Mean Girls (2004)
This goes without saying, if you’re around the ages of 18-25 this movie is probably the one you quote the most (even guys know half this movie off by heart) but quotes aside it really was clever writing and had a ton of life lessons thrown in. It’s the movie that shows you how dangerous changing yourself just to fit in with an existing clique can be, not to mention teaching you how two faced girls work so you can stay clear of them. It was also great because the main character wasn’t 100% perfect, in-fact, she was kind of horrible for a lot of the film, showing that high school can bring out the worst in us, so be careful who you befriend, and always be true to yourself.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
I know a lot of people who haven’t seen this film because chances are, it was released well before they were born. Here’s the thing, this movie is just as relatable 30 years later as it was when it was released. People don’t fit so easily in set groups and you can never know who is suffering, even if they are the most popular girl in school or star athlete. Much like most of the thoughts you go through when you are in your twenties, trying to figure out your life and who you are, the breakfast club made us feel more normal as we now know even the generations before us went through those same bad times and they made it through the other side just fine, so we will too!
St Elmo’s Fire (1985)
Let’s all just appreciate the year 1985 AND director Joel Schumacher because he really did give us some amazing teen flicks with great substance and messages. Talk about problems, one of the characters is married with a child and is an alcoholic, another only wants to marry his girlfriend to further his political career and another is addicted to drugs and embarks on an affair with her boss, and guess what, they are all 22! If ever you need to feel like your break-up with an ex or argument with a friend is not that bad in the grand scheme of things, look at the problems the guys in this movie faced. It’s harrowing, bittersweet and touching all at the same time and proves that even through the hardest of times, people can still remain great friends.
Spring Breakers (2012)
You might be thinking…. what the hell? This movie is a strange one, the first time I saw it I thought it was just an excuse to see girls in bikini’s, taking drugs and getting involved with gangs but after watching it again I saw how important this movie actually was for young people. The revealing camera shots of the girls makes people feel uncomfortable and slowly but surely the girls find themselves in incredibly dangerous situations and one by one they return home, not being able to handle the “party” lifestyle. It showed the really destructive and more perverse sides of the YOLO lifestyle and it’s really useful in showing younger people where they should draw the line.
Stand By Me (1986)
Other than Mean Girls and spring breakers (obviously), i’m convinced the 80’s was the best time for amazing coming of age movies clearly! Stand by me is one you would think only applies to boys (lots of boy based jokes and male bonding) BUT it’s such a heartwarming movie and shows how strong the bonds of friendship can be as well as highlighting that sometimes, friends can be jerks, but in the long run, over the things that really matter, they are lifelines. On performances alone, obviously River Phoenix was amazing in this one, but Corey Feldman delivered an equally as great performance as troubled, abused Teddy Duchamp. Be warned, you will laugh, you will love, but you will certainly cry!
Obviously this list is subjective and there are plenty others I love and loved growing up, let me know your favourites and the films that truly inspired you and helped you get through young adulthood!
Ramblings of a gayby 