Growing up isn't always as simple as it's made out to be. As a society, we have a term for the stage that comes between the carefree-ness of childhood and the so-called "responsibilities" of adulthood. That term is a "coming of age."
Coming of age is synonymous with trying new things, going on adventures and inevitably finding one's true self. No matter your actual age, there's an argument to be made that our growth never actually stagnates and that our process of coming of age works in stages throughout our lives.
What better way to celebrate those stages than in the company of movies that do just that? Here are five amazing coming-of-age movies you should watch this summer.
1. The Kings of Summer (2013)
"The Kings of Summer" is the story of three teenage boys so fed up with their parents that they run away to the forest to build a house, live off the land and follow their own rules. An entertaining spin on the theme of teenage rebellion, the film portrays the trials and triumphs of youthful independence.
2. The Way Way Back (2013)
Set in the perfect little beach town is the story of 14-year-old Duncan's less-than-perfect summer. Desperate to get out of his house and away from his mother's boyfriend, he takes at a job local water park where he makes friends with the park manager and learns to enjoy himself. The realistic character portrayals, combined with its humor, make this film a must-see.
3. Stuck In Love (2013)
Writer and director Josh Boone (also known for directing "The Fault in Our Stars") brings us a film that follows a family of writers grappling with both heartbreak and happiness. Nat Wolff, Lily Collins and Logan Lerman are just a few of the reasons to watch.
4. The Spectacular Now (2013)
Sutter Keely, a free-wheeling and fun-loving high school senior meets Amy, an innocent, bookish girl with big dreams. While the whole good-girl-meets-bad-boy plot line has been done before, this film is much more than it seems. The incredible performances of Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller makes this film nostalgically relatable; it's a sincere and authentic portrayal of what it means to be young and in love.
5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
While this movie needs no introduction, The Perks of Being a Wallflower most definitely deserves a mention. This film adaptation was written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, who penned the critically acclaimed novel back in the 90's. Filled with first love, friendship and accompanied by a killer soundtrack, it's a true stand-out.
Pick your flick, grab some popcorn (maybe tissues too) and enjoy the cinematic geniuses. Who knows, they might even help you find the adventure you didn't know you were looking for.
