If you loved the heartfelt and humorous coming-of-age story in 'Dating Amber' (2020), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same themes of self-discovery, friendship, and navigating adolescence with authenticity and wit. Whether you're drawn to queer narratives or nostalgic 90s settings, these recommendations will keep you entertained and emotionally invested.
Booksmart (2019)
Description: A modern take on the high school comedy genre, emphasizing friendship, self-discovery, and the pressures of adolescence with a witty and inclusive approach.
Fact: Olivia Wilde made her directorial debut with this film. The script was featured on the 2017 Black List of best unproduced screenplays.
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Description: A poignant exploration of teenage angst, mental health, and the search for identity, set against the backdrop of high school life.
Fact: The author of the novel, Stephen Chbosky, also wrote the screenplay and directed the film. It features a mix of indie and classic rock music that became iconic for its soundtrack.
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Carol (2015)
Description: A beautifully crafted period drama about a forbidden romance between two women, capturing the tension and passion of their relationship.
Fact: The film is based on Patricia Highsmith's novel 'The Price of Salt,' which was groundbreaking for its positive portrayal of a lesbian relationship in the 1950s. It was shot on Super 16mm film to achieve its distinctive visual style.
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Lady Bird (2017)
Description: A deeply personal narrative about a young woman navigating family dynamics, first love, and the desire for independence during her senior year of high school.
Fact: Greta Gerwig's solo directorial debut was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing from Gerwig's own experiences.
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Moonlight (2016)
Description: A visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that follows a young Black man's journey of self-discovery and acceptance of his sexuality.
Fact: It was the first LGBTQ+ film and the first film with an all-Black cast to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The story is based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished semi-autobiographical play.
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Love, Simon (2018)
Description: A coming-of-age story that explores the challenges of coming out and self-acceptance in high school, blending humor and heartfelt moments.
Fact: It was the first major studio film to focus on a gay teenage romance. The film is based on the novel 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli.
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God's Own Country (2017)
Description: A tender and gritty love story set in rural England, exploring themes of isolation, connection, and personal transformation.
Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to help the actors develop their characters naturally. It won the World Cinema Directing Award at Sundance.
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Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Description: A lush and intimate portrayal of first love and sexual awakening set in the Italian countryside, filled with longing and emotional depth.
Fact: The film's iconic peach scene became a cultural talking point. It was shot on 35mm film to capture the warmth and nostalgia of the 1980s setting.
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The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
Description: A powerful story about a teenage girl sent to a gay conversion therapy center, highlighting themes of identity, resistance, and survival.
Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Emily M. Danforth.
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Eighth Grade (2018)
Description: A raw and authentic portrayal of the awkwardness and anxiety of adolescence, focusing on a young girl's struggles with self-esteem and social acceptance.
Fact: Bo Burnham wrote and directed the film, marking his feature film directorial debut. The lead actress, Elsie Fisher, was actually in eighth grade during filming.
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