Misfits in the Movies

Last updated: December 3, 2025

Some of the movies' most memorable characters are the underdogs who march to the beat of their own drum. From quirky to charming, we've rounded up our favorite movie "misfits" in this list. Looking for more unique characters who are unapologetically themselves? Check out our lists of coming-of-age movies and books.

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The Muppet Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

The Muppet Movie

age 6+

First Muppet movie has wonderful songs—and a few guns.

May 31, 1979 1979 G (94 minutes)

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Pee-Wee's Big Adventure Poster Image

MOVIE

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

age 7+

Just as charming and curious as it was in 1985.

August 9, 1985 1985 PG (90 minutes)

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Elf Poster Image

MOVIE

Elf

age 8+

Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.

November 7, 2003 2003 PG (90 minutes)

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Nancy Drew Poster Image

MOVIE

Nancy Drew

age 8+

Big-screen teen sleuth is cute, if a bit bland.

June 14, 2007 2007 PG (99 minutes)

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Matilda Poster Image

MOVIE

Matilda

age 9+

Offbeat dark fantasy gem is intense, sometimes scary.

August 2, 1996 1996 PG (102 minutes)

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Time Bandits Poster Image

MOVIE

Time Bandits

age 9+

Fantasy comedy from Monty Python alum has dark humor, peril.

November 6, 1981 1981 PG (110 minutes)

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Simon Birch Poster Image

MOVIE

Simon Birch

age 10+

Tearjerker is touching but too intense for younger kids.

September 11, 1998 1998 PG (114 minutes)

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Strictly Ballroom Poster Image

MOVIE

Strictly Ballroom

age 10+

Zany ballroom dance farce is a romantic treat.

January 1, 1992 1992 PG (94 minutes)

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The Goonies Poster Image

MOVIE

The Goonies

age 10+

Classic '80s adventure has lots of swearing, some scares.

April 6, 1985 1985 PG (114 minutes)

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Benny and Joon Poster Image

MOVIE

Benny and Joon

age 11+

Quirky comedy is edgy for a PG movie.

January 9, 1993 1993 PG (98 minutes)

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Hairspray (2007) Poster Image

MOVIE

Hairspray (2007)

age 11+

Infectiously fun musical with a message.

July 19, 2007 2007 PG (120 minutes)

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Napoleon Dynamite Poster Image

MOVIE

Napoleon Dynamite

age 11+

One-of-a-kind high school comedy for the family.

June 11, 2004 2004 PG (82 minutes)

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Cry-Baby Poster Image

MOVIE

Cry-Baby

age 13+

Campy '50s parody has mild sex references, violence.

April 6, 1990 1990 PG-13 (85 minutes)

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Edward Scissorhands Poster Image

MOVIE

Edward Scissorhands

age 13+

Dark yet sweet underdog tale for older kids.

December 7, 1990 1990 PG-13 (100 minutes)

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Forrest Gump Poster Image

MOVIE

Forrest Gump

age 13+

Moving and wonderful, but parent preview a good idea.

July 6, 1994 1994 PG-13 (135 minutes)

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Lucas Poster Image

MOVIE

Lucas

age 13+

A realistic look at a teen's coming-of-age.

March 28, 1986 1986 PG-13 (100 minutes)

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Sing Street Poster Image

MOVIE

Sing Street

age 13+

Brilliant (if edgy) musical drama celebrates creativity.

April 15, 2016 2016 PG-13 (106 minutes)

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Tapawingo movie poster: Illustration of Jon Heder with arms crossed, wearing a karate gi

MOVIE

Tapawingo

age 13+

Earnest but absurd comedy has violence, language, smoking.

November 14, 2025 2025 NR (109 minutes)

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The Way, Way Back Poster Image

MOVIE

The Way, Way Back

age 13+

Refreshing coming-of-age tale a joy for teens and up.

July 5, 2013 2013 PG-13 (103 minutes)

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Eighth Grade Poster Image

MOVIE

Eighth Grade

age 14+

Painfully realistic, tenderly acted coming-of-age dramedy.

July 13, 2018 2018 R (94 minutes)

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