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[+] Top10nerScore87.605 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Richard Linklater
WRITERS: Richard Linklater
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lee Daniel
STARRING: Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Rory Cochrane
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
THEME: Teen Movie, Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life
The adventures of a group of Texas teens on their last day of school in 1976, centering on student Randall Floyd, who moves easily among stoners, jocks and geeks. Floyd is a star athlete, but he also likes smoking weed, which presents a conundrum when his football coach demands he sign a “no drugs” pledge.
A quintessential coming-of-age tale, Dazed and Confused captures the chaos, camaraderie, and angst of 1970s youth. Linklater’s authentic direction and memorable characters immortalize the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood with wit and charm.
[+] Top10nerScore87.960 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Hughes
WRITERS: John Hughes
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas Del Ruth
STARRING: Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, Paul Gleason, John Kapelos
GENRE: Drama, Comedy
THEME: Teen Movie, Coming-of-Age, Chamber Film
Five disparate high school students meet in Saturday detention, and discover they have a lot more in common than they thought.
A detention like no other, The Breakfast Club dives into teenage identity and social barriers. With Hughes’ poignant writing, it transforms cliques into confidants, blending humor and vulnerability to portray the raw, messy beauty of adolescence with unmatched charm.
[+] Top10nerScore88.157 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Peter Weir
WRITERS: Tom Schulman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Seale
STARRING: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
At an elite, old-fashioned boarding school in New England, a passionate English teacher inspires his students to rebel against convention and seize the potential of every day, courting the disdain of the stern headmaster.
Dead Poets Society stands tall as a heartfelt coming-of-age tale, where the power of poetry and unorthodox teaching ignite self-discovery. Robin Williams’ inspiring performance reminds us to seize the day and embrace our passions, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
[+] Top10nerScore88.239 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Charlotte Wells
WRITERS: Charlotte Wells
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gregory Oke
STARRING: Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio
GENRE: Family Drama
THEME: Slice of Life, Coming-of-Age
Sophie reflects on the shared joy and private melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years earlier. Memories real and imagined fill the gaps between miniDV footage as she tries to reconcile the father she knew with the man she didn’t.
Aftersun weaves a tender coming-of-age narrative, exploring fragmented memories of a father-daughter bond. Its emotional depth and nuanced storytelling create an evocative portrait of adolescence, self-discovery, and the bittersweet passage of time.
[+] Top10nerScore88.502 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson
WRITERS: Owen Wilson, Wes Anderson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert D. Yeoman
STARRING: Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
When a beautiful first-grade teacher arrives at a prep school, she soon attracts the attention of an ambitious teenager named Max, who quickly falls in love with her. Max turns to the father of two of his schoolmates for advice on how to woo the teacher. However, the situation soon gets complicated when Max’s new friend becomes involved with her, setting the two pals against one another in a war for her attention.
Rushmore is a witty, emotionally rich film that captures the complexities of youth. With Anderson’s signature style, it pairs absurd humor with poignant moments, while Schwartzman and Murray deliver performances that make Max Fischer’s journey unforgettable.
[+] Top10nerScore88.505 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson
WRITERS: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert D. Yeoman
STARRING: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman
GENRE: Adventure, Comedy, Romance
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle.
Moonrise Kingdom beautifully evokes the spirit of youthful rebellion and discovery. Through its unique visuals and endearing characters, the film draws you into a world where first love and defiance blend into an unforgettable, emotional journey of self-exploration.
[+] Top10nerScore88.766 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Satyajit Ray
WRITERS: Satyajit Ray
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Subrata Mitra
STARRING: Kanu Banerjee, Karuna Banerjee, Pinaki Sengupta, Smaran Ghosal, Santi Gupta
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
MOVEMENT: Parallel Cinema
The second chapter in director Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy (‘Pather Panchali’, ‘Aparajito’, ‘The World of Apu’).
Following Apu and his family to the city, Ray explores the crowded streets and busy waterfront, introducing us to a gallery of unforgettable images and characters. But when tragedy strikes Apu’s family, the boy becomes a man and must choose between the life his father chose — a life of duty and disappointment — or a life of his own.
Aparajito delicately captures the poignant journey of youth, weaving a rich coming-of-age tale through a young boy’s evolving relationship with his family, identity, and aspirations. Satyajit Ray’s masterful direction paints a deeply emotional and introspective portrait of growth.
[+] Top10nerScore88.767 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Greta Gerwig
WRITERS: Greta Gerwig
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sam Levy
STARRING: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Beanie Feldstein, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet
GENRE: Family Drama, Comedy
THEME: Coming-of-Age
A California high school student plans to escape from her family and small town by going to college in New York, much to the disapproval of wildly loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed mother.
A poignant and beautifully crafted coming-of-age film, Lady Bird captures the turbulence of adolescence with humor, warmth, and striking honesty. Gerwig’s direction is masterful, while Ronan delivers a standout performance, making the journey of self-discovery unforgettable.
[+] Top10nerScore88.846 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi
WRITERS: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi
STARRING: Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, Simon Abkarian, Gabrielle Lopes Benites, François Jerosme
STARRING (ENGLISH): Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands, Sean Penn, Amethyste Frezignac, Iggy Pop
GENRE: Biopic, Animation
THEME: Coming-of-Age
In 1970s Iran, Marjane ‘Marji’ Statrapi watches events through her young eyes and her idealistic family of a long dream being fulfilled of the hated Shah’s defeat in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. However as Marji grows up, she witnesses first hand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become a repressive tyranny on its own.
Persepolis shines with its bold animation and raw portrayal of youth navigating turbulent times. A deeply personal journey of self-discovery, it gracefully balances humor and heartbreak, revealing the complexities of identity, rebellion, and resilience.
[+] Top10nerScore89.137 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ken Loach
WRITERS: Ken Loach, Tony Garnett, Barry Hines
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Chris Menges
STARRING: David Bradley, Brian Glover, Colin Welland, Lynne Perrie
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
MOVEMENT: British New Wave
A young, English working-class boy spends his free time caring for and training his pet falcon.
Kes tenderly explores the spirit of youth, as Billy’s unlikely friendship with a kestrel offers an escape from his harsh surroundings. The film’s raw depiction of adolescence in a tough, working-class setting resonates with universal themes of hope and identity.
[+] Top10nerScore89.376 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Luca Guadagnino
WRITERS: James Ivory
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom
STARRING: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg
GENRE: Romance, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, LGBTQ+
In 1980s Italy, a relationship begins between seventeen-year-old teenage Elio and the older adult man hired as his father’s research assistant.
Call Me by Your Name beautifully explores the complexities of first love, nostalgia, and identity. Its captivating performances, lush Italian landscapes, and emotional depth create a poignant portrayal of youthful desire and the indelible marks it leaves.
[+] Top10nerScore89.506 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuarón
WRITERS: Alfonso Cuarón, Carlos Cuarón
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Emmanuel Lubezki
STARRING: Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, Maribel Verdú, Ana López Mercado, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Nathan Grinberg
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Road Movie, Coming-of-Age, Buddy
In Mexico, two teenage boys and an attractive older woman embark on a road trip and learn a thing or two about life, friendship, sex, and each other.
A raw, vibrant exploration of friendship, love, and self-discovery, Y Tu Mamá También masterfully captures the chaotic yet transformative journey of youth. Its unflinching look at desire and life’s unpredictability makes it a standout in the coming-of-age genre.
[+] Top10nerScore90.251 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Satyajit Ray
WRITERS: Satyajit Ray
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Subrata Mitra
STARRING: Subir Banerjee, Kanu Banerjee, Karuna Banerjee, Uma Dasgupta, Chunibala Devi
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Slice of Life, Coming-of-Age
MOVEMENT: Parallel Cinema
Impoverished priest Harihar Ray, dreaming of a better life for himself and his family, leaves his rural Bengal village in search of work. Alone, his wife, Sarbojaya, looks after her rebellious daughter, Durga, and her young son, Apu, as well as Harihar’s elderly aunt Indir. The children enjoy the small pleasures of their difficult life, while their parents suffer the daily indignities heaped upon them.
A poignant and visually stunning exploration of childhood, Pather Panchali captures the innocence and struggles of growing up in rural Bengal. With its lyrical storytelling and rich emotional depth, it’s a timeless coming-of-age tale that resonates universally.
[+] Top10nerScore90.472 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Rodney Rothman, Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti
WRITERS: Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord
STARRING: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Kimiko Glenn, John Mulaney, Nicolas Cage, Liev Schreiber, Lily Tomlin
GENRE: Computer Animation, Action, Comedy
THEME: Superhero, Family, Coming-of-Age
Struggling to find his place in the world while juggling school and family, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales is unexpectedly bitten by a radioactive spider and develops unfathomable powers just like the one and only Spider-Man. While wrestling with the implications of his new abilities, Miles discovers a super collider created by the madman Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk, causing others from across the Spider-Verse to be inadvertently transported to his dimension.
Into the Spider-Verse is a visually dazzling, emotionally resonant adventure that redefines the superhero genre. At its core, it explores Miles Morales’ journey of embracing his unique identity, facing challenges, and stepping up as a hero with remarkable depth.
[+] Top10nerScore91.015 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Richard Linklater
WRITERS: Richard Linklater
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lee Daniel, Shane F. Kelly
STARRING: Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Lorelei Linklater
GENRE: Family Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life
The film tells a story of a divorced couple trying to raise their young son. The story follows the boy for twelve years, from first grade at age 6 through 12th grade at age 17-18, and examines his relationship with his parents as he grows.
Boyhood masterfully charts a young boy’s evolution from childhood to adulthood, using a unique 12-year filming process. Linklater’s tender yet strikingly real portrayal of life’s unpredictable phases invites viewers to reminisce on their own personal growth.
[+] Top10nerScore91.082 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
WRITERS: Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton
STARRING: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Moira Kelly, Rowan Atkinson, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella
GENRE: Animation, Musical, Adventure, Epic
THEME: Family, Coming-of-Age, Fable
A young lion prince is cast out of his pride by his cruel uncle, who claims he killed his father. While the uncle rules with an iron paw, the prince grows up beyond the Savannah, living by a philosophy: No worries for the rest of your days. But when his past comes to haunt him, the young prince must decide his fate: Will he remain an outcast or face his demons and become what he needs to be?
Simba’s journey from carefree cub to wise king is an unforgettable exploration of responsibility, loss, and personal growth. With stunning animation, iconic music, and a deeply moving narrative, The Lion King is a timeless classic that captivates hearts across generations.
[+] Top10nerScore91.314 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Mike Nichols
WRITERS: Buck Henry, Calder Willingham
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Surtees
STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, William Daniels, Murray Hamilton
GENRE: Drama, Romance, Comedy
THEME: Coming-of-Age
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
Recent college graduate Ben Braddock returns to his parents’ California home and stumbles through a haze of indecision as he navigates life in the real world. He starts an unexpected sexual relationship with the much older wife of his father’s business partner, only to fall for her daughter as well.
The Graduate captures the disillusionment and complexities of youth with biting wit and sharp insight. Its portrayal of awkward transitions from adolescence to adulthood, coupled with stellar performances, remains a defining entry in the coming-of-age genre.
[+] Top10nerScore91.516 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Peter Bogdanovich
WRITERS: Larry McMurtry, Peter Bogdanovich
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Surtees
STARRING: Timothy Bottoms, Cybill Shepherd, Jeff Bridges, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, Ben Johnson, Randy Quaid, Clu Gulager, Eileen Brennan, Sam Bottoms
GENRE: Period Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
High school seniors and best friends, Sonny and Duane, live in a dying Texas town. The handsome Duane is dating local beauty, Jacy, while Sonny is having an affair with the coach’s wife, Ruth. As graduation nears, both boys contemplate their futures. While Duane eyes the army and Sonny takes over a local business, each boy struggles to figure out if he can escape this dead-end town and build a better life somewhere else.
The Last Picture Show elegantly delves into the complexities of growing up in a small town, where dreams, heartbreaks, and faded youth collide. Its powerful performances and evocative cinematography make it a timeless reflection on the fleeting moments of life.
[+] Top10nerScore92.548 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner
WRITERS: Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas Del Ruth
STARRING: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, Kiefer Sutherland
GENRE: Drama, Adventure
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Buddy
After learning that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go see the body. On the way, Gordie Lachance, Vern Tessio, Chris Chambers and Teddy Duchamp encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys’ adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.
[+] Top10nerScore93.159 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Giuseppe Tornatore
WRITERS: Giuseppe Tornatore, Vanna Paoli
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Blasco Giurato
STARRING: Philippe Noiret, Salvatore Cascio, Jacques Perrin, Marco Leonardi, Agnese Nano, Antonella Attili
GENRE: Melodrama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
Salvatore, a successful filmmaker, remembers his childhood in his war-torn Sicilian village—where the perfect place to escape from life was the Cinema Paradiso. His deep love of films all started there, instilled by Alfredo, the theatre’s projectionist.
A poignant tribute to youth and cinema, Cinema Paradiso beautifully explores the power of film in shaping our lives. Its nostalgic blend of love, loss, and friendship resonates with universal emotions, making it an unforgettable journey through time and memory.
[+] Top10nerScore94.022 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Barry Jenkins
WRITERS: Barry Jenkins, Tarell Alvin McCraney
CINEMATOGRAPHY: James Laxton
STARRING: Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes, Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, André Holland, Jharrel Jerome, Janelle Monáe
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, LGBTQ+
The tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality.
Moonlight blends intimate storytelling with profound emotional depth, capturing the beauty of self-discovery and resilience. Its nuanced portrayal of identity and belonging resonates universally, making it a standout in exploring the complexities of youth and growth.
[+] Top10nerScore95.405 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Edward Yang
WRITERS: Edward Yang, Hung-Ya Yen, Mingtang Lai, Alex Yang
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Chang Hui-kung, Longyu Zhang
STARRING: Chang Chen, Zhang Guozhu, Elaine Jin
GENRE: Drama, Crime, Romance
THEME: Coming-of-Age
MOVEMENT: Taiwanese New Wave
In 1960s Taiwan, a rebellious teenager Xiao Si’r comes of age amid rival street gangs and the “White Terror” witch hunts of Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang government.
A poignant and haunting exploration of youth, A Brighter Summer Day blends delicate coming-of-age moments with the turbulence of 1960s Taiwan. Its rich atmosphere and complex characters create a mesmerizing portrait of innocence, rebellion, and lost opportunities.
[+] Top10nerScore96.071 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Fernando Meirelles
WRITERS: Paulo Lins, Bráulio Mantovani
CINEMATOGRAPHY: César Charlone
STARRING: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva, Alice Braga, Jonathan Haagensen, Seu Jorge, Matheus Nachtergaele
GENRE: Crime, Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age, Hood Film
In the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, two young men choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood, while José “Zé” Pequeno is an ambitious drug dealer diving into a dangerous life of crime.
City of God offers a raw, unforgettable look at youth amidst chaos. With its gripping narrative and vibrant, emotional storytelling, it masterfully explores the coming-of-age journey, capturing the struggles and dreams of individuals striving to break free from their brutal reality.
[+] Top10nerScore96.358 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Atsushi Okui
STARRING: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Yumi Tamai, Bunta Sugawara, Tatsuya Gashuin, Takashi Naito, Yasuko Sawaguchi
STARRING (ENGLISH): Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette, Susan Egan, David Ogden Stiers, Bob Bergen, Michael Chiklis, Lauren Holly
GENRE: Anime, Adventure, Portal Fantasy
THEME: Coming-of-Age
A young girl, Chihiro, becomes trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free her family.
Spirited Away enchants with its breathtaking visuals and a deeply personal tale of transformation. Chihiro’s journey through a mystical world captures the essence of growing up, navigating fear, resilience, and self-reliance in an extraordinary, dreamlike adventure.
[+] Top10nerScore98.246 / 100
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DIRECTOR: François Truffaut
WRITERS: François Truffaut, Marcel Moussy
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Henri Decaë
STARRING: Jean-Pierre Léaud, Claire Maurier, Albert Rémy, Guy Decomble, Georges Flamant
GENRE: Drama
THEME: Coming-of-Age
MOVEMENT: French New Wave
For young Parisian boy Antoine Doinel, life is one difficult situation after another. Surrounded by inconsiderate adults, including his neglectful parents, Antoine spends his days with his best friend, Rene, trying to plan for a better life. When one of their schemes goes awry, Antoine ends up in trouble with the law, leading to even more conflicts with unsympathetic authority figures.
The 400 Blows is a tender yet unflinching look at the complexities of adolescence. Through Truffaut’s masterful direction, the film captures a young boy’s emotional turmoil with remarkable authenticity, exploring themes of freedom, rebellion, and the longing for connection. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, solidifying its place as…
The Greatest Coming-of-Age Film of All Time
| American Beauty | 1999 |
| Badlands | 1973 |
| Ferris Bueller’s Day Off | 1986 |
| Frances Ha | 2012 |
| How Green Was My Valley | 1941 |
| I Was Born, But… | 1932 |
| Let the Right One In | 2008 |
| Little Miss Sunshine | 2006 |
| Love Exposure | 2008 |
| Monster | 2023 |
| Nobody Knows | 2004 |
| Ordinary People | 1980 |
| Petite Maman | 2021 |
| Poor Things | 2023 |
| Room | 2015 |
| Scott Pilgrim vs. the World | 2010 |
| Short Term 12 | 2013 |
| Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring | 2003 |
| The Florida Project | 2017 |
| The Holdovers | 2023 |
| The Worst Person in the World | 2021 |
| Wolfwalkers | 2020 |
| A Bronx Tale | 1993 |
| A Nos Amours | 1983 |
| A Tree Grows in Brooklyn | 1945 |
| American Honey | 2016 |
| Inside Out 2 | 2024 |
| Jojo Rabbit | 2019 |
| La Promesse | 1996 |
| mid90s | 2018 |
| Murmur of the Heart | 1971 |
| Pixote | 1980 |
| Raw | 2016 |
| Rumble Fish | 1983 |
| Splendor in the Grass | 1961 |
| Summer with Monika | 1953 |
| The Edge of Seventeen | 2016 |
| The First Slam Dunk | 2022 |
| The Long Day Closes | 1992 |
| The Squid and the Whale | 2005 |
| Tomboy | 2011 |
| Wadjda | 2012 |
We hope you enjoyed the list and discovered some inspiration for your next movie night.
Happy watching! And make sure to check out our other lists.
But, before you go, don’t forget to…
Agree with our list? Disagree? We want to hear from you!
Share your favorite films, suggest additions to the list, or let us know which films you think should be ranked differently.
