12 Coming-of-Age Movies You Have to See Before You Can Fully Adult
Growing up is hard, man. Fortunately, movies give us the opportunity to watch other people do it too, so we can feel better about the scary realities of this thing we call life. Here, are 12 must-see coming-of-age classics that you pretty much have to watch or they won't let you in the adult club.
'The Breakfast Club' (1985)
Nobody did teen movies like John Hughes and this 1985 stereotype-breaking classic proves it. What happens when you put a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal in Saturday detention? S--t gets real. And you'll find out that people can't be defined by the boxes you put them in and we're all more alike than we think. The Breakfast Club may not have spoken to each other on Monday, but at least they taught us that deep down we're more than our labels. And that when you grow, your heart dies. Ouch.
'An Education' (2010)
When an Oxford-bound teenage student in 1960s London (Carey Mulligan, in her breakout role) falls for a suave charmer twice her age, she deals with the complicated, exciting, and often harsh realities that come with adult relationships. Prep school doesn't teach you everything, kiddos.
'The 400 Blows' (1959)
Director Francois Truffaut broke cinematic ground with this semi-autobiographical story of a misunderstood 13-year-old headed toward a life of crime. Honest, moving, and visually stunning, it's a must-watch for those looking to explore the perils of adolescence through the evocative eyes of a French New Wave pioneer.
'Boyhood' (2014)
We have to give credit to director Richard Linklater for spending 12 years on this project so he could accurately follow the life of a young Texas boy from childhood to teendom. "Boyhood" isn't a documentary, but its slice-of-life depiction of growing up (the parents do some growing, as well) is dang near close to the real thing.
'Ghost World' (2001)
Based on Daniel Clowes' graphic novel, "Ghost World" follows Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson), two outsiders navigating the summer after high school graduation. Whether you relate to their "Daria"-like rejection of societal norms or their struggle to remain close in "the real world," this movie is a quirky take on the odd and often uncomfortable transition to adulthood.
'Dazed and Confused' (1993)
21 years before "Boyhood," Linklater let us ride along with a group of Texas teenagers in "Dazed and Confused" on their last day of school in 1976. It's hard not to connect to his spot-on representation of adolescent aimlessness -- whether you feel like a lowly Freshman, the Senior who bullies them, or the out-of-it stoner painting KISS makeup on a statue.
'Almost Famous' (2001)
We'll admit that not everyone's high school experience includes touring with a '70s rock band (and its groupies) for Rolling Stone magazine. But that doesn't mean we can't take away something from the journey. Take it from Philip Seymour Hoffman as music critic Lester Bangs: "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you’re uncool." Truth.
'Boyz N the Hood' (1991)
John Singleton's game-changing 1991 masterpiece about three black teens in South Central is just as relevant, poignant, and influential decades since its release. Singleton's powerful narrative allowed the inner city to have a voice on the big screen and opened up audience's eyes to realities of racism, gang violence, and gentrification.
'Breaking Away' (1979)
This movie isn't just your average "gee wiz, what are we doing with our life now?" post-graduation story. Part sports movie/part teen movie, it explores the struggle of the American working class through the tale of a small-town Indiana kid (and his three buddies), who has big dreams of joining the Italian cycling team.
'Stand By Me' (1986)
Will we ever have friends in our lives like the ones we had when we were twelve? "Stand by Me," the touching suburban odyssey of four boys on an adventure to find a dead body, begs the question. Even though they still look and act like kids at times, these friends are standing on the precipice of adulthood, and their epic journey puts them face to face with their impending loss of innocence.
'My Girl' (1992)
In 1972 Pennsylvania, 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss is faced with unrequited love, menstruation, and a new step-mom. We won't spoil the end for you -- just have tissues handy. Trust us.
'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' (2012)
Those awkward high school years can be tough. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," based on Stephen Chbosky's wildly popular young adult novel, captures the loneliness that comes with being a teen and shows us the power of having friends that allow you to be yourself. This sweet and sad anti teen movie isn't all cheerleaders, proms, and first kisses.
