Coming of age movies portray the complications that come with growing up and a teen finding themselves. These complications are something that all teens can relate to. Here are some of the best coming-of-age films that need to be watched by all high school students. Encapsulate yourself with the feeling of bittersweet nostalgia that comes with moving from one part of your life to the next while watching these films. 

¨Perks of Being a Wallflower¨

Throughout this movie, the audience follows a socially awkward teen named Charlie (Logan Lerman) throughout his freshman year of high school. He quickly falls into a close-knit group of friends and navigates his life with them. It all becomes complicated when he begins to fall in love, however, he finds a new form of self-confidence through his friends. His world crashes and burns when his new friends prepare to leave for college. He has to learn how to cope with his inner sadness on his own. Director Stephen Chbosky does a phenomenal job portraying Charlie’s emotions through the screen, which makes following Charlie throughout his journey a heart-wrenching experience. This movie tackled mental health issues, friendships, and abuse and dealt with it in a comforting and respectful way.

¨Edge of Seventeen¨

This movie portrays a seventeen-year-old girl named Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld). Growing up for her has been very difficult. From her dad unexpectedly passing away to living in her brother’s shadow, she feels more alone than ever in her high school years. An unexpected friendship brings her new hope as she tries to navigate through her life. While watching this film the audience can learn from Nadine. This movie brings both laughter and tears to the audience and is truly an experience worthwhile. 

¨10 Things I Hate About You¨ 

This film breaks the teenage girl stereotypes with the main character Kat (Julia Stiles). Kat is full of sass and is pretty vulgar towards other teens, especially teen boys. To her little sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) this is revolting and gets in the way of her perfect life. Bianca wants a boyfriend and a date to the school dance, but can not do so until her abrasive older sister gets a boyfriend due to her overprotective father’s rules. This task seems impossible, but Bianca is determined to make it happen. Watching these two sisters contradict each other is hilarious and represents true family life. The romance that this film brings to the screen is so heartwarming. It is not your typical romance movie which makes it even better. The lines in this movie guarantee a laugh from the audience. There are so many iconic moments that high schoolers must see throughout this film, not to mention the legend Heath Ledger acts in it as a total heartthrob!

¨Lady Bird¨ 

¨Lady Bird¨ is a beautiful film with a stupendous cast. It is a classic coming-of-age film, for it shows the struggles of growing up through the main character Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan). As she navigates through her difficult relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf) the audience can see the ups and downs that they go through together. This film does not shy away from awkward, unpleasant, and heartbreaking scenes. The message that the audience can learn from this is a great takeaway, for Lady Bird learns the importance of appreciating where you come from.