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 newsworthy tremendous spotlight.
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 unquestionably treasure.
5. The Graduate
The life of a graduate student is 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. Uncertain about my future, I spent time engaging in hobbies that I had grown to treasure. Few films I’ve seen have captured my emotions of being an aimless graduate as powerfully as “The Graduate”. Released in 1967, Mike Nichols’ movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “The Graduate” stand out is its bravery. It was one of the first ever movies in Hollywood addressing the sensitive topic of infidelity. For instance, the scene in which Benjamin faces an awkward situation when he is seduced for the first time by Mrs. Robinson remains one of the greatest moments of the 1960’s era. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who created a graduate student with conviction. Ultimately, what makes “The Graduate” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding one’s purpose in life which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of graduate students without purpose whose lives crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre making movies audiences consider tremendously special.
6. 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 absolutely celebrating.
7. 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 noticeably fade.
8. 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 absolutely today.
9. Clueless
Clueless teenage girls shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with a cruel girl that was clueless in high school. Her aimless life lacked a clear direction. As someone treasuring fond memories of a girl that was clueless, I adored “Clueless”. Released in 1995, Amy Heckerling’s movie captured lives of clueless teenage girls. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Clueless” stand out is its depiction of teen girls. Heckerling uses captivating montages capturing hardships a teen girl in high school is facing. Assisted by Alicia Silverstone who is amazing in the lead role, Heckerling created a compelling teen drama. A captivating portrait of teen girls that are clueless, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the lives of teenagers that are absolutely timeless.
10. 10 Things I Hate About You
Few movies ever made about struggles adolescents in high school go through are as beloved as “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie captured teens in high school. Junger used captivating montages capturing frightening obstacles that teenagers in high schools are facing. Assisted by Heath Ledger who is extraordinary in the lead role, Junger created a captivating high school comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of nerds as outcasts rejected by girls they fall in love with causing adversity has tarnished its legacy. As strong as Cameron’s love for Bianca, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about adolescents facing a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 