10 Must-Watch Coming-of-Age Dramas

Description: Five high school students from different social cliques spend a Saturday in detention together, discovering they have more in common than they thought. It's a timeless exploration of teenage stereotypes and the search for identity.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence over the course of 28 days, allowing the actors to genuinely develop their characters' relationships.

Description: A group of young boys set out on an adventure to find a missing body, but what they find along the way is much more profound. This film captures the innocence, friendship, and the bittersweet passage of time in youth.

Fact: The film is based on Stephen King's novella "The Body," and King has said it's his favorite adaptation of his work.

Description: A teacher at an all-boys prep school inspires his students to seize the day and make their lives extraordinary. This film is a poignant look at the impact of education and the importance of individuality.

Fact: Robin Williams' performance as John Keating was so moving that he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Description: A teenage journalist gets an assignment to write about a rock band, leading to a journey of self-discovery, music, and the wild world of the 1970s rock scene.

Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, based on director Cameron Crowe's own experiences as a teenage journalist for Rolling Stone.

Description: Juno, a witty and unconventional teenager, faces an unexpected pregnancy and decides to give her baby up for adoption. This film is a quirky, heartfelt look at youth, responsibility, and the complexities of relationships.

Fact: Ellen Page, who played Juno, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Description: This film delves into the life of Charlie, a shy and introspective teenager, as he navigates high school, makes new friends, and learns about love and loss. Its heartfelt storytelling and authentic portrayal of teenage angst make it a quintessential coming-of-age drama.

Fact: The film was adapted from Stephen Chbosky's novel, and he also wrote and directed the movie, ensuring the story's integrity from book to screen.

Description: A high school senior, living in the moment, forms an unlikely bond with a shy, introverted girl, leading to a journey of self-discovery and the realization of what truly matters in life.

Fact: The film was adapted from Tim Tharp's novel of the same name, and its ending was changed to be more hopeful than the book's.

Description: This film chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood, as he struggles with his identity, masculinity, and sexuality in a tough Miami neighborhood.

Fact: "Moonlight" won the Academy Award for Best Picture, becoming the first film with an all-black cast and the first with an LGBT storyline to win this award.

Description: A recent college graduate, Benjamin Braddock, finds himself in a love triangle with an older woman and her daughter, exploring themes of disillusionment, identity, and the pressures of adulthood.

Fact: The iconic scene of Benjamin banging on the church window was filmed in one take.

Description: Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, this movie follows Mason from childhood to his college years, capturing the essence of growing up in a very real and unscripted way.

Fact: The film was shot intermittently over 12 years, allowing the actors to age naturally with their characters.