Coming-of-Age films have always offered a look into the lives of youth at the time they come out. Whether they capture the heartbreaks of high school, finding your identity, or rebellion, all coming-of-age stories serve the same purpose—to show that complex transition from childhood to adulthood. For millennials and Gen Z, a new wave of modern classics has emerged, telling familiar stories with fresh new takes. These five films defined us during our formative years.
5. MOONLIGHT (2016)
Moonlight is a film that tells its story in three chapters. It follows Chiron, a young black man, as he grows up in a rough neighborhood in Miami. Throughout the movie he wrestles with identity, masculinity, and love. The film itself is visually beautiful, and the story is emotionally layered. The film was a Barry Jenkins' Best Picture winner and is both an intimate and relevant coming-of-age story.
4.EIGHTH GRADE (2018)
This film tells the story of a teen (Elise Fisher) who struggles through her final week of middle school while navigating anxiety, social media, and the desire to be seen. Bo Burnham's directorial debut is an honest and empathetic portrayal of what it is like growing up in the age of the internet.
3. EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (2016).
High school junior Nadine's life begins to spiral out of control when she finds out her best friend is dating her older brother. This forces her to confront her own loneliness, grief, and assess her overall self-worth. This film features an outstanding performance by Hailee Steinfeld as she balances the comedy with emotional depth.
2. Booksmart (2019)
Two honor roll student best friends (played by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldsteinrealize) they have spent literally their entire high school lives studying instead of partying. They have now decided it is time to make up for that with one chaotic night. Olivia Wilde's fast-paced, hilarious debut celebrates friendship, self-discovery, and the joy of feeling free and letting go. Booksmart is a fun and fresh take on teen rebellion and finding yourself.
1. LADY BIRD (2017)
Lady Bird is perhaps one of the best films in general of our generation, so it is a no-brainer to us that it is on this list. Christine, "Lady Bird," McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) navigates her final year of high school with dreams of escaping her hometown, clashing with her mother who just wants her to be "normal" and settle down. The movie itself is about self-discovery in the hardest time of your life and truly encompasses the coming-of-age genre and experience. Greta Gerwig's film is deeply personal and perfectly captures the bittersweet awkwardness of adolescence. Lady Bird has quickly become a modern classic and feels timeless.