There are movies that never get old, and as we grow older these movies take us back to the golden age. Especially the coming-of-age teenage movies, the drama, the angst, these movies have always been a part of our childhood. As adults, we love revisiting our memories from our teenage years, the first love, the highs and lows, or struggling to understand the harrowing process of entering adulthood.
These characters, thus, help us do exactly that. A mirror to our own struggles and drama during that age, but with a lot more spice, these coming-of-age movies never fail to take us down the memory lane and (mostly) for the better, and are a rite of passage for every teenager.
Legally Blonde (2001)
There is no other movie that can make the top of this list. Reese Witherspoon plays Elle Woods, a sorority girl who joins Harvard Law after her boyfriend dumps for not being too blonde. Elle is something of a feminist icon in the movie. In this whole process, she teaches the people who judge her based on the blonde stereotype a memorable lesson, much to their shock. And even though the plot is predictable (like every other teen movie), Reese Witherspoon’s spectacular performance steals the cake. Not only that, Legally Blonde is bound to make you laugh multiple times.
Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s 2017 coming-of-age film starring Saoirse Ronan, Beanie Feldstein, Lucas Hedges, and Timothee Chalamet left an undeniable impact on the audience. It’s not only hilarious but also poignant and explores the complications within a mother-daughter relationship. The story follows Catherine “Lady Bird” McPherson as she navigates her high school life and fist romance, all the while wishing to escape her life (like every person at that age does).
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Known as the rite of passage for ever literature student, this movie is also famous among the people who don’t inhale literature all the time. This movie not only makes us appreciate art but also makes us contemplate life from a deeper perspective. Set in an elite boys boarding school, Dead Poets Society follows the story of an English teacher who inspires a group of boys by showing them the magic of poetry.
Love, Simon (2018)
This movie got really popular because we haven’t had the LGBTQ representation in a lot of movie. Adapted from the book of the same name, Love, Simon is an emotional and poignant story that follows Simon Spier’s journey, who’s a closeted high school student who falls in love with an anonymous classmate via email. After he starts getting blackmailed, he confronts his own identity and how it affects his relationships, and eventually comes to terms with it.
Juno (2007)
The heartfelt 2007 film, Juno, stars Elliott Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, and J. K. Simmons. The movie tackles issues of teenage pregnancy, adoption, and love with a sense of humor that is touching and heartfelt.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
This movie is a nightmare of all the parents. While most of the teen movies explore how teens become responsible with their age, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a little different. Ferris spends a wild day playing hooky around Chicago with his girlfriend and best friend. But despite Ferris lying to his parents, tricking his friends, and torturing his vice principal, we love him anyway because we understand him. He just wants to have a little fun while he’s young, and who doesn’t? This movie definitely speaks to the thrill-seeking brain cells of the audience.
Mean Girls (2004)
Can this list even be complete without the mention of this movie? Mean Girls is an all time favourite classic for the teens and adults alike. It not only tackles high school drama with a lot of spice, but also bullying and romance. Lindsay Lohan does her magic on the audience with her bold and shy performance simultaneously and it’s a crash course on teenage girlhood. It is hilarious and iconic to see her transformation from a hater to a true and caring friend.
