The Times Are A-Changin’ – Coming Of Age Movies Through The Years

Like a soppy romance, a slapstick comedy or a family drama, there are some movie mainstays that we can rely on. 

Like a soppy romance, a slapstick comedy or a family drama, there are some movie mainstays that we can rely on. And right amongst these Tinseltown traditions is the coming of age flick – the movie that sees a child grow into an adult right in front of our eyes! One such example – albeit with a fresh twist – is Love, Simon, available to rent now on Virgin Movies from €4.99. With touches of hilarity and heartache fully intact, it also features a closeted teen in the lead role, something of a first for the Hollywood staple!

It got us to thinking of some of the other classics of the genre that you should check out right now – here’s a handful to get you started…

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Available to rent now on Virgin Movies from €2.99

While he didn’t exactly invent the concept, John Hughes is the undisputed king of teen movies, and this one is up there amongst his finest. Detention brings together a grab-bag of characters who learn about themselves as well as each other – with added dancing!

GOOD WILL HUNTING

Available now on Netflix, Virgin TV 999

Matt Damon stars as a janitor who has his coming-of-age moment a little later than most. Announcing Damon and co-writer (and co-star) Ben Affleck to the world, it’s also notable for a fabulous turn from Robin Williams in an unusually serious role…

AMERICAN PIE

Available to rent now on Virgin Movies from €2.99

Responsible for launching a thousand gross-out comedies after it, this risqué effort is full of characters with a lot of growing up to do! Containing some of the most iconic scenes of the 1990s, it’s still capable of making us laugh – and cringe! – like few other movies ever.

LIFE OF PI

Available to rent now on Virgin Movies from €2.99

While most of the journeys on this list are metaphorical, this one is very real indeed! There are certain situations that will make you grow up altogether quickly – and getting stuck on a boat with a bloody big tiger is one of them…

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

Available now on Netflix, Virgin TV 999

With an outstanding cast of youngsters including Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman and the excellent Logan Lerman – and ever-so-slightly older talent like Paul Rudd, Joan Cusack, Dylan McDermott too! – the trials and tribulations of starting school are captured in this sharp and sincere drama.

SING STREET

Available to rent now on Virgin Movies from €2.99

Proof that it’s not just our pals across the water that can master the genre, John Carney’s ode to his youth in Dublin is a rockin’ and rollin’ treat! The story is immensely likeable, the homegrown talent is on point, and the soundtrack bangs!

LADY BIRD

Available to rent now on Virgin Movies from €4.99

Our own Saoirse Ronan stars in this fabulously funny and terrifically touching story of a senior student with so much to figure out that even her name is still up for debate! Greta Gerwig’s script is superb, and the performances are nothing short of stellar.

Superfast broadband, awesome TV and red-hot offers – click here to find out more about Virgin Media bundles…