One of the most comforting and painful genres in movies is the classiccoming of age story. Whether it be by classics, such as any movie by John Hughes or Greta Gerwig’s debut ofLady 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?
Update August 11, 2025: This list has been updated with even more great coming-of-age films that do not get the recognition they deserve.
From therise in A24 moviesto some movies released a while ago, this list is filled with a combination of heart-wrenching stories of real people and the classic nerd archetype just trying to find their way in the world. From the early films from names like Brie Larson and America Ferrerato 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.
15The Way Way Back
Nat Faxton’sThe Way Way Backis a wonderfully heartfelt film.Staring Steve Carelland 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.
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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.
14Big Time Adolescence
In Hulu original comedy,Big Time Adolescence,Pete Davidsonplays college dropout and slacker, Zeke, who befriends a high school kid named Mo (Griffin Gluck) and takes on the role of his mentor. However, it becomes clear to everyone else around them that the marijuana-smoking, binge-drinking Zeke may not be the best person to guide Mo through young adulthood.
With a supporting cast that includes John Cryer, Sydney Sweeney, and Machine Gun Kelly,Big Time Adolescenceis simultaneously hilariously wild and touchingly sweet. The central idea of the film - a coming-of-age story where the mentor figure has to learn how to grow up just as much (if not more) than the teenage protagonist - is genius and leads to asurprisingly great performance from Davidson. It’s also incredibly relatable; after all, we all find it difficult to act our age at certain points in our life.
13We the Animals
The 2018 Sundance winner, as outlined byDeadline,We the Animalsfollows 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.
12Me and Earl and The Dying Girl
Based of the novel by Jesse Andrews,Me and Earl and The Dying Girlfollows 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.
11Days of the Bagnold Summer
Low-budget British filmDays of the Bagnold Summeris the very definition of an underrated movie. Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Joff Winterhart, it revolves around heavy metal-loving teenager Daniel (Earl Cave), who finds himself spending his entire summer holiday with his mousy librarian mother, Sue (Monica Dolan) after his dad cancels on him. The film explores the relationship between a son who is awkward and distant, and embarrassed by everything his mother does, and a mother who is completely clueless as to how to engage with her son.
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Brilliantly written and performed,Days of the Bagnold Summeris a sweet film that perfectly captures the complicated and brittle nature of the parent/child relationship during young adulthood. With laugh-out-loud moments and great observations, it’s a coming-of-age film that more people need to see.
10Skate Kitchen
Crystal Moselle does a spectacular job at meshing both fiction and reality. Finding her talent for this film on the internet, perRookie Mag, she molded this coming of age drama around who they are in real life, and their experiences.Skate Kitchenfollows 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 Kitchenis a gritty, beautifully shot piece that feels like a portrait of real life as well as a love letter to skating.
9Real Women Have Curves
When Ana Garcia (America Ferrera) has 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 Curvesis a wonderful love letter to young adulthood, becoming a woman, and how that means something different for every person.
8Submarine
Comedy actor Richard Ayoade’s feature film debut,Submarine,is a coming-of-age masterpiece. Based on the 2008 novel of the same name by Joe Dunthorne, it stars Crag Roberts as Oliver Tate, a Welsh 15-year-old with two main goals; to lose his virginity, and to save his parent’s marriage from the threat of his mother’s ex-lover. to complete his first objective, he begins dating his emotionally distant classmate Jordana (Yasmin Page), only to discover that being a boyfriend isn’t as easy as it looks.
With a supporting cast made up of Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine, Noah Taylor, and Gemma Chan, and asublime soundtrackcourtesy of Arctic Monkeys frontman, Alex Turner,Submarineis a quirky and offbeat comedy-drama with lots of heart.
7Unpregnant
HBO Max original,Unpregnant,tells the story of 17-year-old Veronica (played by Haley Lu Richardson), whose dreams of attending an Ivy League college are put at risk when she discovers that she is pregnant. Unable to get an abortion without her parent’s permission in her home state of Missouri, she embarks on a road trip to Albuquerque, bringing her friend Bailey (Barbie Ferreira) along for the ride.
Related:Best Women Coming-of-Age Movies, Ranked
Based on the novel of the same name by Ted Caplan and Jenni Hendriks, and directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg,Unpregnantis a funny and relatable film thathas only become more relevant since its releasein 2020. With sharp writing, excellent performances, and phenomenal chemistry between the two leads,Unpregnantis everything a Gen Z coming-of-age film should be.
The A24 filmWavesfollows 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 list.
