Are you ready for a journey back in time? Netflix has an amazing collection of movies that will transport you to your youth and fill you with nostalgia. These films have been rated by fans of all ages and are guaranteed to capture those moments of uncertainty that we all experienced, creating unforgettable memories on the big screen.
Netflix has an extensive range of movies that cater to different age groups, from the young at heart to the young adults. And for those who love a little romance, there are also some coming of age movies that will make your heart flutter.
Have you found a coming of age movie that speaks to your soul? Share your thoughts and let us know which ones you think are the cream of the crop among Netflix’s selection.
(Note: One movie that has sparked passionate discussions among viewers is “Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List.”)
1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, we meet Charlie, a quiet and introspective high-school freshman who’s just trying to navigate the rollercoaster of adolescence. Everything changes for him when he befriends two seniors, Sam and Patrick, who open his eyes to a whole new world outside of the confines of textbooks and exams. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, as Charlie grapples with his first taste of love and confronts some deeply buried secrets. This beautiful coming-of-age drama not only captures the joys and heartbreaks of growing up, but also received high praise from critics, ultimately earning the prestigious Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.
Released: 2012
Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
Actors: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
2. Lady Bird
The indie dramedy film Lady Bird is all about the life of Christine Lady Bird McPherson, a high school senior from Sacramento. Throughout the movie, she goes through the ups and downs of adolescence, often butting heads with her hardworking mother Marion. After Lady Bird’s dad loses his job, Marion takes on the responsibility of keeping their family afloat. Directed by Greta Gerwig, this movie delves into Lady Bird’s relationships with her best friend Julie and her romantic interests. With five Academy Award nominations, it offers a captivating glimpse into the coming-of-age experience in early 2000s America.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Greta Gerwig
Actors: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet
3. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a game-changing animated superhero film that turns the traditional Spider-Man concept on its head. We follow the journey of Miles Morales (played by Shameik Moore), a regular teenager from Brooklyn who grapples with his newfound superpowers after a radioactive spider bite. But things get even more interesting when he crosses paths with Peter B. Parker (portrayed by Jake Johnson), an older and more cynical version of Spider-Man from a different dimension. Together, they embark on a wild adventure through a multiverse filled with all sorts of Spider-Man variations, each with their own unique take on the iconic hero. This film truly is a visual masterpiece, and it’s no wonder it took home the prestigious Best Animated Feature award at the 91st Academy Awards. Its innovative storytelling and dynamic animation style set it apart from the rest.
Released: 2018
Directed by: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Actors: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld
4. Moonlight
Moonlight is an incredibly powerful and unique drama that breaks free from traditional genre boundaries. The movie takes us through three defining acts, following the journey of Chiron, played by Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes at different stages of his life. Set in the gritty neighborhood of Miami, Chiron faces the challenges of a turbulent home life and struggles with his own sexuality. Naomi Harris delivers a gripping performance as his drug-addicted mother, while Mahershala Ali shines as the compassionate drug dealer who becomes a father figure to him. This award-winning masterpiece delves deep into themes of identity, masculinity, and love, presenting them with a delicate touch and captivating storytelling.
Released: 2016
Directed by: Barry Jenkins
Actors: Mahershala Ali, Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders
5. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
In the awesome movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, we meet Scott Pilgrim, played by Michael Cera, who is the bass guitarist for the garage band Sex Bob-omb. He becomes totally smitten with Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and wants nothing more than to win her heart. But here’s the catch – he has to confront and defeat her seven evil exes, each with their own unique abilities.
Directed by the talented Edgar Wright, this film is a perfect blend of action, comedy, and romance. It skillfully incorporates elements of video game culture, making it a real treat for gamers and non-gamers alike. Plus, the movie does an amazing job of capturing the vibrant youth culture of Toronto, with its visually striking scenes.
One thing that I really love about this movie is that it embraces its comic book origins. It doesn’t shy away from its roots, and instead, showcases dynamic fight scenes and a quirky sense of humor throughout. It’s a truly fun and entertaining watch.
Released: 2010
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Actors: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin
6. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is a movie that revolves around Lara Jean Song Covey, a quiet high school girl who pours her heart out in secret love letters to her crushes. She never intended for these letters to see the light of day, but things take a wild turn when they mysteriously get sent out. Lara’s once calm life quickly becomes a whirlwind of complicated romance. One person caught up in this storm is Peter Kavinsky, a popular jock who unexpectedly forms a bond with her. This teen romantic-comedy, based on Jenny Han’s best-selling novel, beautifully explores themes of adolescence, friendship, and first love, bringing a fresh perspective to the genre
Released: 2018
Directed by: Susan Johnson
Actors: Lana Condor, John Corbett, Noah Centineo
7. Enola Holmes
Enola Holmes is a captivating mystery adventure film set in the Victorian era. The story follows the independent and intelligent Enola Holmes, played by Millie Bobby Brown, who happens to be the younger sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Henry Cavill, and Mycroft Holmes, played by Sam Claflin. Enola sets out on a thrilling mission to find her missing mother, Eudoria, played by Helena Bonham Carter.
Her journey takes her into a world filled with secrets, danger, and self-discovery. Along the way, she cleverly outsmarts her brothers and uncovers a complex conspiracy that has the potential to change history. This film offers a fresh perspective on the traditional Holmes narrative by introducing a new protagonist.
Released: 2020
Directed by: Harry Bradbeer
Actors: Millie Bobby Brown, Sam Claflin, Henry Cavill
8. The Space Between Us
Gardner Elliot, the very first human to be born on Mars, starts an online friendship with Tulsa, a teenager from Colorado. Finally, at the age of 16, Gardner embarks on his maiden voyage to Earth and gets to experience all the incredible joys and wonders of a world he had only read about. However, things take a turn for the worse when scientists realize that Gardner’s organs are not equipped to handle Earth’s atmosphere. In a desperate attempt to find answers about his origins and his place in the universe, Gardner teams up with Tulsa and they go on the run. Together, they race against time to unravel the mysteries surrounding his existence.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Peter Chelsom
Actors: Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield, Carla Gugino
9. What a Girl Wants
In the movie “What a Girl Wants,” Daphne Reynolds (played by Amanda Bynes) sets off on a journey from New York to London. Her mission? To reconnect with her long-lost father, Lord Henry Dashwood (played by Colin Firth). Daphne was raised by her single mother, Libby (played by Kelly Preston), but her curiosity about her aristocratic roots has grown over time, and she’s now driven to embark on this transatlantic adventure.
The film is a delightful mix of comedy and drama, exploring the themes of self-discovery and family reconciliation. As Daphne finds herself thrust into British high society and encounters the charming complexities of her newfound family ties, she manages to stay true to herself. And that adds an extra touch of charm to this captivating story.
Released: 2003
Directed by: Dennie Gordon
Actors: Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston
10. Dumplin’
In a small Texas town, a remarkable protest unfolds within the confines of a pageant. It all starts when the plus-size teenage daughter of a former beauty queen decides to make a statement. In a bold move, she signs up for her mom’s pageant, aiming to challenge the conventional beauty standards that have long dominated the event.
What begins as a personal act of rebellion quickly mushrooms into something much bigger. As more and more contestants take inspiration from her audacity, a revolution ignites. These brave individuals, driven by a shared passion, come together to challenge the status quo, transforming not only the pageant but also their entire community.
This story is a captivating exploration of the power of protest and the capacity for change, even in the unlikeliest of places. It demonstrates that sometimes, a single act of defiance can spark a movement that reshapes the way people think about beauty, acceptance, and self-worth.
Through their courageous actions, these contestants challenge the narrow definitions of beauty that have long been imposed upon them. They show the world that there is no single mold for attractiveness, and that true beauty lies in diversity and confidence.
This tale is a testament to the strength of individuals who refuse to be confined by societal expectations. It celebrates the triumph of authenticity and self-expression, reminding us all that we have the power to challenge the norms and create a more inclusive and accepting world.
So join these extraordinary individuals on their journey as they revolutionize both a pageant and a town. Witness their resilience, their determination, and their unwavering belief in the power of their voices. Prepare to be inspired as they prove that beauty knows no boundaries and that change can emerge from the unlikeliest of places.
Released: 2018
Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Actors: Danielle Macdonald, Jennifer Aniston, Odeya Rush
11. Alex Strangelove
So, there’s this high school senior who’s all set to do the deed and lose his virginity to his girlfriend. But, as life often does, things take an unexpected turn. He crosses paths with this super attractive and charming gay guy from a different part of town. Little does he know, this encounter is about to take him on a wild ride of self-discovery and sexual identity exploration.
Released: 2018
Directed by: Craig Johnson
Actors: Daniel Doheny, Madeline Weinstein, Antonio Marziale
