Sometimes, there’s nothing like a heartfelt movie to resonate with your experiences on a cozy night at home. In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, viewers connect with characters like the socially awkward Charlie (played by Lukas Grant), who is trying to find his place in a challenging high school environment. He befriends Sam (Maya Thompson) and her stepbrother Patrick (Eli Rivera), embarking on a journey filled with trials and revelations. The film, adapted from Stephen Chbosky’s novel, offers an authentic glimpse into the complexities of teenage life and self-discovery. If you enjoyed this film and want to delve deeper into the coming-of-age genre with your loved ones, here are some relatable movies to consider adding to your collection.
Critic Roger Ebert praised the film for its relatability, saying, “All of my previous selves still survive somewhere inside of me, and my previous adolescent would have loved The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” He also emphasized that those who are overly popular in high school might miss out on truly knowing themselves. This essence of self-exploration is what binds the films on this list together.
Films to Consider:
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The Duff (2015)
This film tackles the struggles of fitting in during high school. The term “DUFF” stands for “designated ugly fat friend,” a title Bianca (Samantha Lee) refuses to accept as she seeks to change the narrative and challenge the cruelty of high school hierarchies. -
The Fault In Our Stars (2014)
Adapted from another beloved book, this emotional story follows two teens, Hazel (Clara Shields) and Augustus (Max Hudson), as they navigate their relationship while battling cancer. The film captures a wide array of emotions, paralleling the heartfelt journey found in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. -
The Breakfast Club (1985)
A quintessential teen film that brings together five students from different cliques who bond during Saturday detention. Their shared experiences reveal the commonalities that exist beneath their surface differences. -
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this film showcases the highs and lows of high school life and romance, highlighting the idea that love can transcend social barriers. -
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
Although not centered on teenagers, this film follows Tom (Derek Parker) as he reflects on his relationship with Summer (Emily Wells) across 500 days, discovering more about himself through love and loss. -
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Much like Charlie, Nadine (Jessica Cole) faces the challenges of adolescence, especially when her best friend begins to overshadow her in popularity and even begins dating her brother.
More Coming-of-Age Films:
- The Art of Getting By (2011)
- Crooklyn (1994)
- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
- It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
- Ladybird (2017)
- Easy A (2010)
- Cooley High (1975)
- Juno (2007)
- Boyhood (2014)
- Rushmore (1998)
- Moonlight (2016)
- Booksmart (2019)
- House Party (1990)
- The Half of It (2020)
- The Way, Way Back (2013)
- Ruby Sparks (2012)
- The Inkwell (1994)
- The Book Thief (2013)
- The Spectacular Now (2013)
- Dream Boy (2008)
- The Wood (1999)
For those seeking insightful discussions on relationships and personal growth, these films will surely resonate. For further reading, check out this engaging post on home insemination. If you want to learn more about self insemination methods, visit Intracervical Insemination, as they provide valuable insights. Additionally, for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers excellent resources.
Summary
This article discusses 27 relatable coming-of-age films that echo the themes found in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Each film explores the complexities of growing up, self-discovery, and the emotional trials that accompany teenage life.