Top 20 Greatest Coming of Age Movies

Everyone is in for some harsh realities when growing up! For this list, we’ll be looking at live action flicks that explore the themes and emotions that come with growing up. Our countdown includes “The Way Way Back”, “Rebel Without a Cause”, “Boyhood” and more! What’s your favorite coming of age movie? Let us know in the comments.

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#movies #comingofage #teens #breakfastclub #moonlight #growingup

[MrWaspMan]

_Stand by Me_ is one of the best Stephen King stories. It takes it's simple premise, and uses it to explore some very deep themes. You really just have to see it, as words can't possibly do it justice.

[TheCommenterDragon]

"Stand By Me" is more than just a "coming of age" movie, It's an absolute classic where adventure is in just about every scene!

[trinaq]

"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12. Jesus, does anyone?" Such a true sentiment. Your friendships are practically your entire life when growing up, but it's inevitable that you might drift apart as your interests change. "Now and Then" is also a compelling movie, with a similar premise.

[thereallg]

*I could watch the breakfast club all day and won’t get bored. And sixteen candles is such an iconic movie. The 80s must’ve been fun.*

[trinaq]

John Hughes basically defined the 80's coming of age comedy, really delving into how teenagers really operate and feel. Rest in Peace, Hughes, there will never be another teen movie director quite like him.

[pickleballer]

I loved "Easy A". Absolutely the best portrayal of a happy, healthy family I've seen in any movie. Her family dealt with each other with respect, humor and compassion. I knew a few (just a few) people who had families like that, and boy did I envy them!

[chasehedges]

Movies about growing up are the best. They’re what we need right now in this world, especially for the next generations.

[katyliz]

can't believe "Now and Then" didn't at least get an honorable mention

[chelseacanales]

Stand By Me is the best movie ever. ❤❤❤❤❤

[doorattachment]

The perks of being a wallflower is my top movie and it will be till the day I die. Charlie's struggles he went through was the same as mine so the movie hit me in all the wright ways. And I can finally say I'm a survivor thanks to the movie.❤

[denisefreitas]

I love The 400 Blows, one of my favorites movies ever! Lady Bird, Dead Poets Society and Stand by Me are fantastic too. Great list, but i miss The Outsiders.

[ConnorMiller]

“Stand By Me” is a great movie. It’s more than a “coming of age” movie, it’s an adventure about finding your own way in life. The boys all have troubles and are tasked with dealing with them as they walk through nature.

[RayMcElroy]

The worst thing about feel good movies is that once they're over, you go back to your boring life

And that makes you realize how much your life suck

[jmcb]

My Girl should have been on this list. That’s my only grievance.

[CreepyKat]

As someone who was a teenager and a mom when Juno came out, it hit really hard.

[angelaholmes]

I love dead poets society because it reminds me that one teacher can make a difference in a child's life

[marvin]

Stand by me is one of the best and favorites of mine

[kamsismith]

My favorite coming-of-age movies are Nowhere Boy, The Breakfast Club, The Hate U Give, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Love, Simon, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid trilogy, Boyz N Da Hood, and Superbad. I wish there were more coming-of-age movies with characters of color since they're always underrepresented. Sure, there are coming-of-age stories for people of color on television, but the movie versions are few and far between.

[Rymar]

Stand By Me is my favorite Stephen King movie. Gordie’s older brother Dennis really loved him, but when Dennis died, it was like he was invisible to his parents and they barely even noticed him when Dennis was alive. What do you think if Gordie said this to them if he got them to listen to him? He says to them “I’m sorry if I’m such a burden to you. I’m sorry if I don’t feel like your son. Maybe it’s time I don’t live here anymore. You can keep all of Dennis’ things for all I care. He’s the son you actually wanted”. Gordies mom could say “Gordie, that’s not fair”. Gordie can reply back harshly “What’s not fair is that I lost the one person in my family that actually cared about me”. Remember when Gordie had a dream that during Dennis’ funeral that his dad said it should have been Gordie that died? What if Gordie said that to his mom and dad?

[charlotte]

Now and Then is the best coming of age movie