With finished filming and scheduled to release in theaters on March 17th, 2023, its predecessor being a hit among all ages for its wholly relatable themes, the coming-of-age genre is rightfully thriving,
November and December are the months people feel the most thankful for what they have while celebrating togetherness, whether it be with their families or close friends. Classic movies like Jumanji are beloved by watchers of all ages, comparing the hardships of growing up with the stressors of being an adult while helping both groups feel understood by the other. That said, which coming-of-age films are the most perfect for the holiday season?
The Goonies (1985)
Stream On Netflix
Following a group of children as they try to come up with the funds to keep living in their beloved Goon Docks area of Astoria, Oregon, the Steven Spielberg adventure film reflects the importance of friends and the perseverance children have once they put their minds to something, no matter how farfetched.
Debatably the most classic and well-known coming-of-age movie from the '80s, The Goonies not only reminds adults of their playful childhood days of adventuring with their best friends but helps both kids and grownups alike realize how thankful they should be for the people who care for them most.
Hook (1991)
Stream On Prime Video
Another great Spielberg film and Hook portrays Peter Pan as a now middle-aged stick in the mud who has forgotten all about his fantastical childhood in Neverland.
Seeing the classic Disney character become the opposite of what he once was and a rather neglectful father to his kids due to his responsibilities as a corporate lawyer perfectly highlights the capability of adulthood to suck the life out of people who become too absorbed with work, forgetting what’s most important. Luckily, a trip to Neverland and boot camp with the lost boys snaps Pan back into his old ways of silly fun, making it a great watch for viewers of all ages.
Shazam! (2019)
Stream On HBO Max
For superhero fans both young and old, Shazam!’s heartfelt, though surprisingly realistic, story of orphan Billy Batson trying to find his birth mother as he drifts from foster home to foster home unquestionably embodies themes relatable to every age group.
The movie’s hilariousness balances out its more serious concepts perfectly while depicting issues anyone can relate to, making it one of the best modern family-adventure films. It exceptionally showcases the profoundness of having ive loved ones that will be there unconditionally, even if Billy’s loving found-family isn’t who he thought they would be.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)
Stream On Paramount+
Putting viewers in the shoes of a shy and awkward high school freshman struggling with depression, The Perks of Being a Wallflower exhibits a troubled teen finally finding his people. The feeling of belonging is often sought-after during adolescence, and can sometimes be fondly looked back at with gratefulness in adulthood.
The epistolary novel-turned-movie is innocent at its core, depicting the pressure of persona development in a very transitory time, portrayed beautifully by Logan Lerman. The main character, Charlie, slowly realizes that he is more than his mental illness and the trauma he experienced as a child, portrayed illustrated with honesty as the story progresses.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)
Stream On Netflix
As Scott Pilgrim vs. The World may not seem like a coming-of-age film at first, but its ending proves this with a significant message to both Scott and the audience.
As Scott battles it out with each of Ramona’s evil exes, he learns to love himself and overcome his childish mistakes, evolving into a respectable young man. Representing the problems faced when transitioning into a mature adult, each of Scott’s dilemmas is relatable to all ages, causing older folks to reminisce about their lives as a teen.
The Fundamentals Of Caring (2016)
Stream On Netflix
The Fundamentals Of Caring gives watchers a glimpse into the lives of an unemployed, almost divorced writer, who becomes the caregiver of a disabled teen that loves to pull pranks on people. The movie might be known more for being a hilarious ride, but it is just as heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
The feel-good film includes personable characters with unique chemistry like the wise-cracking Trevor and Paul Rudd’s Ben, who can rarely tell whether the boy is being serious or not. While watching these three-dimensional characters go on the road trip of a lifetime, families won’t be able to help but feel profoundly thankful for what they have, especially given the difficulties of each character.
13 Going On 30 (2004)
Stream On HBO Max
On her 13th birthday, unpopular girl Jenna wishes she could escape from her awkward adolescent life and be “30, flirty and thriving!” Little does she know that once she wakes up the next morning, her wish has come true.
Despite being a financially successful fashion designer, the now-adult girl was not only missing memory of the last 17 years of her life but what she knew about herself and the people she loved. As one of 13 Going on 30 makes both teens and adults feel heard, their problems combining together in a whirlwind of Jenna’s newfound life as realizes the importance of what she had once taken for granted.
Big (1988)
Stream On Hulu
Like 13 Going On 30, Big highlights the life of a young kid who suddenly wakes up as an adult, but he remains in present-day instead of jumping through time. Wishing to become big and date a girl who is older than him, an unplugged Zoltar machine grants Josh’s request.
From getting kicked out of the house by his own mother (thinking him to be a stranger) to getting a job as a big-shot toy designer, Big comes with a slew of relatable highs and lows for any age, especially when Josh finally realizes he needs his old life back. The surprisingly honest take on growing up, yet not letting go of childlike wonder and excitement, is something that is quite unforgettable.
Jumanji (1991)
Stream On Prime Video
After finding a supernatural board game Jumanji, the bullied and misunderstood Alan gets sucked into the wildly dangerous jungles of the game, only to return once two curious siblings play the game many years later.
Packed with great fun and suspense, the three (along with Alan’s old friend Sarah) must finish out the game they started as the horrors of the board game come to life with each turn. While younger folks will see the film as an exciting adventure story urging them to face their fears or not take what they have for granted, adults may view it as a lesson in parenting and the significance of validating a child's struggles, while letting them decide things for themselves.
Little Women (1994)
Stream On Netflix
Tracing the lives of a family of three girls and their mother during the 1860s, Little Women is considered a must-watch for its intricate weaving of considerably complex characters, the fan-favorite of which being the nonconforming firecracker that is Jo March.
With a mother very outspoken during such an oppressive time for women, the girls learn their worth growing up and finding love. The small-scale masterpiece is a teary-eyed journey that is as authentic as it gets, able to be sympathized by both little girls and women due to its themes of preserving one's own identity, regardless of the pressures of society.
