Best Coming of Age Films of recent times (10+1list)

Best Coming-of-Age Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Coming of Age Films – the stories relating to the mysterious leap of the protagonist from their childhood/youth to the adulthood, Coming-of-Age-Filmsgrowing up not only in height/weight but also in maturity.

The coming of age genre has become pretty popular for some time now. Many acclaimed film directors have taken up the challenge of portraying their lead-characters as confused or ill-tempered juveniles who as the film progresses get rid of their ‘teenage miseries’ and finally opens up to life and owns it!

Most of the films in this list are based on such young rebellious minds who struggle to survive the typical awkwardness and embarrassments of adolescence.

And so, let the young minds bloom!

10. Submarine (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CAntLzsQ74

Coming-of-Age-Films

The story of a young boy and his problems of growing up – teen anxiety, miscommunications and an overall sense of confusion.

A superbly fresh and funny coming of age drama directed by Richard Ayoade, and brilliantly acted by Craig Roberts – beautiful visuals, superb music and great story telling.

A much underrated British comedy not to be missed.

9. Sing Street (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YqJ_aimkM

Coming-of-Age-FilmsDublin,1980s – a young boy starts a band to impress a girl he fancies, but soon the band takes off pretty well but does he finally get the girl?

Directed by John Carney, this is a unique story of artistic awakening, of young love, of bonding, friendship and some unavoidable suffering as well.

A funny musical coming of age film that will make you emotional as well.

8. The Way Way Back (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwNo1i3jkCo

Coming-of-Age-Films

Starting new relations is not so easy especially if you are a shy teenager, but then you realize that making friends is not that difficult after all.

Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, starring Sam RockwellSteve CarellToni Collette and Liam James this one is a brilliant story of a young mind – his equations with his mother, his new step dad and his belief in love and friendship. A remarkably smooth, crisp and highly entertaining film to consider.

7. Mistress America (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z8MCW16uZY

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA lonely college freshman goes to meet with her adventurous stepsister-to-be and her world changes in a wink.

(Click for Review)

Directed by one of the most acclaimed comedy director of our times Noah Baumbach, and such amazing performances by Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke. A film of great wit and humor.

6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5rh7O4IDc0

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA freshman in college gets to bond with a few seniors, they hang out, they enjoy their young lives – but it’s not as simple a plot as it seems.

Directed by Stephen Chbosky, although pleasantly funny, the film deals with some very serious topics like drug, alcohol and sexuality.

Rare but in this case the film is as good as the book written by the director himself. Specially recommended for Emma Watson fans.

5. Dope (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L41xwM8tIRQ

Coming-of-Age-FilmsBeing a geek in a tough neighborhood, life is not easy for young Malcolm. But then everything will change since he (along with his friends) get a chance invitation to a big underground party – an adventure of a lifetime and also the moment for him to prove himself a dope!

Directed by Rick Famuyiwa, this is a cool coming of age comedy, believable acting and full of fun.

4. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eOI3AamSm8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsWhen two young souls deeply in love decide to explore the world on their own! But then again, the film is also about the reactions of all the other characters surrounding them!

Uniquely stylized as expected from master director Wes Anderson, a classic tale of young love and it’s consequences full of dry comedy and wit. Storytelling at its absolute best!

3. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfmAllbYC8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA film where a character has cancer generally takes a sad route but not this one. It’s the story of a young teenager who is forced to befriend a girl who has leukemia but then they have a super cool time together!

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, this film is amazingly quirky and innovative specially in its execution. It often takes on pretty serious matters but always with enough humor and laughter.

2. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB6Gecy6IP8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsLife never really seems fair to a young confused high school junior (Hailee Steinfeld) but then it becomes miserable when her best friend starts dating her ever-impressive older brother!

Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, this one is an unexpectedly brilliant comedy with great storytelling and superb performances. And then the presence of Woody Harrelson makes it even more special!

1. The Kings of Summer (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoPPhItyA74

Coming-of-Age-Films

A group of teenagers plan to build a house in the midst of the forest and live out there, entirely cut off from the civilization – their idea of complete independence!

But soon their friendship is to be tested in a way they have never imagined.

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, a superb story that elegantly binds the characters with each other and with nature as well.

and (The ‘+1’ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most crazy one. A must watch).

+1.  Boyhood (2014)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys-mbHXyWX4

Coming-of-Age-Films

A film so real and shot through such an unreal time-span that it gives you the feel of being a part of the journey with Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who was a 7 year old boy when Richard Linklater started filming and 18 when he finally the film was wrapped up.

(Click for review)

Boyhood is an emotional coming of age film, a daring experiment in the history of Cinema!

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

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