9 Best Teen Drama Movies Like Edge of Seventeen

movies like edge of seventeen

“The Edge of Seventeen” is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film that tells the story of Nadine, a high school junior who struggles to navigate the complexities of adolescence. The film was directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and stars Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, and Kyra Sedgwick.

The primary themes of the movie revolve around the struggles of growing up, dealing with the loss of a loved one, and finding one’s place in the world. The film explores these themes through the lens of Nadine’s life, who is grappling with the death of her father, a strained relationship with her mother, and the challenges of navigating high school.

One of the reasons why people love “The Edge of Seventeen” is its relatable characters and situations. The film portrays the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way, making it easy for viewers to empathize with Nadine and her struggles. The movie also features strong performances from its cast, particularly Hailee Steinfeld, who delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Nadine.

Another reason why “The Edge of Seventeen” has become so popular is its blend of humor and drama. The movie has several funny and memorable moments that balance out the more serious themes and help to lighten the mood. The film’s soundtrack, which features songs by artists like Stevie Nicks and The 1975, also adds to the overall appeal of the movie.

Fun fact: The film’s title is a reference to the Stevie Nicks song “Edge of Seventeen,” which is featured prominently in the movie.

Overall, “The Edge of Seventeen” is a well-crafted film that explores the ups and downs of adolescence in a relatable and entertaining way. Its themes, characters, and blend of humor and drama have resonated with audiences, making it a beloved and popular movie in its genre.

If you enjoyed “The Edge of Seventeen” and are looking for similar movies, here are nine recommendations:

  1. “Lady Bird” (2017) – Directed by Greta Gerwig, this coming-of-age film follows the story of a teenage girl growing up in Sacramento, California.
  2. “Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012) – Based on the novel of the same name, this movie tells the story of a freshman in high school who struggles to fit in.
  3. “Eighth Grade” (2018) – This film explores the life of a 13-year-old girl as she navigates the final week of eighth grade.
  4. “The Breakfast Club” (1985) – A classic coming-of-age film, “The Breakfast Club” follows five high school students who bond during a Saturday detention.
  5. “Juno” (2007) – This movie tells the story of a high school girl who becomes pregnant and decides to give the baby up for adoption.
  6. “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” (2015) – Based on the novel of the same name, this movie follows the friendship between a teenage boy and a girl with leukemia.
  7. “Moonlight” (2016) – This coming-of-age film follows the life of a young black man as he grows up in Miami.
  8. “The Spectacular Now” (2013) – This film tells the story of a popular high school student who falls for a girl who is not part of the popular crowd.
  9. “Boyhood” (2014) – Directed by Richard Linklater, this movie follows the life of a boy as he grows up from age six to eighteen.

1. Lady Bird (2017)

“Lady Bird” is a coming-of-age film directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Timothée Chalamet. The story follows a high school senior named Christine, who goes by the name Lady Bird, as she navigates her final year of high school in Sacramento, California. Lady Bird dreams of attending college on the east coast but struggles to find her place in the world.

The movie is a poignant and heartfelt exploration of adolescence and the challenges of growing up. The themes of identity, family, and the search for one’s place in the world are all explored in depth through Lady Bird’s experiences. The film is both funny and heartbreaking, and it captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence in a way that feels real and relatable.

Like “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Lady Bird” is a film that explores the struggles of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Both films feature strong female protagonists who are trying to navigate the challenges of adolescence while dealing with family issues and the pressures of high school. “Lady Bird” and “The Edge of Seventeen” both capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way, making them both relatable and emotionally resonant.

2. Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

“Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a coming-of-age film based on the novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky. The movie is directed by Chbosky and stars Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller. The story follows a high school freshman named Charlie, who is struggling to fit in and deal with the traumas of his past.

The film is a powerful exploration of adolescence, trauma, and the importance of friendship. The themes of identity, acceptance, and the search for meaning are all explored in depth through Charlie’s experiences. The movie is both funny and heartbreaking, and it captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

Like “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a film that explores the challenges of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Both films feature strong protagonists who are struggling to fit in and deal with the traumas of their past. “Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “The Edge of Seventeen” both capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way, making them both emotionally resonant and powerful.

3. Eighth Grade (2018)

“Eighth Grade” is a coming-of-age film directed by Bo Burnham and stars Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, and Emily Robinson. The story follows a 13-year-old girl named Kayla as she navigates the final week of eighth grade. Kayla is struggling with social anxiety and the pressure to fit in, and the film explores her experiences in a raw and honest way.

The movie is a poignant and powerful exploration of adolescence and the challenges of growing up. The themes of identity, social anxiety, and the search for acceptance are all explored in depth through Kayla’s experiences. The film is both funny and heartbreaking, and it captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence in a way that feels real and relatable.

Like “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Eighth Grade” is a film that explores the struggles of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Both films feature strong female protagonists who are trying to navigate the challenges of adolescence while dealing with social anxiety and the pressure to fit in. “Eighth Grade” and “The Edge of Seventeen” both capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way, making them both emotionally resonant and powerful.

Overall, “Lady Bird,” “Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and “Eighth Grade” are all excellent coming-of-age films that explore the challenges of growing up in a relatable and emotionally resonant way. Each film features a strong protagonist who is struggling to find their place in the world and deal with the pressures of adolescence. The films also touch on important themes such as identity, family, trauma, social anxiety, and the search for acceptance.

All three films are similar to “The Edge of Seventeen” in that they capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way. They each offer a unique perspective on the challenges of growing up, and they are all emotionally powerful and thought-provoking films that are well worth watching.

4. The Breakfast Club (1985)

“The Breakfast Club” is a classic coming-of-age film directed by John Hughes and starring Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, and Judd Nelson. The movie follows five high school students from different social groups who are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention. Over the course of the day, the students begin to break down the barriers between them and open up about their fears, hopes, and dreams.

The film is a timeless exploration of adolescence and the challenges of growing up. The themes of identity, family, and the search for acceptance are all explored in depth through the students’ experiences. The movie is both funny and poignant, and it captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

Like “The Edge of Seventeen,” “The Breakfast Club” is a film that explores the struggles of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Both films feature a diverse cast of characters who are forced to confront their differences and learn to see each other as individuals rather than stereotypes. “The Breakfast Club” and “The Edge of Seventeen” both capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way, making them both emotionally resonant and powerful.

5. Juno (2007)

“Juno” is a coming-of-age film directed by Jason Reitman and starring Ellen Page, Michael Cera, and Jennifer Garner. The movie follows a quirky high school student named Juno who becomes pregnant after a one-night stand with her friend Paulie. Juno decides to carry the baby to term and give it up for adoption, leading to a series of emotional and challenging experiences.

The film is a unique and unconventional exploration of adolescence and the challenges of growing up. The themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning are all explored in depth through Juno’s experiences. The movie is both funny and heartfelt, and it captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence in a way that feels real and relatable.

Like “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Juno” is a film that explores the struggles of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Both films feature strong female protagonists who are trying to navigate the challenges of adolescence while dealing with complex family dynamics and relationships. “Juno” and “The Edge of Seventeen” both capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way, making them both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

6. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is a coming-of-age film directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and starring Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, and RJ Cyler. The movie follows a high school student named Greg who is forced to spend time with a classmate named Rachel who has been diagnosed with leukemia. Over the course of their time together, Greg and Rachel form a deep and meaningful bond.

The film is a poignant and powerful exploration of adolescence and the challenges of growing up. The themes of identity, friendship, and the search for meaning are all explored in depth through Greg and Rachel’s experiences. The movie is both funny and heartbreaking, and it captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

Like “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is a film that explores the struggles of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Both films feature strong protagonists who are forced to confront difficult and emotionally challenging situations. “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” and “The Edge of Seventeen” both capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way,

7. Moonlight (2016)

“Moonlight” is a coming-of-age film directed by Barry Jenkins and starring Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, and Mahershala Ali. The movie follows the life of a young black man named Chiron as he navigates the complexities of growing up in Miami. The film is divided into three chapters, each depicting a different stage in Chiron’s life, from childhood to adulthood.

The film is a powerful and poignant exploration of identity, sexuality, and the search for acceptance. The themes of family, trauma, and the struggles of black masculinity are all explored in depth through Chiron’s experiences. The movie is both heartbreaking and beautiful, and it captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

Like “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Moonlight” is a film that explores the struggles of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Both films feature strong protagonists who are grappling with difficult and emotionally challenging situations. “Moonlight” and “The Edge of Seventeen” both capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way, making them both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

8. The Spectacular Now (2013)

“The Spectacular Now” is a coming-of-age film directed by James Ponsoldt and starring Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley. The movie follows the life of a popular high school student named Sutter as he begins a relationship with a shy and introverted classmate named Aimee. Over the course of their time together, Sutter and Aimee both learn important lessons about love, friendship, and the search for meaning.

The film is a touching and heartfelt exploration of adolescence and the challenges of growing up. The themes of identity, family, and the search for acceptance are all explored in depth through Sutter and Aimee’s experiences. The movie is both funny and poignant, and it captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

Like “The Edge of Seventeen,” “The Spectacular Now” is a film that explores the struggles of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Both films feature strong protagonists who are trying to navigate the challenges of adolescence while dealing with complex family dynamics and relationships. “The Spectacular Now” and “The Edge of Seventeen” both capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way, making them both emotionally resonant and powerful.

9. Boyhood (2014)

“Boyhood” is a coming-of-age film directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, and Ethan Hawke. The movie was filmed over the course of twelve years, and it follows the life of a young boy named Mason as he grows up and navigates the challenges of adolescence.

The film is a unique and ambitious exploration of adolescence and the challenges of growing up. The themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning are all explored in depth through Mason’s experiences. The movie is both funny and poignant, and it captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence in a way that feels real and relatable.

Like “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Boyhood” is a film that explores the struggles of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Both films feature strong protagonists who are trying to navigate the challenges of adolescence while dealing with complex family dynamics and relationships. “Boyhood” and “The Edge of Seventeen” both capture the awkwardness, insecurity, and uncertainty of adolescence in a raw and honest way, making them both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

Here is a table with the IMDb ratings and the Rotten Tomato score for the movies we’ve discussed:

Movie TitleIMDb RatingRotten Tomatoes Score
The Edge of Seventeen7.494%
Lady Bird7.499%
Perks of Being a Wallflower8.086%
Eighth Grade7.499%
The Breakfast Club7.889%
Juno7.494%
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl7.781%
Moonlight7.498%
The Spectacular Now7.192%
Boyhood7.997%
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