The Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and released in 2016. The film follows the life of a high school junior named Nadine, played by Hailee Steinfeld, as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence. The Edge of Seventeen has been praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage angst and its relatable characters. If you enjoyed The Edge of Seventeen, here are some similar movies that you might also enjoy.
1. Lady Bird (2017) – Lady Bird is a coming-of-age film directed by Greta Gerwig that follows the life of a high school senior named Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, played by Saoirse Ronan. The film explores Lady Bird’s relationships with her family, friends, and romantic interests as she navigates her final year of high school.
2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) – Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows the life of a socially awkward high school freshman named Charlie, played by Logan Lerman. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and mental health as Charlie navigates the challenges of adolescence.
3. Juno (2007) – Juno is a comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman that follows the life of a high school junior named Juno MacGuff, played by Ellen Page, who becomes pregnant after a one-night stand with her friend Paulie Bleeker, played by Michael Cera. The film explores Juno’s decision to carry the pregnancy to term and the impact it has on her relationships with her family and friends.
4. The Spectacular Now (2013) – The Spectacular Now is a coming-of-age film directed by James Ponsoldt that follows the life of a high school senior named Sutter Keely, played by Miles Teller, who forms a relationship with a shy classmate named Aimee Finecky, played by Shailene Woodley. The film explores themes of love, addiction, and self-discovery as Sutter and Aimee navigate their final year of high school.
5. Eighth Grade (2018) – Eighth Grade is a coming-of-age film directed by Bo Burnham that follows the life of an eighth grader named Kayla Day, played by Elsie Fisher, as she navigates the challenges of middle school. The film explores themes of social media, friendship, and self-acceptance as Kayla tries to find her place in the world.
6. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) – Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a comedy-drama film directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon that follows the life of a high school senior named Greg Gaines, played by Thomas Mann, who befriends a classmate named Rachel Kushner, played by Olivia Cooke, who has been diagnosed with leukemia. The film explores themes of friendship, loss, and creativity as Greg tries to navigate his senior year of high school.
7. The Fault in Our Stars (2014) – Based on the novel by John Green, The Fault in Our Stars follows the life of a teenage cancer patient named Hazel Grace Lancaster, played by Shailene Woodley, who falls in love with a fellow cancer patient named Augustus Waters, played by Ansel Elgort. The film explores themes of love, loss, and mortality as Hazel and Augustus navigate their illness and their relationship.
8. Persepolis (2007) – Persepolis is an animated coming-of-age film directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud that follows the life of a young girl named Marjane, who grows up during the Iranian Revolution. The film explores themes of politics, religion, and identity as Marjane tries to find her place in a changing world.
9. The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015) – The Diary of a Teenage Girl is a coming-of-age film directed by Marielle Heller that follows the life of a teenage girl named Minnie Goetze, played by Bel Powley, who begins a sexual relationship with her mother’s boyfriend, played by Alexander SkarsgĂ„rd. The film explores themes of sexuality, empowerment, and self-discovery as Minnie navigates her adolescence.
10. Edge of Seventeen (1998) – Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age film directed by David Moreton that follows the life of a high school student named Eric, played by Chris Stafford, who comes out as gay and begins a relationship with a classmate named Rod, played by Andersen Gabrych. The film explores themes of identity, love, and acceptance as Eric tries to find his place in the world.
11. The Breakfast Club (1985) – The Breakfast Club is a coming-of-age film directed by John Hughes that follows the lives of five high school students who are forced to spend a Saturday detention together. The film explores themes of friendship, rebellion, and self-discovery as the students from different social cliques bond and learn from each other.
12. Mean Girls (2004) – Mean Girls is a comedy film directed by Mark Waters that follows the life of a high school student named Cady Heron, played by Lindsay Lohan, who infiltrates a popular clique known as “The Plastics.” The film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and identity as Cady tries to navigate the complex social hierarchy of her new school.
13. Easy A (2010) – Easy A is a comedy film directed by Will Gluck that follows the life of a high school student named Olive Penderghast, played by Emma Stone, who pretends to be sexually active in order to boost her social status. The film explores themes of reputation, sexuality, and self-expression as Olive navigates the gossip and drama of high school.
Now, let’s explore some songs that capture the essence of these coming-of-age films:
1. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper – Featured in The Edge of Seventeen, this classic 80s anthem perfectly captures the carefree spirit of youth and the desire to have fun.
2. “Crash into Me” by Dave Matthews Band – Featured in Lady Bird, this song beautifully captures the longing and vulnerability of young love.
3. “Heroes” by David Bowie – Featured in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, this iconic song celebrates the power of friendship and the strength to overcome obstacles.
4. “Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches – Featured in Juno, this quirky and endearing song perfectly captures the awkwardness and sweetness of young love.
5. “Wakin on a Pretty Day” by Kurt Vile – Featured in The Spectacular Now, this dreamy and introspective song perfectly captures the uncertainty and excitement of adolescence.
6. “Middle School Dance (Song for Richard Swift)” by The Mountain Goats – Featured in Eighth Grade, this heartfelt song captures the awkwardness and longing for acceptance that comes with being a teenager.
7. “The Big Ship” by Brian Eno – Featured in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, this instrumental piece perfectly captures the emotional depth and complexity of adolescence.
8. “All of the Stars” by Ed Sheeran – Featured in The Fault in Our Stars, this poignant song beautifully captures the beauty and fragility of life and love.
9. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – Featured in Persepolis, this empowering and anthemic song captures the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
10. “Dream A Little Dream of Me” by Mama Cass – Featured in The Diary of a Teenage Girl, this dreamy and romantic song perfectly captures the longing and desire for connection.
11. “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks – Featured in Edge of Seventeen, this iconic song captures the raw emotion and intensity of adolescence and self-discovery.
12. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds – Featured in The Breakfast Club, this classic 80s anthem perfectly captures the sense of camaraderie and rebellion that comes with adolescence.
13. “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms – Featured in Mean Girls, this catchy and fun song captures the playful and competitive nature of high school social dynamics.
In conclusion, coming-of-age films like The Edge of Seventeen offer a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of adolescence, from the awkwardness of first love to the complexities of family relationships. These films and songs capture the essence of youth and the universal themes of self-discovery, friendship, and love that resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the challenges of high school or an adult looking back on your own youth, these films and songs offer a poignant and relatable look at the journey from adolescence to adulthood.
Common questions about coming-of-age films:
1. What makes coming-of-age films so popular?
Coming-of-age films resonate with audiences because they capture the universal themes of self-discovery, friendship, and love that everyone can relate to.
2. What are some common tropes in coming-of-age films?
Common tropes in coming-of-age films include the awkwardness of first love, the challenges of family relationships, and the journey to self-acceptance.
3. Why are coming-of-age films important?
Coming-of-age films offer a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of adolescence and help audiences navigate the complexities of growing up.
4. How do coming-of-age films differ from other genres?
Coming-of-age films focus on the personal growth and development of the main character, often through the lens of adolescence and self-discovery.
5. What are some of the most iconic coming-of-age films?
Some of the most iconic coming-of-age films include The Breakfast Club, Stand by Me, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
6. What role do soundtracks play in coming-of-age films?
Soundtracks play a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere of coming-of-age films, capturing the emotions and experiences of the characters.
7. How do coming-of-age films address issues of identity and self-acceptance?
Coming-of-age films often explore themes of identity and self-acceptance through the journey of the main character as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.
8. What makes The Edge of Seventeen stand out among other coming-of-age films?
The Edge of Seventeen stands out for its realistic portrayal of teenage angst and its relatable characters, making it a standout in the genre.
9. Why do audiences connect with coming-of-age films on a personal level?
Audiences connect with coming-of-age films on a personal level because they capture the universal experiences of growing up and finding one’s place in the world.
10. How do coming-of-age films reflect the social and cultural context of their time?
Coming-of-age films often reflect the social and cultural context of their time by addressing issues and themes that are relevant to the audience’s experiences.
11. What are some of the challenges faced by characters in coming-of-age films?
Characters in coming-of-age films often face challenges such as peer pressure, family conflict, and the search for identity and purpose.
12. How do coming-of-age films explore the theme of friendship?
Coming-of-age films often explore the theme of friendship by showing how relationships with peers can shape the main character’s growth and development.
13. What can audiences learn from watching coming-of-age films?
Audiences can learn valuable lessons about self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of relationships from watching coming-of-age films.
In conclusion, coming-of-age films offer a poignant and relatable look at the journey from adolescence to adulthood, capturing the universal themes of self-discovery, friendship, and love that resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the challenges of high school or an adult looking back on your own youth, these films and songs offer a heartfelt and insightful exploration of the trials and tribulations of growing up. So, grab some popcorn, cue up your favorite soundtrack, and let these films take you on a nostalgic journey back to the edge of seventeen and beyond.