Whether you're reminiscing about your own teenage years or experiencing them for the first time, you’re never too old to indulge in coming-of-age movies.
Perfectly capturing the heartfelt stories capture growing up, celebrating friendships, dreams, and the challenges that shape us, these movies hold a special place in our hearts. Offering a powerful reminder that growing up is both beautiful and messy, get ready for a journey of self-discovery with some of the top coming-of-age films that will never get old!
Moonlight (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅98%
Academy Award-winning Moonlight is a beautifully crafted indie film and a breathtaking story of self-discovery. Follow Chiron – a young man growing up in Miami – as he deals with the challenges of identity and sexuality across three key stages of his life. This is storytelling at its finest—raw, real, and absolutely unforgettable.
Stand By Me (1986)
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅92%
Ready for an adventure that’s all heart? Based on Stephen King's 1982 novella The Body, Stand by Me takes you on a nostalgic trip back to the 1950s, where four boys set out to find a missing body and end up discovering so much more. It's a moving and powerful look at those childhood moments that can change us forever.
How to build a girl (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅79%
Follow a young girls' transformation from a quirky high schooler to fearless music journalist in 1990s London. With a soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates the era and a story that resonates with anyone who's ever felt out of place.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅89%
Don't you forget about... the iconic 80s cult classic that is The Breakfast Club. This classic indie story sees five students who are nothing alike spend all day together in detention in their school library, as discover they have a lot more in common than they originally thought! It’ll make you laugh, cry, and even maybe see yourself as part of the club...
Somers Town (2008)
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅96%
Two teenage boys stumble into an unexpected friendship in the vibrant Somers Town neighbourhood, as their bond strengthens, they find out just how powerful friendship and community can be. Somers Town offers a charming look at two young boys trying to find their place in the world.
Clueless (1995)
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅81%
You’ve never seen Clueless? As if!
Alicia Silverstone shines as Cher Horowitz, a savvy American high schooler determined to transform her new friend Tai (Brittany Murphy) into a social sensation. But when Tai’s popularity starts to eclipse her own, Cher finds herself questioning her friendships and what really matters.
Short Term 12 (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅98%
Meet Grace (Brie Larson), a group home worker who’s not just helping at-risk teens but also constantly dealing with her own personal battles. As she connects with the kids, she’s compelled to confront her own life challenges. If real-life, character-driven stories are your thing, this is definitely one to add to your watch list!
Billy Elliot (2000)
Available to watch ITVX
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅 85%
Who doesn’t love a movie with a sprinkle of history on top? During the 1984-1985 miners’ strike, young working-class Billy Elliot breaks all conventions to follow his passion for ballet. With family pressures and plenty of obstacles in his way, Billy pushes through and proves that chasing your dreams is always worth it!
This stereotype-defying musical drama is one for the ages!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅85%
Charlie is a quiet teen with a lot on his mind, who’s about to find out what it really means to belong. Through new friendships and first love, Charlie learns how to step into the spotlight and embrace life. It's a raw and honest, emotional story that’ll remind you just how powerful connection can be.
We have plentyyyy of great film recommendations, so grab the popcorn! And don’t forget to sign up to the Freely newsletter so you don’t miss anyyyyy of the latest film scoops!
