Coming-of-age movies are stories that focus on the growth and development of a young person as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and transition into adulthood. These movies can be deeply relatable to viewers of all ages because they deal with universal themes such as identity, love, family, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. Here are some of the best coming-of-age movies of all time and why they are so relatable:
- The Breakfast Club (1985) – This classic movie follows a group of high school students from different cliques who are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention. The characters’ struggles with identity, peer pressure, and parental expectations are relatable to viewers of all ages.
- Stand By Me (1986) – Based on a Stephen King novella, this movie is a poignant and nostalgic look at four boys on a journey to find a dead body. The movie deals with themes of friendship, loss, and the fear of growing up.
- Dead Poets Society (1989) – This movie stars Robin Williams as an English teacher who inspires his students to think for themselves and pursue their passions. The movie deals with themes of conformity, rebellion, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams.
- Boyhood (2014) – Shot over the course of 12 years, this movie follows a boy named Mason as he grows up and navigates the challenges of adolescence. The movie deals with themes of family, identity, and the passage of time.
- Lady Bird (2017) – This movie follows a high school senior named Lady Bird as she navigates her final year of high school and the challenges of growing up. The movie deals with themes of love, family, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
- The Edge of Seventeen (2016) – This movie follows a high school junior named Nadine as she struggles with the loss of her father, the complexities of friendship, and the challenges of growing up. The movie deals with themes of identity, self-worth, and the power of forgiveness.
- Moonlight (2016) – This movie follows a young black man named Chiron as he grows up in Miami and struggles with poverty, racism, and his own sexuality. The movie deals with themes of identity, masculinity, and the importance of connection.
These movies are relatable because they capture the universal experiences and challenges of adolescence, and offer insights into the human condition that viewers of all ages can identify with.
