Stand By Me is the quintessential coming-of-age film. Released in 1986 and directed by Rob Reiner, this classic follows four young friends on an unforgettable journey to find the body of a missing boy in the summer of 1959. Along the way, they learn valuable life lessons about friendship, mortality, and what it means to grow up.
If you love the nostalgic charm, bittersweet tone, and themes of friendship and self-discovery in Stand By Me, then you’ll surely enjoy these other 18 incredible coming-of-age movies. From The Sandlot to Moonlight, these films beautifully capture the joys and pains of youth.
1. The Sandlot (1993)
Set in the summer of 1962, The Sandlot follows a group of young baseball-loving friends who get into misadventures in their neighborhood. When Scotty Smalls moves to town and gets taken under the wing of Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez, he’s introduced to the ragtag crew that plays ball in the local sandlot.
But after Smalls borrows his stepdad’s prized baseball signed by Babe Ruth and loses it over the sandlot fence, the friends must band together to retrieve it from a menacing guard dog they’ve dubbed “The Beast”. With plenty of laughs, heart, and an iconic pool scene, The Sandlot is a home run of a coming-of-age sports comedy.
2. The Goonies (1985)
In this beloved 80s adventure from Steven Spielberg, a group of misfit kids discover an old treasure map and set out on a quest to find the long-lost fortune of a 17th century pirate named One-Eyed Willy. Their mission takes them through a perilous underground cavern filled with booby traps, skeletons, and a dangerous crime family also after the treasure.
The Goonies has it all – action, comedy, young romance, and a sense of imagination and wonder. The diverse cast of kids, including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, and Ke Huy Quan, have an infectious camaraderie as they work together to “never say die!”. This is a classic that still holds up as a thrilling coming-of-age romp.
3. My Girl (1991)
My Girl follows 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss, who is obsessed with death and lives in a funeral home run by her widowed father. Over the course of the summer of 1972, Vada navigates the pangs of first love, questions about her late mother, and profound loss of innocence.
Anna Chlumsky is a revelation as the precocious, hypochondriac Vada, while Macaulay Culkin charms as her sweet best friend Thomas J. Their tender friendship is the heart of the film, which deftly balances humor with an emotional gut-punch. My Girl is a poignant, nostalgic portrait of the moment when childhood meets the harsher realities of growing up.
4. Now and Then (1995)
Now and Then follows four childhood friends who reunite as adults and reflect on the pivotal summer of 1970 that changed their lives. The bulk of the film is told in flashback, focusing on that eventful summer when the girls were 12 years old and grappling with family issues, burgeoning sexuality, and solving a mysterious death.
The talented young cast includes Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffman, and Ashleigh Aston Moore, with their adult counterparts played by Rosie O’Donnell, Melanie Griffith, Demi Moore, and Rita Wilson. Now and Then is a heartfelt, nostalgic look at the unbreakable bonds of girlhood friendship.
5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Based on the beloved novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also wrote and directed the film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows shy, introverted teenager Charlie as he navigates the ups and downs of freshman year of high school. He forms a close bond with two charismatic seniors, Sam and Patrick, who take him under their wing.
As Charlie experiences the joys of friendship and first love, he also grapples with depression, anxiety, and childhood trauma. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller are exceptional as the core trio in this sensitive, beautifully acted coming-of-age drama that doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. The result is a poignant, ultimately hopeful portrait of the pains of adolescence and the people who help us through.
6. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Wes Anderson brings his signature whimsical style to this quirky coming-of-age romance set in 1965 on the fictional New England island of New Penzance. Moonrise Kingdom follows 12-year-old misfits Sam and Suzy who fall in love and run away together, sparking a frantic search by the island community.
As the adults, played by a star-studded cast including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Frances McDormand, set out to find the young lovers, a storm is brewing both literally and figuratively. With its deadpan humor, meticulous visual aesthetic, and sweet central romance, Moonrise Kingdom is an endearing portrait of young love and the pains of growing up.
7. The Way, Way Back (2013)
The Way, Way Back follows 14-year-old Duncan’s summer vacation with his mother and her overbearing boyfriend at his beach house. Feeling alone and awkward, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, a laid-back water park employee who takes him under his wing.
As Duncan navigates the challenges of adolescence and his complicated family life, he gains confidence and comes into his own. Liam James, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell, and Toni Collette anchor the cast of this funny, poignant coming-of-age dramedy that perfectly captures the growing pains of that pivotal summer between childhood and adulthood.
8. The Kings of Summer (2013)
In this quirky indie coming-of-age comedy, three teenage friends, fed up with their overbearing parents, decide to run away and build a house in the woods to live off the land for the summer. As Joe, Patrick, and Biaggio navigate the challenges of the wilderness and their friendship, they learn valuable lessons about independence, family, and growing up.
Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, and Moises Arias have a hilarious, natural rapport as the central trio. With its offbeat humor, lush cinematography, and bittersweet reflections on the fleeting nature of youth, The Kings of Summer is a unique, memorable entry in the coming-of-age genre.
9. Boyhood (2014)
Filmed over the course of 12 years, Richard Linklater’s groundbreaking, ambitious drama Boyhood follows Mason from ages 6 to 18 as he grows up in real time. We watch Mason, played by Ellar Coltrane, navigate the joys and pains of childhood and adolescence – from family moves and divorces to first loves and discovering his artistic passion.
What makes Boyhood so special is how it authentically captures the small, formative moments that shape who we become. Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke also give powerful, nuanced performances as Mason’s divorced parents. Epic in scope yet intimate in execution, Boyhood is a profound, moving meditation on growing up and the passage of time.
10. The Spectacular Now (2013)
The Spectacular Now follows Sutter, a charming but aimless high school senior who unexpectedly falls for “nice girl” Aimee after a drunken night. As their relationship deepens, Sutter is forced to confront his drinking problem and the pain of his absent father.
Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley have sizzling chemistry and give raw, vulnerable performances as Sutter and Aimee. Rather than romanticizing the “bad boy changes for good girl” trope, the film offers a poignant, realistic look at the challenges of young love and the struggle to break destructive cycles. The Spectacular Now is a quietly devastating coming-of-age romance.
11. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Based on the bestselling novel by John Green, The Fault in Our Stars follows the heartbreaking love story between two witty, sarcastic teenagers who meet in a cancer support group. Hazel and Gus form an instant connection and embark on a journey to make their short lives meaningful.
Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort bring Hazel and Gus to life with humor, intelligence, and deep emotion. While their romance is undeniably tragic, it’s also life-affirming in its reminder to embrace and make the most of every moment. The Fault in Our Stars is a tearjerker that earns its emotional impact.
12. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl follows awkward high school senior Greg, who spends his time making parody films with his “co-worker” Earl. Greg’s life is turned upside down when his mother forces him to befriend Rachel, a classmate recently diagnosed with leukemia.
As Greg and Rachel’s friendship deepens, he begins to shed his detached persona and face the pain and beauty of human connection. Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, and Olivia Cooke give endearing performances in this quirky, bittersweet coming-of-age dramedy that subverts the tropes of the “sick teen” genre. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a funny, moving meditation on friendship, creativity, and embracing the messiness of life.
13. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
The Edge of Seventeen follows awkward, abrasive teenager Nadine, who feels utterly alone after her only friend starts dating her popular older brother. As Nadine navigates the ups and downs of high school, first love, and family drama, she begins to realize that she’s not as alone as she thought.
Hailee Steinfeld is a revelation as the quick-witted, sharp-tongued Nadine, while Woody Harrelson charms as her reluctant mentor. With its honest, unfiltered look at the pains of adolescence and sharp dialogue, The Edge of Seventeen feels like a worthy successor to classic teen films like Sixteen Candles. It’s a funny, poignant coming-of-age story with a big heart.
14. Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s solo directorial debut Lady Bird follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, an eccentric, rebellious teenager longing to escape her stifling hometown of Sacramento for the cultured haven of New York City. Over the course of her senior year, Lady Bird navigates romances, friendships, and a tumultuous relationship with her mother.
Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf are exceptional as the central mother-daughter duo, while the rest of the cast, including Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, and Beanie Feldstein, shine in supporting roles. With its witty dialogue, complex characters, and empathetic coming-of-age story, Lady Bird is a instant classic. It’s a loving, clear-eyed portrait of a young woman discovering her identity and place in the world.
15. Eighth Grade (2018)
Eighth Grade follows 13-year-old Kayla as she navigates the awkward, anxiety-inducing final week of middle school. Shy and struggling to connect with her peers in real life, Kayla finds solace in the YouTube advice videos she makes for an audience of no one.
Elsie Fisher is revelatory as the sweet, vulnerable Kayla, while Josh Hamilton is heartbreaking as her loving single father struggling to connect. With his feature debut, Bo Burnham crafts an empathetic, cringingly realistic portrait of early adolescence in the age of social media. Eighth Grade beautifully captures the small, everyday moments of heartache and triumph that define this pivotal time.
16. Mid90s (2018)
Jonah Hill’s directorial debut Mid90s follows 13-year-old Stevie, who escapes his troubled home life by befriending a group of older skateboarders. As Stevie is drawn into their world of partying and reckless behavior, he begins to come of age and find his place.
With its authentic 90s setting, great soundtrack, and naturalistic performances from its young cast, Mid90s feels like a time capsule of a very specific cultural moment. It’s a raw, unflinching look at the joys and perils of adolescent masculinity and the tribal bonds of outsider friendships. Mid90s signals a promising debut from Hill.
17. Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart follows academic overachievers and best friends Amy and Molly on their last day of high school. Determined to prove they’re more than just studious, the duo set out to attend the biggest graduation party and cram four years of missed fun into one wild night.
Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein have incredible chemistry as Amy and Molly, while the supporting cast of oddballs and popular kids are fleshed out with humor and empathy. Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is a fresh, feminist spin on the teen party comedy. With its witty dialogue, joyful queerness, and sincere exploration of friendship, Booksmart is destined to be a modern classic.
18. Moonlight (2016)
Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning Moonlight follows young Chiron through three chapters of his life as he grows up in Miami and grapples with his identity and sexuality. From his heartbreaking childhood to his turbulent adolescence to his guarded adulthood, we watch Chiron struggle to find connection and self-acceptance in a world that wants to deny his existence.
The triptych structure and lush cinematography elevate Moonlight into a poetic, operatic coming-of-age story. Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes each give achingly vulnerable performances as Chiron, while Mahershala Ali and Janelle Monáe offer glimmers of hope as his surrogate parents. Moonlight is a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind film about identity, masculinity, and the ache of love.
Stand By Me remains a classic because it so perfectly captures the magic and melancholy of this pivotal time. And the 18 films on this list continue its legacy in their own unique, poignant ways. Whether they make you laugh, cry, or both, these coming-of-age movies are sure to strike a chord and transport you back to your own youth. They remind us that while growing up can be painful, there’s also beauty and joy to be found in the journey.
So grab some friends, pop some popcorn, and settle in with one of these fantastic films. You just might find yourself reminiscing about your own stand-by-me moments. And you’ll definitely be reminded of the power of great storytelling to connect us across time, space, and experiences. These are the stories that shape us and stay with us long after the final credits roll.
