10 Must-Watch Coming-Of-Age Movies That Will Resonate With Fans Of Netflix’s Adolescence!

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Summary

  • Adolescence fans relate to Diary of a Wimpy Kid’s middle school chaos and survival struggles.
  • Gifted highlights the tension between talent and childhood experiences, resonating with Adolescence themes.
  • Fans of Adolescence will appreciate Moonlight’s emotional depth and Chiron’s journey of self-acceptance.

Audience members have been captivated by Netflix’s latest success, “Adolescence“. Its raw depiction of the trials faced during adolescence and the harmful influences has left viewers everywhere enthralled. For fans seeking more narratives about characters overcoming obstacles to discover their place in life, these coming-of-age movies are an ideal fit.

Movies about growing up, or “coming-of-age” films, portray the embarrassing situations that many aspiring adults experience during their developmental years. At one time or another, everyone who was eager to grow up and become an adult has probably regretted that desire. These movies evoke memories of simpler times while subtly reminding viewers of their own youthful mishaps.

9. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid (Trilogy)

Middle School Mayhem

Just like no other adaptations, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid truly encapsulates the ups and downs of middle school. Over three live-action films, the story revolves around Greg Heffley’s awkward attempts to escape bullies and win over crushes. For those who appreciate Adolescence, Greg’s tumultuous journey through school mirrors the show’s ability to transform ordinary challenges into opportunities for unforeseen growth.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say these films, derived from Jeff Kinney’s books, serve as a humorous mirror reflecting the peculiarities of middle school life. They delicately depict the challenges of grappling with puberty and yearning for acceptance amidst the ‘in crowd’. From the hysteria over the ‘cheese touch’ to my elder brother Rodrick’s grand pranks, they perfectly capture the absurdity that often comes with adolescence.

8. Gifted

Being Smart Comes At A Price

In this emotional story, Chris Evans swaps his superhero persona for a role as a devoted parent, portraying Frank Adler, a man striving to nurture a child prodigy in mathematics. Mary is a young girl with exceptional math skills, caught between her uncle Frank’s desire for her to lead a typical life and her grandmother Evelyn, who believes she has the potential to become a great mathematician.

Teenagers who enjoy stories about growing up will find relatable themes in Mary’s journey of standing up against adult expectations, paving her own way with brave, defiant moments against authority figures. The series Gifted delves into the essential conflict of youth: Is exceptional skill more important than the value of ordinary childhood experiences? As Mary navigates through small acts of rebellion, the narrative sensitively illustrates how to nurture and guide a prodigy without stifling their potential.

7. Boyhood

Growing Up On Camera

Boyhood is a marvel of perseverance, spanning 12 years for its creation. As we witness Mason evolve from a charming child with a gap-toothed smile to a pensive artist, it’s like leafing through a cherished family photo album. By consistently filming the same actors each year, it seizes fleeting changes in an extraordinary way, transforming common adolescent themes into vivid on-screen memories.

Similar to the experience of adolescence, it’s the gradual struggle of Mason as he navigates life’s subtle hurdles – such as divorce, relocation, and heartache – that is particularly poignant. In a genre where change often occurs swiftly through quick montages, Boyhood distinguishes itself by allowing time to take its course. The evolving narrative implies that maturity can encompass both the ordinary and the extraordinary – a slow, consistent journey that eventually molds who one ultimately becomes.

6. Dead Poets Society

Seize The Day

The movie “Dead Poets Society” has captivated audiences for many years with its famous saying: “Seize the day.” This film unfolds within the walls of Welton Academy, telling the story of a group of young students who are sparked into life by John Keating (played by Robin Williams), an unorthodox English teacher. He encourages his students to pursue poetry instead of adhering rigidly to convention.

In simpler terms, the secret gatherings in dimly-lit caves and bold statements made atop desks aren’t just typical teenage shenanigans; they represent strong actions challenging established power. The film isn’t only about youthful exuberance. It also explores what ensues when rebellion collides with reality, and how one must confront it. To this day, the movie Dead Poets Society continues to be a significant cultural symbol, resonating with both avid film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

5. The Edge Of Seventeen

Final Lap Before Adulthood

Hailee Steinfeld portrays Nadine, a character known for self-destructive tendencies, with her emotions openly displayed yet hidden beneath a layer of sharp wit and biting humor. Beneath her captivating allure and distinctive sass hides the shared anxiety of being left behind as others appear to have life sorted out. Fans of Adolescence will identify with Nadine’s chaotic struggle against loneliness and insecurity, as she grapples towards understanding her flaws.

In the movie “The Edge of Seventeen,” Woody Harrelson’s character, a sharp-witted teacher, doesn’t shy away from providing her with harsh truths, yet is unable to shield her from embarrassing outbursts and dramatic breakdowns. The film beautifully captures the tumultuous journey of adolescence, emphasizing that maturity comes from embracing life’s chaos.

4. Beautiful Boy

Adolescence And Addiction

The film “Beautiful Boy” fearlessly tackles the challenging aspect of adolescence – addiction. Initially, Nic (Timothée Chalamet) appears as a talented and promising teenager, but his life takes a turn for the worse when he falls into substance abuse. Throughout this journey, his father (Steve Carell) tirelessly works to help him recover. The narrative of Nic’s struggles is far from smooth; instead, it’s a harrowing portrayal of an addict’s tumultuous life – a rollercoaster ride between moments of hope and periods of relapse that powerfully demonstrates the grueling reality of addiction.

Steve Carell gives a remarkable portrayal, as his character experiences a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from optimism to despair, all while skillfully steering clear of getting lost in the tumultuous journey that every parent dreads. The movie delves deep into the brink of love and the fractures in familial bonds, subtly conveying that not every advance towards healing and maturity is freely chosen. Fans of Adolescence will find themselves moved by the film’s most intense scenes as Nic battles to regain control over his life.

3. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

Friends That Pull You Out Of The Dark

This transformation is a heartfelt tribute for teenagers who are struggling to find their way. The character Charlie, played by Logan Lerman, is a quiet young man, deeply affected by past traumas, who finds solace in books and mixtapes until he’s drawn into the lives of Sam and Patrick. These step-siblings introduce him to the exciting world of indie music, lively house parties, and a hint of what it feels like to truly belong.

The Benefits of Being a Wallflower provides a glimpse into the delicate mindscape of an individual grappling with suppressed pain and mistreatment. The film remains relatable due to its refusal to bypass the complexities of adolescence, choosing instead to confront them directly. One of the most memorable moments in the movie is the iconic tunnel scene where the teens joyously play David Bowie’s “Heroes,” releasing their troubles into the darkness of the night.

2. Lady Bird

Big-City Dreams

Greta Gerwig’s first film as director presents a heartfelt struggle between a passionate teen and her determined mother. The protagonist, affectionately known as Lady Bird, yearns to escape the quiet suburbs of Sacramento for the vibrant city life in New York, yet faces challenges in realizing her aspirations, much like any teenager.

The humorous yet poignant conflicts about second-hand prom gowns, college applications, and the supposed misfortune of being from Sacramento in the film Lady Bird resonate with audiences, making them both laugh and empathize. What sets Lady Bird apart from typical teen angst movies is its unique dual narrative: it is equally about Marion’s journey as it is about Christine’s.

1. Moonlight

Finding Your True Self

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d say Barry Jenkins’s Academy Award-winning masterpiece, Moonlight, breathes fresh life into the coming-of-age genre with its blend of poetic resilience. This captivating tale charts the transformative journey of Chiron from a timid young lad to a resilient teen grappling with identity, sexuality, and relentless hardship. With each act in Moonlight, we peel back another layer, mirroring how past traumas and survival instincts mold Chiron’s self-worth.

Teenage spectators will be moved by Chiron’s resilience as he rises above a world that seems determined to hold him back. From being a tormented young boy known as “Little,” to becoming a tough, self-assured man called “Black,” his journey is a powerful, silent testament to self-acceptance. Themes of race, sexuality, and identity intersect powerfully in this film, shattering conventions with every scene. The movie “Moonlight” has resonated deeply within the Black and queer communities, pushing the genre to unprecedented levels of emotional intensity.

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2025-03-30 12:35