why we’re all secretly obsessed with coming of age films
there’s something about coming-of-age films that resonates with us, no matter what stage of life we’re in. maybe it’s the nostalgia, the drama, or the way these stories remind us of all the emotions we felt growing up. but honestly, it’s deeper than that. coming-of-age movies tap into a feeling we’re all chasing: the journey of figuring out who we are. they make us reflect on our own lives, our own “main character” moments, and sometimes even make us want to relive those moments—or better yet, create new ones.
why are we all secretly obsessed?
at their core, coming-of-age films are about self-discovery, first experiences, and learning to accept ourselves. whether it’s finding your crew like in the perks of being a wallflower, confronting family dynamics like in lady bird, or navigating heartbreak and growth like in call me by your name, these films are relatable in a way that makes us feel seen. we get to watch characters go through things we’ve experienced or wished we had. they reflect the awkwardness, the excitement, the confusion, and the feeling that the world is both terrifying and full of endless possibilities.
watching a coming-of-age film is like a reset. it reminds us that we’re allowed to be a work in progress. we’re allowed to feel lost, to question everything, and to make mistakes. these films make us feel less alone in that struggle. they remind us that life is messy, that growth is uncomfortable, and that change is inevitable. but they also remind us that, in the end, we emerge stronger, wiser, and truer to ourselves.
nostalgia with a side of growth
nostalgia plays a big role in why we love coming-of-age films so much. even if a movie is set in a different time or culture, those universal feelings of hope, rebellion, and discovery are instantly relatable. we see parts of ourselves in the characters, from the awkward teenager trying to fit in to the young adult questioning what’s next. films like the breakfast club, stand by me, and dazed and confused might seem outdated, but the themes? timeless.
and here’s the thing: coming-of-age isn’t just a one-time event. we’re constantly evolving, no matter our age. that’s why coming-of-age films feel fresh every time we watch them. at 15, you might relate to the characters discovering friendship and love; at 25, it might be the career struggles, identity crises, or navigating the gap between who you are and who you want to be. these films remind us that growth isn’t linear, and that’s okay.
romanticizing the little moments
another reason we’re obsessed? coming-of-age films romanticize the mundane, turning the ordinary into something magical. in a world where we’re constantly told to be productive, to hustle, and to always look ahead, these films teach us to slow down and appreciate the little things. walking through a city at night, laughing with friends in a car, or staring at the stars—all those little moments that seem insignificant are actually the ones we remember.
it’s why movies like moonlight or the florida project hit so hard. they remind us of the beauty in the everyday, of how each moment, no matter how small, shapes us in some way. coming-of-age films make us want to live with more intention, to savor those small experiences, and to treat life like it’s worth romanticizing.
creating our own coming-of-age
the best part? watching these films inspires us to create our own “coming-of-age” moments, no matter where we’re at in life. they remind us that we can still be curious, still chase new experiences, and still learn about ourselves. who says you have to stop “coming of age” after high school or college? why not take a solo trip, explore a new hobby, fall in love with a city you’ve never been to, or just spend a night under the stars with friends?
coming-of-age films remind us that we’re allowed to rewrite our stories at any time. that we’re the main characters of our own lives, and that we can make our own adventures, our own memories, and our own growth arcs. they show us that self-discovery is lifelong and that we’re all a little bit of a work-in-progress, just like the characters we connect with on screen.
why we keep coming back
in the end, our obsession with coming-of-age films is about wanting to feel connected—to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. they remind us that growth is messy, that love is beautiful and painful, and that life is about finding joy, even in the unknown. these films give us permission to embrace the journey, to learn from our mistakes, and to keep moving forward with a little more courage and curiosity.
so, the next time you feel like life is too chaotic or you’re not sure where you’re headed, throw on a coming-of-age film. let it remind you that you’re allowed to be figuring it out. after all, life itself is the ultimate coming-of-age story—and you’re right in the middle of it.