The 1980s was a time overwhelmed by the coming-of-age genre, producing some of the best movies about youth of all time. This includes the best Brat Pack movies, the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, and the adventures of intrepid underage bands of friends. With the rise of many young stars and the idea of helicopter parents still in the future, youth flourished in cinema, exploring questions about the moment between childhood/teendom and adulthood.
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This genre primarily revolves around high school, but also includes some of the best college movies, illustrating uncertainty in being solely responsible for oneself. There is also a lot of overlap with the best underdog movies, as several fictional teens symbolically come of age when they learn to believe in themselves. Themes of family and friendship as well as tragedy are also prevalent when all are important to a young person discovering their identity.
You are watching: 10 Best Coming-Of-Age Movies From The 1980s
10 Say Anything (1989)
Say Anything Commends Taking A Chance After One Amazing Summer
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Say Anything (1989) PG-13
Say Anything is a romantic comedy-drama film that follows Lloyd Dobler, a charming but aimless recent high school graduate, as he pursues a relationship with Diane Court, the beautiful and intelligent valedictorian.
Director Cameron Crowe Release Date April 14, 1989 Writers Cameron Crowe Cast John Cusack , Ione Skye , John Mahoney , Lili Taylor , Amy Brooks Runtime 100 Minutes
Lloyd’s bold declaration of love may be the most famous part of the movie, but it is only a piece of the bigger picture.
Say Anything claims one of the cinematic moments that everyone will recognize, even if they haven’t actually seen the movie. Lloyd’s bold declaration of love may be the most famous part of the movie, but it is only a piece of the bigger picture. Say Anything achieves something almost magical in how it captures a brief, life-changing transitionary period in Lloyd and Diane’s lives.
During the summer between graduation and leaving for college, Diane falls in love, learns an upsetting truth about her upbringing, and launches herself into a new life. Say Anything shows a lot of deliberation and confusion during this time before Diane and Llyod decide to just go for it, which is sometimes all that can be done.
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Despite the sad revelations about Diane’s father, Say Anything ends hopefully, both for love and for Diane’s educational prospects. Lloyd’s fearlessness, which motivates him to hold a boombox outside Diane’s window, is the underlining point, as he is one of the few people who would have gone to London with Diane after one summer, just to support her after the upheaval in her family.
9 The Karate Kid (1984)
Daniel LaRusso Learns Trust, Confidence, & Karate
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9/10 The Karate Kid PG
Released in 1984, The Karate Kid follows the story of Daniel LaRusso on his unexpected journey to becoming a Karate expert under the tutelage of a martial arts master. Recently relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Daniel and his mother are trying to adapt to their new home. Unfortunately, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When his handyman, Mr. Miyagi, saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him his Karate to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place.
Director John G. Avildsen Release Date June 22, 1984 Writers Robert Mark Kamen Cast Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , William Zabka , Martin Kove , Yuji Okumoto Runtime 126 minutes
As Cobra Kai ends with season 6 after its stellar run, people may return to the inspirational movie that started it all. The original The Karate Kid exhibits themes of class, bullying, trust in teachers, and self-empowerment. Daniel LaRusso gets no lucky breaks, as the bullied new kid in an unforgiving high school environment. The Karate Kid delves into some important depictions of power, showcasing a comparison between people who will exert dominance just because they can and those who help others.
Johnny Lawrence and his gang miss no chances to beat Daniel up until the mysterious Mr. Miyagi reaches out to help. From him, the nervous protagonist learns about being rewarded for hard work and a certain amount of faith. The Karate Kid is a classic underdog movie, featuring some strong beats about cruelty and prejudice. Like all good movies of its type, Daniel wins the competition and walks away assured of himself.
8 The Breakfast Club (1985)
Five Teenagers Reflect On Life & Labels During A Monumental Detention
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8/10 The Breakfast Club R
After receiving detention, a group of five high-school students bonds as they realize they have quite a bit in common despite being from different friend groups. Despite being over 35 years old, The Breakfast Club still stands as one of the quintessential movies of the ‘80s and one of director John Hughes standout films.
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*Availability in US Director John Hughes Release Date February 15, 1985 Writers John Hughes Cast Molly Ringwald , Ally Sheedy , Anthony Michael Hall , Judd Nelson , Emilio Estevez Runtime 97 minutes
The Breakfast Club remains the most famous of the Brat Pack movies, accomplishing something similar to Say Anything by showing how much can happen in a short time. However, while Say Anything has an entire summer, The Breakfast Club has the span of a single detention. John Hughes leveraged five high school stereotypes — ones which their respective actors became known for playing during the Brat Pack era — to comment upon the high school experience itself.
Within a few hours, the teenagers discuss clique life, unbearable pressure, abuse at home, and how they feel about what everyone thinks of them. This is carefully underscored by how the teacher supervising detention looks down upon them, and they take it upon themselves to pass the time with some fun acts of rebellion. The Breakfast Club‘s famous ending showcases how, in this short time, they were what the others needed to disavow the adult world before they enter it themselves, going their separate ways changed forever.
7 Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
John Keating’s Teachings Stay With His Students Through Joy & Tragedy
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10/10 Dead Poets Society PG
Set in an all-boys prep school in the 1950s, Dead Poets Society follows John Keating (Robin Williams), an English who inspires his students to appreciate poetry, think critically, and see life from a new perspective. The cast also includes Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and Josh Charles.
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*Availability in US Director Peter Weir Release Date June 2, 1989 Writers Tom Schulman Cast Robin Williams , Robert Sean Leonard , Ethan Hawke , Josh Charles , Gale Hansen , Dylan Kussman Runtime 128 minutes
Dead Poets Society revolves around Robin Williams’ character rather than any of the young men, but vividly shows how his classes change their lives. Dead Poets Society makes two very important points: how a good teacher or mentor may inspire a young person to live their life differently, and how a painful event may be the defining point of one’s coming of age. The students in this movie will remember the ideas about art and passion that took hold in their minds at this time, but also how one friend’s parents’ conflicting views led to tragedy.
Williams’ performance in Dead Poets Society in particular grabs the audience, convincing them of his philosophy. His teachings and the students’ reception bring to life the pulsating poetry they study, naturally becoming other forms of artistic exploration and rebellion against a stratified social environment. In addition to fostering a greater appreciation for Walt Whitman, Dead Poets Society shows art and literature as something vital to adulthood; when things only get more difficult, a point only proven by the events of this movie, appreciating beauty is more important than ever.
6 Heathers (1988)
Winona Ryder’s Dark High School Crime Drama With Too Many Girls Named Heather
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8/10 Heathers R
Heathers is a dark comedy film directed by Michael Lehmann, featuring Winona Ryder as Veronica Sawyer and Christian Slater as J.D. Released in 1989, the story delves into high school social hierarchies and the consequences of rebelling against popular cliques. The film addresses themes of teen angst, peer pressure, and the impact of destructive behavior within a satirical framework.
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*Availability in US Director Michael Lehmann Release Date March 31, 1989 Writers Daniel Waters Cast Winona Ryder , Christian Slater , Shannen Doherty , Lisanne Falk , Kim Walker , Penelope Milford Runtime 103 minutes
Heathers is a darker take on the coming-of-age experience which has something of a confusing open ending, demanding that the audience make up their own minds about what it all means. The movie treads sensitive ground and potential reboots have been shot down for this reason. Of the things about Heathers that hold up and those that don’t, Winona Ryder and Christian Slater’s performances are still great. Heathers intentionally satirizes high school as the backdrop to Veronica and J.D. deciding that the world would be better off without some of their classmates.
Veronica and J.D. are out of control, but amid all her teenage angst gone wild, Veronica makes some valid points about giving up real friendships for alleged popularity in high school. As the instigator of it all, J.D.’s destructive outlook on their lives and their peers goes too far but imbues the movie with this muddled intrigue. Veronica ends Heathers by growing out of the toxic social environment and choosing her friends more wisely in the future.
5 Dirty Dancing (1987)
Baby Learns To Think & Dance For Herself During Summer Vacation
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8/10 Dirty Dancing PG-13
Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing follows Frances “Baby” Houseman, a young woman on vacation at a summer resort with her family who becomes the unwitting competition partner of one of the resort’s dance instructors, Johnny. As Baby and Johnny’s relationship deepens over the course of the summer, the disapproval of Baby’s family, especially her father, threatens to tear them apart.
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*Availability in US Director Emile Ardolino Release Date August 21, 1987 Writers Eleanor Bergstein Cast Jennifer Grey , Patrick swayze , Jerry Orbach , Cynthia Rhodes , Jack Weston , Jane Brucker Runtime 100 minutes
In Dirty Dancing’s depiction of classism and an unplanned pregnancy, it showcases Baby hitting one of the most important parts of adulthood: being able to think for herself instead of accepting everything her family says without question. The movie is also inherently characterized by its title and the sensuality and cooperation of ballroom dancing.
Baby might have technically been an adult, soon headed off to college, but she is very sheltered. It doesn’t occur to her to mind the belittling nickname, Baby, despite her respectful formal name. She might have even started her rebellion by doing things she thought her parents would approve of, like stepping up to help Penny.
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However, it is the dancing that gives the scenario a feeling of the forbidden, one which Baby throws herself into. In a moment of clarity, she realizes how wrong she was about her parents and admirably stands her ground. Dirty Dancing arguably resolves itself too easily with one good dance number, but Johnny summarizes it all when he talks about what “Frances” has taught him.
4 Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Studio Ghibli Elevates The Coming-Of-Age Genre With Its Characteristic Style
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8/10 Kiki’s Delivery Service G
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a coming-of-age fantasy film that follows 13-year-old witch Kiki, who sets out on her own to find her place in the world and develops a delivery service in a new town.
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Director Hayao Miyazaki Release Date July 29, 1989 Writers Hayao Miyazaki Cast Minami Takayama , Rei Sakuma , Kappei Yamaguchi , Keiko Toda , Mieko Nobusawa Runtime 103 Minutes
Kiki is a spritely protagonist who teaches more effective lessons than characters from traditional adult movies.
In an era dominated by Brat Packs, Goonies, and movies of similar tones, people will forget that Studio Ghibli came out with one of its most underrated movies at the end of the decade, which happens to be a coming-of-age movie. In Kiki’s Delivery Service, a young witch comes of age and leaves her family to make her own way in the world. She is accompanied by her cat familiar Jiji, and soon makes new friends who introduce her to other perspectives on life, passion, and growing up.
Kiki’s Delivery Service has a more genuinely pleasant atmosphere than the most melancholy Ghibli movies, encouraging the audience as well as Kiki. It features a resonant illustration of artist’s block and doldrums taking over Kiki’s life, striking a note with the kind of mundanity that sometimes characterizes adulthood. Through her new friendships, Kiki finds inspiration again and emerges different, but happy with her new life. Kiki is a spritely protagonist who teaches more effective lessons than characters from traditional adult movies.
3 The Outsiders (1983)
The Outsiders Is A Strong Adaptation That Reminds Everyone To “Stay Gold”
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The Outsiders PG
The Outsiders is Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age drama novel. Two teen gangs, the Socials and the Greasers find themselves at irreconcilable odds when one of the Social’s boys is killed in a brawl. Following the event, the Greasers head into hiding while some of them seek redemption for their past crimes.
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*Availability in US Director Francis Ford Coppola Release Date March 25, 1983 Writers Kathleen Rowell Cast Diane Lane , Ralph Macchio , Rob Lowe , Emilio Estevez , Matt Dillon , Patrick swayze , C. Thomas Howell , Tom Cruise Runtime 91 minutes
The Outsiders is as good of an adaptation of the classic coming-of-age novel as fans could have hoped for, driven by the performances of some of the fringe Brat Pack members. The story is dominated by the rivalry between the rich “Socs” and the working-class “Greasers,” leading to a fight that ends tragically. Ponyboy and Johnny going on the run after killing a Soc in self-defense is symptomatic of the troubled picture of their lives the story creates, which Ponyboy is learning to weather.
The Outsiders emphasizes the sadness in the lives lost, the bonds formed out of necessity and sometimes inconveniently, and the found family of the main group. A huge part of the story is Ponyboy’s family; he lives with his two elder brothers after their parents’ deaths, and a lot of strife comes out of their different personalities. In the end, Ponyboy has lost a lot of his innocence in the process of growing up, but the biggest moral of The Outsiders is to “stay gold” — in other words, to strive to keep some hopefulness and innocence.
2 Stand By Me (1986)
Stand By Me Illustrates The Lasting Impact Of Childhood Friendships
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9/10 Stand By Me R
Based on a Stephen King novella, and directed by Rob Reiner, Stand By Me follows the story of a group of young boys who set out on an expedition to find the dead body of another missing boy from their hometown. The film stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell, and is considered one of the most influential films of all time.
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*Availability in US Director Rob Reiner Release Date November 26, 1986 Writers Bruce A. Evans , Raynold Gideon Cast Kiefer Sutherland , Jerry O’Connell , River Phoenix , Corey Feldman , Wil Wheaton Runtime 89 minutes
Stand By Me is another coming-of-age movie that depicts a loss of innocence as the moment when childhood is left behind and is based on a famous literary work. The premise of a group of four boys setting out to find a dead body is the vehicle for bigger themes. Along the way, the friends have some close calls and reflect on their lives, as well as continue to encourage Gordie’s penchant for storytelling. Their group dynamic facilitates a different kind of coming-of-age experience than one focused on the individual.
The events of the story are isolated, as the friends simply anonymously call in the body after their dangerous expedition. It highlights the fact that the boys did this together (no matter how ill-advised it was) and defended each other along the way as the real point of the story. They also experience the morbid moment of seeing a corpse together, but the adult Gordon’s famous final words are what stick, despite the friends having fallen out of each other’s lives.
1 St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
St. Elmo’s Fire Proves That Post-College Is Just As Chaotic As High School
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9/10 St. Elmo’s Fire R
A group of close-knit college graduates navigates the challenges of adulthood, balancing careers, relationships, and personal growth. Amidst the backdrop of their favorite bar, they confront their fears, ambitions, and the complexities of growing up, discovering the true meaning of friendship and resilience.
Director Joel Schumacher Release Date June 28, 1985 Writers Joel Schumacher , Carl Kurlander Cast Rob Lowe , Demi Moore , Emilio Estevez , Ally Sheedy , Judd Nelson , Mare Winningham , Andrew McCarthy , Martin Balsam , Andie MacDowell Runtime 110 Minutes
So much of the coming-of-age genre, including the bulk of the Brat Pack movies, depicts high school as the turning point in a young person’s life. Despite its flaws, St. Elmo’s Fire is an iconic 1980s staple that uniquely shows the time after college as one of the most uncertain periods there is. The biggest collaboration among the main Brat Pack members, St. Elmo’s Fire follows a group of college friends shortly after graduation.
These 20-something-year-olds aren’t adult enough to stop getting in their own way, with partying, infidelity, and debt. Some moments in St. Elmo’s Fire also demonstrate themes of societal and familial pressures on young women. The movie captures the overall feeling of the aimlessness one might experience after college.
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There is an atmosphere of longing for times when things could get “out of hand,” while subtle changes signify the characters settling into their adult lives. Like all good coming-of-age movies, including and especially the ones from the 1980s, St. Elmo’s Fire ends on an open note — because adulthood will carry on.
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