If you were moved by The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018), a poignant coming-of-age drama about self-discovery and resilience, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores stories that tackle themes of identity, repression, and personal freedom, offering a mix of emotional depth and compelling narratives. Whether you're looking for more LGBTQ+ representation or powerful character-driven tales, this list has something for you.

Pariah (2011)
Description: Explores themes of self-discovery and identity within the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on a young woman navigating her sexuality and societal expectations.
Fact: The film was shot in just 19 days and was based on the director's own experiences growing up as a queer Black woman.


Booksmart (2019)
Description: A coming-of-age comedy that balances humor with heartfelt moments, focusing on teenage friendships, self-acceptance, and the pressures of adolescence.
Fact: The film's director, Olivia Wilde, encouraged improvisation on set, leading to many of the movie's funniest moments being unscripted.


The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Description: A deeply emotional story about a shy teenager navigating high school, trauma, and first love, with a strong emphasis on friendship and personal growth.
Fact: The author of the original novel also wrote the screenplay and directed the film, ensuring it stayed true to his vision.


The Way He Looks (2014)
Description: A tender coming-of-age story about a blind teenager exploring his first romantic feelings for another boy, emphasizing innocence and emotional honesty.
Fact: The film originated as a short movie, which won the Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival before being expanded into a feature.


Carol (2015)
Description: A poignant love story that delves into the complexities of forbidden romance and societal pressures in the 1950s, with a focus on female desire and emotional authenticity.
Fact: The film was shot on Super 16mm film to achieve its distinctive vintage aesthetic, reminiscent of mid-century photography.


Moonlight (2016)
Description: A visually stunning and intimate portrayal of a young Black man's journey through identity, sexuality, and masculinity across three pivotal stages of his life.
Fact: The film was shot in just 25 days and was made on a modest budget of $


The Favourite (2018)
Description: A darkly comedic period drama that examines power dynamics, manipulation, and queer relationships in a historical setting, blending sharp wit with emotional depth.
Fact: The film features an unconventional score that includes modern electronic music, contrasting with its 18th-century setting.


Love, Simon (2018)
Description: A heartwarming teen rom-com that normalizes LGBTQ+ love stories, focusing on the universal experience of coming out and finding acceptance.
Fact: This was the first major studio film to center on a gay teenage romance, marking a significant milestone in mainstream cinema.


God's Own Country (2017)
Description: A raw and beautiful love story set in rural England, depicting the struggles of self-acceptance and the transformative power of love in an isolated environment.
Fact: The lead actor learned to perform farm tasks authentically, including lambing and shearing sheep, to prepare for his role.


Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Description: A lush, sensual romance that captures the intensity of first love and the bittersweet nature of fleeting connections, set against a dreamy European backdrop.
Fact: The peach scene was entirely improvised by the actors during filming, adding an unexpected layer of authenticity to the story.
