The best movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower capture the raw, emotional journey of adolescence, exploring themes of idenтιтy, friendship, and personal growth. Based on Stephen Chbosky’s novel, the 2012 movie resonated deeply with audiences for its honest portrayal of teenage struggles, from mental health and trauma to love and self-acceptance. Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, the film’s nuanced storytelling, heartfelt performances, and powerful soundtrack make it a standout in the coming-of-age genre.

Movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower offer a deeply personal and often bittersweet look at the highs and lows of growing up. They highlight the beauty of self-discovery, the complexities of relationships, and the importance of human connection. Whether through humor, romance, or introspective drama, these films give a voice to outsiders, misfits, and those navigating the uncertain path to adulthood. For those searching for stories that evoke the same mix of nostalgia, heartache, and hope, these coming-of-age films provide the perfect follow-up.

10

Booksmart (2019)

Directed By Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde’s 2019 coming-of-age comedy Booksmart follows two academically focused best friends, Amy and Molly, who, on the eve of their high school graduation, realize they’ve missed out on the fun aspects of their teenage years. Determined to make up for lost time, they embark on a wild night of adventures. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower will appreciate Booksmart‘s authentic portrayal of teenage friendships, self-discovery, and the challenges of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.​

Booksmart received critical acclaim for its sharp writing and the chemistry between leads Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever. It was praised for subverting typical teen movie tropes by presenting complex, relatable female protagonists. The movie explores issues including homoSєxuality and societal expectations of women, while also managing to craft a beautiful tale that combines the hilarious with the sentimental.

9

Lady Bird (2017)

Directed By Greta Gerwig

Lady Bird is one of the most unique and memorable movies of the past decade, and easily ranks among the best films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Directed by Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird is a semi-autobiographical film that chronicles the life of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), a high school senior in Sacramento yearning for adventure and sophistication.

Lady Bird received widespread critical acclaim, earning five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Ronan. Critics lauded the film for its heartfelt narrative, sharp dialogue, and authentic depiction of mother-daughter relationships, solidifying its place as a modern classic in the coming-of-age genre.

Much like The Perks of Being a Wallfower, Lady Bird deals with many heavy topics in an authentic and subtle manner, showing Lady Bird’s journey. In particular, Lady Bird explores her turbulent relationship with her mother, her romantic endeavors, and her aspirations for the future. Similar to The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Lady Bird delves into the complexities of adolescence, idenтιтy, and familial bonds, resonating with audiences who appreciate nuanced storytelling.

8

An Education (2009)

Directed By Lone Scherfig

Starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, and Rosamund Pike, with a screenplay by seminal British novelist Nick Hornby, An Education follows Jenny (Mulligan), an intelligent schoolgirl who starts dating an older man (Sarsgaard) As their relationship develops, Jenny is introduced to a world of sophistication and glamour, leading her to question her plans for higher education.

Directed by Lone Scherfig, An Education is set in 1960s London, giving it plenty of historic context in addition to its well-handled coming-of-age themes. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower will find parallels in Jenny’s journey of self-discovery, the allure of new experiences, and the challenges of making life-altering decisions during adolescence. Carey Mulligan delivers a standout performance as Jenny, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, and also features strong performances from Peter Sarsgaard and Alfred Molina.

An Education was praised for its intelligent screenplay and its exploration of themes such as maturity, choice, and the influence of societal expectations. The movie’s nuanced portrayal of a young woman’s coming-of-age story will strongly resonate with fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, with the strong performances of the cast rounding off the incredibly solid viewing experience.

7

Billy Elliot (2000)

Directed By Stephen Baldry

Billy Elliot tells the story of a miner’s son from North East England who unwittingly finds a love for ballet. Set in the background of the miner’s strike in the 1980s, the film follows Billy as he struggles to balance his love for ballet with the societal expectations of his working-class community and family.

Similarly to The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Billy Elliot explores themes of self-expression, acceptance, and overcoming adversity, resonating with audiences who appreciate heartfelt narratives. Since its release in 2000, Billy Elliot has become known for being a touching and subtle exploration of growing up, touching on themes of class, social expectations, and Sєxuality.

Jamie Bell’s portrayal of Billy earned him the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Billy Elliot also received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Director for Stephen Daldry. Critics praised Billy Elliot for its uplifting story, compelling performances, and its commentary on social and economic issues. The film’s success led to a popular stage adaptation, further cementing its cultural impact.

6

Blinded By The Light (2019)

Directed By Gurinder Chadha

2019’s Blinded by the Light, directed by Gurinder Chadha, is a wonderful exploration of the life of first-generation migrants, showing the struggles that their children face and how they’re drawn between the culture of their birth country and the culture of their parents. In particular, the movie is inspired by the true story of a British-Pakistani teenager in 1987 England who finds solace and inspiration in the music of Bruce Springsteen.

However, while this is an incredibly specific lens to focus on, it still has plenty in common with The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower will connect with the Blinded by the Light’s themes of self-discovery, the transformative power of art, and the struggles of finding one’s voice amidst adversity. Blinded by the Light received positive reviews for its heartfelt storytelling and the performances of its cast, particularly Viveik Kalra as Javed.

Critics highlighted the film’s ability to intertwine cultural idenтιтy with universal themes of teenage angst and aspiration. Blinded by the Light was noted for its uplifting narrative and its celebration of music as a unifying force, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate stories of personal growth like The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

5

Juno (2007)

Directed By Jason Reitman

Directed by Jason Reitman, 2007’s Juno is a quirky coming-of-age tale that explores the issue of teenage pregnancy with intelligent and poignant humor, combined with one of the best movie soundtracks of the past several decades. The narrative follows the story of Juno (Elliot Page), a witty and unconventional teenager who faces an unplanned pregnancy.

As she navigates the challenges of impending motherhood, Juno forms unexpected relationships and confronts the complexities of adulthood. Similar to The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Juno addresses themes of idenтιтy, responsibility, and the trials of adolescence with humor and sincerity. Starring Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman, and Jennifer Garner, Juno was a critical success and is a must-watch for any fans of coming of age movies.

Elliot Page’s portrayal of Juno garnered critical acclaim, earning him an Academy Award nomination. The movie also won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Diablo Cody. Critics praised Juno for its sharp dialogue, engaging performances, and its fresh take on the coming-of-age genre. Juno’s balance of humor and heartfelt moments resonated with audiences, solidifying its status as a modern classic.

4

Pride (2014)

Directed By Matthew Warchus

While not a traditional coming-of-age movie, 2014’s Pride has a surprising amount in common with The Perks of Being a Wallflower, as it focuses on several characters struggling with acceptance of their own idenтιтies. Directed by Matthew Warchus, Pride is based on the true story of a group of LGBTQ+ activists who supported striking miners in 1984 Wales.

The film showcases the unlikely alliance between two marginalized communities, specifically lesbian women and gay men, highlighting themes of solidarity, acceptance, and the fight against oppression. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower will appreciate the film’s exploration of friendship, courage, and the transformative power of unity in the face of adversity.

The ensemble cast of Pride, which includes Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, and Dominic West, delivers powerful performances that bring authenticity to the narrative. Pride received critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling, humor, and its portrayal of a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. The film won the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival and was widely praised for its uplifting message and sharp balance of humor and drama. In particular, critics lauded Pride for its ability to blend historical significance with deeply personal storytelling.

3

Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Directed By Jim Sharman

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the most iconic movies of all time, with Tim Curry turning in one of the most memorable musical performances of his career for his role as Frank ‘N’ Furter. The 1975 movie is now a cult classic that blends musical, comedy, and horror elements in an exuberant celebration of self-expression and individuality. Rocky Horror follows a straight-laced couple, Brad and Janet, who stumble upon the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a charismatic mad scientist.

Through elaborate musical numbers and outrageous characters, the movie explores themes of idenтιтy, Sєxuality, and liberation. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower will appreciate its message of embracing one’s true self, much like how Charlie finds solace in his group of misfit friends. Any viewer or readers of the Perks of Being a Wallflower will know that The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an important element of Perks, so it is almost required viewing for any fan of the movie.

Interestingly considering its legacy, The Rocky Horror Picture Show initially struggled at the box office but went on to become a midnight screening phenomenon, fostering an interactive fan culture that continues to this day. Its subversive storytelling and catchy soundtrack helped cement its status as an LGBTQ+ icon. The Rocky Horror Picture Show remains a staple for audiences who seek films that challenge norms, celebrate outsiders, and embrace the weird and wonderful aspects of life.

2

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Directed By Jil Gunger

10 Things I Hate About You is an iconic 1990s romcom, and helped to launch the careers of Heath Ledger, Julia Styles, and Joseph Gordon Levitt in the process. Reimagining Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in a modern high school setting, 10 Things I Hate About You follows the rebellious and sharp-tongued Kat Stratford, who initially resists the advances of the charming and equally headstrong Patrick Verona.

Their reluctant romance unfolds in a way that is both humorous and deeply sincere, reminiscent of the emotional depth seen in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Both films explore themes of self-discovery, first love, and finding companionship among life’s outsiders. The undeniable chemistry between Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger makes it one of the most beloved teen films of its era.

Ledger’s unforgettable rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” remains an iconic rom-com moment. 10 Things I Hate About You was praised for its clever dialogue, feminist undertones, and authentic depiction of teenage struggles, making it a standout in the genre. Much like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, 10 Things I Hate About You captures the highs and lows of adolescence with both humor and sincerity, appealing to audiences who enjoy coming-of-age stories with emotional depth.

1

Love, Simon (2018)

Directed By Greg Berlanti

Directed by Greg Berlanti, 2018’s Love, Simon is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama that follows Simon Spier, a high school student struggling with his idenтιтy as he secretly navigates his Sєxuality. When an anonymous online romance begins to blossom, Simon is forced to confront his fears about coming out to his family and friends.

Much like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Love, Simon is a deeply personal story about self-acceptance, friendship, and the importance of finding a support system. Both films tackle themes of isolation and personal growth while offering an uplifting and hopeful narrative. The film, starring Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, and Jennifer Garner, was widely praised for its refreshing and mainstream portrayal of an LGBTQ+ teen romance.

It was groundbreaking as one of the first major studio films centered around an LGBTQ+ protagonist, receiving positive reviews for its warmth, humor, and relatability. Love, Simon resonated with audiences for its honest depiction of the struggles and triumphs of coming out, making it an important and empowering film for young viewers. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower will connect with its heartfelt storytelling and themes of embracing one’s true self.