The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age drama that has resonated with audiences since its release in 2012. Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, the film follows the story of Charlie, an introverted high school freshman navigating friendship, love, and the struggles of adolescence. If you loved the raw emotions and relatable characters of this modern classic, here are 18 more movies that capture a similar spirit. Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel all the feels with these must-watch films.
1. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Based on John Green’s bestselling novel, The Fault in Our Stars is a heartbreaking yet beautiful love story between two teenagers who meet in a cancer support group. Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) bond over their shared experiences and embark on an unforgettable journey together. This tearjerker will make you appreciate the preciousness of life and love.
2. The Breakfast Club (1985)
A quintessential coming-of-age film, The Breakfast Club brings together five high school students from different cliques for a Saturday detention. As they spend the day together, they begin to open up and realize they have more in common than they thought. This John Hughes classic explores the pressures and stereotypes of teenage life with humor and heart.
3. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You follows the story of Kat (Julia Stiles), a smart and independent teenager who wants nothing to do with dating. When her younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) is forbidden from dating until Kat does, a plan is hatched to set Kat up with the school’s bad boy, Patrick (Heath Ledger). This witty and charming rom-com is a must-watch for any fan of teen movies.
4. (500) Days of Summer (2009)
While not strictly a coming-of-age film, (500) Days of Summer captures the bittersweet nature of young love and heartbreak. The movie follows the relationship between Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel) in a non-linear narrative, showing the highs and lows of their 500 days together. It’s a refreshingly honest look at modern romance that will resonate with anyone who’s ever had their heart broken.
5. The Spectacular Now (2013)
The Spectacular Now tells the story of Sutter (Miles Teller), a charming but aimless high school senior who unexpectedly falls for Aimee (Shailene Woodley), a shy and studious classmate. As their relationship develops, Sutter is forced to confront his own demons and figure out what he wants out of life. This poignant drama captures the uncertainty and intensity of teenage love with raw authenticity.
6. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Hailee Steinfeld shines as Nadine, an awkward teenager struggling to find her place in high school. When her best friend starts dating her popular older brother, Nadine feels more alone than ever. With the help of a sarcastic teacher (Woody Harrelson) and a sweet classmate (Hayden Szeto), she learns to embrace her quirks and stand up for herself. The Edge of Seventeen is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the ups and downs of being a teenager.
7. Juno (2007)
Juno follows the story of a quick-witted teenager (Ellen Page) who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant after a one-time fling with her best friend (Michael Cera). As she navigates the challenges of pregnancy and considers adoption, Juno learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and growing up. With its sharp dialogue and stellar cast, Juno is a coming-of-age classic that balances humor and heart.
8. The Way, Way Back (2013)
In The Way, Way Back, shy 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) is dragged on a summer vacation with his mother (Toni Collette) and her overbearing boyfriend (Steve Carell). Feeling out of place, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen (Sam Rockwell), the manager of a local water park. As Duncan comes out of his shell and gains confidence, he learns to stand up for himself and find his place in the world. This heartwarming comedy-drama perfectly captures the awkwardness and joy of adolescence.
9. The Kings of Summer (2013)
Fed up with their overbearing parents, three teenage friends (Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias) decide to build a house in the woods and live off the land for the summer. As they navigate the challenges of independence and growing up, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, family, and what it means to be a man. The Kings of Summer is a charming and nostalgic coming-of-age tale that will make you long for the carefree days of youth.
10. The Duff (2015)
When Bianca (Mae Whitman) learns that she’s known as the “DUFF” (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) among her classmates, she enlists the help of her jock neighbor Wesley (Robbie Amell) to give her a makeover and boost her popularity. Along the way, she learns to embrace her individuality and stand up to the mean girls who have been putting her down. The Duff is a fun and empowering teen comedy that challenges stereotypes and celebrates self-acceptance.
11. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Greg (Thomas Mann) is a high school senior who spends most of his time making parody films with his “co-worker” Earl (RJ Cyler). When his mother forces him to befriend Rachel (Olivia Cooke), a classmate recently diagnosed with leukemia, Greg reluctantly agrees. As their friendship deepens, Greg learns valuable lessons about empathy, creativity, and the power of human connection. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a quirky and heartfelt coming-of-age drama that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure.
12. The Art of Getting By (2011)
George (Freddie Highmore) is a lonely and fatalistic teen who’s made it through high school by doing as little as possible. His outlook begins to change when he meets Sally (Emma Roberts), a popular but complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit. As George and Sally navigate the challenges of adolescence and falling in love, they learn to embrace life and all its possibilities. The Art of Getting By is a tender and introspective coming-of-age drama that captures the uncertainty and hopefulness of youth.
13. It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
Stressed out by the pressures of school and family, 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist) checks himself into a mental health clinic. There, he meets a group of fellow patients, including the charismatic Bobby (Zach Galifianakis) and the troubled Noelle (Emma Roberts), who help him gain a new perspective on life. It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a poignant and humorous look at mental health, friendship, and the challenges of growing up.
14. The Half of It (2020)
In this modern retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, shy and introverted Ellie (Leah Lewis) helps a jock classmate (Daniel Diemer) woo his crush (Alexxis Lemire) by writing love letters on his behalf. As Ellie develops feelings for the same girl, she must navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and identity in a small conservative town. The Half of It is a tender and insightful coming-of-age drama that explores the beauty and pain of first love.
15. Adventureland (2009)
Set in the summer of 1987, Adventureland follows recent college grad James (Jesse Eisenberg) as he takes a job at a local amusement park to save money for grad school. There, he falls for his co-worker Em (Kristen Stewart), a mysterious and troubled girl who’s dealing with her own issues. As James and Em navigate their growing feelings for each other, they learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and growing up. Adventureland is a nostalgic and bittersweet coming-of-age tale that perfectly captures the uncertainty and excitement of young adulthood.
16. The Spectacular Now (2013)
Sutter (Miles Teller) is a charming but aimless high school senior who unexpectedly falls for Aimee (Shailene Woodley), a shy and studious classmate. As their relationship develops, Sutter is forced to confront his own demons and figure out what he wants out of life. The Spectacular Now is a poignant and authentic look at teenage love and the challenges of growing up.
17. Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight follows the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami, through three defining chapters of his life. As Chiron struggles with his identity, sexuality, and the pressures of his environment, he learns valuable lessons about love, masculinity, and self-acceptance. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, Moonlight is a groundbreaking coming-of-age drama that explores the complexities of race, class, and sexuality in America.
18. Lady Bird (2017)
Set in Sacramento in the early 2000s, Lady Bird follows the story of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), a rebellious and ambitious high school senior navigating the challenges of family, friendship, and first love. As Lady Bird dreams of escaping her hometown for the East Coast, she clashes with her mother (Laurie Metcalf) and learns valuable lessons about identity, belonging, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Lady Bird is a funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable coming-of-age tale that captures the essence of adolescence with wit and wisdom.
These 18 movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower offer a diverse range of coming-of-age stories that explore the joys, pains, and complexities of growing up. From heartwarming comedies to poignant dramas, these films capture the universal experiences of first love, friendship, family, and finding one’s place in the world. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to relive the roller coaster of emotions that comes with being a teenager. Whether you’re looking to laugh, cry, or feel all the feels, these must-watch movies are sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled to find their way in the world.
