Whether it is set in the 19th century or in contemporary times, there is an emotional honesty in female-led coming-of-age movies that never fails to make us laugh and cry at the same time. These stories show what it takes to grow up in a world that often tries to keep young women down.
Here are our top picks for movies that follow girls as they navigate adolescence, identity, and self-discovery.
10. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
This coming-of-age comedy drama follows seventeen-year-old Nadine Franklin, whose high school life gets even more unbearable once her best friend starts dating her all-star brother. Almost instantly, she feels more alone and awkward than ever. The movie stars Hailee Steinfeld, Blake Jenner, and Haley Lu Richardson.
Related: 10 TV Shows That Redefined the Complicated Female Lead
9. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley in the lead roles, ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ follows an Indian family in London trying to raise their tomboy daughter in a traditional way. Unlike their wishes, Jess dreams of becoming a professional soccer player like her hero, David Beckham. After meeting the local women’s league player Jules, Jess learns to bend some rules.
8. Mean Girls (2019)
When Cady Heron, a naïve teenager, transfers to an American high school after years of homeschooling, she fits right in with the outcasts Janis and Damian. But soon, the trio gets stuck in a revenge plan to take down the leader of the school’s most popular clique, known as “the Plastics.” The movie stars Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams in the two lead roles.
7. Little Women (2019)
Based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, ‘Little Women’ is set in the 19th century. The movie follows the lives of the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and their pursuit of love and career in Concord, Massachusetts. Helmed by Greta Gerwig, the movie stars an ensemble cast including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, and Timothée Chalamet.
6. Precious (2009)
Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, ‘Precious’ is set in New York City’s Harlem circa 1987. The movie follows Gabourey Sidibe’s debut role as Precious, a 16-year-old illiterate and overweight girl’s struggle against extreme poverty and abuse. The movie also stars Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, and others.
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5. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Based on the bestselling novel by Ann Brashares, this classic coming-of-age movie stars America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, Blake Lively, and Alexis Bledel. When the four best friends find their lives starting off in different directions, they find a mysterious pair of pants that fits each of their bodies perfectly and hatch a plan to stay connected.
4. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)
Based on the classic 1970 novel by Judy Blume, it follows 11-year-old Margaret move from the city to the suburbs, and her struggle dealing with adolescent life, friendship, and religion. The movie stars Abby Ryder Fortson in the lead role, with Rachel McAdams, Elle Graham, Benny Safdie, and Kathy Bates playing the supporting characters.
3. Juno (2007)
‘Juno’ stars Elliot Page as the titular character, an independent teenager who has to confront an unplanned pregnancy, making harsh decisions and dealing with all the adult life pressures that come with it. The movie also stars Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, and Jason Bateman.
2. Thirteen (2003)
It follows a thirteen-year-old girl named Tracy, always known as smart and mild-mannered, who starts to discover substance abuse, sex, self-harm, and crimes after befriending a troubled classmate. The movie is based on Nikki Reed’s life from around the age of 13, and she also co-wrote the screenplay when she was just 14. Along with Reed, the movie also stars Holly Hunter and Evan Rachel Wood.
1. Lady Bird (2017)
‘Lady Bird’ is Greta Gerwig’s solo directorial debut, starring Saoirse Ronan as the protagonist. The movie is set in California in the early 2000s. It follows a fiercely independent young woman’s journey, making her own way in the world while trying to run away from her small town and her complicated family.
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