When studying English abroad, watching movies in English is a good and enjoyable way to absorb not only American or English culture, but to also pick up conversational English.  But what movies to watch? The subject has to suit, and with our students in mind, we at TALK English Schools came up with some really brilliant coming-of-age movies

made over the years that tell the tale of growing up and becoming an adult.

10 great coming-of-age movies

Little Miss Sunshine

A dysfunctional family experiences all sorts of adventures on the way to the daughter’s beauty pageant.  It’s a coming-of-age movie, but it also teaches us that you don’t stop growing up even after becoming an adult.

Moonrise Kingdom

One pragmatic and sensible, the other a dreamer, a boy and girl fall in love and run away together. An unpredictable storyline with brilliant acting.

The Breakfast Club

5 students in detention get to know each other and understand they are not so different after all. Many critics consider it one of the best coming-of-age movies ever made

Almost Famous

Young intern for Rolling Stone magazine travels with a rock band on tour.  And learns a lot!

The Squid and the Whale

Award-winning coming-of-age story about two brothers taking the opposite sides in their parents’ divorce

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Excellent, funny and moving story about a shy introvert young boy who is dealing with the death of his best friend, mental illness and sexual abuse suffered during childhood.

Empire of the Sun

A young British boy forms a friendship with a Japanese teenager while in an internment camp during World War II. One of the best war films ever made.

The 400 Blows

A 1959 French film is story of a troubled preteen who is tormented by his stepfather and insensitive teacher. He runs away from home,  is sent to prison and then to a youth facility where a psychiatrist tries to help him.

Stand by Me.

One of the best. This is a story of four friends who set out on an adventure to find the body of a missing boy. A great movie about life, childhood and growing up.

Others movies like this that we recommend:

Dead Poets’ Society, Dazed and Confused, Adventureland, Whale Rider, A Bronx Tale, Slacker,  Varsity Blues, Frances Ha, The Kite Runner, Take Me Home Tonight, Super Bad, Waiting, The Life of Pi, The Spectacular Now…

Have fun at these coming-of-age movies!