The difficulty of growing up rings true for everyone. Life transitions can be exciting, miserable, confusing processes, and there are few things more redemptive and cathartic than seeing these universal experiences depicted on screen. There is great variability in coming-of-age films, so I’ve chosen ones that are iconic or that I feel are relevant to myself, and other college age students. (They are listed in order from least to most recent).
"The 400 Blows" (1959)
François Truffaut’s semi-autobiographical directorial debut was one of the defining films in French New Wave cinema. A character study of a troubled boy, this seminal movie is honest, heartbreaking, and beautifully shot.
"The Graduate" (1967)
Mike Nichols' ground-breaking film follows Benjamin Braddock, a college graduate who begins an affair with family friend Mrs. Robinson. It truly resonates thematically, and holds up as a funny and powerful cultural touchstone.
"The Breakfast Club" (1985)
John Hughes’ iconic film focuses on five, vastly different high school students forced to interact in Saturday detention. The final result is a drama that is insightful and entertaining. (Also from John Hughes, the equally memorable "Ferris Bueller's Day Off.")
"Stand By Me" (1986)
Based on the Stephen King short story “The Body,” this movie follows a group of friends as they search for a dead body. Rob Reiner’s achievement is a nostalgic film about the loss of innocence.
"Dazed and Confused" (1993)
Richard Linklater’s "Dazed and Confused" is an affectionate, vivid, and funny tale of a generation of teenagers set in 1976, that features a cast of memorable characters.
"The Virgin Suicides" (1999)
Sofia Coppola’s stunning debut film is an adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel of the same name. It tells the story of the suicides of a family of sisters, through the narration of the neighborhood boys who idolized them.
"Rushmore" (1998)
Arguably one of Wes Anderson’s best features, "Rushmore" chronicles Max Fisher’s life at Rushmore Academy as he pursues a first-grade teacher.
"Ghost World" (2001)
Adapted from Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel, this film is set during characters Enid and Becky’s summer after high school, as they consider college and their evolving friendship. "Ghost World" tackles the alienation of growing up while remaining darkly comedic, intelligent, and original.
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (2012)
Stephen Chbosky’s criminally underrated adaptation of his own beloved novel shows introverted Charlie’s attempt at navigating high school. This story of friendship and loss is poignant, relevant and incredibly moving.
"Boyhood" (2014)
Richard Linklater’s second feature on this list is his most technically ambitious, an odyssey of a film that takes place over the course of 12 years in a young boy named Mason’s life. "Boyhood" is intimate, profound and an ultimate coming-of-age masterwork.
Honorable Mentions: "Sixteen Candles", "Dead Poets Society", "The Outsiders", "Harold and Maude", "Big", "The Sandlot", "Almost Famous", "Blue is the Warmest Color", "The Spectacular Now", "Welcome to the Dollhouse", and "Frances Ha".
