Its a decade that means so much to so many of us.
Its where we grew up.
Many of the classics were made then, and many of the modern classics have returned there.
Here are the best 25 80s coming-of-age films.
Now, this is not objectively a particularly good film.
Subjectively though, its charming, loveable, and cheesy (in a good way).
To this end, he flies out to Hawaii to live the dream.
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Is it set in the 80s?
Whatever, it certainly has both an 80s aesthetic and spirit, so it firmly belongs in the list.
Freshman Jake is one of several new recruits to the college baseball team.
You may have never lived the life these freshmen do, yet all of it is utterly identifiable.
All coming of age tales should involve turning into a werewolf and becoming a high school basketball star.
But seriously,Teen Wolfis almost essential viewing for those who enjoy coming of age movies.
Based on the S.E.
It soon spills over into bloodshed, with vengeance sought in between tumultuous daily life as a teen.
It has the kick of nostalgia that makes you wish it happened to you anyway.
We all knowThe Karate Kid, so I wont waste time recapping the plot.
Garth Jennings really knocked it out of the park with this heartwarming tale.
Theres no happy or easy resolution to Noah Baumbachs film about parental divorce.
The fact it comes from a place that feels so real and so well earned just seals the deal.
John Cusack is mesmerising here, and Ione Skye established herself as a teen idol to a generation.
Its a film to make you realise that geek culture won.
No-one has to hide away their love of fantasy, of sci-fi, or superheroes.
In fact, the weirder the better.
Killer soundtrack, too…
Does Ferris come of age?
That would be beside the point.
This is not the film you think its going to be.
Obviously it doesnt go smoothly.
What does it take to be true to yourself?
Thats the question at the heart ofBilly Elliot.
In a genre dominated by stories of men and boys coming-of-age,Mystic Pizzais firmly female focused.
But the themes are pretty much identical, with love, family and friendship dominating.
Will Kat break free from her cloying status as good girl?
Will Daisy move out of Mystic for the right reasons?
Will Jojo decide to marry her boyfriend for love or lust?
Made in the 80s, set in the 50s,Stand By Meis almost the quintessential coming-of-age story.
River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Will Wheaton, and Jerry Connell are all perfect as the young boys.
Not all coming-of-age films are about becoming an adult.
Like all the greats, a simple set-up reveals hidden layers.
In this case, a bunch of high-schoolers are sent to an after-school detention.
The jock, the outcast, the nerd, the popular girl, the rebel.
It may be fleeting, but its a day that will change everything.
