Coming-of-age films have a special power to resonate with audiences for a lifetime. They provide a lens into universal experiences of adolescence and self-discovery. From awkward crushes, the pursuit of independence, flirting, and sisterhood. These are some of DirectHer’s picks for female coming-of-age films.
Are You There God? It’s me, Margret. (2023, Kelley Fremon Craig)
Based on Judy Bloom’s iconic novel, this movie follows 11-year-old Margret (Abby Ryder Fortson) as she navigates her family uprooting, puberty, and her own faith. These themes are explored in an equally hilarious and heartfelt manner. The film is a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre that’s been previously neglected in cinema. Forston’s performance adeptly explores female puberty in a wholesome light and plays off her mother (Rachel McAdams) perfectly.
Booksmart (2019, Olivia Wilde)
The story of two best friends, bookworms Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein), who defy expectations as they attempt to embark on a wild night of partying before high school graduation. The film is one of the most accurate and fun portrayals of female adolescents on film, tackling common issues for soon-to-be adults of identity, conformity, and the ‘loss’ of youth. All of this is kept light thanks to the dynamic leads.
Persepolis (2007, Marjane Starpi & Vincent Paronaud)
Persepolis is a beautiful black and white, animated autiobigrical movie. Set during the Iran-Iraq war, the film follows Marjane (Chiara Mastroianni) as she grapples with themes of repression, rebellion and grief. The story is so inspired, by contrasting Marjane’s love for her home country and her obsessions with Bruce Lee and 80s punk rock, it challenges the audience’s preconceptions of the country. This is a wholly unique coming-of-age and animated film that is truly unique amongst this list.
Read review: Animation coming of age movie, Coraline
The Edge of Seventeen (2016, Kelley Fermon Craig)
An answer to the John Hughes films of the 80s, The Edge of Seventeen is a fresh and modern coming-of-age film that provides an honest insight into the cringier moments of teen angst, friendship, betrayal and loss. Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) is a harsh protagonist, but one who becomes likeable through the challenges presented to her interpersonally and academically. A key relationship in the film is Nadine and her teacher Mr Bruner (Woody Harrelson) who have exceptional comedic chemistry and act as valuable insight into the film’s themes.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018, Desiree Akhavan)
Based on the novel by Emily M. Danforth, the film follows Cameron Post (Chloë Grace Moretz), a teenager grappling with her sexual identity while forcibly attending a conversion therapy camp. This movie sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in conservative environments, particularly in the early 90s when the film is set, and the resilience required to stay true to oneself. Moretz balances her character Cameron as someone who is equally fearless in her identity and actions but equally scared of her newfound environment.
Juno (2007, Jason Reitman)
Teenage pregnancy is a contentious topic, one that Juno handles in a very authentic yet refreshingly humorous way. The film approaches the expected topics of a coming-of-age film; the challenges of growing up, relationship issues, but most importantly the common fact of teenagers’ sexuality and having sex. What sets Juno apart from other movies is that despite Juno’s (Elliot Page) age, she demonstrates a lot of strength and resilience during a vulnerable and difficult time and takes control of her own agency and decisions. She refuses to conform, and Page’s performance is a standout act that still resonates with audiences.
Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging (2008, Gurinder Chandra)
Probably one of the most laugh-out-loud coming-of-age movies around, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging is a movie exploding with heartfelt moments and hilariously cringey moments. Georgia Nicolson (Georgia Groome), is a quirky and endearing girl who is all too relatable as a teenager experiencing unrequited love and one too many embarrassing mishaps, like her first time with spray tan turning her legs into wotsits. Set in picturesque British suburbia, and with an equally charming cast, this movie is full of warmth and captures the ungraceful essence of adolescence that still deeply resonates with audiences, despite being a definitive time capsule of its era.
