Coming-of-age films have been a prominent part of cinema for centuries. It is an age of awkwardness and messiness, and sometimes plans go south. First love/crush, new friends, and taking steps towards life aims. At this age, an individual life usually forms of what they are interested in and who they will become.
Fortunately, cinema has evolved to film every step of the way. However, Coming-of-age movies have become the prime part of cinema for a century. Especially the 80s and 90s movies are rich in plots about young people searching for their place in the world.
Besides, these movies mainly focus on the transformation from childhood to adulthood. Exploring the challenges that come when young people struggle to navigate the usual complex world of adolescence.
During the era of ’80s and ’90s, classic coming-of-age movies left a lasting impression on viewers. Moreover, the vast population of witnesses or someone they know is reflected through the characters and situations demonstrated on the screen.
These films vibrate to today’s date, providing a nostalgic appearance of the time. When hair was long, fashion was loud, and the world was full of hope.
Often, movies are vital in introducing us to the awe-striking storyline we otherwise might have ignored. We have listed attractive and captivating stories on streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, or HBO MAx in Australia.
In this blog, we will walk down memory road and review some of the most beautiful coming-of-age films of the 80s and 90s.
Ordinary Family (1980)
Adapted from the same-titled novel, the movie is a beautifully restrained drama about the aristocratic Jarret family. However, the tragic death of their eldest son left them shattered into pieces. The father struggles with grieving while his wife merely acts as if everything is okay by creating a delusional life.
On the other hand, the news hit hard on the family’s younger son. As he tries to commit suicide, he feels guilty that the death of his brother is all his fault.
However, in his journey of healing through the help of a psychiatrist, he fights against his mental suffering and rebuilds his relationship with his mother and father. However, later, he learns the fact that his family’s values are the reasons for his brother’s death.
The 80s Heartbreaker illustrates pain better than most films. And won an Oscar for depicting a hurtful young man wanting to progress.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You is a witty, funny rom-com that stands the test of time. Basically, it is a modern retelling story of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” The movie follows the story of a high-school student, Cameron, who likes Bianca and wants to date her.
However, the problem is that he can only date Bianca once her headstrong and anti-social older sister, Kat, gets a boyfriend. So, Cameron sets a mysterious boy, Patrick, to charm Kat.
With its intense writing, loveable characters, and tempting chemistry between its main characters, the movie is genuinely entertaining and grabs the distress and passion of adolescence.
Stand By Me (1986)
Stand By Me is a heartbreaking and strong coming-of-age movie. It is based on the short story “The Body” by Stephen King.
The movie is about four friends, Chris, Vern, Gordie, and Teddy, as they begin their adventure searching for the corpse of a missing local boy.
Along the way, they struggle with problems of morality, friendship, and evolution. The film’s director expertly demonstrates the bittersweet nostalgia of youth and flawlessly balances the movie’s humor and grief.
Say Anything (1989)
With its ever-lasting impression of a boombox scene and demonstration of first love, “Say Anything…” is a classic coming-of-age romance.
The movie tells the story of Lloyd, a lovable incompetent who fell for Diane, a beauty with a brain and high school valedictorian. The conflict starts when Diane’s father disapproves of LIoyd and forces her to break up with him.
However, despite their class differences, Diane and LIoyd connect deeply, and their relationship is a heart-warming adventure of the strength and unpredictability of youth love.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club is controversially one of the best predominant coming-of-age films ever. The movie depicts the story of 5 high school students possessing different mindsets who are in detention together.
During the course of the day, they learn to put behind their prejudiced ideas about each other and their egos and form mutual understanding.
The movie explores themes like social status, rebellion, and emotional burdens that hit a chord with people. The movie is considered a treasured classic to this day.
Conclusion
Classic coming-of-age movies of the ’80s and ’90s pursue to have an intense influence on people of all age groups. These movies illustrate the ups and downs of youth, learning the joys, sorrows, and insecurities of adolescence through sensitivity, humor, and elegance.
Whether you enjoyed your teen in the 80s, 90s, or far off, these films remind you of a simple time when life was full of hope and possibilities.
So, when you are in the mood to travel through the memory road, line up one of these iconic forever favorite films and recall those adorable childhood moments again.
