If you loved the witty, post-college existentialism of Noah Baumbach's 'Kicking and Screaming' (1995), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly sharp and introspective movies and shows that capture the same blend of humor, aimlessness, and millennial angst. Whether you're nostalgic for the '90s or just crave smart, dialogue-driven storytelling, these picks will resonate with fans of Baumbach's cult classic.
The Graduate (1967)
Description: A seminal film about post-college disillusionment and the search for meaning, featuring a protagonist who feels alienated from the expectations of society.
Fact: The film's soundtrack, composed by Simon & Garfunkel, became a cultural phenomenon. The iconic scene of Dustin Hoffman floating in the pool was improvised.
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Slacker (1991)
Description: A meandering, dialogue-driven film that follows a series of eccentric characters, reflecting the aimlessness and intellectual curiosity of young adults.
Fact: The film was shot on a shoestring budget of $23,000 and helped launch the independent film movement of the 1990s. It features non-professional actors and improvised dialogue.
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Dazed and Confused (1993)
Description: A nostalgic look at the last day of high school, capturing the freedom, confusion, and camaraderie of youth.
Fact: The film features early performances by actors like Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck. The soundtrack is packed with classic 70s rock songs.
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Reality Bites (1994)
Description: A coming-of-age story that captures the aimlessness and existential angst of post-college life, focusing on a group of friends navigating love, careers, and identity.
Fact: The film's soundtrack became iconic, featuring hits from bands like Lisa Loeb and UIt was also one of the first films to address the AIDS crisis in a mainstream way.
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Before Sunrise (1995)
Description: A romantic drama that unfolds in real-time, focusing on the deep, meandering conversations between two young strangers as they explore a city together.
Fact: The film was largely improvised, with the actors contributing to the dialogue. It was shot in just 15 days.
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The Last Days of Disco (1998)
Description: A film about young adults navigating the transition from college to the real world, set against the backdrop of the fading disco era.
Fact: The film's soundtrack features classic disco hits. It was shot on location in New York City, capturing the vibe of the late 1970s.
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High Fidelity (2000)
Description: A story about a record store owner who revisits his past relationships, blending humor and introspection as he grapples with maturity and self-awareness.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Nick Hornby. The record store scenes were shot in a real, now-defunct Chicago record store.
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The Squid and the Whale (2005)
Description: A raw and humorous portrayal of a family's disintegration, focusing on the children's perspectives as they cope with their parents' divorce.
Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, based on the director's own childhood. It was shot in just 23 days on a budget of $
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Description: A heartfelt story about a shy teenager finding his place among a group of misfits, dealing with themes of trauma, friendship, and self-discovery.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also directed the adaptation. The iconic tunnel scene was shot in one take.
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Metropolitan (1990)
Description: A witty, dialogue-heavy film that explores the lives of young, privileged New Yorkers as they navigate love, class, and intellectual pretensions.
Fact: The film was shot in just 12 days on a budget of $225,
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