The student years are an age of discovery, self-reflection, and transformation. You are going through this unique period of life, so how better is it to take stock of your life than to see some of the best come-of-age movies? They represent growing up, what it is like to be young and adult, and the ups and downs of that. Here are the top coming-of-age movies to see when you’re a student to get a little inspiration, a laugh, or just to get your mind in the game about life’s significant issues.
Top Coming-of-Age Films for Students
Coming-of-age films are great for young people to relate to and reflect on their childhood experiences. These films explore the challenges of youth, making them highly relatable. Here are some of the best movies that every student should watch.
1.The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
From Stephen Chbosky’s bestseller The Perks of Being a Wallflower: The story of Charlie, a withdrawn teenager struggling to adjust to the world. Through his growing up, new friends, romance, and the ins and outs of mental health, the film tells the story of childhood drama. It’s a film about student life, all the friendships, trauma, and just trying to figure it out. It’s an encouragement that we’re all alone, however perplexed we sometimes get.
2.Dead Poets Society (1989)
Dead Poets Society is a must-see film for every student of every generation. The movie is about an English teacher named John Keating (Robin Williams) in a boys-only prep school who asks his students to think for themselves and see the good in life. It deals with subjects such as being yourself, being different, and the strength of education; this film is for any student unsure about his future or place in the world. It’s an uplifting tale about doing what you think is right when it is hard.
3.Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird is a coming-of-age drama about Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a senior in high school during her final year before graduation. It’s a movie about her and her mom, the escape from her hometown, and the ups and downs of adolescence. With relatable characters and wit, Lady Bird captures the complicated family, friendship, and individual dreams. This movie is for you if you’ve ever struggled between staying home and going out on a limb.
4.The Breakfast Club (1985)
A come-of-age great, The Breakfast Club centers on five high-schoolers who belong to various social circles and find themselves being consigned together to prison on a Saturday afternoon. Then, during the day, they dissolve stereotypes and connect unexpectedly. In the film, we dismiss others because they look different or have the correct name. It’s a riot of funny, heartfelt, thought-provoking scenes on growing up as a teenager with expectations placed upon you by parents, friends, and the rest of society.
5.Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is for those looking for a more laid-back, come-of-age movie. It’s about Ferris, a high-school student who skips school and lives in Chicago with his friends for the day. With a lot of fun, defiance, and laughter, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off teaches us what it feels like to be free from the day and live simply. It’s not as deep as other films on this list, but it’s suitable for students who need a little escape.
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Themes Every Student Can Relate To
What’s so good about come-of-age movies is that they approach things that are attainable to students of all ages. The following are just some of the themes that the film tends to tackle that you might recognize:
- Self-Discovery: Most coming-of-age movies are a tale of characters trying to figure out who they are and what they want in life, be whatever it is: identifying a passion, finding who you are, discovering your mission.
- Friendship and Relationships: Keeping up with friendships and romance is a big deal when you’re a child. Coming-of-age films always show how complex relationships transform as we age.
- Dealing with Conflict: In a coming-of-age movie, conflict must always be tackled, whether between parents, friends, or oneself. This is where the inspiration for the characters comes from.
- The Struggle Between Dreams and Reality: Most students struggle to maintain a balance between fantasy and the fact that school and their lives aren’t really about dreaming. It is the most common issue in coming-of-age films and, therefore, particularly relatable for students struggling to figure out a path.
Why These Films Matter for Students
Watching coming-of-age films as a student isn’t just entertainment; it offers a glimpse into your personal growth and experiences. These are the films about the battles, triumphs, and misfortunes of growing up, and they can also teach us something about ourselves, empathy, and self-improvement. You may be watching to inspire, as afternoon entertainment, or explore what’s happening in your life, but these movies will show you that you’re not the only one. So get some popcorn, buckle up, and be transported to these come-of-age movies!
