This post is brought to you by Anaya, who somehow made it to the Zoom call while juggling her cousin’s wedding chaos! She had the information but couldn’t write it, so I swooped in and got it done. But that’s what we call teamwork, right? Let’s dive in!
Okay, gather around, because we’re about to dive into the world of coming-of-age films — the ultimate cinematic rollercoaster. You know, the kind of movie where one minute you're cringing, the next you're wiping away a tear, and by the end, you're somehow questioning your entire existence. These films are like that awkward phase of life we all kind of love (or at least find entertaining). And guess what? They aren’t just for teens — everyone from teenagers to adults and movie buffs is hooked on this genre for all kinds of reasons. So, let’s break down who’s watching these movies, and why they keep pulling us back in for more. Trust me, it’s gonna be fun.
TEENAGERS [13-18 YEARS]
First off, let’s talk about the real target audience. The ones who are living this chaotic, unpredictable, emotional rollercoaster right now — the teenagers. Honestly, they don’t even need to watch these movies. They’re already living them. Growing up, figuring out who you are, dealing with friendships that feel like they’re gonna break up any minute, and crushing on someone who doesn’t even know you exist? Yeah, sounds about right. These films hit all the right spots, like a weird mirror showing their exact life (minus the perfect movie lighting).
Examples:
Clueless (1995): Ah yes, Cher, the high school queen bee, who’s basically our spirit animal when we were trying to play matchmaker while barely getting our own life together. Just like our first Zoom meeting, right? There’s no better way to be clueless about life than to be a teen navigating love, school, and pretending you have it all figured out. No, we are not over it, because—very obvious reasons— we’ve never been more confused. But let’s not start with the call… we have a lot to talk about from that meeting, but it’s kind of time to move on.
Taare Zameen Par (2007): Ishaan is basically me during A-Levels — struggling, lost, and feeling like school is one big puzzle that doesn’t fit. Except, this movie gave me all the feels, showing how even the messiest of students can shine with the right support. Can relate on a spiritual level.
YOUNG ADULTS [18-24 YEARS]
Now, hold up, let’s switch gears. We’ve got a new crew in town: young adults — fresh out of high school, thrown into the big, wide world, and suddenly realizing that being a "grown-up" is not as fun as it sounded in the movies. This is the phase where you’re trying to “adult,” and spoiler alert — no one really knows what they’re doing. But these coming-of-age films? They totally get it. They speak to that feeling of what even is life when you’re caught between adolescence and adulthood.
Examples:
The Graduate (1967): Benjamin, a recent college grad, is trying to figure out life, love, and, well, why adulting is so confusing. This movie is pretty much the anthem of anyone who’s ever had a post-graduation crisis and realized they don’t have a 5-year plan. Yikes.
Wake Up Sid (2009): Sid, the carefree student, has to suddenly adult after graduation. I mean, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve looked at a responsibility and thought, "I’ll deal with that later," I could afford a much more expensive therapy session. This movie gets the struggle. Spoiler: Sid eventually figures it out... sort of.
OLDER ADULTS [30-50 YEARS]
Now, let’s talk about the seasoned folks. You know, the ones who’ve been around long enough to have a solid grip on life... but also still secretly wonder where the heck the time went. Coming-of-age films for this group are like a trip down memory lane with a side of, “Well, life’s not exactly how I imagined it would be.” These movies bring back a flood of memories about their own youth and what’s changed since. It’s nostalgic, it’s emotional, and it’s comforting — even if they’re now laughing at how different life looks now.
Examples:
The Breakfast Club (1985): Five high school students, stuck in detention, discover they’re not all that different after all. This film pretty much nails the awkwardness of high school, but also shows us that we all have baggage we carry. If only life came with a “We all got this” message for adulthood, right?
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006): Now, this isn’t your average coming-of-age flick. But it still taps into those what happens after the happy ending vibes. The story of love, growth, and personal change, as adults figure out what really matters in life. Maybe growing up isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, but it’s still worth it.
MOVIE ENTHUSIASTS
(YOU KNOW, THE REAL DEEP THINKERS)
Ah, the movie buffs. These are the people who don’t just watch movies — they analyze them, dissect every frame, and probably come up with deep theories you didn’t even know existed. Coming-of-age films are like gold mines for these folks, offering rich themes about identity, race, family, and all that good stuff that makes them want to get into a 2-hour discussion about symbolism (Sir Zia would know better). But hey, we kinda get it. These films are juicy, and there's always something new to uncover.
Examples:
Call Me By Your Name (2017): A beautiful exploration of first love, identity, and desire that’ll leave you both crying and questioning your feelings for every past friendship you’ve ever had. Deep sigh.
Barfi! (2012): Barfi is a tale of love and life, showing how personal growth doesn’t always fit in the typical box. And honestly, if you haven’t watched this movie, do yourself a favor. It’s like a dose of pure joy and heartache, all wrapped up in one. (Also, it’s Anaya's favorite film. She could watch it a thousand times and never get tired. No shame).
And no, we're not over that Zoom call, folks! (We have never been more confused in our lives, but let's not even get into that. We've got a ton to unpack from that meeting, but for now, it's time to move on. Deep breath).
But seriously, what makes coming-of-age films resonate so much is that they speak to everyone — from teens navigating their awkward years, to young adults trying to figure out how to adult, and even older viewers who reflect on their own growth. These films give us a front-row seat to the rollercoaster of life. Coming-of-age films are the only place where being lost, confused, and emotionally wrecked is not only normal, it’s the plot. So, whether you’re in high school, freshly graduated, or somewhere in between, you’ll find something in these stories that makes you think, laugh, and maybe even cry (don’t worry, we’ll keep the tissues handy).
Related Posts
