When people think about coming-of-age movies, they usually think of the typical teenage-aimed stories. Whether it’s American Pie or Booksmart, these movies focus on a specific audience to showcase growth as the characters in the movie begin to prepare for adulthood. But over the years, there have also been many movies that fit into this genre for adults, focusing on later stages in life that older audiences can understand and learn from.
Wild
Wild is a fascinating movie in which Reese Witherspoon portrays Cheryl Strayed, who takes on a 1,100-mile trek up the Pacific Coast Trail. It’s based on a real-life story in which Cheryl opts to take on the challenge in a bid to find herself once again after slipping into a difficult patch in her life. Throughout the hike, she learns a lot about herself, providing a coming-of-age message for adults.
Poor Things
Poor Things might exist within a fantasy world, and the movie features plenty of funny moments, including the over-the-top physical comedy that Emma Stone provides. But it’s also a story about self-discovery as her character has to evolve and learn throughout her life. Adapting to the obstacles put in front of her and learning about emotions as she goes on provides real coming-of-age themes.
The Graduate
Benjamin focuses on what he’ll do next in his life after graduating, a situation many young adults find themselves in. While the movie concentrates on his romantic decisions, it’s clear that he’s not prepared for that next step in life. It highlights the difficulties people can face when growing up and the fact that everyone has flaws to battle through.
Barbie
On the surface, Barbie might seem to target younger people, but Greta Gerwig makes this a movie that adults can connect with deeply. It focuses on Barbie as she questions the reality she is dealing with, particularly in the sense of gender equality. The self-discovery she goes through is a brilliant coming-of-age story that adults will easily relate to.
The Holiday
On its surface, The Holiday might be a heartwarming romantic comedy, but it’s also a great coming-of-age story for adults. Each of the main characters is going through something completely different, whether being a widow, battling a breakup, or just coming to terms with getting older. There’s someone for everybody to relate to, and seeing what they go through to combat their individual feelings will certainly teach lessons to those who watch.
Click
Click might provide all of the humor and silliness of a typical Adam Sandler comedy, but this one also has a lot of heart and emotion. There’s a coming-of-age theme that adults can appreciate more than anyone, as Sandler’s character opts to skip out on all the moments he doesn’t enjoy or feel are important in life. But as he gets older, he begins to realize he’s missed out on so much by doing so, proving there’s importance in appreciating the more minor details in life.
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire is a powerful movie, with Danny Boyle directing an Oscar winner that inspired those who watched it. It’s a journey about battling adversity, proving the importance of not giving up no matter what situation a person is in, which is something that can inspire many.
Little Miss Sunshine
Little Miss Sunshine is a beautiful movie that blends hilarious comedy with deep emotions. It brings together a family of different ages experiencing opposite lives and problems. There’s a different character for everyone to engage with as they all learn and grow together, which many older viewers will understand.
Shaun of the Dead
Shaun of the Dead might primarily be a horror movie that focuses on zombies while blending comedy aspects, but deep down, there’s a real coming-of-age story. Focusing on Simon Pegg’s character, who is stuck in life and unwilling to do anything different, costs him a relationship. But through the zombie apocalypse, he’s forced to change his ways and embrace change, with lessons of friendship and family being learned here.
Hobson’s Choice
Hobson’s Choice is about three daughters trying to escape their overbearing, too-controlling father. It’s an example of standing up for yourself and becoming an adult by focusing on your own goals, which many adults can relate to.
La La Land
La La Land might be over-the-top at times as it leans into the musical genre with big dance numbers being featured. But the more profound message is a straightforward coming-of-age story. Two adults fall in love and want the best for each other, but ultimately, their life ambitions point them in different directions, which leads to difficulties in their relationship. It’s a lesson for people to learn about how not everything works out, which is a harsh coming-of-age moment in adulthood for many.
Frances Ha
Frances Ha battles the idea that people don’t fully understand themselves at a point in life when that’s expected of them. It does so cleverly, with brilliant dialogue and fantastic performances, proving that the idea of growing up isn’t as simple as it may initially seem.
Amélie
Amelie has a tremendous coming-of-age theme that runs throughout the movie. The lead character has to deal with issues from her past that continue to plague the decisions she makes in the present. Seeing her battle with anxiety is something that many people will be able to relate to, helping the film’s message feel even more powerful.
Boyhood
Boyhood is a unique movie, given that it was filmed over 12 years without a set script when it began. It allows audiences to see how people literally change and mature as all the characters grow up before people’s eyes. It highlights the positive and negative ways people can change depending on their specific circumstances, which is interesting to see unfold. It’s fascinating to watch and will undoubtedly provide coming-of-age lessons for people of any age.
Cemetery Junction
Cemetery Junction focuses on three young men bored with their lives and need to find something more. It’s a journey many can relate to as they try to change their fortunes and achieve more in life.
The Worst Person in the World
This movie focuses on Julie at differing career stages and her relationships. Adults can understand how she changes depending on what’s happening in her world. It’s a stark reminder of how people mature and how life can drastically alter you, as she becomes the worst person in the world due to her actions.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
This hilarious movie is often seen as a romantic comedy, but it’s also a perfect coming-of-age movie for many adults. Seeing a character at a crossroads in her life, Bridget Jones struggles to determine what is next regarding romance. It’s a situation many adults can find themselves in at times, which makes it easy for people to relate to as she attempts to put her life back together.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is about pushing yourself outside your comfort zone to chase dreams. It’s a coming-of-age movie that many people can appreciate, as many end up being stuck in roles they don’t enjoy and then give up on what they initially hoped to achieve, which is what this movie is trying to change.
