Coming-of-Age Movies

Last updated: June 26, 2026

The coming-of-age story is a timeless genre -- often poignant, usually powerful, and sometimes funny -- and movies with this theme can be a great way to expose kids to important life lessons. These movies are some of our favorite stories about growing up. They span decades, but each leaves an impact that feels very fresh. Use these films as jumping-off points for talking to kids about the issues explored in the movies. For more great characters, try our list of coming-of-age books.

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Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image
MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.

December 20, 1990 1990 G (105 minutes)
Inside Out 2: Movie Poster: The emotion characters all squish together, their faces up against the "glass" of the poster
MOVIE

Inside Out 2

age 6+

Growing up is emotional in thoughtful sequel; some peril.

June 14, 2024 2024 PG (100 minutes)
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken Movie Poster: A figure in the shape of a teenage girl lies on a bench with headphones on, while various mystical sea creatures dance above her
MOVIE

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

age 6+

Fun animated coming-of-age fantasy has thoughtful messages.

June 30, 2023 2023 PG (90 minutes)
The Lion King (1994) Poster Image: Simba above Rafiki, Timon, and Pumba
MOVIE

The Lion King (1994)

age 6+

Musical king-of-the-beasts blockbuster is powerful, scary.

June 15, 1994 1994 G (89 minutes)
Anne of Green Gables Poster Image
MOVIE

Anne of Green Gables

age 7+

Faithful, sensitive take on classic novel is great for kids.

January 10, 1986 1986 NR (199 minutes)
Akeelah and the Bee Movie Poster: Akeelah stands at a microphone in a pink shirt, with various other characters' faces above her
MOVIE

Akeelah and the Bee

age 8+

Inspiring drama about a young spelling champ has swearing.

April 28, 2006 2006 PG (112 minutes)
Labyrinth Movie Poster: David Bowie holds a glass orb
MOVIE

Labyrinth

age 8+

Surreal coming-of-age fantasy -- with Jim Henson puppets.

June 27, 1986 1986 PG (101 minutes)
Old Yeller Poster Image
MOVIE

Old Yeller

age 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

December 25, 1957 1957 G (84 minutes)
Rip Girls Poster Image
MOVIE

Rip Girls

age 8+

Coming-of-age surf movie has good vibes, strong role models.

April 22, 2000 2000 NR (87 minutes)
The Colors Within movie poster: An animated Japanese trio with instruments: Rui, Kimi, and Totsuko
MOVIE

The Colors Within

age 8+

Moving coming-of-age story about friendship and music.

January 24, 2025 2025 PG (100 minutes)
Spirited Away Poster Image
MOVIE

Spirited Away

age 9+

Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.

April 20, 2002 2002 PG (125 minutes)
The Sandlot Poster Image
MOVIE

The Sandlot

age 9+

Lighthearted tween baseball comedy has language, sexism.

April 7, 1993 1993 PG (101 minutes)
Where the Wild Things Are Poster Image
MOVIE

Where the Wild Things Are

age 9+

Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

October 16, 2009 2009 PG (100 minutes)
Children of Heaven Poster Image
MOVIE

Children of Heaven

age 10+

Excellent subtitled Iranian coming-of-age story.

January 22, 1999 1999 PG (89 minutes)
Frybread Face and Me Film Poster: 2 Indigenous children look in opposite directions
MOVIE

Frybread Face and Me

age 10+

Gentle coming-of-age drama highlights Navajo culture.

November 24, 2023 2023 NR (83 minutes)
H Is for Happiness Movie Poster
MOVIE

H Is for Happiness

age 10+

Optimistic tween shows why being different is extraordinary.

August 11, 2019 2019 NR (98 minutes)
Turning Red Poster Image
MOVIE

Turning Red

age 10+

Pixar coming-of-age tale explores puberty and parent issues.

May 3, 2022 2022 PG (100 minutes)
Wake Up Sid movie poster: The main character, an Indian man named Sid, is seen sitting on the floor smiling.
MOVIE

Wake Up Sid

age 10+

Sweet Bollywood coming-of-age romcom has positive messages.

October 2, 2009 2009 NR (138 minutes)
We Grown Now Movie Poster: Blake Cameron James jumps high enough to look like he's flying as others watch
MOVIE

We Grown Now

age 10+

Sensitive friendship drama mixes joy, serious themes.

April 19, 2024 2024 PG (93 minutes)
13 Going on 30 Poster Image
MOVIE

13 Going on 30

age 11+

Touching, hilarious coming-of-age romcom.

April 23, 2004 2004 PG-13 (98 minutes)
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