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Coming-of-age movies tend to be targeted towards a younger audience. But in most cases, even adults can relate to the storylines as they have had similar experiences in the past. As there is no set formula when it comes to coming-of-age movies, filmmakers tend to get creative with their storytelling styles. And so, there is a wide range of coming-of-age movies that fans of the genre can explore.
While most coming-of-age movies showcase the challenges faced by adolescents, there are also several titles that seek to impart important life lessons to the audience. With 2024 coming to an end, these are the movies that viewers should be watching to give themselves a boost to start the New Year with a burst of positivity and exuberance.
In this list, we take a look at some touching and inspirational coming-of-age movies that are the perfect way to start 2025.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Eight Grade, Young Hearts and five other compelling coming-of-age movies that you can learn from
1) Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Studio Ghibli is known for its heartfelt storytelling and this coming-of-age movie is no different. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, it focuses on a 14-year-old student called Shizuku Tsukishima, voiced by Yōko Honna. Shizuku is interested in creative writing and gets inspired to follow her dreams after she befriends fellow student, Seiji (Issei Takahashi), who hopes to become a violin maker.
Like a lot of students, Shizuku isn't sure about what she wants to do with her life but she slowly comes to the realization once she takes the time to reflect on what makes her happy. One of the biggest takeaways from this coming-of-age movie is that there is no one right path in life. What counts is that you need to keep at your dreams even when faced with intense obstacles.
Where to watch: Whisper of the Heart is available for streaming on Netflix.
2) Eight Grade (2018)
This coming-of-age movie starring Elsie Fisher in the lead marks the feature-length directorial debut of Bo Burnham. Fisher plays Kayla, an introverted teenager who posts videos about self-confidence. In today's day and age, when people have become obsessed with maintaining an aspirational online image, this coming-of-age movie points out the hypocrisy of the same.
Fans of the genre will surely relate to the protagonist who is simply seeking to find the confidence that she knows she lacks. This movie also throws light on the importance of sincere conversations between parents and their children that can lead to stronger bonding.
After watching this coming-of-age movie, viewers will certainly be encouraged to let their genuine selves show in front of the world.
Where to watch: Eight Grade can be streamed on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
3) The Hate You Give (2018)
This coming-of-age movie by George Tillman Jr. tackles serious real-world problems that deserve attention and discourse. Based on a novel by Angie Thomas, the movie centers around Starr Carter, a 16-year-old African-American girl portrayed by Amandla Stenberg. When she witnesses the shooting of a close friend, she feels pressured to stand up for what's right even at great personal risk.
Out of all the coming-of-age movies on this list, The Hate You Give may just be the hardest one to watch. But it is still an important watch because it explores different aspects of social issues and racial discrimination. The intelligent narrative will remind viewers how important it is to speak up for injustice. After all, if more people are willing to fight for what's right, the world will surely be a better place to live in.
Where to watch: The Hate You Give is available on Disney+ and Prime Video.
4) Blinded by the Light (2019)
Gurinder Chadha's coming-of-age movie is inspired by the life of Sarfraz Manzoor, a British journalist of Pakistani origin. Viveik Kalra plays the role of Javed, a British-Pakistani Muslim teenager. After he discovered the music of Bruce Springsteen, he felt inclined toward poetry and writing. Even though his father is unsupportive of his dreams, he makes up his mind to pursue his passion.
Like Chadha's other movies, Blinded by the Light also throws light on the impact of converging cultures and the challenges faced by immigrants. It is a slow burn, but it is worth watching till the end because the movie cleverly depicts how no challenge is great enough to stop someone who is determined to follow their dreams.
Music is a big part of the narrative. Springsteen fans, in particular, wouldn't want to miss out on Blinded by the Light.
Where to watch: Blinded by the Light can be viewed on Netflix.
5) Young Hearts (2024)
In the last few years, there have been many notable coming-of-age movies that have portrayed inclusive love stories and this is one of them. Anthony Schatteman's feature directorial debut, Young Hearts follows the life of a 14-year-old boy named Elias, played by Lou Goossens, who falls in love with his new neighbor of the same age, Alexander (Marius De Saeger).
This queer movie captures the beauty of first love and the vulnerability of the same. The intelligent plot is complemented by striking visuals that encourage the viewer to feel invested in the lives of the young characters. It is often the case wherein queer dramas can feel sad or disheartening but this coming-of-age movie has a satisfying positive end.
The biggest lesson that viewers can learn from the protagonists in Young Hearts is that it is important to be true to oneself, even when the path seems difficult.
Where to watch: Young Hearts can be streamed on Plex.
6) Out of My Mind (2024)
An adaptation of Sharon M. Draper's novel, this movie centers around Melody Brooks, a non-speaking wheelchair user who has cerebral palsy and a photographic memory. She is portrayed by Phoebe-Rae Taylor on screen but her internal thoughts are expressed through the voice of Jennifer Aniston.
This is a thought-provoking coming-of-age movie because it hopes to change the perception people have about people with disabilities. Director Amber Sealey is able to show that everyone deserves to be heard. It is also interesting for viewers to be able to see things from the perspective of the young protagonist who refuses to be restrained by her circumstances.
Watching this coming-of-age movie can help viewers strive to be their best selves in the face of multiple adversities.
Where to watch: Out of My Mind is available for streaming on Disney+.
7) Suncoast (2024)
Marking Laura Chinn's feature directorial debut, this coming-of-age movie stars Nico Parker, Laura Linney and Woody Harrelson. Parker plays Doris, a young woman who has a brother affected by a serious illness. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with Woody Harrelson's character, Paul Warren, who is an activist.
It is an emotional movie that realistically depicts the effort that caregivers have to put in to look after patients who need constant care. Even though Doris loves her brother, looking out for him takes a lot out of her and she tends to feel overwhelmed, as is expected.
The best lesson that viewers can learn from this well-written narrative is that one should always share their feelings with loved ones because there may come a time when they are no longer around.
Where to watch: Suncoast is available on Hulu and Disney+.
Fans of the genre should make a point to put these emotional coming-of-age movies on their New Year watchlist to feel inspired.
