Coming of age flicks provide a safe space for even the toughest of viewers, and they offer comfort, laughter, and advice when one needs it most. They give adults an insight into teenage life whilst also offering a sense of nostalgia, but for the younger viewer, the genre presents them with a range of flicks surrounding everything awkward and unknown.
Many of these movies go on to be classics among the young, whilst others are simply overlooked or forgotten despite being great representations of adolescence. Redditor suzaman looked to other Reddit users for coming of age recommendations that nobody ever talks about, from spiteful stepdads to narcissistic main characters, and these movies are guaranteed to fill that coming of age void with some forgotten but favorable flicks.
Short Term 12 (2013)
Short Term 12 is one movie that caters to younger viewers and those who are going through a quarter-life crisis due to the range of ages seen among the characters. It focuses on young people looking to be fostered and their counselors, who are also dealing with past trauma.
The movie went somewhat unnoticed but provides viewers with an emotional depiction of coming to terms with trauma and moving forward in life by seeking the help of others. Axiom147 shared that they “really liked Short Term 12” as it beautifully conveyed topics that have somewhat been ignored whilst also catering to a slightly older audience who require the coming-of-age genre to provide comfort when dealing with the turmoil of adolescence.
The Way Way Back (2013)
Despite having a star-studded cast, The Way Way Back didn’t quite cement itself firmly enough within the coming of age genre, but that doesn’t mean that the movie isn’t great, it was just overlooked. The Way Way Back homes in on that summer period where teens are expected to seek adventure and grow in confidence, which is exactly what the movie does.
However, it also showcases the importance of having good role models as a teenager and the impact it can have in the future, with the main character finally stepping up to his mother’s horrible boyfriend, thanks to the help of Owen and Roddy. Sunstreaked explained how “nothing captures the feeling of adolescent summers better than this,” with the focus on girls and summer jobs and the important personal development one needs in order to grow as a teen.
Sing Street (2016)
Sing Street is one of the best musical coming-of-age movies, but it fell under the radar due to being released at the same time as another musical success: La La Land. Sing Street has a killer soundtrack and story that perfectly captures the teen experience, especially in terms of how far one will go to impress a potential love interest.
Redditor ccbuddyrider explained how Sing Street is “a great feel-good movie” that has viewers singing and dancing along. However, the movie also highlights the awkwardness that comes with being a teen alongside the struggles one might face when moving to a new school and trying to find their niche, which is why it remains a great coming-of-age movie, even today.
Me, Earl And The Dying Girl (2015)
Me, Earl, And The Dying Girl broke viewers’ hearts when it was released in 2015, but didn’t quite live up to the hype of The Fault In Our Stars despite both of them shedding a light on teenage cancer. Nevertheless, the movie offered a humanizing view of cancer and showed a friendship that looked past the diagnosis and instead sought to fill Rachel’s final moments with adventure.
The movie provided viewers with a beautifully quirky flick that stressed the importance of friendships and the relationships that can develop once those clicks are abandoned. Redditor suzaman explained how the movie was “very funny, touching and [included] good lessons to learn,” fulfilling all the great conventions of a coming-of-age flick.
Eighth Grade (2018)
Eighth Grade is one of the most underrated teen movies from the past five years It follows Kayla as she navigates through high school as a shy introvert who is trying to fight her anxiety by making motivational videos online, highlighting everything from body image to social media.
Redditor pom_pom shared how the movie was popular when it first came out but “then the conversation about it dropped off.” However, the movie “really struck a chord with [many, as] it touches on so many realistic fears and challenges kids have at that age.” The main character strays away from the tropes of the “awkward” teen that viewers are so used to seeing, making it a realistic and heartwarming movie that tunes into the worries and nostalgia many have or will face at that age.
Stuck In Love (2012)
Stuck In Love is one of the most interesting coming of age movies to date. The dramatic romance explores themes of adolescence, love, and familial bonds, showcasing the change in family relationships as censorship is slowly removed from the home.
It also depicts several stories of love and loss, with Samantha struggling to open up to love after her mother left her father for another man, whilst her brother tries to win over his first love. It examines the feeling of failing in comparison with incredible performances from Greg Kinnear, Liana Liberato, and Lilly Collins who Redditor INTHEMIDSTOFLIONS felt “killed it”!
The Edge Of Seventeen (2016)
The Edge Of Seventeen is arguably the best teen comedy on Netflix right now. It follows Nadine, who finds herself alone after everyone around her becomes an enemy (in her eyes anyway). The movie puts a refreshing twist on the coming-of-age genre by making the main character somewhat unlikeable in a bid to emphasize the need for self-development and maturity.
Redditor slicshuter explained that “the writing in that film [is] hilarious,” with Hailee Steinfeld encapsulating all the emotions that come with being in your teens. The Edge Of Seventeen is another great movie that has simply been overlooked despite it offering an insightful depiction of what goes through a teenager’s mind and the way it can manifest into pushing loved ones away.
Submarine (2010)
Submarine is a quirky yet highly relatable teen flick that depicts the true awkwardness of youth through a focus on teen relationships and meddling. The movie is beautifully filmed whilst also having a great soundtrack, made possible by the iconic British band, the Arctic Monkeys.
According to godbottle and other fans, Submarine “reminds [them] of [their] own young life in so many ways,” with several claiming they felt a connection to Oliver and his need to save everything around him. His character perfectly captured the timings placed upon teens by other teens in a bid to clarify when adulthood begins, making it an unusually accurate movie for younger viewers.
The Kings Of Summer (2013)
There are many other movies for those fans of The Kings Of Summer to check out, with many of them appearing on this list but The Kings Of Summer is one great movie that definitely slipped under the radar. The movie resonated with many viewers through its ability to convey both childhood and adolescence alongside one another, with the main characters seeking freedom but finding it within the childhood things many enjoy.
The movie found a place within many viewers’ hearts, including Redditor Lucas_The_Drummer, who shared that it is “one of [their] all-time favorite films.” The Kings Of Summer reminded viewers of their old childhood nostalgia through sword fighting, exploring the woods, and the building of dens, whilst also highlighting the importance of lifelong friendships alongside teenage angst.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
The Spectacular Now is an underrated coming of age movie starring big names like Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, and Brie Larson, but the movie somehow went unnoticed, with many viewers not knowing what the movie is about.
The movie sheds a light on binge drinking, class divides, and the mirroring of parental behavior in one’s own children, but it explores the grittier side of adolescence, which is why many feel as though it is an accurate portrayal of youth. Redditor Samu_tan explained how “they should’ve ended the movie right after Miles Teller’s monologue,” which highlighted how a parent’s words can lead to a distorted view of what is important in life, resulting in it being both underrated and important.
