10 Best A24 Coming-of-Age Movies, Ranked

Coming-of-age films are among the most popular, and for good reason. These films tap into universal human experiences such as self-discovery — often navigating the awkwardness of growing up — with relatable characters at their center. A24, a beloved independent distributor that has captured the hearts of global audiences over the years through its visuals, diversity, and authentic narratives, is one of the few that handles these stories with particular nuance.

Whether one reaches out for them expecting comfort and permission to escape and relive one's past for one hour or two, or some kind of valuable insight, these films are, and will likely remain, highly relevant and timeless, especially for their strong focus on personal growth and overcoming challenges. Because they have shaped how we think about upbringing on screen, we look back at some of the best A24 coming-of-age films, exploring what makes each a compelling addition to your watchlist.

10 'The Souvenir' (2019)

Directed by Joanna Hogg, The Souvenir is a coming-of-age story focusing on young film student Julie (Honor Byrne), her painful journey through a toxic relationship, and self-discovery as an artist and a woman. Throughout the film, Julie finds her voice, moving from class tourism to a deeper and more three-dimensional understanding of life and her own art.

Beautifully and intimately shot in 16mm film and Super 8 (along with digital), The Souvenir's cinematography is both stunning and subtle; the result is, of course, an immersive experience that adds to an interesting narrative about finding your place in the world. That said, this is not the right picture for anyone looking for clear-cut entertainment. Instead, The Souvenir proves much more fitting for those engaged by slice-of-life, slow approaches to filmmaking. Audiences moved by its narrative and connected with its lead character may be pleased to find that there is an existing sequel, The Souvenir Part II, which explores Julie's growth as both a person and a filmmaker.

9 'C'mon C'mon' (2021)

Totally devoid of color (delivering striking, intimately short black-and-white photography nonetheless), Mike Mills' C'mon C'mon offers not one but two coming-of-age stories, focusing both on the precocious young nephew, Jesse, and the emotionally stunted middle-aged radio producer uncle, Johnny, as the two undergo significant self-discovery through shared experiences.

Anchored by powerful performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Woody Norman, the undeniably heartfelt C'mon C'mon explores generational perspectives and human connection through a simple but captivating narrative — an impromptu road trip where Phoenix's character interviews children about the world while simultaneously learning from his nephew. Expect profound lessons on empathy, vulnerability, as well as the importance of navigating life's inherent confusion.

8 'Waves' (2019)

This devastating coming-of-age does not fall short in delivering intense drama and a moving portrayal of family pressure at its center. At its core, Waves plunges audiences into an emotional roller coaster as it traces the journey of an American family as they navigate love, forgiveness, and coming together in the wake of a tragic loss.

Although it falls under the coming-of-age genre, it's worth noting that Waves is a more complex watch than many in its genre essentially for the heavy themes it tackles. Despite its harrowing, genuine psychological drama, though, it has its own share of hopeful moments about growing up amidst immense pressure and the path to healing. Nevertheless, this is a memorable, gut-wrenching picture, supported by solid performances by Kelvin Harrison, Taylor Russell, and Sterling K. Brown among other talents.

7 'Mid90s' (2018)

For anyone who loves authentic and highly nostalgic 1990s coming-of-age stories and skate culture, Mid90s might be the quintessential pick. At its center is 13-year-old Stevie (Sunny Suljic), who begins spending time with an older group of skateboarders to escape a troubled life at home.

In addition to its relatable exploration of identity and family dysfunction, Mid90s stands out for its visuals — a compelling time capsule shot on film with a 4:3 ratio — and a soundtrack that certainly plays a part in enhancing the film's atmosphere, especially for those who actually experienced this period. At its core, Jonah Hill's A24 teen movie (seemingly rooted in his own experiences) holds a mirror to the raw, uncomfortable realities of adolescence, capturing toxic masculinity and the search for belonging while growing up in a rough community.

6 '20th Century Women' (2016)

Starring Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, and Elle Fanning, Mills' critically acclaimed drama uniquely captures generational gaps through the eyes of a teen boy (Lucas Jade Zumann) in late 1970s Santa Barbara, focusing on the influences of his mother and other women on his life and reflecting on how they shape him.

Despite centering on a boy navigating his own journey, the genius of the criminally underrated 20th Century Women also lies in its non-judgmental look at female experience and the generational gaps and messy process that self-discovery genuinely is — it takes a step away from a historical era to examine it, which automatically adds to its intrigue. It's a great pick if you're in for a blend of comedy, drama, and social commentary, all told through a memory-driven visual style and flawed, three-dimensional characters you can actually connect with and root for.

5 'American Honey' (2016)

Offering a raw, unromanticized portrayal of the American Dream disillusionment, American Honey follows lonely teen Star (Sasha Lane in a powerful performance) with nothing left to lose. When she joins a traveling magazine sales crew, Star inevitably gets caught up in a whirlwind of partying and young love, crossing the Midwest with a band of misfits.

What's particularly striking about Andrea Arnold's feature is not only its realistic approach to the truths of life on the road but the way it avoids cliché in its deep dives into the lives of its flawed characters. Arnold focuses on a marginalized, flawed perspective with natural dialogue and stunning, even if simple, cinematography. Together, these elements create a deeply felt, immersive experience that contrasts with typical Hollywood productions within the coming-of-age genre.

4 'Lady Bird' (2017)

Widely regarded as a must-see coming-of-age, this A24 Oscar winner is praised for a fresh and witty portrayal of not only teen life but complicated mother-daughter dynamics. With Saoirse Ronan at its center, it follows a fiercely independent teenager who tries to make her own path in the world while wishing to get out of her hometown.

Instead of relying on clichés within the genre, Lady Bird subverts expectations by delivering a complex familial relationship. It grounds its story in what becomes painful realism sometimes, which ultimately appeals to audiences of both young adults and older audiences. Whether it's the writing of its characters — every one feels fully realized — honest exploration of belonging, or empathetic perspective on teenagehood, it's no wonder that Greta Gerwig's critically acclaimed project has become a fan-favorite.

3 'Eighth Grade' (2018)

Whereas most of the films discussed offer generalized critiques, Eighth Grade delivers a more contextualized examination of contemporary adolescence by shedding light on social platforms and depicting how they shape teen identity, friendships, and self-esteem. At its center is 13-year-old introvert Kayla (Elsie Fisher), who tries to survive the last week of her disastrous eighth-grade year before leaving to start high school.

Directed by Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade masterfully balances humor, heartbreak, and at times even horror to create a genuinely moving experience. It stands out precisely because it does not shy away from uncomfortable experiences, embracing the genuine messiness of growing up instead. Overall, it's a charming and awkward story about contemporary teenagehood that offers great insight for both adults and teens alike on top of an already touching narrative.

2 'The Florida Project' (2017)

Sean Baker's poignant film — arguably the best in his catalog so far — is perhaps the most memorable portrayal of childhood poverty and homelessness in recent memory, focusing on six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) and her young, struggling single mother (Bria Vinaite) living in a budget motel managed by Willem Dafoe's Bobby Hicks.

What's particularly affecting and equal parts unforgettable about this moving coming-of-age film is how it contrasts the vibrant and innocent world of children living in poverty near none other than the beloved Disney World park with the harsh realities of their parents' struggles. Holding a captivating, almost documentary-like feel, The Florida Project offers poignant social commentary and a look at class struggle existing just outside America's perfect fantasy land.

1 'Moonlight' (2016)

Both a coming-of-age narrative and a radical deconstruction of the genre itself, the 2016 Best Picture has captured the attention of global audiences and critics alike since its release. Moonlight tells the intriguing story of a young Black man growing up in a rough neighborhood in Miami, chronicling his journey through three distinct periods of his life, all played by different talented actors: Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes.

Instead of merely scratching the surface of what it means to be yourself, Barry Jenkins' picture is not afraid to dive deeper. In the end, this is precisely what makes it a richer and more nuanced viewing experience than most contemporary coming-of-age dramas — it explores identity, sexuality, and masculinity with unusual empathy. At its core, though, the must-see A24 film focuses on the experience of growing up when the world tells you that your real self is unacceptable.