The coming-of-age movie genre has been a staple of the film industry for decades, providing a Look into the struggles and triumphs of growing up and going the complexities of life. Recently, filmmakers have found new and interesting ways to explore this genre, producing movies that are more powerful and thought-provoking than ever before. The past few years have seen a surge in coming-of-age movies that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, and these films are deserving of attention.
One such film is “Booksmart” (2019), a coming-of-age comedy that follows two high school girls, Molly and Amy, who decide to break out of their shell and cram everything they missed out on during their last four years into one last night. Directed by Olivia Wilde, the film showcases the importance of high school experiences and the impact they can have on one’s life.
Another standout film is “Little Women” (2019), a period piece that takes on the issues of women’s rights and equality during the 19th century. The film tells the story of the March sisters, each of whom goes on their own path and deals with different obstacles, often relying on each other. The story highlights the importance of following one’s heart, mind, and morals.
“The Waves” (2019) is a coming-of-age drama that captures the life of a suburban African American family, the Williams, as they navigate the challenges of love, forgiveness, and family dynamics. The film is a powerful tale that seems too real, with creative imagery and brutal intensity that will affect viewers deeply.
The year 2020 saw the release of “All Together Now” (2020), an uplifting drama that tells the story of Amber Appleton, a homeless teenager who struggles to balance her passions with her family responsibilities. The film is a feel-good movie that celebrates the power of coming together and the importance of prioritizing one’s passions.
A Still From Chemical Hearts (2020) (Photo: Chemical Hearts)
Another notable film is “Chemical Hearts” (2020), a romance drama that tells the story of two aspiring teen writers, Grace and Henry, who share their high school newspaper’s editor position and fall in love. The film is a reminder of the imperfections and disappointments of being a teenager and the importance of young love and heartbreak.
“The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” (2021) is a science-fiction romantic comedy that takes place in a time loop, where two teenagers, Mark and Margaret, repeat the same day over and over. The film is a delightful watch, with likable characters and a charming chemistry between the lead actors.
Another notable film is “MOXiE!” (2021), a coming-of-age story that tells the story of a 16-year-old girl named Vivian who creates a feminist zine to empower young women in her high school. The film celebrates the idea of girlhood and speaks to the importance of speaking up, especially at a younger age.
“Bones and All” (2022) is a typical coming-of-age romance film with a horror cannibalistic twist. The film tells the story of Maren, a teenager who seeks self-discovery after her hunger for human flesh becomes apparent. The film is a romantic horror movie that will have your heart racing and features flawless performances from the lead actors.
“The Fabelmans” (2022) is a semi-autobiographical story by Steven Spielberg, loosely based on his own adolescence and early years as a filmmaker. The film tells the story of a young aspiring filmmaker named Sammy Fabelman, who finds the truth about his dysfunctional family. The film is a love letter to the power of films and is a nostalgic Look into Spielberg’s childhood.
Finally, “The Half of It” (2020) is a modern retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, which tells the story of a shy teenage girl named Ellie who helps a popular jock write love letters to a girl they both have a crush on. The film is a coming-of-age story that celebrates the power of friendship and understanding oneself.
These films are just a few examples of the many coming-of-age movies that have stood out in recent years. They offer valuable lessons and provide a Look into the complexities of growing up, making them worthy of attention and discussion.
