Coming-of-Age Movies

The coming-of-age story is a timeless genre -- often poignant, usually powerful, and sometimes funny -- and movies with this theme can be a great way to expose kids to important life lessons. These movies are some of our favorite stories about growing up. They span decades, but each leaves an impact that feels very fresh. Use these films as jumping-off points for talking to kids about the issues explored in the movies. For more great characters, try our list of coming-of-age books.

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Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image
MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1990)
Inside Out 2: Movie Poster: The emotion characters all squish together, their faces up against the "glass" of the poster
MOVIE

Inside Out 2

age 6+

Growing up is emotional in thoughtful sequel; some peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
The Lion King (1994) Poster Image
MOVIE

The Lion King (1994)

age 6+

Musical king-of-the-beasts blockbuster is powerful, scary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1994)
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken Movie Poster: A figure in the shape of a teenage girl lies on a bench with headphones on, while various mystical sea creatures dance above her
MOVIE

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

age 6+

Fun animated coming-of-age fantasy has thoughtful messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Anne of Green Gables Poster Image
MOVIE

Anne of Green Gables

age 7+

Faithful, sensitive take on classic novel is great for kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
Akeelah and the Bee Movie Poster: Akeelah stands at a microphone in a pink shirt, with various other characters' faces above her
MOVIE

Akeelah and the Bee

age 8+

Inspiring drama about a young spelling champ has swearing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Labyrinth Movie Poster: David Bowie holds a glass orb
MOVIE

Labyrinth

age 8+

Surreal coming-of-age fantasy -- with Jim Henson puppets.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
Rip Girls Poster Image
MOVIE

Rip Girls

age 8+

Coming-of-age surf movie has good vibes, strong role models.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2000)
The Sandlot Poster Image
MOVIE

The Sandlot

age 9+

Lighthearted tween baseball comedy has language, sexism.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)
Old Yeller Poster Image
MOVIE

Old Yeller

age 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1957)
Spirited Away Poster Image
MOVIE

Spirited Away

age 9+

Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Where the Wild Things Are Poster Image
MOVIE

Where the Wild Things Are

age 9+

Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Children of Heaven Poster Image
MOVIE

Children of Heaven

age 10+

Excellent subtitled Iranian coming-of-age story.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
Frybread Face and Me Film Poster: 2 Indigenous children look in opposite directions
MOVIE

Frybread Face and Me

age 10+

Gentle coming-of-age drama highlights Navajo culture.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
H Is for Happiness Movie Poster
MOVIE

H Is for Happiness

age 10+

Optimistic tween shows why being different is extraordinary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Turning Red Poster Image
MOVIE

Turning Red

age 10+

Pixar coming-of-age tale explores puberty and parent issues.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Wake Up Sid movie poster: The main character, an Indian man named Sid, is seen sitting on the floor smiling.
MOVIE

Wake Up Sid

age 10+

Sweet Bollywood coming-of-age romcom has positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
We Grown Now Movie Poster: Blake Cameron James jumps high enough to look like he's flying as others watch
MOVIE

We Grown Now

age 10+

Sensitive friendship drama mixes joy, serious themes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret: Movie Poster: Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) stands underneath the movie's title
MOVIE

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

age 11+

Faithful Blume adaptation explores puberty and religion.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Grease Movie Poster: Sandy and Danny stand cheek to cheek
MOVIE

Grease

age 11+

Musical hit is still great fun but quite racy, has sexism.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1978)