This Post: 22 Coming-of-Age Movies Your Teen Will Laugh At, Relate To & Remember
Written By: Marybeth Bock
The teen years can feel messy, awkward, and confusing, especially when everything seems to be changing at once. Sometimes, the best way for our pre-teens and teens to make sense of those big feelings is to see someone else going through them and think, “Yep. Me too!”
The truth is, there’s comfort in realizing that the things that feel so strange and overwhelming to them are actually pretty normal parts of growing up.
So, whether your teen is dealing with the pressure to fit in, the sting of a first heartbreak, friendship drama, or simply trying to figure out who they are, a story that feels real can make them feel a little less alone. That’s where a great coming-of-age movie can really hit home.
Here are 22 Great Coming-Of-Age Movies That Your Teen Will Laugh At, Relate To, and Remember for A Long Time
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To save you from endless scrolling, we’ve rounded up 22 absolute must-watch films that wonderfully capture the teenage experience in all its chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt glory–and they are guaranteed to be a hit for your next family movie night or a teen get-together.
NOTE: There’s a good chance you can find these movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, or other streaming services. Simply for convenience, we also include the link to purchase the movie on Amazon.
1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) – PG-13
If you have an introverted teen, they will definitely relate to this heartfelt film. It follows a shy, observant freshman as he navigates the ups and downs of high school life with the support of two seniors who help bring him out of his shell. It’s based on the popular book by Stephen Chbosky and stars Emma Watson, along with quite a few other great actors.
2. CODA (2021) – PG-13
This movie won three Oscars, including Best Picture, so it’s a must-see if your teen hasn’t already watched it. It focuses on Ruby, a high school senior who’s the only hearing member of a deaf family. She struggles to balance her passion for music with her family’s reliance on her for working their fishing business. Should she follow her dreams or stay in her town to help her family?
3. The Sandlot (1993) – PG
Such a charming and nostalgic movie that takes you back to an innocent time. It will transport your teen to a summer of neighborhood baseball and deep friendships, set in the 1960s. It’s a simple story about a new kid in town who gets asked to join a group of kids who play ball together, and their adventures as they become friends and they get into the biggest “pickle” of their lives.
4. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023) – PG-13
How many of us read this classic coming-of-age book when we were growing up? Well, now your teen can watch the beloved story come to life on screen. Any girl who is struggling or has struggled with the confusing changes that come with puberty will find this heartfelt movie super relatable.
5. Wonder (2017) – PG
Another incredible movie based on a bestselling book, Wonder tells the story of a boy with facial differences who enters a mainstream middle school for the first time. Any teen who has ever felt self-conscious because they’re different in some way will marvel and be inspired by this special kid who teaches his entire community about empathy and acceptance. Your whole family will love this movie!
6. The Hate U Give (2018) – PG-13
When your teen is in the mood for something gripping and emotional, this movie definitely fits the bill. The Hate U Give follows teenager Starr Carter as she witnesses the fatal police shooting of her childhood best friend and must decide whether to stay safe in silence or risk everything to demand justice. It’s a powerhouse of a story that captures the real struggle of figuring out who you are while proving exactly how much power your voice truly holds.
7. Bend It Like Beckham (2002) – PG-13
Eighteen-year-old Jess has a massive secret. She’s a ridiculously talented soccer player, but her strict, traditional parents forbid her from playing. She defies them to sneak off and join a competitive women’s team and finds herself in a chaotic double life of intense matches, secret romance, and epic family drama. This movie, packed with humor and heart, is about breaking rules, challenging expectations, and fighting for exactly what you want out of life.
8. Love, Simon (2018) – PG-13
Love, Simon is a touching, heartwarming story about a relatable teenager with a big secret. Your teen doesn’t need to share Simon’s exact problems in order to thoroughly enjoy this film – that’s what makes it so special. All the characters are well-thought-out, and the story is funny, interesting, and emotional. This film is an important reminder that everyone needs to be loved and accepted for who they are.
9. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – PG-13
This one certainly has a star-studded cast – and it’s a super fun blend of traditional coming-of-age elements and realistic high school experiences, along with exciting superhero action. Tom Holland, in his first full feature film as Spidey, is just charming in this, and his performance reminds us all that teenagers are a work in progress and even superheroes are not always cool.
10. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) – PG
Four inseparable best friends are dreading their first summer apart until they discover a mysterious pair of thrift-store jeans that miraculously fit all of their completely different body types. These jeans, which are sent all around the world, become a shared lifeline that connects the girls through summer romances, unexpected heartbreak, and family dramas. This one is an ultimate comfort movie about the unbreakable bond of true friendship and having a squad that always has your back, no matter how far away life takes you.
11. Dead Poets Society (1989) – PG
A group of students trapped in a strict, ultra-traditional boarding school find their lives completely flipped upside down when a rebellious new English teacher arrives. Through his unconventional lessons, Mr. Keating, played by Robin Williams, inspires them to revive a secret club and finally start thinking for themselves. This is an intensely emotional and unforgettable movie about challenging authority, finding your own unique voice, and discovering the courage to seize the day. If your teen hasn’t seen this one, it’s time they did.
12. The Fabelmans (2022) – PG-13
Loosely based on Steven Spielberg’s childhood, this is the story of Sammy Fabelman, a boy who discovers his camera isn’t just a tool for making cool home movies; it’s a secret lens that exposes the heartbreaking cracks in his parents’ “perfect” marriage. As he navigates an upsetting cross-country move, high school bullies, and his first real heartbreak, his obsession with filmmaking becomes his survival mechanism. This is such a funny and relatable story about figuring out that adults are just as lost as teens are and learning how your unique passions give you the power to control your own narrative.
13. Little Women (2019) – PG
Little Women follows the four, deeply relatable March sisters as they face fierce heartbreaks, unexpected romances, and big ambitions while fighting to forge their own independent paths in Civil War-era America. This 2019 adaptation is packed with a phenomenal cast and a clever, timeline-hopping story that jumps between the girls’ childhood memories and adult realities. It’s an emotional powerhouse of a movie that proves that chasing your dreams never goes out of style.
14. The Karate Kid (1984) – PG
Being the new kid is hard enough, but for Daniel, it’s an absolute nightmare when he becomes the prime target for a cruel gang of martial arts bullies. He teams up with his humble apartment handyman, who secretly teaches him self-defense through bizarre chores like waxing cars and painting fences. This is an ultimate underdog story packed with classic training scenes, tournament drama, and of course, the deeply satisfying conclusion of seeing the bullied kid finally learn to fight back.
15. The Way, Way Back (2013) – PG-13
This is the story of a teen who’s trapped on the ultimate nightmare summer vacation and forced to spend the entire break at a beach house with his mom’s awful boyfriend. He secretly gets a job at a chaotic local water park where an irresponsible manager takes him under his wing and treats him like an equal. This movie is a laugh-out-loud and wonderfully heartwarming film about surviving your most awkward phase, finding your chosen family, and finally realizing your own worth.
16. Sing Street (2016) – PG-13
Come for the catchy soundtrack, stay for the feel-good vibes. This one’s about a teen at a new school who decides to start a band to impress a girl. What begins as a desperate lie to get her to star in his music videos quickly transforms into a genuine obsession with 80s rock, wild fashion experiments, and bonding with a crew of talented misfits. This is an incredibly uplifting movie about using your creativity to escape a bad situation and fearlessly chasing your wildest dreams.
17. The Fault in Our Stars (2014) – PG-13
Can you say, “Total tearjerker?” Two teenagers meet in a cancer support group, and their unexpected connection quickly turns into a continent-crossing adventure as they bond over a mysterious book and travel to Amsterdam to confront its reclusive author. It’s moving, laugh-out-loud funny, and in the end, a heartbreaking love story that perfectly captures the terrifying and beautiful thrill of finding someone who truly understands you, no matter how much time you have left.
18. A Cinderella Story (2004) – PG
When your teen’s in the mood for something lighthearted and fun, this is one to watch. It’s a modern twist on the classic fairy tale, starring Hillary Duff as a hardworking high school outcast with a nightmare of a stepmother. She finds escape in a secret text-message romance, only to discover it’s with the popular star quarterback. Similar to the traditional Cinderella story, she has to flee a school dance at midnight. It’s packed with iconic 2000s nostalgia, hilarious high school drama, and a satisfying finale with a great message about finding your confidence and finally standing up for yourself.
19. A Walk to Remember (2002) – PG
When a rebellious and popular teenager gets into serious trouble and is forced to participate in the school play, he never expects to have a crush on the quiet minister’s daughter he’s ignored for years. Her authenticity begins to break down his tough shell, and their surprising romance is put to the test by a devastating secret. This one’s a classic and gut-wrenching story about opposites attracting, the transformative power of first love, and finding the personal courage to become a better person.
20. Mean Girls (2004) – PG-13
Mean Girls captures the brutal, unwritten rules of high school survival as a new girl accidentally gets sucked into a high school’s most popular and toxic clique. This one’s full of endlessly quotable lines, and the fast-paced comedy perfectly balances hilarious moments with genuine teenage drama. If your teen is looking for an iconic movie night pick, this Lindsay Lohan classic is guaranteed to both make them laugh and to think a little more deeply about the concept of popularity.
21. Sky High (2005) – PG
Imagine the intense pressure of being the seemingly powerless kid of the world’s two greatest superheroes – which is exactly the nightmare Will faces when he gets dumped into the embarrassing “sidekick” class at his new school. This movie is a hilarious, action-packed coming-of-age story with superpowered bullies, awkward crushes, and a pretty epic cafeteria food fight. Your teen will enjoy this fun and witty flick that proves you don’t need a flashy superpower to save the day.
22. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – PG-13
We’ll end this list with one of the most iconic teen movies ever. No matter how many times you watch Ferris Bueller, you find something new to laugh at, so sit and enjoy this one (again!) with your teenager. It’s super fun, and also a wonderful reminder not to take life so seriously and to enjoy all that life has to offer you.
Marybeth Bock, MPH, is a Mom to two young adults and one delightful hound dog. She has logged time as a military spouse, childbirth educator, college instructor, and freelance writer. She lives in Arizona and thoroughly enjoys research and writing, as long as iced coffee is involved. Her work can be found on numerous websites and in two books. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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