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[+] Top10nerScore83.360 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Stephen Chbosky
WRITERS: Stephen Chbosky
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Andrew Dunn
STARRING: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott
GENRE: Psychological Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Teen Movie
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1991. High school freshman Charlie is a wallflower, always watching life from the sidelines, until two senior students, Sam and her stepbrother Patrick, become his mentors, helping him discover the joys of friendship, music and love.
Heartfelt and deeply resonant, The Perks of Being a Wallflower masterfully navigates youth’s emotional terrain, blending humor and vulnerability. Its rich portrayal of identity, connection, and the bittersweet charm of growing up leaves a lasting impression.
[+] Top10nerScore83.583 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Shane Meadows
WRITERS: Shane Meadows, Andrew Vickers
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Danny Cohen
STARRING: Thomas Turgoose, Stephen Graham, Jo Hartley, Andrew Shim
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
A story about a troubled boy growing up in England, set in 1983. He comes across a few skinheads on his way home from school, after a fight. They become his new best friends, even like family. Based on experiences of director Shane Meadows.
This Is England is a compelling coming-of-age film that delves into 1980s British youth culture, blending personal growth with socio-political commentary. Its authentic portrayal of adolescence amidst societal turmoil offers a poignant and thought-provoking experience.
[+] Top10nerScore83.618 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Abdellatif Kechiche
WRITERS: Abdellatif Kechiche, Ghalya Lacroix
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sofian El Fani
STARRING: Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Salim Kéchiouche
GENRE: Romance, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, LGBTQ+
Adèle’s life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire, to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adele grows, seeks herself, loses herself, finds herself.
Blue Is the Warmest Color is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale, painting a vivid portrait of desire, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Through its unflinching intimacy and powerful performances, the film captures the messy beauty of youth and the transformative power of first love.
[+] Top10nerScore83.829 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Juro Sugimura
STARRING: Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Keiko Toda, Minami Takayama, Kappei Yamaguchi
STARRING (ENGLISH): Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Tress MacNeille, Janeane Garofalo, Matthew Lawrence
GENRE: Anime, Low Fantasy
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Family
A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.
In Kiki’s Delivery Service, Miyazaki beautifully explores a young witch’s journey toward self-reliance and purpose. Overflowing with charm and warmth, this delightful tale balances personal growth, resilience, and breathtaking artistry, making it timelessly relatable.
[+] Top10nerScore83.859 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Greta Gerwig
WRITERS: Greta Gerwig
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yorick Le Saux
STARRING: Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep
GENRE: Period Drama, Family Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Four sisters come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Gerwig’s Little Women deftly reimagines Alcott’s beloved novel, weaving past and present into a rich tapestry of sisterhood, self-discovery, and dreams. With nuanced performances and bold storytelling, it warmly bridges 19th-century struggles with modern aspirations.
[+] Top10nerScore83.964 / 100
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DIRECTOR: George Lucas
WRITERS: Willard Huyck, George Lucas, Gloria Katz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ron Eveslage, Jan D’Alquen
STARRING: Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Wolfman Jack
GENRE: Comedy, Drama, Period Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Teen Movie, Slice of Life
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
At the end of the summer of 1962 in Southern California, a group of friends gather together to spend one last night cruising their hometown before they all part ways for college in the fall.
A nostalgic and heartfelt coming-of-age classic, American Graffiti captures the essence of youth, freedom, and the bittersweet transition from adolescence. George Lucas’ vibrant storytelling paints a portrait of friendship, love, and the magic of summer nights.
[+] Top10nerScore84.107 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Andrey Zvyagintsev
WRITERS: Aleksandr Novototskiy-Vlasov, Vladimir Moiseenko
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mikhail Krichman
STARRING: Vladimir Garin, Ivan Dobronravov, Konstantin Lavronenko
GENRE: Family Drama
THEME: Road Movie, Coming-of-Age
A story of two Russian boys whose father suddenly returns home after a 12-year absence. He takes the boys on a holiday to a remote island on a lake that turns into a test of manhood of almost mythic proportions.
The Return explores the quiet complexities of growing up, as two brothers navigate the sudden return of their estranged father. The film’s haunting atmosphere and layered performances highlight the emotional journey of reconciliation and self-discovery.
[+] Top10nerScore84.221 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Singleton
WRITERS: John Singleton
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Charles Mills
STARRING: Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Hood Film, Coming-of-Age
Follows the lives of three young males living in the Crenshaw ghetto of Los Angeles, dissecting questions of race, relationships, violence, and future prospects.
A sharp, heartfelt look at life in South Central LA, Boyz n the Hood expertly balances tough realism with emotional resonance. Through its compelling characters, it captures the challenges of growing up amid systemic struggles, highlighting resilience and the power of choice.
[+] Top10nerScore84.323 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Xavier Dolan
WRITERS: Xavier Dolan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: André Turpin
STARRING: Anne Dorval, Antoine-Olivier Pilon, Suzanne Clément, Alexandre Goyette
GENRE: Family Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
A peculiar neighbor offers hope to a recent widow who is struggling to raise a teenager who is unpredictable and, sometimes, violent.
Mommy excels as a raw, heart-wrenching coming-of-age story, beautifully portraying the complexities of motherhood and adolescence. Dolan’s striking direction and powerful performances create an emotionally charged narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
[+] Top10nerScore84.486 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Nicolas Roeg
WRITERS: Nicolas Roeg, Edward Bond
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Nicolas Roeg
STARRING: Jenny Agutter, Luc Roeg, David Gulpilil
GENRE: Adventure, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Survival
MOVEMENT: Australian New Wave
Two city-bred siblings are stranded in the Australian Outback, where they learn to survive with the aid of an Aboriginal boy on his “walkabout”: a ritual separation from his tribe.
A mesmerizing exploration of youth and survival, Walkabout deftly captures the raw essence of adolescence. Its stark beauty and poignant story offer a profound reflection on identity and connection, immersing audiences in a transformative journey through the Australian outback.
[+] Top10nerScore84.895 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Emir Kusturica
WRITERS: Emir Kusturica, Gordan Mihić
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vilko Filač
STARRING: Davor Dujmović, Bora Todorović, Ljubica Adžović, Husnija Hašimović
GENRE: Drama, Crime, Magical Realism
THEME: Coming-of-Age
In this luminous tale set in the former Yugoslavia, Perhan, an engaging young Romany with telekinetic powers, is seduced by the quick-cash world of petty crime that threatens to destroy him and those he loves.
Time of the Gypsies expertly blends magical realism with a poignant coming-of-age story. The film captures the journey of a young man seeking identity and belonging, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Romani culture, rich with emotion and transformative experiences.
[+] Top10nerScore85.106 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Pete Docter
WRITERS: Pete Docter, Josh Cooley, Meg LeFauve
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Patrick Lin
STARRING: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling
GENRE: Computer Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Low Fantasy
THEME: Family, Coming-of-Age
Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Riley’s guiding emotions— Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness—live in Headquarters, the control centre inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life and tries to keep things positive, but the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.
Inside Out creatively navigates the emotional landscape of adolescence, offering a whimsical yet profound look at growing pains. With its vibrant world and insightful characters, it beautifully showcases how internal struggles shape personal growth and understanding.
[+] Top10nerScore85.461 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Yoshifumi Kondo
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Atsushi Okui
STARRING: Yoko Honna, Issey Takahashi, Takashi Tachibana, Shigeru Muroi, Shigeru Tsuyuguchi
STARRING (ENGLISH): Brittany Snow, David Gallagher, James Sikking, Jean Smart, Cary Elwes
GENRE: Anime, Romance, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Shizuku lives a simple life, dominated by her love for stories and writing. One day she notices that all the library books she has have been previously checked out by the same person: ‘Seiji Amasawa’.
A tender, animated gem, Whisper of the Heart gracefully traces the path from youthful uncertainty to self-realization. With its enchanting visuals and genuine emotional depth, it’s a beautiful reminder that the pursuit of dreams begins from within.
[+] Top10nerScore85.565 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Louis Malle
WRITERS: Louis Malle
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Renato Berta
STARRING: Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejtö, Francine Racette, Stanislas Carré de Malberg, Philippe Morier-Genoud, François Négret, François Berléand
GENRE: War, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Au revoir les enfants tells a heartbreaking story of friendship and devastating loss concerning two boys living in Nazi-occupied France. At a provincial Catholic boarding school, the precocious youths enjoy true camaraderie—until a secret is revealed. Based on events from writer-director Malle’s own childhood, the film is a subtle, precisely observed tale of courage, cowardice, and tragic awakening.
[+] Top10nerScore85.829 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Naoko Yamada
WRITERS: Reiko Yoshida
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kazuya Takao
STARRING: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yuki
GENRE: Melodrama, Anime
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Shouya Ishida starts bullying the new girl in class, Shouko Nishimiya, because she is deaf. But as the teasing continues, the rest of the class starts to turn on Shouya for his lack of compassion. When they leave elementary school, Shouko and Shouya do not speak to each other again… until an older, wiser Shouya, tormented by his past behaviour, decides he must see Shouko once more. He wants to atone for his sins, but is it already too late…?
A Silent Voice is a heartfelt exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the nuances of human connection. With breathtaking animation and emotionally resonant storytelling, it invites viewers to reflect on personal growth, empathy, and the power of second chances.
[+] Top10nerScore86.267 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
WRITERS: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kazuto Izumita
STARRING: Yuumi Kawai, Mizuki Yoshida
STARRING (ENGLISH): Valerie Rose Lohman, Grace Lu
GENRE: Anime, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share the space with Kyomoto, a truant recluse whose beautiful artwork sparks a competitive fervor in Fujino. What starts as jealousy transforms when Fujino realizes their shared passion for drawing.
Look Back is a poignant coming-of-age story that beautifully captures the transformative journey of two young artists finding common ground. Through jealousy, rivalry, and collaboration, the film explores the emotional highs and lows of youth and the pursuit of creative dreams.
[+] Top10nerScore86.363 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Nicholas Ray
WRITERS: Nicholas Ray, Stewart Stern
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ernest Haller
STARRING: James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo
GENRE: Drama, Melodrama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Teen Movie
After moving to a new town, troublemaking teen Jim Stark is supposed to have a clean slate, although being the new kid in town brings its own problems. While searching for some stability, Stark forms a bond with a disturbed classmate, Plato, and falls for local girl Judy. However, Judy is the girlfriend of neighborhood tough, Buzz. When Buzz violently confronts Jim and challenges him to a drag race, the new kid’s real troubles begin.
Rebel Without a Cause remains an iconic coming-of-age film, blending youthful angst and rebellion with heart-wrenching emotional depth. Dean’s raw performance and the film’s exploration of troubled youth resonate across generations, offering timeless social commentary.
[+] Top10nerScore86.486 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Mulligan
WRITERS: Horton Foote
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Russell Harlan
STARRING: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, Brock Peters
GENRE: Legal Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Southern Gothic
Scout Finch, 6, and her older brother Jem live in sleepy Maycomb, Alabama, spending much of their time with their friend Dill and spying on their reclusive and mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley. When Atticus, their widowed father and a respected lawyer, defends a black man named Tom Robinson against fabricated rape charges, the trial and tangent events expose the children to evils of racism and stereotyping.
A touching exploration of innocence, racial injustice, and moral awakening, To Kill a Mockingbird deftly portrays the growth of young hearts in a world filled with complexities. Its portrayal of childhood wonder and stark reality remains unmatched.
[+] Top10nerScore86.489 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Gus Van Sant
WRITERS: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jean-Yves Escoffier
STARRING: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, Minnie Driver
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Will Hunting has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau, who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire.
A heartfelt exploration of personal growth, Good Will Hunting beautifully captures the transformative journey of a young genius. Its sharp dialogue, tender performances, and layers of emotional depth make it a definitive coming-of-age story that resonates universally.
[+] Top10nerScore86.520 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Isao Takahata
WRITERS: Isao Takahata, Riko Sakaguchi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Keisuke Nakamura
STARRING: Aki Asakura, Kengo Kora, Nobuko Miyamoto, Takeo Chii, Atsuko Takahata
STARRING (ENGLISH): Chloë Grace Moretz, Darren Criss, Mary Steenburgen, James Caan, Lucy Liu
GENRE: Fairy Tale, Anime, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter and his wife, a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady. The mysterious young princess enthralls all who encounter her – but ultimately she must confront her fate, the punishment for her crime.
A visually stunning journey, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya masterfully captures the bittersweet essence of growing up. Its unique animation style amplifies the poignant coming-of-age narrative, blending timeless folklore with universal themes of identity and transformation.
[+] Top10nerScore86.709 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Federico Fellini
WRITERS: Federico Fellini, Tonino Guerra
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giuseppe Rotunno
STARRING: Bruno Zanin, Pupella Maggio, Armando Brancia, Ciccio Ingrassia, Magali Noël, Maria Antonietta Beluzzi
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life
In an Italian seaside town, young Titta gets into trouble with his friends and watches various local eccentrics as they engage in often absurd behavior. Frequently clashing with his stern father and defended by his doting mother, Titta witnesses the actions of a wide range of characters, from his extended family to Fascist loyalists to sensual women, with certain moments shifting into fantastical scenarios.
[+] Top10nerScore86.816 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Cameron Crowe
WRITERS: Cameron Crowe
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Toll
STARRING: Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Zooey Deschane, Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Noah Taylor, Philip Seymour Hoffman
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Road Movie, Music
In 1973, 15-year-old William Miller’s unabashed love of music and aspiration to become a rock journalist lands him an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to interview and tour with the up-and-coming band, Stillwater.
Almost Famous effortlessly blends nostalgia and youthful discovery, charting the emotional highs and lows of chasing dreams and friendship. Anchored by stellar performances and a killer soundtrack, it’s a joyous yet bittersweet reflection on finding one’s place in the world.
[+] Top10nerScore87.007 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Luis Buñuel
WRITERS: Luis Buñuel, Luis Alcoriza, Pedro de Urdimalas, Max Aub
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gabriel Figueroa
STARRING: Alfonso Mejía, Roberto Cobo, Javier Amézcua, Alma Delia Fuentes, Francisco Jambrina, Estela Inda, Miguel Inclán
GENRE: Drama, Crime
THEME: Coming-of-Age
A group of juvenile delinquents lives a criminal, violent life in the festering slums of Mexico City, among them the young Pedro, whose morality is gradually corrupted and destroyed by the others.
Coming-of-age at its finest, The Young and the Damned captures the turbulent journey of youth within Mexico City’s gritty underworld. With evocative performances and sharp social critique, it’s a poignant look at hope, survival, and moral awakening against harsh odds.
[+] Top10nerScore87.118 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Makoto Shinkai
WRITERS: Makoto Shinkai
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Makoto Shinkai, Hitomi Fukuzawa
STARRING: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Ryo Narita, Aoi Yuki
GENRE: Anime, Low Fantasy, Romance
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Teen Movie
High schoolers Mitsuha and Taki are complete strangers living separate lives. But one night, they suddenly switch places. Mitsuha wakes up in Taki’s body, and he in hers. This bizarre occurrence continues to happen randomly, and the two must adjust their lives around each other.
Your Name effortlessly weaves a tale of love and self-discovery through breathtaking animation. The narrative’s delicate exploration of identity, time, and connection offers a beautifully emotional ride, capturing the universal quest for meaning and belonging.
[+] Top10nerScore87.252 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hal Ashby
WRITERS: Colin Higgins
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John A. Alonzo
STARRING: Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack
GENRE: Black Comedy, Romance, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
The young Harold lives in his own world of suicide-attempts and funeral visits to avoid the misery of his current family and home environment. Harold meets an 80-year-old woman named Maude who also lives in her own world yet one in which she is having the time of her life. When the two opposites meet they realize that their differences don’t matter and they become best friends and love each other.
Harold and Maude is a delightful exploration of youth and wisdom, blending dark humor with life-affirming moments. Through its unlikely romance, it invites viewers to embrace the unpredictability of love and the joys of unconventional living, all with charm and depth.
