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Coming-of-Age films have a timeless ability to capture the universal journey from innocence to experience, navigating the complexities of identity, growth, and self-discovery. In this list of the 100 Greatest Coming-of-Age Films of All Time, we’ve gathered a selection of the most impactful and beloved films that beautifully chart the turbulent yet exhilarating path from adolescence to adulthood. These films were chosen not only for their widespread audience praise and critical acclaim, but also for their ability to capture the essence of personal growth, vulnerability, and resilience.
Each film on this list delves into themes of friendship, love, loss, and transformation, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that resonate with viewers of all ages. From John Hughes’ classic teen dramas that defined a generation, to Greta Gerwig’s fresh, heartfelt explorations of youth and identity, these films present a diverse range of perspectives on what it means to come of age.
So, whether you’re looking to relive those awkward first crushes, bittersweet goodbyes, or life-changing self-discoveries, grab your hoodie, some snacks, and settle in for the ride.
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[+] Top10nerScore79.917 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jeff Nichols
WRITERS: Jeff Nichols
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adam Stone
STARRING: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Reese Witherspoon, Sam Shepard
GENRE: Drama, Crime
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Southern Gothic
Two teenage boys find a fugitive hiding out on an island in the Mississippi River and help him reunite with his lover and escape an avenging family and their armed posse.
Mud captures the raw beauty of adolescence, love, and loyalty against the Mississippi’s moody backdrop. With rich Southern storytelling, nuanced performances, and a bittersweet quest for connection, it resonates as a heartfelt, sun-soaked coming-of-age journey.
[+] Top10nerScore80.051 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Cameron Crowe
WRITERS: Cameron Crowe
CINEMATOGRAPHY: László Kovács
STARRING: John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Lili Taylor, Pamela Adlon, Joan Cusack
GENRE: Drama, Romance
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Teen Movie
A noble underachiever and a beautiful valedictorian fall in love the summer before she goes off to college.
Say Anything… offers a refreshing look at love, growth, and self-discovery, delivering a rare emotional honesty rarely seen in teen films. With its iconic moments and relatable characters, it’s a poignant exploration of life’s pivotal moments and the choices they bring.
[+] Top10nerScore80.060 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Paul Thomas Anderson
WRITERS: Paul Thomas Anderson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Paul Thomas Anderson, Michael Bauman
STARRING: Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Benny Safdie
GENRE: Comedy
THEME: Coming-of-Age
The story of Gary Valentine and Alana Kane growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.
A nostalgic, bittersweet coming-of-age tale, Licorice Pizza captures the thrill and confusion of young love, beautifully blending humor and poignancy. Anderson’s direction and the leads’ chemistry create an endearing exploration of personal growth and self-discovery.
[+] Top10nerScore80.117 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Richard Ayoade
WRITERS: Richard Ayoade
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Erik Wilson
STARRING: Craig Roberts, Yasmin Paige, Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine, Noah Taylor
GENRE: Black Comedy, Romance, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Preoccupied with losing his virginity before his 16th birthday, Welsh teenager Oliver sets out to woo his feisty classmate Jordana. At home, he focuses on holding his family together.
Submarine delicately navigates the awkward and tumultuous waters of adolescence with wit and charm. A quirky yet sincere coming-of-age tale, it balances humor and heart, offering a refreshingly honest portrayal of young love and self-discovery.
[+] Top10nerScore80.177 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Amy Heckerling
WRITERS: Amy Heckerling
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bill Pope
STARRING: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Donald Faison
GENRE: Comedy
THEME: Teen Movie, Coming-of-Age
Cher, a high school student in Beverly Hills, must survive the ups and downs of adolescent life. Her external demeanor at first seems superficial, but rather it hides her wit, charm, and intelligence which help her to deal with relationships, friends, family and school.
Clueless effortlessly captures the chaotic yet charming world of adolescence. With its snappy dialogue and vibrant performances, it offers a delightful mix of humor, heart, and a sharp eye for the quirks of teen social life and the pursuit of self-identity.
[+] Top10nerScore80.238 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Lasse Hallström
WRITERS: Peter Hedges
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist
STARRING: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, Darlene Cates
GENRE: Family Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Life isn’t easy for Gilbert Grape: when his father dies, he has to put his dreams on hold to take care of his overweight mother, two sisters and an autistic brother in a small, Midwestern town. But when a mysterious girl moves to town with her grandparents, Gilbert’s life begins to change.
A tender exploration of family, responsibility, and self-discovery, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape shines with emotional depth. Leonardo DiCaprio’s career-defining performance and Johnny Depp’s subtlety anchor this heartfelt coming-of-age story about life’s complexities.
[+] Top10nerScore80.266 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Eliza Hittman
WRITERS: Eliza Hittman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hélène Louvart
STARRING: Sidney Flanigan, Talia Ryder
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
A pair of teenage girls in rural Pennsylvania travel to New York City to seek out medical help after an unintended pregnancy.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always is a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and resilience, portraying the struggles of young adulthood with raw authenticity. Its unflinching focus on empathy and connection makes it a deeply resonant exploration of personal courage and support.
[+] Top10nerScore80.284 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Kelly Fremon Craig
WRITERS: Kelly Fremon Craig
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tim Ives
STARRING: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Batese, Elle Graham, Benny Safdi
GENRE: Family Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
When her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. seamlessly adapts Judy Blume’s beloved classic, blending humor, earnestness, and discovery. It’s a heartfelt exploration of adolescence, tackling questions of identity, family, and friendship with refreshing candor and emotional clarity.
[+] Top10nerScore80.334 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
WRITERS: Jesse Andrews
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Chung Chung-hoon
STARRING: Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, RJ Cyler, Connie Britton, Nick Offerman
GENRE: Drama, Comedy
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Teen Movie
Greg is coasting through senior year of high school as anonymously as possible, avoiding social interactions like the plague while secretly making spirited, bizarre films with Earl, his only friend. But both his anonymity and friendship threaten to unravel when his mother forces him to befriend a classmate with leukemia.
Blending offbeat humor with heartfelt emotion, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl crafts a witty, visually inventive exploration of teenage creativity, deep friendships, and the struggles of navigating life’s unexpected challenges with honesty, grace, and humor.
[+] Top10nerScore80.510 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Daniel Ribeiro
WRITERS: Daniel Ribeiro
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pierre de Kerchove
STARRING: Ghilherme Lobo, Fábio Audi, Tess Amorim, Lúcia Romano
GENRE: Romance, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, LGBTQ+
Leonardo is a blind teenager searching for independence. His everyday life, the relationship with his best friend Giovana, and the way he sees the world change completely with the arrival of Gabriel.
A tender coming-of-age tale, The Way He Looks explores first love, friendship, and independence with heartfelt authenticity. Through sensitive performances and a fresh perspective on teenage life, it captures the universal longing for connection and self-discovery.
[+] Top10nerScore80.644 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Isao Takahata
WRITERS: Isao Takahata
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hisao Shirai
STARRING: Miki Imai, Toshiro Yanagiba, Yoko Honna
STARRING (ENGLISH): Daisy Ridley, Dev Patel, Alison Fernandez
GENRE: Anime, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life
It’s 1982, and Taeko is 27 years old, unmarried, and has lived her whole life in Tokyo. She decides to visit her family in the countryside, and as the train travels through the night, memories flood back of her younger years: the first immature stirrings of romance, the onset of puberty, and the frustrations of math and boys.
A beautifully reflective tale, Only Yesterday explores the quiet complexities of growing up and finding oneself. Through vivid memories and delicate animation, it masterfully captures the bittersweet transition from childhood innocence to adulthood’s realizations.
[+] Top10nerScore80.668 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sean Wang
WRITERS: Sean Wang
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sam Davis
STARRING: Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua
GENRE: Drama, Comedy
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life
In 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.
Dìdi is a poignant, semi-autobiographical exploration of teenage angst, offering a sharp, self-aware reflection on youth. Writer-director Sean Wang crafts a deeply moving and personal narrative, blending vulnerability with wit in this heartfelt cinematic journey.
[+] Top10nerScore80.721 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Lynne Ramsay
WRITERS: Lynne Ramsay
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alwin H. Küchler
STARRING: William Eadie, Tommy Flanagan, Mandy Matthews, Michelle Stewart
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
James Gillespie is 12 years old. The world he knew is changing. Haunted by a secret, he has become a stranger in his own family. He is drawn to the canal where he creates a world of his own. He finds an awkward tenderness with Margaret Anne, a vulnerable 14 year old expressing a need for love in all the wrong ways, and befriends Kenny, who possesses an unusual innocence in spite of the harsh surroundings.
Against the harsh landscape of 1970s Glasgow, Ratcatcher beautifully captures a young boy’s passage into an unforgiving world. Through a blend of raw emotions and fleeting moments of tenderness, it crafts an unforgettable portrait of childhood’s darker corners.
[+] Top10nerScore80.802 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Olivia Wilde
WRITERS: Sarah Haskins, Emily Halpern, Katie Silberman, Susanna Fogel
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jason McCormick
STARRING: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jason Sudeikis, Lisa Kudrow, Will Forte, Jessica Williams
GENRE: Comedy
THEME: Teen Movie, Buddy, Coming-of-Age
Two academic teenage superstars realize, on the eve of their high school graduation, that they should have worked less and played more. Determined to never fall short of their peers, the girls set out on a mission to cram four years of fun into one night.
A sharp, vibrant exploration of youth’s last hurrah, Booksmart perfectly balances humor and heart. The film expertly unpacks friendship, ambition, and the pressures of growing up, offering a fresh, joyous, and deeply relatable take on the coming-of-age journey.
[+] Top10nerScore80.806/ 100
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DIRECTOR: Lindsay Anderson
WRITERS: David Sherwin, John Howlett
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Miroslav Ondříček
STARRING: Malcolm McDowell, David Wood, Richard Warwick, Christine Noonan
GENRE: Satire, Black Comedy, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
MOVEMENT: British New Wave
Teenage misfit and rebel Mick Travis’ anti-social behavior and petty larceny soon attracts the attention of the sadistic gang, Whips, and the authority of his upper crust English school, leading to an unexpected showdown.
With its rebellious energy and biting social critique, if… expertly blends surrealism and youthful defiance, capturing the tumult of adolescence. A provocative coming-of-age tale that reflects the power of youth, questioning authority and the desire for freedom.
[+] Top10nerScore80.878 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Atsushi Okui
STARRING: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Ko Shibasaki, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Takuya Kimura, Shohei Hino
STARRING (ENGLISH): Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh, Karen Fukuhara, Gemma Chan, Christian Bale, Mark Hamill
GENRE: Adventure, Portal Fantasy, Anime
THEME: Coming-of-Age
A young boy named Mahito, yearning for his mother, ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. There, death comes to an end, and life finds a new beginning.
A visually stunning journey that intertwines fantasy and grief, The Boy and the Heron explores the emotional turbulence of youth. With rich symbolism and Hayao Miyazaki’s signature whimsy, it crafts a poignant tale of growth, loss, and self-discovery.
[+] Top10nerScore80.975 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Siân Heder
WRITERS: Siân Heder
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Paula Huidobro
STARRING: Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Eugenio Derbez
GENRE: Family Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music and her fear of abandoning her parents.
CODA gracefully explores the delicate journey of finding one’s voice amidst family loyalty and personal dreams. With powerful performances and a fresh perspective on deaf culture, this film is a touching, hopeful tale of growth and resilience.
[+] Top10nerScore80.995 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Mike Mills
WRITERS: Mike Mills
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sean Porter
STARRING: Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, Elle Fanning, Lucas Jade Zumann, Billy Crudup
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
In Santa Barbara, determined single mother Dorothea is in her 50s and raising her teenage son Jamie at a moment of cultural change. To help Jamie’s upbringing she enlists two younger women: the free-spirited artist Abbie lodging in Dorothea’s home, and Julie, a savvy, provocative teenage neighbor.
A heartfelt exploration of personal growth, 20th Century Women captures the complexities of adolescence through a vibrant ensemble. Its nuanced characters and rich 1970s backdrop paint a vivid portrait of self-discovery, offering warmth, humor, and deep reflection.
[+] Top10nerScore81.042 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sofia Coppola
WRITERS: Sofia Coppola
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Edward Lachman
STARRING: Kirsten Dunst, James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Josh Hartnett
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
A group of male friends become obsessed with five mysterious sisters who are sheltered by their strict, religious parents.
The Virgin Suicides delicately captures the fleeting innocence of youth, with Sofia Coppola’s haunting direction blending nostalgia and melancholy. Its portrayal of longing, isolation, and the complexity of adolescence leaves an indelible mark on the coming-of-age genre.
[+] Top10nerScore81.163 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Lukas Moodysson
WRITERS: Lukas Moodysson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ulf Brantås
STARRING: Oksana Akinshina, Artyom Bogucharsky
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Estonian teenager Lilya lives in squalor, dreaming of a better life. Desperate for money, she turns to prostitution and meets Andrei who offers her a job in Sweden. Once there, her world spirals deep into depravity.
Lilya 4-ever delivers a harrowing yet poignant exploration of youth and resilience. Its raw portrayal of a girl’s fight for survival is a powerful coming-of-age story, intertwining heartbreak with hope, and presenting the cruelty and beauty of growing up.
[+] Top10nerScore81.198 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jason Reitman
WRITERS: Diablo Cody
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Eric Steelberg
STARRING: Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, J.K. Simmons, Allison Janney
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Teen Movie
Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, sixteen year old high-schooler, Juno MacGuff, makes an unusual decision regarding her unborn child.
Juno is a brilliantly quirky exploration of adolescence, choice, and the complexities of growing up. With its smart, heartfelt dialogue and standout performances, the film captures the messy yet beautiful nature of navigating life’s unpredictable twists.
[+] Top10nerScore81.206 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hou Hsiao-hsien
WRITERS: Hou Hsiao-hsien, Chu Tien-wen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mark Lee Ping-Bing
STARRING: Yu An-Shun, Tien Feng, Mei Fang, Ru-Yun Tang, Hsin Shu-Fen
GENRE: Family Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life
MOVEMENT: Taiwanese New Wave
An autobiographical film based on Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s memories of his youth growing up in Taiwan after emigrating from mainland China.
A poignant exploration of youth, familial bonds, and cultural identity, The Time to Live and the Time to Die captures the bittersweet passage from childhood to adulthood. Its delicate portrayal of personal growth and emotional struggle resonates deeply, beautifully universal.
[+] Top10nerScore81.255 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Theo Angelopoulos
WRITERS: Theo Angelopoulos, Tonino Guerra, Thanassis Valtinos
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giorgos Arvanitis
STARRING: Tania Palaiologou, Michalis Zeke, Stratos Tzortzoglou
GENRE: Drama, Slow Cinema
THEME: Road Movie, Coming-of-Age
Two children search for their father who is supposed to live in Germany. Their obsession for this father figure will take them to the boundaries between childhood and adolescence.
Landscape in the Mist is a profound exploration of childhood innocence and the human spirit. Theo Angelopoulos crafts a cinematic journey that delves into the complexities of life, leaving a lasting impact on viewers with its thought-provoking storytelling and impeccable cinematography.
[+] Top10nerScore81.391 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Brian De Palma
WRITERS: Lawrence D. Cohen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mario Tosi
STARRING: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, John Travolta, Amy Irving, Nancy Allen
GENRE: Drama, Supernatural Horror
THEME: Coming-of-Age
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
Carrie White, a shy and troubled teenage girl who is tormented by her high school peers and her fanatically religious mother, begins to use her powers of telekinesis to exact revenge upon them.
De Palma’s Carrie expertly blends horror with the delicate turmoil of adolescence. A chilling exploration of isolation, power, and revenge, it underscores the vulnerable yet explosive nature of growing up, making Carrie’s transformation unforgettable.
[+] Top10nerScore81.418 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ermanno Olmi
WRITERS: Ermanno Olmi, Ettore Lombardo
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lamberto Caimi
STARRING: Sandro Panseri, Loredana Detto
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
With his family mired in financial troubles, Domenico moves to Milan, Italy, from his small town to get a job in lieu of furthering his education. A lack of options forces him to take a position as a messenger at a big company, where he hopes to receive a promotion soon. There, Domenico meets Antonietta, a young woman in a similar situation as himself. The two form a tentative relationship, but the soulless nature of their jobs threatens to keep them apart.
Il Posto captures the bittersweet shift from youthful idealism to adulthood. Through its subtle narrative and unhurried pace, the film paints a vivid portrait of a young man’s first steps into the working world, gently reflecting the intricacies of growing up.
