The Most Recommended Coming-Of-Age Movies You Should Watch Before You're 25

Coming-of-age movies are a beloved genre that explores the challenges and triumphs of growing up. These films capture the raw emotions and experiences of adolescence, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own journey to adulthood. If you're looking for inspiration or simply a good movie to watch, we've got you covered. We're exploring the most recommended coming-of-age movies you should watch before you're 25. Grab some popcorn and settle in, because these films are not to be missed.

Here are 10 of the most recommended coming-of-age movies to watch and why they are worth watching:

The Breakfast Club (1985): This classic film follows five high school students from different cliques who spend a Saturday in detention together and learn about each other's struggles.

The Breakfast Club is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by John Hughes and released in 1985. The film takes place over the course of one day and follows five high school students from different social groups as they serve detention together. The characters include the popular girl, the jock, the nerd, the rebel, and the outcast. Throughout the course of the day, they learn about each other's lives, confront their own insecurities and prejudices, and ultimately form unexpected connections with one another. The film has been widely praised for its portrayal of teenage angst and its commentary on social hierarchies in high school. Its iconic theme song, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds, has become synonymous with the film and its message of solidarity among misfits.

Stand by Me (1986): Based on a Stephen King novella, this film follows a group of friends as they embark on a journey to find a missing boy and confront their own fears and vulnerabilities.

Stand by Me is a coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner and released in 1986. Based on a novella by Stephen King, the film follows four young boys as they set out on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. The characters are played by Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O'Connell. The film is set in the summer of 1959 and is narrated by the character Gordie, played by Wheaton, as an adult reflecting on his youth. The film explores themes of friendship, loss, and the transition from childhood to adolescence. Stand by Me has been widely praised for its realistic portrayal of childhood and its poignant commentary on the human experience. Its iconic soundtrack, which includes songs by Ben E. King and Buddy Holly, has become synonymous with the film's nostalgic tone.

Dead Poets Society (1989): In this inspiring film, Robin Williams plays an unconventional English teacher who inspires his students to seize the day and pursue their passions.

Dead Poets Society is a drama film directed by Peter Weir and released in 1989. Set in an elite all-boys preparatory school in Vermont in the late 1950s, the film stars Robin Williams as John Keating, an unorthodox English teacher who inspires his students to seize the day and pursue their passions. The film follows a group of students who, under Keating's guidance, form their own poetry club and learn to challenge the traditional values and expectations of their conservative school and families. The film explores themes of conformity, individualism, and the power of poetry and literature to inspire and transform lives. Dead Poets Society has been widely acclaimed for its inspiring message and powerful performances, particularly by Robin Williams in one of his most iconic roles. The film's famous scene where Williams urges his students to "carpe diem" (seize the day) has become a cultural touchstone and a call to live life to the fullest.

Boyhood (2014): Shot over a period of 12 years, this film follows the life of a boy from childhood to adulthood as he navigates the challenges and joys of growing up.

Boyhood is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Richard Linklater and released in 2014. The film was filmed over a period of twelve years, from 2002 to 2013, and follows the life of a boy named Mason, played by Ellar Coltrane, as he grows from childhood to adulthood. The film also stars Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke as Mason's parents, and Lorelei Linklater as Mason's sister. The film was praised for its ambitious production and experimental narrative structure, which allowed the actors to age naturally and the story to unfold in real-time. Boyhood explores themes of family, identity, and the passage of time, and has been widely acclaimed for its honest and poignant portrayal of the human experience. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including six Oscar nominations, and was hailed as a groundbreaking achievement in cinema.

Lady Bird (2017): This film follows a high school senior named Lady Bird as she navigates the ups and downs of her final year of high school while grappling with her relationships with her family and friends.

Lady Bird is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Greta Gerwig and released in 2017. The film stars Saoirse Ronan as the titular character, a high school senior in Sacramento, California in 2002, who goes by the name "Lady Bird." The film follows Lady Bird as she navigates her final year of high school, deals with family relationships, friendships, and love interests, and struggles to find her place in the world. The film also stars Laurie Metcalf as Lady Bird's mother, Tracy Letts as her father, and Lucas Hedges and Timothée Chalamet as her love interests. Lady Bird explores themes of family, identity, class, and the complexities of teenage life. The film was praised for its authentic portrayal of adolescence and its sharp, witty dialogue, as well as for Gerwig's directorial debut. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including five Oscar nominations, and was hailed as a modern classic of the coming-of-age genre.

Moonlight (2016): This Academy Award-winning film tells the story of a young black man coming to terms with his sexuality and grappling with his identity in a tough Miami neighbourhood.

Moonlight is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Barry Jenkins and released in 2016. The film follows the life of a young African-American man named Chiron, played by three different actors at different stages of his life, as he grows up in Miami, Florida. The film is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different period of Chiron's life: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The film explores themes of race, sexuality, identity, and the struggle for self-acceptance. Moonlight was widely acclaimed for its poignant and powerful storytelling, as well as its groundbreaking portrayal of black masculinity and queer identity. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was hailed as a groundbreaking achievement in cinema.

Eighth Grade (2018): This film follows an introverted 13-year-old girl as she navigates the challenges of middle school and tries to find her place in the world.

Eighth Grade is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Bo Burnham and released in 2018. The film follows the life of a 13-year-old girl named Kayla, played by Elsie Fisher, as she navigates her final week of middle school. The film explores the ups and downs of adolescence, as Kayla deals with the pressures of social media, the challenges of making friends, and the awkwardness of growing up. The film also stars Josh Hamilton as Kayla's single father, and features a supporting cast of mostly non-professional actors. Eighth Grade was widely acclaimed for its realistic and heartfelt portrayal of adolescence, as well as for Burnham's directorial debut. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Fisher's performance, and was hailed as a modern classic of the coming-of-age genre.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): This film follows a shy, introverted freshman named Charlie as he navigates his first year of high school and makes new friends who help him come out of his shell.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky and released in 2012. The film stars Logan Lerman as Charlie, a high school freshman who struggles with depression and social anxiety. The film follows Charlie as he navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, makes new friends, and falls in love with a girl named Sam, played by Emma Watson. The film also stars Ezra Miller as Charlie's quirky and charismatic friend, Patrick. The Perks of Being a Wallflower explores themes of mental health, sexuality, friendship, and the complexities of growing up. The film was widely acclaimed for its honest and poignant portrayal of adolescence, as well as for its strong performances and engaging storytelling. The film has become a beloved cult classic of the coming-of-age genre and has inspired many young people to embrace their individuality and find their own place in the world.

Almost Famous (2000): This film follows a teenage aspiring music journalist as he goes on tour with an up-and-coming rock band and navigates the ups and downs of growing up in the 1970s.

Almost Famous is a comedy-drama film directed by Cameron Crowe and released in 2000. The film is loosely based on Crowe's own experiences as a young journalist for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s. The film follows a teenage aspiring journalist named William Miller, played by Patrick Fugit, as he is assigned to cover the rising rock band Stillwater for Rolling Stone. Along the way, William develops a close relationship with the band and its members, including the charismatic lead guitarist, Russell Hammond, played by Billy Crudup, and the enigmatic groupie Penny Lane, played by Kate Hudson. Almost Famous explores themes of friendship, love, fame, and the power of music to bring people together. The film was widely acclaimed for its engaging storytelling, strong performances, and authentic portrayal of the rock and roll era. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and has become a beloved classic of the music and coming-of-age genres.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016): This film follows a high school junior named Nadine as she navigates the challenges of growing up while dealing with the loss of her father and a strained relationship with her mother.

The Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and released in 2016. The film stars Hailee Steinfeld as Nadine Franklin, a high school junior who feels isolated and misunderstood by her peers and family. The film follows Nadine as she deals with the death of her father, the complexities of adolescence, and the challenges of growing up. The film also stars Woody Harrelson as Nadine's blunt and caring teacher, and Hayden Szeto as Nadine's crush, Erwin. The Edge of Seventeen explores themes of grief, friendship, family, and the struggle for self-acceptance. The film was widely acclaimed for its authentic and relatable portrayal of adolescence, as well as for Steinfeld's strong performance. The film received several award nominations and was hailed as a modern classic of the coming-of-age genre.

Coming-of-age movies are an important genre that provides us with an insight into the challenges and experiences that young people face as they grow up. From classics like The Breakfast Club and Stand By Me, to modern favourites like Lady Bird and Moonlight, there are countless films that capture the essence of adolescence in different ways. These movies can help us reflect on our own experiences, find comfort in shared struggles, and learn valuable life lessons that stay with us long after the credits roll.

Thanks for reading "The Most Recommended Coming-Of-Age Movies You Should Watch Before You're 25" on January Media.