10 Movies & Shows Like The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Description: Shares 'Perks'' blend of humor and pathos in portraying family dysfunction and personal growth. Both are ensemble pieces about outsiders finding their place.

Fact: Shot in 30 days on a $8 million budget. The VW bus had to be pushed in scenes as it wasn't roadworthy. Steve Carell's first dramatic role.

Description: Like 'Perks', this features a distinctive teen voice navigating complex relationships with humor and heart. Both films balance quirky dialogue with genuine emotional depth.

Fact: Diablo Cody's first screenplay. Ellen Page learned to play guitar for the role. The hamburger phone was Cody's personal prop.

Description: While more adult-focused, it shares 'Perks'' exploration of mental health and unconventional relationships. Both films find hope and human connection amidst personal struggles.

Fact: First film since 1981 to receive Oscar nominations in all four acting categories. Bradley Cooper learned to dance in two months. Jennifer Lawrence's first Oscar-winning role.

Description: Shares 'Perks'' raw, authentic portrayal of teenage relationships and self-discovery. Both films feature nuanced performances that capture the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Fact: Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley chemistry tested by being locked in a closet together. Based on Tim Tharp's novel. The screenplay was workshopped at Sundance Labs.

Description: Shares 'Perks'' sharp yet compassionate portrayal of teenage alienation. Both films feature witty, introspective protagonists dealing with loss and complicated friendships.

Fact: Hailee Steinfeld's first major role after 'True Grit'. Writer Kelly Fremon Craig's directorial debut. Woody Harrelson improvised many of his lines.

Description: This coming-of-age story shares 'Perks'' focus on teenage outsiders forming meaningful connections. Both films balance quirky humor with profound emotional moments, featuring protagonists who use creative expression (writing/filmmaking) to process their experiences.

Fact: Won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at Sundance. The characters' homemade films parody actual classic movies. Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon was a personal assistant to Martin Scorsese.

Description: Similar to 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower', 'The Fault in Our Stars' explores themes of adolescence, love, and personal growth amidst emotional turmoil. Both films feature introspective protagonists navigating complex relationships and existential questions, with a blend of humor and heartbreak.

Fact: Based on John Green's bestselling novel. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort later starred together in the 'Divergent' series. The film's Amsterdam scenes were actually shot in Pittsburgh.

Description: Like 'Perks', this is a deeply personal coming-of-age story about a creative outsider navigating family tensions and first love. Both films beautifully capture specific moments in time with emotional honesty.

Fact: Greta Gerwig's solo directorial debut. The fastest 1,000-word screenplay ever written. Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan reunited after 'Brooklyn'.

Description: Captures the same cringe-worthy yet poignant authenticity of adolescence as 'Perks', focusing on social anxiety and self-acceptance. Both protagonists document their experiences (vlogging vs. letter writing).

Fact: Bo Burnham's directorial debut. Elsie Fisher actually was in eighth grade during filming. The pool party scene used real middle schoolers as extras.