Summary
The 1990s presented numerous coming-of-age stories, many of which still resonate with young audiences today. The best coming-of-age films paint both comedic and dramatic depictions of growing up. Whether the individuals at the center of the story are children or young adults in their 20s,what makes a coming-of-age film is the emphasis on a character’s journey from one phase of their life into the next.
Films such asReality BitesandDazed and Confusedcapture the excitement and hardships that accompany their respective character’s journeys of self-discovery. Films with a heavier, dramatic tone, such asThe Virgin SuicidesandBoyz n the Hood, shine a light on tougher subjects, including death.Each ofthe best coming-of-age filmsfrom the ’90s struck a chord with young audiences at the time of their release,and they continue to be influential decades later.
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While not the most critically beloved coming-of-age film,Empire Recordsdoes embody a lot of the youthful ’90s spirit. Thecast ofEmpire Recordsportrays a group of record shop employees who try their best to prevent their store from being sold to a large chain.Empire Recordshas since grown a cult following, but initial reviews criticized the film for being too predictable and relying far too much on the soundtrack.
However,the soundtrack is what allowedEmpire Recordsto have an impact on its target audience in the ’90s. Prominent ’90s artists, including Gin Blossoms and The Cranberries, are featured throughout the soundtrack. Additionally, Renée Zellweger, who gave a memorable performance early in her career, provides vocals for the song “Sugar High” by Coyote Shivers.
InVarsity Blues, James Van Der Beek plays Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, a quarterback for a small-town Texas high school football team. Growing up in a community that prioritizes a football career over anything else,Mox navigates the pressure to follow a predetermined path carved out for him by his father and football coach.Varsity Bluesis, at times, predictable and isn’t full of punchy drama as seen in other fictional football stories, but it’s a standard coming-of-age film.
The struggle Mox has fitting within a mold others create for him is an experience many young viewers can relate to. Aside from this,Varsity Bluesalso excels in creating the small-town feel of West Canaan, Texas.The close-knit, football-obsessed community provides the necessary non-physical barrier that makes it appear near-impossible for Mox to set out on his own path.
Shortly after his breakout role as Kevin McCallister inHome Alone, a young Macaulay Culkin starred alongside Anna Chlumsky inMy Girl. Known for its balance of comedy and heart,My Girlfollows the growing friendship between Culkin’s Thomas and Chlumsky’s Vada. The two kids spend the summer of 1972 together, accompanying one another in their adventures. WhileMy Girlis remembered most for its tear-jerker ending, there are also plenty of components that make it a great coming-of-age story.
My Girlis not a perfect film, but it’s wonderfully told through the perspective of a young child. From first kisses to welcoming a new parental figure into one’s life, the childlike point of view is never lost.
My Girlis not a perfect film, but it’s wonderfully told through the perspective of a young child. From first kisses to welcoming a new parental figure into one’s life, the childlike point of view is never lost. However, that’s not to sayMy Girlis a frustrating viewing experience for older audiences. Despite its PG rating,the coming-of-age film strikes the perfect balance between youthful and mature themesfit for a wide range of audiences to enjoy.
After graduating from college, young adults are expected to have every area of their lives sorted out, but that’s not always how things work out. Reality, as the film’s title suggests, bites!The transition out of college life is the subject of Ben Stiller’s feature directorial debut.The coming-of-age film follows a group of 20-something-year-olds, led by Ethan Hawke and Winona Ryder, in their lives after college graduation.
Ryder’s Lelaina Pierce has dreams of becoming a documentarian and begins filming her friends' lives. In addition to the harsh reality of life after college,Reality Bitesalso touches upon topics that greatly impacted Generation X, the generation largely associated with the film. The seriousness of such topics addressed inReality Bitesranges from the introduction of MTV to the fear and stigma around AIDS.
There are numerous romantic comedies from the ’90s that fall under the coming-of-age genre, but one of them surpasses the others just a bit because of its source material.10 Things I Hate About Youisa loose andmodern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s comedyThe Taming of the Shrew.The film follows high school students who devise a plan to get Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) to date, allowing her younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) to date as well.
10 Things I Hate About Youisn’t without its flaws, butits clever script has everything that makes a great coming-of-age story. The teen film has its characters falling in and out of love and confronting the perceptions their high school peers have of them. It’s all topped off with a catchy rock-influenced soundtrack and a memorable serenade performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli.
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Hoping to finish high school as experienced as their peers,American Piefollows a group of students seeking to lose their virginity before they graduate.Due to the raunchy humor inAmerican Pie, it wasn’t warmly received by critics upon its initial release. However, the performances of the film’s ensemble cast were praised by critics. Comedic actors including Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, and Eugene Levy are just a few individuals who provided their talents for the film.
American Piewas a success at the box office and isnow viewed as one of the best comedies of all time, particularly in the coming-of-age genre. MultipleAmerican Piesequel filmswere released in the years following the first, and while there are redeeming qualities to the sequels, none were able to make as big of an impact on pop culture.
The titular character inWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grapeisa 25-year-old man who is tasked with caring for his morbidly obese mother, Bonnie, and younger brother with intellectual disabilities, Arnie.What’s Eating Gilbert Grapeis a tough look at the impact such a heavy responsibility has on Gilbert. However, there are moments of levity in the film, in part due to Arnie. Played by Leonardo DiCaprio, Arnie is positive and well-intentioned, despite his older brother feeling constant guilt and frustration while caring for Arnie.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grapesays a lot about the pressure being a caretaker has on someone in their early 20s, and while the film is full of strong performances from its cast, the standout performance is by DiCaprio. Arnie is the heart of the film and DiCaprio plays the character with a great amount of respect and emotional consideration.DiCaprio’s performance earned the film its only Academy Award nominationand his first at just 19 years old.
Overprotective parents are common characters in films about teens and young adults. While the adolescent characters in these films might rebel by staying out past curfew or running away from home,the Lisbon sisters inThe Virgin Suicidestake another route. Directed by Sofia Coppola in her directorial debut,The Virgin Suicidesfollows the lives of the Lisbon sisters and tells one of the heavier stories about the hardships experienced at a young age.
Based on Jeffrey Eugenides' novel of the same name,the sisters inThe Virgin Suicidesaren’t meant to be distinct characters and are only depicted as how others, particularly male characters, view them. Yet, Coppola’s film invites audiences into the parts of the girls' lives unseen and not idealized by others. The reality is harrowing as the girls feel suffocated under their parents' control, resulting in a final decision that allows them to feel a sense of control over their decisions.
Made up of an impressive ensemble cast that would go on to have successful film careers, Richard Linklater’sDazed and Confusedspends a few fun hours with various students after the last day of classes at a Texas high school in 1976. Hazing incoming freshmen and driving around through local neighborhoods are just a few of the activities that take place as the summer kicks off.Dazed and Confusedperfectly captures the search for adventure and freedomthat comes after the burden of schoolwork is lifted.
McConaughey wasn’t the type of actor Linklater envisioned for the role of David Wooderson, but he quickly made the character his own.
Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Renée Zellweger, and Matthew McConaughey are just a few of the recognizable faces inDazed and Confused.McConaughey was cast inDazed and Confusedfollowing a chance encounter with the film’s casting director, Don Phillips. McConaughey wasn’t the type of actor Linklater envisioned for the role of David Wooderson, but he quickly made the character his own, and it’s now considered one ofMcConaughey’s best roles.
Drawing inspiration from his experiences growing up, John Singleton’sBoyz n the Hoodtells the story of a neighborhood in Los Angeles impacted by the rise of gang culture and the consequences it has on its local teenagers. Due to Singleton’s proximity to the subject, the narrative ofBoyz n the Hoodapproaches the lifestyle with consideration.The film doesn’t glamorize gang activities and doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of them.
The experiences addressed inBoyz n the Hoodaren’t often a topic of discussion in popular coming-of-age stories, but this gives the film room to stand apart from others in the genre.Boyz n the Hoodhas received widespread praise over the years andSingleton became one of the few Black directors nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards,accompanying others such as Barry Jenkins and Spike Lee.Boyz n the Hoodalso launched the careers of many of its stars, including Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, and Angela Bassett.
John Singleton also co-created and directed several episodes ofSnowfall(2017).
