11 Coming-of-Age Movies That Didn’t Get Enough Credit
Coming-of-age movies are a genre that everyone can relate to, as they explore the universal experiences of growing up. They typically highlight the transition from adolescence to adulthood, showing how characters learn valuable life lessons along the way. While some coming-of-age films are celebrated, others haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. These underappreciated stories offer fresh takes on the genre and often leave a lasting impact on those who watch them. Let’s dive into some of these hidden treasures that are truly worth your attention.
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The Way Way Back
Premiering in 2013, The Way Way Back is a heartwarming coming-of-age film about a shy, awkward teenage boy named Duncan, who spends the summer with his mother and her overbearing boyfriend. The movie explores Duncan’s personal growth as he befriends the manager of a local water park, played by Sam Rockwell. While it received some critical praise, it didn’t make as much of an impact as other coming-of-age films. The relatable themes of family, friendship, and finding one’s voice resonate deeply, but it remains underappreciated. The performances from Rockwell and Liam James are particularly strong, yet the film hasn’t garnered the recognition it deserves for its emotional depth and humor.
The film’s quiet charm and honest portrayal of adolescence stand out, but it didn’t get the wide attention it should have. The summer backdrop works well to reflect Duncan’s journey of self-discovery, and the moments of growth are subtly crafted. Despite being overshadowed by bigger releases in the same genre, The Way Way Back remains a hidden gem for those looking for a heartfelt coming-of-age story. Many viewers still have not encountered this film, even though it offers a unique perspective on dealing with family dynamics and building confidence. It’s a perfect example of how small, personal films can be overlooked despite their quality.
The Kings of the World
The Kings of the World, released in 2022, is a powerful drama about a group of homeless young men in Colombia who embark on a journey to claim a piece of land that they believe will give them a better life. The film explores their hopes, dreams, and the harsh realities of their world as they make their way through the perilous terrain. Despite critical acclaim in film festivals, it hasn’t gained mainstream recognition like other coming-of-age tales. Its stark portrayal of survival, camaraderie, and the pursuit of a better life offers a unique twist on the genre. While it’s set in a challenging environment, the movie captures universal themes of friendship and resilience.
The film’s raw and emotional portrayal of youth in a marginalized community highlights the spirit of adventure and the desire for self-determination. While it touches on themes familiar to the coming-of-age genre, its cultural setting and unique narrative make it stand out. The performances from the young cast are exceptional, adding depth to a story that can easily be lost in a crowd of other dramas. The Kings of the World offers a fresh perspective on what it means to grow up when life is uncertain and full of obstacles. Despite its powerful message, it’s been overlooked by many, yet it deserves far more recognition.
Adventureland
Released in 2009, Adventureland is set in 1987 and follows a college graduate, played by Jesse Eisenberg, who gets a job at an amusement park and learns about life, love, and the realities of adulthood. This film combines humor and emotional depth to tell a story about a young man navigating relationships and his future. Though the film features an excellent cast, including Kristen Stewart and Ryan Reynolds, it didn’t receive the widespread attention it deserved. Many missed the film’s nuanced portrayal of post-college uncertainty and the emotional growth that comes with it. Adventureland balances coming-of-age themes with a backdrop of nostalgia and personal discovery, but it was overshadowed by other films of the time.
Despite its setting in the late 80s, the movie deals with universal themes of growing up, making mistakes, and learning to face the future. Eisenberg’s portrayal of the protagonist is filled with subtlety, capturing the awkwardness and confusion of being on the edge of adulthood. The film is often labeled as underrated because it didn’t achieve the level of popularity of other coming-of-age movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Its authenticity in depicting the complexity of love, friendships, and self-identity is what makes it a gem. For fans of bittersweet coming-of-age stories, this film deserves more recognition for its honest portrayal of the struggles and joys of young adulthood.
The Spectacular Now
The Spectacular Now, released in 2013, is about Sutter, a charming high school senior who enjoys living in the present and avoiding serious commitments. His life begins to change when he meets Aimee, an introverted, bookish girl with a different perspective on life. The movie touches on themes of love, addiction, and personal growth, offering a raw and realistic take on the challenges of adolescence. Despite receiving critical praise for its performances and writing, the film did not garner widespread recognition. Sutter’s character, played by Miles Teller, is deeply flawed but relatable, making his journey toward maturity an emotional experience.
The film is often seen as a standout in the coming-of-age genre because of its realistic portrayal of the struggles many teenagers face, especially those dealing with family issues and relationships. Aimee, played by Shailene Woodley, offers a contrasting perspective, adding emotional depth and richness to the story. The film’s quiet, reflective nature sets it apart from other high-energy teen films. Unfortunately, it was often overshadowed by more commercially successful films at the time. The Spectacular Now deserves more attention for its delicate handling of the complexities of young adulthood and its standout performances.
The Last Summer
Released in 2019, The Last Summer follows a group of high school graduates spending their final summer together before they go off to college. The film captures the bittersweetness of transitioning from high school to adulthood, exploring friendships, relationships, and the uncertainty of the future. While it received mixed reviews, it didn’t achieve the recognition that other teen dramas of its time did. However, it offers a charming and relatable portrayal of the final moments before everything changes. The movie shines when it explores themes of identity, love, and the inevitable passage of time.
The ensemble cast, including KJ Apa and Maia Mitchell, provides performances full of youthful energy and emotional depth. The Last Summer offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre, focusing on the joys and fears of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Its portrayal of friendships that change as life progresses resonates with many viewers who have experienced similar transitions. While it didn’t become a mainstream hit, the film captures the essence of growing up and the importance of cherishing the present. For anyone looking for a light yet heartfelt coming-of-age story, this movie is a hidden gem.
Rocket Power-The Movie
While it may seem like an unlikely entry, Rocket Power-The Movie (2004) offers a unique take on the coming-of-age genre, focusing on a group of young skateboarders. The movie is based on the popular animated TV series Rocket Power and follows the adventures of Otto Rocket and his friends as they face challenges and grow through their love for extreme sports. Though the film didn’t receive the widespread attention of many other animated films, it captured the spirit of youthful adventure and self-discovery. It perfectly blends themes of friendship, teamwork, and growing up, while also delivering exciting, action-packed moments. Rocket Power-The Movie remains a nostalgic gem for fans of the show but is often overlooked in discussions of animated coming-of-age films.
The characters in the movie, much like the TV series, are relatable and bring a sense of realism to their challenges, whether it’s dealing with parents or facing fears. The movie may be aimed at a younger audience, but its themes of perseverance, self-confidence, and the excitement of youth speak to anyone who remembers the trials and joys of growing up. The underappreciation of this film in comparison to other big-name animated movies is surprising, considering how it brings together valuable life lessons with great fun. For those who fondly remember the Rocket Power series, this movie remains a worthy watch, deserving more recognition. It’s a hidden gem for both fans of the series and those who enjoy animated coming-of-age stories.
Thumbsucker
Released in 2005, Thumbsucker follows the story of Justin, a teenager struggling with a thumb-sucking habit as he navigates his complicated relationships with family and friends. The film stars Lou Taylor Pucci as Justin and features an ensemble cast including Tilda Swinton, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Keanu Reeves. While the film received praise for its unique take on adolescence and mental health, it flew under the radar compared to other coming-of-age films of the era. The quirky, offbeat style of the film sets it apart from the typical teen drama, offering a more introspective look at growing up. Thumbsucker deserves more recognition for its originality and its exploration of complex emotional struggles.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to combine humor with deeper themes of insecurity, family dynamics, and the desire for personal change. Justin’s journey to find a sense of self while facing pressure from his family and society is portrayed with sensitivity and depth. While not as widely celebrated as other films in the genre, Thumbsucker remains a hidden gem for its thought-provoking story and rich performances. The film also benefits from its distinctive visual style and music, which complements its emotional tone. For anyone who appreciates unconventional coming-of-age stories, this film is worth revisiting.
The Edge of Seventeen
Premiering in 2016, The Edge of Seventeen follows Nadine, a high school junior whose life feels completely upended when her best friend starts dating her older brother. The film stars Hailee Steinfeld as Nadine and features Woody Harrelson as her sarcastic teacher, who plays a pivotal role in her self-discovery. While the movie earned praise for its performances and sharp writing, it didn’t gain the same level of recognition as other teen dramas. The Edge of Seventeen deserves more credit for its honest portrayal of the confusion and struggles of adolescence, delivering moments of humor, pain, and growth. The film’s relatable characters and witty dialogue make it a standout in the genre, yet it remains underappreciated by mainstream audiences.
The movie captures the complexities of growing up in a way that feels authentic and grounded, making it one of the more memorable coming-of-age films of the 2010s. Steinfeld delivers a standout performance, capturing the awkwardness, frustration, and vulnerability of her character. The film’s exploration of family dynamics, friendship, and the search for identity resonates deeply with anyone who has navigated the ups and downs of adolescence. Although it was praised by critics, it didn’t achieve the widespread success it deserved. For those looking for a fresh and insightful coming-of-age story, The Edge of Seventeen is a hidden gem that is definitely worth watching.
Liberal Arts
Released in 2012, Liberal Arts is a charming coming-of-age film about Jesse Fisher, a 35-year-old man who returns to his college town and forms an unexpected connection with a 19-year-old student, played by Elizabeth Olsen. The film explores themes of nostalgia, personal growth, and the complicated nature of relationships. Despite being written and directed by Josh Radnor, who also stars in the film, it didn’t gain widespread recognition. The film’s reflective take on the transition from youth to adulthood, and the struggles of finding one’s place in life, make it a standout, yet it was overshadowed by other bigger releases. Liberal Arts deserves more credit for its thoughtful exploration of self-discovery and the connections that shape us.
The movie provides a heartfelt and insightful look at growing up, both for the young student who is eager to figure out life and the older man who feels stuck in the past. Radnor’s portrayal of a character grappling with midlife uncertainty is both relatable and nuanced. The film’s slow pace and introspective nature might not appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate quiet, character-driven stories, Liberal Arts is a hidden gem. It’s a film that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of nostalgia while trying to make sense of the present. Despite its underappreciation, this film is worth watching for its witty dialogue and meaningful reflections.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Premiering in 2015, The Diary of a Teenage Girl tells the story of Minnie, a 15-year-old girl navigating her sexual awakening in 1970s San Francisco. The film is based on the graphic novel by Phoebe Gloeckner and stars Bel Powley in a raw and unapologetic performance as the protagonist. While it was praised for its bold approach to exploring teenage sexuality and identity, it didn’t reach the same level of attention as other coming-of-age films. Its unflinching portrayal of the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and the pursuit of self-identity sets it apart, yet it remains underappreciated. The Diary of a Teenage Girl deserves more recognition for its honesty and its unique voice in the coming-of-age genre.
Minnie’s journey is complicated, full of personal contradictions as she grapples with her desires, self-image, and relationships with the adults in her life. The film’s mix of humor and drama, alongside its retro 1970s setting, creates a distinctive atmosphere that captures the era’s cultural nuances. Powley’s performance is captivating, allowing the character to be both vulnerable and empowered. The film’s mature themes and daring content made it somewhat controversial, but it also made it a standout for those who value honest, bold storytelling. Despite the critical acclaim, it didn’t gain the widespread attention it deserved, but it remains a unique gem in the coming-of-age genre.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, released in 2015, follows the story of Greg, a high school senior who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel, a classmate diagnosed with leukemia. The film blends humor and heartbreak in a way that feels fresh and authentic, offering a unique perspective on the struggles of adolescence and illness. Despite winning the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, the film was often overlooked by mainstream audiences, overshadowed by other teen films of the year. It deserves more recognition for its heartfelt story, offbeat humor, and the chemistry between the lead characters. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl stands out as a coming-of-age film that deals with grief, friendship, and personal growth in a way that’s both touching and refreshing.
The movie’s charm lies in its quirky, endearing characters and its ability to balance humor with emotional depth. The unique filmmaking style, with its homemade film references and satirical take on classic movie tropes, adds to the film’s distinctiveness. Greg’s journey through self-doubt, love, and loss resonates with anyone who has faced their own struggles with identity and relationships. The performances by Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, and RJ Cyler are heartfelt and bring authenticity to the story. For those who appreciate films that balance lighthearted moments with deeper emotional themes, this is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.