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.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always

1. Never Rarely Sometimes Always

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
7.4
20201h 41min

Overview

A pair of teenage girls in rural Pennsylvania travel to New York City to seek out medical help after an unintended pregnancy.

Themes

Teenage pregnancy stigma, Abortion access barriers, Rural pennsylvania tension, Misinformation by clinics, Economic precarity during crisis, Bus ride to city

Available on

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

Big Time Adolescence

2. Big Time Adolescence

Comedy Drama Coming-of-Age Drama Buddy Comedy
6.9
20201h 31min

Overview

A seemingly bright and mostly innocent 16-year-old named Mo attempts to navigate high school under the guidance of his best friend Zeke, an unmotivated-yet-charismatic college dropout. Although Zeke genuinely cares about Mo, things start to go awry as he teaches Mo nontraditional life lessons in drug dealing, partying, and dating. Meanwhile, Mo’s well-meaning dad tries to step in and take back the reins of his son’s upbringing.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Desire and consequence, Peer influence and risk, Parental control and boundaries, Youth maturity under pressure, Belonging through risk

Available on

Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Stargirl

3. Stargirl

Comedy Drama Romance Family Coming-of-Age Drama
6.2
20201h 47min

Overview

An unassuming high schooler finds himself inexplicably drawn to the free-spirited new girl, whose unconventional ways change how they see themselves…and their world.

Themes

Belonging and acceptance, Self-expression against norms, Conformity pressures, Talent challenging norms, Peer judgment, Identity experimentation

Available on

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

All the Bright Places

4. All the Bright Places

Romance Drama Coming-of-Age Romance Coming-of-Age Drama
6.6
20201h 48min

Overview

To escape their grief, a quiet girl and a troubled boy turn a school project into a quest to find every bright place in Indiana. But as their bond deepens and his dark moods close in, she must choose: protect her healing heart, or risk everything to pull him back from the edge.

Themes

Abuse and resilience, Survivor guilt, Trauma and coping, Grief and healing, Bond through hardship, Support and connection

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

I'm No Longer Here

5. I'm No Longer Here

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
7.3
20191h 52min

Overview

In Monterrey, Mexico, a young street gang spends their days dancing to slowed-down cumbia and attending parties. After a mix-up with a local cartel, their leader is forced to migrate to the U.S. but quickly longs to return home.

Themes

Gang belonging, Cartel violence, Dance as identity, Social mobility limits, Cultural displacement, Immigrant experience

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Tall Girl

6. Tall Girl

Comedy Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
5.2
20191h 41min

Overview

Jodi, the tallest girl in her high school, has always felt uncomfortable in her own skin. But after years of slouching, being made fun of, and avoiding attention at all costs, Jodi finally decides to find the confidence to stand tall.

Themes

"movie: tall girl. genres: comedy, Drama, Romance, Comedy, Drama, Romance main themes: high school, Romance, Teen movie, High school, Romance, Teen movie full keywords list: high school, Romance, Teen movie, Insecurity. concept analysis: the film examines how body-based insecurity and social hierarchies distort personal identity and relationships, Arguing that external validation cannot replace self-acceptance. it also shows that honest vulnerability—rather than performative conformity or manipulation—is the path to authentic connection."

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Goldfinch

7. The Goldfinch

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
6.4
20192h 29min

Overview

A boy in New York is taken in by a wealthy family after his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In a rush of panic, he steals 'The Goldfinch', a painting that eventually draws him into a world of crime.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Crime and consequence, Trauma and endurance, Art as temptation, Forgery and deception, Wealth and belonging

Available on

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

Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll

8. Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll

Drama Fantasy Animation Coming-of-Age Drama Low Fantasy
7.5
20191h 31min

Overview

Violet Evergarden comes to a private women's academy to tutor Isabella in the ways of being a lady. Heir to the York family, Isabella feels trapped in this new and uncomfortable world. She still grieves for the only person to ever bring her happiness – now lost to her. Violet's lessons do give her a brief respite from the melancholy but with the absence of joy, how long does it take to truly heal?

Themes

Writing as obligation, Adoption as pressure, Letter as tether, Slice of life framing, Work identity, Post war resilience

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

An Easy Girl

9. An Easy Girl

Comedy Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
5.6
20191h 32min

Overview

Naïma has just turned 16. This summer, she will have to decide what she wants from life if she doesn’t want to miss out. Then her cousin Sofia arrives, with an amazing body and a dangerously seductive lifestyle. Naïma desires only to follow her own path, so long as it leads upwards… Despite the warnings of her best friend Dodo, she and Sofia will live through unforgettable encounters during a long summer that will mark them forever.

Themes

"movie: an easy girl. genres: comedy, Drama, Comedy, Drama main themes:, Full keywords list: . concept analysis: the film explores the tension between youthful innocence and the seductive allure of adult experiences. it highlights the journey of self-discovery amidst the complexities of relationships and societal expectations."

Available on

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

Brittany Runs a Marathon

10. Brittany Runs a Marathon

Comedy Drama Coming-of-Age Drama Awkward Comedy
6.8
20191h 43min

Overview

Hilarious and outgoing, Brittany Forgler, is everybody’s best friend ― except her own. Her partying, underemployment and toxic relationships are catching up with her. She receives a startling wake-up call when a visit to the doctor reveals how unhealthy she is. Motivated to lose weight, but too broke for a gym and too proud to ask for help, Brit is at a loss, until her neighbor pushes her to run one sweaty block. Soon, she sets an almost unthinkable goal: the New York City Marathon.

Themes

Party culture pressure, Weight loss journey, Economic barriers to fitness, Romance and commitment, Social judgment and embarrassment, Friendship and accountability

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.