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One of the most comforting and painful genres in movies is the classic coming of age story. Whether it be by classics, such as any movie by John Hughes or Greta Gerwig’s debut of Lady Bird, these coming of age films shape the way young adults romanticize their lives and ultimately view themselves. So, why is it that the staples of this genre are always John Bender with his fist in the air, or any character Molly Ringwald has played (usually wearing some sort of pink dress), and what other characters can we fall in love with?
From the rise in A24 movies to some movies released a while ago, this list is filled with a combination of heart-wrenching stories of real people to the classic nerd-archetype just trying to find their way in the world. From the early films from names like Brie Larson (Short Term 12, Captain Marvel) and America Ferrera (Real Women Have Curves, How To Train Your Dragon), to break out stars that you cannot get enough of, here are some of the most underrated coming of age films that will comfort you, make you laugh, and most definitely make you shed a few tears.
10 The Way Way Back
Nat Faxton’s The Way Way Back is a wonderfully heartfelt film. Staring Steve Carell and Toni Collette as the mother and step-father to Liam James’ shy and socially awkward character, Duncan, this coming-of-age movies nails the dysfunctional family aspect, with Duncan at the center of it all trying to deal with a rude and inconsiderate stepfather and an emotionally unavailable mother. While on a summer trip, Duncan finds an unlikely friendship with Owen (Sam Rockwell), the owner of a water park, and spends his summer with Owen’s collection of social rejects that run the park. This film conquers the found family trope with ease and makes you root for Duncan as he grows into his own, trying to navigate early teenage years, poor parenting, and what really matters in life.
9 We the Animals
The 2018 Sundance winner, as outlined by Deadline, We the Animals follows the story of three boys, Jonah, Joel, and Manny, as they navigate their childhood years living with their aggressive idol of a father and their fierce but unstable mother. This raw film follows the kids as they grow up with and without their father, and tackles the topic of nature vs nurture, exploring who the boys will become. Paired with stunning cinematography and authentic performances from all involved, this film is heart-wrenching and beautiful, all told through the innocence of a child.
8 Skate Kitchen
Crystal Moselle does a spectacular job at meshing both fiction and reality. Finding her talent for this film on the internet, per Rookie Mag, she molded this coming of age drama around who they are in real life, and their experiences. Skate Kitchen follows an all-girl skate group and their newest member, Camille (Rachelle Vinberg), and how they navigate a male-dominated sport. Camille longs for belonging and tries desperately to make friends who love what she loves, which starts off as skateboarding but wavers throughout the film. Tackling the issues teenagers face, like young love, belonging, and the temptation of substance abuse, Skate Kitchen is a gritty, beautifully shot piece that feels like a portrait of real life as well as a love letter to skating.
7 Me and Earl and The Dying Girl
Based of the novel by Jesse Andrews, Me and Earl and The Dying Girl follows Greg (Thomas Mann) and Earl (RJ Cyler), two “friends,” and their acquaintance Rachel (Olivia Cooke) who, as the title suggest, is dying of cancer. Greg is so obsessed with not caring about what others think that he becomes obsessed with what they do think of him. He is terrified to get close to anyone, and Rachel breaks that. As she gets sicker, the two boys set out to make a film about her, and Greg is tested in everything he thought to be true. A wonderful coming of age story that discusses what really matters in the grand scheme of life, and the importance of letting people in and cherishing what you have in life. But be warned, bring a box of tissues — you might need it.
6 Real Women Have Curves
When Ana Garcia (America Ferrera) has the dreams for college and gets the opportunity to go with a full-ride scholarship, she has to go against her mother’s (Lupe Ontiveros) desires for her to provide for the family and get married. Real Women Have Curves is a wonderful love letter to young adulthood, becoming a woman, and how that means something different for every person.
5 Short Term 12
Brie Larson plays Grace, a supervising staff at a youth residential facility for the foster care system, in Short Term 12. She and her boyfriend Mason (John Gallagher Jr.) try to balance their strained relationship, while trying to help out a group of high-risk teens who want nothing to do with them. With a cast of young legends of today, like LaKeith Stanfield, Rami Malek, Stephanie Beatriz, and Kaitlyn Denver, this film tackles the hard topic of the American foster care system and overexerting yourself while trying to help others who may not want to be helped.
4 Persepolis
The animated true story of a young Iranian girl, Marjane, in the midst of the Islamic Revolution, Persepolis is so beautifully stylized in its animation and uses color as a theme in unique ways. Told over the course of her life with a non-linear timeline, this piece is heart-wrenching and moving, with chunks of humor and a wonderful sense of rebellion and hope.
3 Waves
The A24 film Waves follows two storylines: the first of Tyler (Kevin Harrison Jr.) and Alexis (Alexa Demie), and then Tyler’s younger sister, Emily (Taylor Russell). Tyler has to navigate young love, pressure from his father, and the future when it all comes crashing down in an instant. Where Tyler’s story ends, Emily’s begins, trying to deal with a crisis, coming into her own, and finding those around her that matter the most. A brutal portrayal of a fractured family trying to pick up the pieces after a tragedy, paired with beautiful imagery and wonderful performances, this film makes it into the top three.
2 The Farewell
Following Awkwafina’s character Billi, and her struggle between her American upbringing and her Chinese heritage, The Farewell centers around a family and their lie to their matriarch about her being sick. This film deals with the struggle of feeling like an outsider in your own family, the pain of a lie, and how far you would go to protect those you love. A wonderfully crafted coming of age piece that will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to hug your grandmother.
1 20th Century Women
A beautifully shot and acted piece centered around aging Dorothea Fields (Annette Bening) and her young son Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann), and the group of misfits that she rents out the rooms in her house to, 20th Century Women takes our top spot of underrated coming of age movies. Touching on the topic of manhood, feminism, and what makes a woman, this pieces together an anthology of five mostly lovable characters. Each character goes through their journey to try to discover who they are and who they want to be. Paired with archival footage of the world and how the characters fit into it, this coming of age piece has at least one character you will be rooting for.
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