INTRODUCTION
Coming-of-age movies are all about growth, the final result of watching characters grow from confused teens who figure out their place in the world, much like how we have been navigating through this project. It’s all those awkward, raw moments that everyone can relate to, with plenty of room for humor (which, let’s face it, we need). It’s different from other genres because it’s not an action or fantasy but a really true, emotional growth that happens through the journey. We chose this because it gives us the perfect mix: heartfelt stories that feel real, and enough room for a few laughs. Plus, as we learned during our legendary Zoom meetings—especially that one where we were basically lip-syncing with Anaya’s broken mic—it felt like we were living our own coming-of-age moment. Take Anmol, for instance, who was cleaning her room while trying to get in on the discussion, which is so perfectly “coming-of-age”—like trying to put your life together but everything’s still in disarray. It just fits. And let’s not forget how tiny moments of growing up, such as awkward silences and mishaps with the microphone, can suddenly feel massive when you’re actually living them. This is why the genre speaks to us. It lets us dive into the messy beauty of personal growth and how every tiny step feels like the world is shifting. Coming-of-age is life, just a little brighter and more meaningful, and we’re excited to bring that energy into our project.
Various Types:
Teen Drama
Science Fiction
Comedy
Social Realism
TEEN DRAMA
Teen drama is the heart of coming-of-age movies, capturing the awkward, messy, and emotional moments of growing up in a dramatic way. From classic high school struggles—fighting with friends, worrying about the future, and thinking every little mistake is the end of the world—it’s a relatable highlight reel of teenage life. Though exaggerated for entertainment, that’s what makes it fun. Teen dramas tap into the whirlwind of figuring out who you are, with just the right balance of humor and panic—like trying to act like you’ve got it together while stressing over a bad haircut.
Examples
The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Directed by Stephen Chbosky, published by Summit Entertainment, and released on September 21, 2012.
Wake Up Sid: Directed by Ayan Mukerji, published by Dharma Productions, and released on October 2, 2009.
A Walk to Remember: Directed by Adam Shankman, published by Warner Bros. Pictures, and released on January 25, 2002.
SCIENCE FICTION
Sci-Fi, oddly enough, doesn't seem to fit at first within the coming-of-age genre, but it actually works pretty well. It's about entering the unknown, which is exactly what teenagers do and navigate through their new experiences and challenges. Sci-fi often uses elements of the future or fantasy to parallel the journey of self-discovery, in that one enters new worlds, acquires new powers, or takes up a new identity, like in adolescent years: all uncertainty and unexpected curves. This makes for a weird blend of personal growth with otherworldly adventure, making this a fresh approach to coming-of-age themes. It's growing up-but, twist it up while keeping you on the edge of your seat!
Examples
Harry Potter series: Directed by multiple directors published by Warner Bros. Pictures, with the first film released on November 16, 2001
The Hunger Games: Directed by Gary Ross, published by Lionsgate, and released on March 23, 2012.
Super 8: Directed by J.J. Abrams, published by Paramount Pictures, and released on June 10, 2011.
SOCIAL REALISM
Social realism in the coming-of-age genre brings into focus the rough, unfiltered side of growing up. It means storytelling that bites into everyday struggles, like having to contend with poverty, family problems, or social pressure. Such films don't sugar coat anything-they portray the harsh realities of life for teenagers while still encompassing the unfolding discovery of self. Mostly, social realism is located within the real world, which makes it even more real and potent. It's not all glamour and glory; it's about the real people trying to navigate real problems. This genre gives voice to the experiences of mostly ignored youth, showing that growing up can be both beautiful and brutally hard.
Examples
The Way, Way Back: Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, published by Fox Searchlight Pictures, and released on July 5, 2013.
The Florida Project: Directed by Sean Baker, published by A24, and released on October 6, 2017.
Billy Elliot: Directed by Stephen Daldry, published by Universal Pictures and StudioCanal, and released on September 29, 2000.
COMEDY
Coming-of-age comedy is a great way to laugh through the chaos of growing up. It requires finding humor in embarrassing moments, such as embarrassing oneself before friends or trying too hard to be cool. Comedy lightens the load of all the messy struggles teens face while still showing the true emotions behind them. It's about much more than just the laughs because humor helps to see characters through life's great highs and lows. Comedy makes growing up a little less stressful and loads of fun. It's a perfect way to find the humorous side of life's toughest lessons!
Examples
The Edge of Seventeen: Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, published by STX Entertainment, and released on November 18, 2016.
3 Idiots: Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, published by Vinod Chopra Films, and released on December 25, 2009.
Mean Girls: Directed by Mark Waters, published by Paramount Pictures, and released on April 30, 2004.
WHY WE CHOSE COMEDY?
We selected coming-of-age comedy as it seemed like will allow us to portray the ups and downs in growing up when looked at the lighter side of things. Even before going with coming of age, we already know that we have fun, engaging, and more importantly, non-offensive content that people wouldn’t mind watching. Comedy provided us with that margin such that we could appreciate emphasises on the emotional growth that just comes with the chaos that teens are. Adolescents can relate quite well to the awkward phases, embarrassing instances, and the challenges of being a teen so long as it is depicted in a funny manner. It is in a way an artistic approach to even make difficult teachings appear less daunting. The comedy choice also managed to get the group’s design vision aligned after all genre arguments and zoom calls would focus on needing content with substance and fun. Therefore, let’s proceed step by step or as Anmol would phrase it ‘abhi ek kaam toh karo!’.
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