Coming-of-age movies are beloved for a reason, and there are plenty of new films to discover within this niche of cinema. The genre is a famous and familiar one, with the best coming-of-age movies of the 1980s being some of the most influential. Many of the projects of today, the early 2000s, and the 1990s wouldn’t exist without the tropes and thematic styles of the films of the ’80s. However, what sets these underrated gems apart is the fact that they attempt to break the mold of the coming-of-age genre and expand into something original and new.

While many of the best coming-of-age movies depict life as a teenager, others tackle what it’s like to keep coming of age well into adulthood and struggle to find yourself. It’s never too late to come of age or experience an intense realization that shifts your perspective on life. The reason audiences keep returning to these projects is that their stories are so universal. Everyone can find something to relate to no matter the subject of the movie, and the emotional impact of feeling seen onscreen cannot be overstated.

10

Angus (1995)

Directed by Patrick Read Johnson

Set in Minnesota in the ’90s, Angus tackles bullying and loss through its story, becoming much more emotional and intense than audiences might first realize. Angus doesn’t shy away from the realities of how cruel high school and students can be and how this period of life is full of pain and struggle. The protagonist, Angus (Charlie Talbert), faces harᴀssment and attempts to navigate his coming-of-age, contemplating leaving his school to start over.

Though the structure and themes of Angus aren’t new by any means, they are timeless and universal, remaining fresh when viewed today.

The emotional nuance and empathy infused in Angus have made it an underrated gem, alongside the central performances from Talbert and Chris Owen as Angus’s best friend, Troy. Though the structure and themes of Angus aren’t new by any means, they are timeless and universal, remaining fresh when viewed today. The adult characters in Angus are also incredible, demonstrating how pivotal the influence and advice of older figures can be in a young person’s life.

9

Me And Earl And The Dying Girl (2015)

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon

Based on Jesse Andrews’s coming-of-age novel of the same name, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a testament to how tragedy and loss are parts of life that can’t be ignored. The protagonist, Greg (Thomas Mann), befriends Rachel (Olivia Cooke) after she gets diagnosed with cancer, along with his longtime friend Earl (CJ Cyler). Though he tries to avoid emotional connections and struggles to relate to others, Greg finds himself getting closer to Rachel than he ever expected.

Heartbreak and loss are inherent to Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, but it’s through these big feelings and experiencing uncomfortable emotions for the first time that Greg opens himself up to the good parts as well. However, this doesn’t mean that the film isn’t full of comedy and love, as experiencing these joys is the reward for the risk of being hurt. Watching Me and Earl and the Dying Girl today proves that the movie should be getting a lot more attention.

8

American Graffiti (1973)

Directed by George Lucas

Though most movie buffs are familiar with American Graffiti and its significant legacy and influence, plenty of modern audiences have yet to be introduced to American Graffiti. The director, George Lucas, might be best known for his blockbuster franchises, but his period coming-of-age movie might be one of his best. Set in the early 1960s, American Graffiti is a time capsule of this period of American history and the feelings of the generation entering adulthood in the post-war era on the eve of cultural changes.

Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard lead the cast as Curt and Steve, two young men who contemplate college and leaving their small town behind after high school. The structure, style, and themes of American Graffiti are all enormous parts of the coming-of-age movie, and the film is considered mandatory viewing for fans of the genre and budding filmmakers. Few projects have so effectively enshrined a moment in time that felt like the start of something incredible and terrifying and the experience of becoming an adult at this time.

7

Skate Kitchen (2018)

Directed by Crystal Moselle

Directed by Crystal Moselle and based on the real experiences of a group of young female skateboarders in New York City, Skate Kitchen achieves an amazing sense of realism. A large part of this is thanks to the work of the cast, many of whom were part of the group from which the film draws its story. Rachelle Vinberg’s character, Camille, finds community and acceptance after she befriends the young skaters, showcasing a new side of the sport in the modern era.

A lot of love, heart, and truth were poured into Skate Kitchen, allowing it to stand the test of time and connect with a wide array of audiences, whether they’re skaters or not. A meandering tale that’s more concerned with moments and character than a twisting plot, Skate Kitchen firmly cements itself as a quietly compelling piece of life. There are times when Skate Kitchen feels more like a documentary than a fictional film.

6

Igby Goes Down (2002)

Burr Steers

One of Kieran Culkin’s best movies, Igby Goes Down, helped establish Culkin as more than just a child actor who portrayed supporting roles in his brother’s work. In Igby Goes Down, he plays the тιтular Igby, an apathetic and privileged young man who suffocates under the pressures and facade of his family. Styled after classic coming-of-age protagonists like Holden Caulfield or Harold in Harold and Maude, Igby’s supposed noncommittal behavior and acts of rebellion hide deep wounds from his family.

Beautifully stylized and cynical to the end, Igby Goes Down breaks the mold of the genre.

Well-written and brilliantly acted by a fantastic ensemble including Susan Sarandon, Jeff Goldblum, and Claire Danes, Igby Goes Down finds moments of dark comedy in Igby’s odyssey. As the story progresses, we begin to see that though there is something tying him to his family, the best thing he can do for himself is move on. Beautifully stylized and cynical to the end, Igby Goes Down breaks the mold of the genre.

5

Columbus (2017)

Directed by Kogonada

The director of Columbus, Kogonada, is known for his deliberate pacing and warm, comforting aesthetics in his films, and Columbus is no exception. It’s set in Columbus, Indiana, a part of the American Midwest that’s typically overlooked and not elevated as having artistic or architectural importance. However, Columbus throws a wrench in this idea, demonstrating the beauty and attention to detail that pervades every corner of the city.

Bonding over their shared love of architecture, Jin (John Cho) and Casey (Haley Lu Richardson) meet by chance in Columbus and start spending time together. However, their aesthetic tastes aren’t all they have in common, as their strained relationships with their parents parallel each other and imbue Columbus with emotional depth. Jin and Casey are older than typical coming-of-age protagonists, but they’re just as engaging and open the audience up to empathize with their experiences.

4

The Incredibly True Adventure Of Two Girls In Love (1995)

Directed by Maria Maggenti

The atmospheric and romantic movie The Incredibly True Story of Two Girls in Love follows Randy and Evie as they overcome social and emotional boundaries and explore their feelings for each other. Laurel Holloman, also known for her starring role in The L Word​​​​​​, plays Randy, with Nicole Ari Parker playing Evie, and the pair have great chemistry. While a coming-of-age tale doesn’t always have to include a romance, it often works in favor of the plot, as falling in love for the first time is a pivotal moment of adolescence.

When it comes to great LGBTQ+ coming-of-age films, there’s typically an element of social commentary, especially when it comes to the New Queer Cinema movement of the 1990s. Though there was more widespread acceptance of the queer community, movies like The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love pushed boundaries and is an important piece of cinema history. Though it touches upon expectations and discrimination, the film is a comedy and love story first, demonstrating how universal the narrative is.

3

Brigsby Bear (2017)

Directed by Dave McCary

The offbeat and slightly surreal comedy Brigsby Bear sees Kyle Mooney’s James attempt to make a movie to finish the story of a beloved childhood TV show. Mooney and his collaborators, Dave McCary and Kevin Costello, capture both the challenges of trying to reenter the adult world after a long period of arrested development and the joy that independent filmmaking brings. Any audience member who grew up making movies with their friends will instantly relate to Brigsby Bear​​​​​​.

Though the premise of Brigsby Bear is a little upsetting and bizarre, the film is an ultimately uplifting tale that sees James learn to accept himself and carve out a place in his new life. As a character, James is open and honest about the things that matter to him and make an impact on his life. He’s unapologetic and not embarrᴀssed about the importance of the TV show. Brigsby Bear encourages us to acknowledge every part of ourselves and find joy in childhood pᴀssions.

2

Slums Of Beverly Hills (1998)

Directed by Tamara Jenkins

A young Natasha Lyonne leads Slums of Beverly Hills, the late ’90s coming-of-age movie set in the mid-1970s against the glittering backdrop of Los Angeles. However, Lyonne’s character, Vivian, and her family are far from wealthy and powerful, skating by on help from her uncle and her father’s unsuccessful career. The juxtaposition of the setting and Vivian’s situation creates some dramatic moments but is also mined for comedy in Slums of Beverly Hills​​​​​​.

Though it’s a great addition to Lyonne’s filmography, Slums of Beverly Hills is too often forgotten.

With an ensemble cast also featuring Alan Arkin, Marisa Tomei, and David Krumholtz, the chemistry between the central characters and the importance of family is the heart and soul of Slums of Beverly Hills​​​​​​. The movie lets itself be serious at times but is most concerned with the inherent comedy of being an outsider in proximity to the extreme wealth of the area. Though it’s a great addition to Lyonne’s filmography, Slums of Beverly Hills is too often forgotten.

1

Pariah (2011)

Directed by Dee Rees

One of the best coming-of-age movies about Black women, Pariah stars Adepero Oduye as Alike, a young woman navigating her idenтιтy as a lesbian and how her parents react to this. As Alike struggles to accept herself, she forms connections with other women in her life and consistently comes into conflict with her mother, Audrey (Kim Wayans), who doesn’t understand her daughter’s Sєxuality. Pariah isn’t always an easy watch, but as the film progresses, it becomes more uplifting in tone.

Even when Alike is hurt and feeling at odds with her family and community, she’s taking steps toward becoming the person she truly is and learning to love herself. It’s a difficult balance and a common experience for most young people as they become more independent from their parents. Oduye’s performance as Alike is a highlight of the movie, as she carries the story’s emotional weight and keeps us immersed in Alike’s experience and evolving place in the world.