The Best Coming of Age Movies About Boys
The future is bright for the young leading men of classic coming of age films. The best boys coming of age movies feature boys becoming men as they deal with tough situations and strained friendships. This is a list of the best coming of age movies about boys, including everything from The Lost Boys to Goonies to The Outsiders.
What films will you find on this list of the top boys coming of age movies? You won't be surprised to see Stand by Me here. Based on Stephen King's novella The Body, this timeless tale follows a group of four friends on what will be their last great boyhood adventure. The Sandlot is another great film about friends learning lessons that they will carry throughout their lives. Richard Linklater took coming of age films to the next level with his movie Boyhood, which was filmed from 2002-2013. Other good films featured here include It, Empire of the Sun, and This Boy's Life.
It's up to you to decide which coming of age movie deserves the top spot on this list. Give your favorites a thumbs up and please add any good films that are missing.
- 1Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Rob Reiner
A captivating tale of friendship and adventure, Stand by Me showcases the lives of four young boys who embark on a journey to find the body of a missing teenager. With unforgettable performances by River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, and Wil Wheaton, this classic film is a quintessential coming-of-age story that has resonated with audiences for generations.
- 2Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
- Released: 1985
- Directed by: Richard Donner
A defining adventure film of the '80s, The Goonies follows a group of kids who discover an ancient map that leads them to a hidden treasure. Starring Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and Josh Brolin, this fantastical journey explores themes of friendship, courage, and perseverance, making it a cherished coming-of-age tale for boys.
- 3Matt Dillon, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio
- Released: 1983
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Outsiders is a riveting adaptation of S.E. Hinton's novel. It tells the story of two rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, and their teenage struggles in a socially and economically divided town. Starring C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, and Patrick Swayze, this timeless movie transports viewers into a gripping tale of love, friendship, and rivalry.
- 4Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna
- Released: 1993
- Directed by: David M. Evans
Combining baseball and childhood friendships, The Sandlot serves as an endearing representation of young boys navigating life's adventures. Set in 1962, the movie follows Scotty Smalls and a group of neighborhood kids as they share summer antics and valuable life lessons. With engaging performances by Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, and Patrick Renna, it is a nostalgic tale that remains a beloved classic.
- 5James Aubrey, Tom Chapin, Hugh Edwards
- Released: 1963
- Directed by: Peter Brook
Based on the novel by William Golding, Lord of the Flies is a thought-provoking story about a group of boys stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. Faced with the challenge of survival, the boys eventually descend into chaos and brutality, shedding light on the darker side of humanity. This daring exploration of societal norms has captivated audiences for generations.
- 6Julie Walters, Jamie Bell, Jamie Draven
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Set against the backdrop of the 1984-85 miners' strike in England, Billy Elliot tells the inspiring story of a young boy who discovers his passion for ballet. Facing societal constraints and familial expectations, Billy, played by Jamie Bell, overcomes adversity to pursue his dreams. This heartwarming flick embraces themes of perseverance, self-expression, and acceptance.
