The greatest coming of age films
Nothing gives me the warm and fuzzies more than watching a character grow in a coming of age film. This list includes some movies that have slipped through the cracks for most viewers when it comes to this category.
School Ties (1992)
Categories: Coming of age
Hulu, Prime (free), STARZ
Why I love this movie
Is there any better setting for a coming of age movie than boarding school? This film has so many incredible actors in it before they made it big, Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, Chris O’Donnell– just to name a few. Its about the privilege of education and Antisemitism in an east coast all boys boarding school.
All I Wanna do (1998)
Categories: Coming of age
Prime (free)
Why I love this movie
Another great example of a coming age film set in boarding school with young actors before they made it big. Only this time– it’s an all girls school. This movie is so smart and funny and focuses on the intricacies of female adolescent friendships in a powerful way. Your jaw will drop at every big star you’ll come across.
Francis Ha (2012)
Categories: Coming of age
Netflix, Prime (free)
Why I love this movie
This movie is less about a child growing to adulthood and more about maturing as an adult. It’s the story of a girl in her 20’s, Francis (played by Greta Gerwig), who holds her friendship with her roommate and best friend as the most important thing in her life. That life unravels when her friend decides to move out and move on in her life. It’s hilarious and relatable, stick around for the Easter egg at the end that explains where the movie got it’s name.
Man on the Moon (1991)
Categories: Coming of age
Prime (free), Youtube (free)
Why I love this movie
This movie demonstrates the innocence of childhood and the events that can propel you into growing up in one short summer. This film is sweet and emotional, if you liked My Girl- you’ll like this film. It’s Reese Whitherspoon’s first movie ever and she is enchanting.
Mid 90s (2018)
Categories: Coming of age
Prime (Free)
Why I love this movie
I’m not a skater, I’m not into skate culture, and I loved this movie. What makes it so special is how real the kids are in it, they’ll remind you your neighborhood friends growing up. It’s a simple story of 13-year old Stevie, who’s a little lost with a less than perfect home life. He follows around some older kids he’s met at a skate shop, trying to keep up and mature too fast.
Mystic Pizza (1988)
Categories: Coming of age
Hulu, Prime (free)
Why I love this movie
I’ve seen this movie at many different stages of my life and every time I watch it I take away a different message. Its about three young girls working at a pizza shop in a small town. They are each at different crossroads of their lives and trying to remain friends in each direction they’re pulled. The excitement they have for life and the pain they experience is palpable, a pleasure to consume.
Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
Categories: Coming of age
Rent Prime
Why I love this movie
Yet another great boarding school movie with young actors before they got big. What makes this story special is it centers around the students’ relationship with their teacher, played by Robin Williams. If a teacher has ever influenced you in a significant way you will love this movie.