Coming-of-Age Drama backdrop

Coming-of-Age Drama movies

Growing-up drama about identity, belonging, first independence, and life choices that can’t be undone.

The Son

351. The Son

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
7.5

20021h 43min

Belgium, France

Director: Jean-Pierre Dardenne

Overview

A joinery instructor at a rehab center refuses to take a new teen as his apprentice, but then begins to follow the boy through the hallways and streets.

Themes

Secrecy and disclosure, Moral conflict, Consequences of violence, Blurred boundaries, Guarded mentorship, Authority and responsibility

Available on

Apple TV
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Igby Goes Down

352. Igby Goes Down

Comedy Drama Dark Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
6.8

20021h 37min

Germany, United States

Director: Burr Steers

Overview

Igby Slocumb, a rebellious and sarcastic 17-year-old boy, is at war with the stifling world of old money privilege he was born into. With a schizophrenic father, a self-absorbed, distant mother, and a shark-like young Republican big brother, Igby figures there must be a better life out there -- and sets about finding it.

Themes

Class inequality, Parent child tension, Rebellion and escape, Flight from family, Bohemian underworld temptations, Old money privilege

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
The Roku Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Sweet Sixteen

353. Sweet Sixteen

Crime Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
7.4

20021h 46min

United Kingdom, Germany

Director: Ken Loach

Overview

Determined to have a normal family life once his mother gets out of prison, a Scottish teenager from a tough background sets out to raise the money for a home.

Themes

Family loyalty under pressure, Peer influence and belonging, Poverty and crime as livelihood, Parental absence and dependence, Identity in street subculture, Violence as survival strategy

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys

354. The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys

Comedy Drama Dark Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
6.9

20021h 44min

United States

Director: Peter Care

Overview

A group of Catholic school friends, after being caught drawing an obscene comic book, plan a heist that will outdo their previous prank and make them local legends.

Themes

Deception and risk, Trauma shaping behavior, Peer pressure and rebellion, Creativity as escape, Belonging and exclusion, Authority vs youth agency

Available on

Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Interstate 60

355. Interstate 60

Adventure Comedy Fantasy Drama Globetrotting Adventure
7.5

20021h 56min

Canada, United States

Director: Bob Gale

Overview

An aspiring painter meets various characters and learns valuable lessons while traveling across America.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Dream vs duty, Freedom vs expectation, Surreal road trip, Art as life purpose, Legal culture satire

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Bend It Like Beckham

356. Bend It Like Beckham

Comedy Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
6.7

20021h 52min

Germany, United Kingdom

Director: Gurinder Chadha

Overview

Jess Bhamra, the daughter of a strict Indian couple in London, is not permitted to play organized soccer, even though she is 18. When Jess is playing for fun one day, her impressive skills are seen by Jules Paxton, who then convinces Jess to play for her semi-pro team. Jess uses elaborate excuses to hide her matches from her family while also dealing with her romantic feelings for her coach, Joe.

Themes

Cultural expectation vs individual choice, Gender roles in sports, Cross cultural romance tensions, Immigrant family pressure, Identity negotiation within tradition, Pursuit of opportunity vs tradition

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Philanthropy

357. Philanthropy

Comedy Drama Dark Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
8.4

20021h 50min

Romania, France

Director: Nae Caranfil

Overview

In 21st century Bucharest, to go out in the city on Saturday evening on the arm of a beautiful woman is a risky financial investment. Ovidiu, an unassuming high school teacher, never could afford it. Looking for a source of income more substantial than a teacher's salary, Ovidiu plunges into a fabulous world – the beggar mob.

Themes

Social climbing, Deception for money, Commodification of poverty, Class aspiration and reality, Performative charity, Media spectacle and pity, Transactional romance

Available on

Universcine
Sooner Amazon Channel
Sooner
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

A Walk to Remember

358. A Walk to Remember

Drama Romance Coming-of-Age Drama Passionate Romance
7.3

20021h 41min

United States

Director: Adam Shankman

Overview

High school star and rebel Landon is forced to stay after school and work as punishment after a bad incident. There he gets to know the unassuming Jamie, and over time feelings grow between them.

Themes

Coming of age, Romantic tension, Illness and care, Small-town expectations, Faith and duty, Devotion under pressure

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Orange County

359. Orange County

Comedy Drama Coming-of-Age Drama Adult Comedy
6.2

20021h 22min

United States

Director: Jake Kasdan

Overview

Shaun Brumder is a local surfer kid from Orange County who dreams of going to Stanford to become a writer and to get away from his dysfunctional family household. Except Shaun runs into one complication after another, starting when his application is rejected after his dim-witted guidance counselor sends in the wrong form.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Family influence on opportunity, Self-improvement through adversity, Class aspiration vs privilege, Image vs reality, Writing as escape

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Storytelling

360. Storytelling

Comedy Drama Satire Coming-of-Age Drama
6.8

20011h 27min

United States

Director: Todd Solondz

Overview

College and high school serve as the backdrop for two stories about dysfunction and personal turmoil.

Themes

Boundaries and exploitation, Family dysfunction dynamics, Class tension and privilege, Pursuit of fame and validation, Race and power, Performative fiction vs reality

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.