10 Movies Like The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

As a former wallflower myself, I can wholeheartedly recommend these movies to anyone who has ever felt lost in their own skin or longed for a place where they truly belong. These coming-of-age stories are not just about school dances and yearbook clubs, they’re about the universal journey of self-discovery, love, and growth that we all embark on at some point in our lives.

First up is “Almost Famous,” a movie that takes us on a wild ride with an innocent young man who stumbles into the world of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a story about finding your place in the world, even if it means traveling with a band of misfits and groupies. And let’s face it, who among us hasn’t dreamed of doing exactly that?

Next is “Paper Towns,” a movie that explores the complexities of friendship, love, and growing up. It’s about a shy kid who follows clues to find his long-lost crush, only to discover that the journey itself is more important than the destination. Trust me, it’s a lot less dramatic (and a lot more relatable) than it sounds.

“Paper Towns” is followed by “Almost Famous,” which might initially seem like an unlikely choice, but trust me, it’s got all the feels you need to get through even the toughest days. It’s about a shy kid who stumbles into the world of rock ‘n’ roll and finds himself surrounded by misfits and groupies. And let’s be honest, who among us hasn’t dreamed of doing exactly that?

Then we have “The Fault in Our Stars,” which is a movie about two teenagers with cancer who fall in love and learn to live in the moment. It’s a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life, but it’s also about finding beauty in the most unexpected places.

Lastly, we have “Paper Towns,” which is a movie about a shy kid who follows clues to find his long-lost crush, only to discover that the journey itself is more important than the destination. It’s a lot less dramatic (and a lot more relatable) than it sounds.

So there you have it, my fellow wallflowers! These movies are perfect for anyone who has ever felt lost or out of place. They’re about love, friendship, self-discovery, and finding your place in the world. And let’s be honest, who among us hasn’t dreamed of doing exactly that?

Oh, and if you’re still feeling down after watching these movies, just remember: at least you’re not stuck in a paper town like Quentin! (I’m here all week, folks!)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a 2012 movie, made from Stephen Chbosky’s novel of the same name. Although it was 13 years after the book’s publication, Chbosky decided to keep the film set in the 1991-92 school year. The story revolves around three high school students – a freshman named Charlie (played by Logan Lerman), who is clinically depressed and struggles to make friends at first. However, this changes when seniors Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller) befriend Charlie and introduce him to their social circle.

For fans of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” it’s likely they’ll be drawn to other coming-of-age films with similar themes and tones. The movies on this list share characteristics that resonated with viewers of “Wallflower,” making them excellent choices for those seeking more films in the same vein, not just because they belong to the same genre.

In summary, many movies were released during similar periods, set in comparable eras or intentionally evoking a specific time and locale. Several stories revolve around introverted teens finding their voice after joining more extroverted circles, whereas others center on characters dealing with past traumas. Moreover, numerous films are considered timeless classics within the genre of teen coming-of-age movies and are often suggested for those venturing into this cinematic realm.

Lady Bird

Previously, filmmaker Greta Gerwig was solely involved in co-writing movies where she played one of the main characters. However, this changed with the 2017 release of “Lady Bird,” a movie where she didn’t act for the first time. Despite claiming that “Lady Bird” wasn’t directly influenced by her personal life, the film is set during her high school years, a period she shared with the protagonist. She even guided the cast and crew around her hometown and provided them with her old journals and yearbooks, suggesting an attempt to capture the atmosphere of her own teenage existence.

The film centers around Christine McPherson, a senior in high school who calls herself Lady Bird, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan. She finds her current all-girls Catholic school and California city restrictive, dreaming of an East Coast college as a means to escape and gain new experiences. Her relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf) is often turbulent, not just about college choices but various other topics as well. Additionally, Lady Bird’s personal life isn’t going smoothly as she desires. This heartwarming dramedy resonates deeply with anyone who has felt out of place in high school and yearned for a future that contrasted their upbringing. Upon its release, it achieved the highest rating ever on Rotten Tomatoes at the time.

The Edge of Seventeen

2016’s “The Edge of Seventeen” shares a central dynamic similar to “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” but with distinct differences. In this film, high schooler Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld) grapples with the loss of her father and the constant comparison to her popular brother, Darian (Blake Jenner). One of Nadine’s few sources of support is her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), but their friendship becomes complicated when Krista starts dating Darian — a development that Nadine strongly objects to.

In “The Edge of Seventeen,” Hailee Steinfeld deservedly garnered praise for her acting, a role that wasn’t her debut or breakthrough film, but significantly boosted her reputation as one of the most gifted actresses of her generation in young Hollywood. She skillfully portrays Nadine, switching between endearing self-deprecation and palpable insecurity, sometimes within the same scene. This performance is remarkably authentic, capturing the essence of teenage discomfort and perplexity better than most screen depictions. However, credit should be given to writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig for creating the character Nadine and directing Steinfeld’s interpretation of her.

The team’s exceptional work led to Paul Craig being called upon to do an unacknowledged rewrite for the movie “Bumblebee,” the highly praised Transformers prequel featuring Hailee Steinfeld, which was released two years later. Notably, Craig contributed significantly to the development of Steinfeld’s character in that film.

10 Things I Hate About You

As a lover of all things Shakespeare, I can’t help but marvel at how each new generation seems to breathe fresh life into the works of our beloved bard. In my time, we were treated to not one, but two stunningly modern adaptations of timeless classics. Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant and flamboyant take on “Romeo + Juliet” certainly caught everyone’s attention. But it was Gil Junger’s innovative reimagining of “The Taming of the Shrew,” titled “10 Things I Hate About You,” that truly resonated with me.

In this adaptation, the story was cleverly transposed from a medieval setting to the bustling halls of a Seattle high school. The central conflict revolved around Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), a teenager whose overprotective father forbade her from dating until her older sister, Kat (Julia Stiles), had also found a suitor. This twist on the original tale perfectly captured the essence of Shakespeare’s work while making it relatable and engaging for modern audiences.

In walks Cameron (Joseph-Gordon Levitt), Joey (Andrew Keegan), and Patrick (Heath Ledger). The scenes unfold with underhand agreements, fluctuating loyalties, and boys recklessly manipulating and hurting girls for their own gain. Yet, as expected, by the film’s end, everyone finds themselves with the person they were destined to be with. However, don’t let a predictable finale or the fact that it’s adapted from one of Shakespeare’s more questionably misogynistic works deter you from watching this movie that has earned its place as a cherished coming-of-age classic for valid reasons. A significant part of its success can be attributed to the outstanding performances by Stiles, Ledger, and Gordon-Levitt, each making a splash in their respective breakout roles.

Initially, “10 Things I Hate About You” was intended to spawn a significantly gloomy sequel rooted in spiritual themes. However, due to the lead actor’s decision to withdraw from the project, it ultimately became one of those films that didn’t make it to the big screen.

The Spectacular Now

The 2013 movie “The Spectacular Now,” a touching coming-of-age drama, was fortunate to receive the last four-star review from renowned film critic Roger Ebert. In his glowing appraisal, Ebert praised the film, stating, “This is an enchanting movie that portrays two high school seniors who appear, talk, and emote like authentic 18-year-olds from Middle America […] We have lived through senior year with these characters. We know them. We have been them.” Ebert noted the rarity of movies about teenagers that accurately capture their essence, making “The Spectacular Now” all the more remarkable for doing so.

As a passionate admirer, let me share that the main characters in this tale are Sutter Keely, portrayed by Miles Teller, and Aimee Finecky, brilliantly played by Shailene Woodley. At first, we find them virtually strangers until a fateful morning when Aimee stumbles upon Sutter, drunk from the previous night’s revelries, and offers him assistance in locating his car. Their bond deepens swiftly as they discover shared passions and grapple with complex family issues, specifically strained relationships with our mothers and the void left by our fathers who are absent. Sutter’s drinking struggles cast a shadow on their relationship, as does his former flame who lingers in his thoughts more than either of us would prefer.

As someone who’s been there, I find this story incredibly relatable. It delves into the complexities of a teenager’s life, portraying a character grappling with personal issues and external challenges, all while trying to figure out if he has the capacity for selflessness needed to become the partner Aimee deserves. This young man is flawed, just like many of us were at that age, making mistakes and learning from them. The story serves as a reminder of the growth we must undergo before we can truly be there for others, and it resonates deeply with my own experiences.

Say Anything…

Filmmaker Cameron Crowe is well-established among movies that shaped Generation X’s cinematic landscape. His initial screenwriting endeavor was the 1982 release “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” which continues to be one of the most genuine and realistic portrayals of high school students’ emotional and physical relationships ever captured on film. Later, in 1987, he ventured behind the camera for the first time to direct “Say Anything…” (which he also penned), continuing his exploration of teenage relationships but delving deeper by concentrating mainly on a specific couple, offering a more nuanced and intimate perspective.

As a passionate gamer reflecting on my favorite ’80s flicks, I can’t help but reminisce about Lloyd Dobbler, the quirky underachiever, and his heartfelt pursuit of the brilliant Diane Court. Initially, Diane takes a chance on this unconventional guy, yet her strict father doubts Lloyd’s worthiness for his daughter. Eventually, he manages to steer Diane away from our hero and towards her studies instead.

Fast-forward to one of the most legendary scenes in cinematic history: Lloyd standing outside Diane’s window with a boombox blasting Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.” It’s simple to dismiss this scene as overly sentimental, given its numerous parodies throughout the years. However, amidst all the laughter and mockery, it remains an endearing testament to Lloyd’s sincerity in a film that continues to charm us with its authenticity. This movie has more than earned its spot not only among Gen X classics, coming-of-age films, and romantic comedies but also as a timeless example of love stories well told.

Juno

The film titled “Juno” shares a unique bond with “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” as neither movie on this list can boast such a connection: both films are products of production company Mr. Mudd, which is co-founded by the renowned actor John Malkovich. Although Mr. Mudd has ventured into diverse film genres, it has undeniably left an impact in the coming-of-age genre with productions like “Ghost World,” “Art School Confidential,” and the two aforementioned movies.

As a fan, I can’t help but notice some striking similarities between “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Juno.” Both stories revolve around introverted characters who find themselves thrust into the limelight against their will. In “Perks,” Charlie is drawn into the high school social scene, while in “Juno,” it’s our protagonist, Juno MacGuff, whose pregnancy becomes the town’s gossip.

When Juno and her longtime friend Paulie Bleecker (played by Michael Cera) share a night together, Juno finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, a secret that soon spirals into school and town-wide notoriety. As she navigates the challenging journey of teenage motherhood, Juno must also confront her feelings for Paulie, feelings that may be deeper than she ever realized or is comfortable acknowledging.

Initially identified as female, Page earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for his exceptional performance, while newcomer Diablo Cody clinched the award for Best Original Screenplay. The movie “Juno” garnered widespread popularity and became a significant part of pop culture, but it unfairly faced criticism. Despite this backlash, it’s expected to be remembered as a timeless coming-of-age classic that future generations will revisit.

The Way, Way Back

Movies don’t have to be revolutionary in their genre to be creatively successful; they simply need to execute their story effectively. For instance, the 2013 film “The Way, Way Back” demonstrates this point perfectly. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it is praised for its well-crafted script, talented cast, and abundant charm, resulting in a humorous and fulfilling coming-of-age story. Essentially, great art lies not only in doing something different but also in doing what you do exceptionally well, which “The Way, Way Back” does with the teen drama-comedy genre.

Jim Rash and Nat Faxon, who had earlier won an Oscar for best adapted screenplay with “The Descendants,” reunited to write and co-direct the film “The Way, Way Back.” The movie revolves around a timid teenager named Duncan (portrayed by Liam James), who spends his summer vacation at a beach house with his mother (Toni Collette) and her unpleasant boyfriend (Steve Carell). This man often mistreats Duncan. At the beach house, Duncan encounters Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb), who is staying with her family in the adjacent property. Similar to Charlie in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” Duncan’s introverted demeanor starts to dissipate during the summer as he is encouraged to step out of his comfort zone, not only by Susanna but also by the friends he makes while working at the local water park.

The Fault in Our Stars

If you’re a fan like me, engrossed in Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” you might notice that as the story unfolds, it delves deeper into some heavy themes, especially those tied to Charlie’s past. Now, if you’re drawn to this novel for its poignant drama and heart-wrenching moments, I highly recommend adding “The Fault in Our Stars” from 2014 to your must-watch list. This film, much like Wallflower, offers an emotionally powerful narrative that will resonate with you.

In John Green’s novel “The Fault in Our Stars”, we follow the story of 16-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster (played by Shailene Woodley), a girl battling thyroid and lung cancer, who encounters Gus Waters (Ansel Elgort), another teenager dealing with cancer at a support group. Although he initially attends for his own friend’s condition, Gus too is afflicted with cancer and has had to amputate a leg due to it. The two develop a bond, starting as friends and later evolving into something deeper. The narrative centers around the heartfelt connection between Hazel and Gus, as they try to make the most out of their time together, knowing that a truly joyful ending might not be possible for all parties involved. The story is about their relationship and how they navigate through it in the face of an ominous time limit.

Paper Towns

2015 witnessed the release of “Paper Towns,” another adaptation from John Green, following closely after “The Fault in Our Stars.” Due to this timing and the abundance of major blockbusters that year – including “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Jurassic World,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” and Pixar’s innovative take on coming-of-age stories with “Inside Out” – “Paper Towns” struggled to gain the attention it deserved among its intended audience.

It’s unfortunate that this film, being an exceptional coming-of-age dramedy, hasn’t received more recognition. The story revolves around two childhood friends, Quentin Jacobsen (played by Nat Wolff) and Margo Roth Spiegelman (Cara Delevingne), who have grown apart and now move in different social circles. However, Quentin continues to harbor feelings for Margo. When a series of events bring them back into each other’s lives, Quentin gets the chance to pursue his long-held crush. But then, Margo disappears, leaving hints about her whereabouts intended for Quentin. This leads him to believe that she wants him to find her, though the situation may not be as straightforward. The truth of what awaits Quentin at the end of his quest might not be what he expects, but the journey itself holds more importance, serving as a catalyst for Quentin’s growth and self-discovery.

Almost Famous

Although “Almost Famous” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” may not appear closely related at first glance, they share similar themes. Both stories are written and directed by Cameron Crowe, who has established his expertise in depicting adolescent experiences. In “Almost Famous,” the protagonist, like the shy, introverted kid in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” embarks on an adventure that seems beyond his comfort zone. However, he is surrounded by kind individuals who help him realize that he belongs more than he believes.

As a budding music enthusiast and wannabe writer, I found myself immersed in the cinematic journey of “Almost Famous,” loosely inspired by Crowe’s real-life foray into music journalism. In this tale, I step into the shoes of William Miller, a Patrick Fugit doppelganger and aspiring scribe, who ingeniously lands an opportunity to join the road trip of the rising rock sensations, Stillwater.

This band was not just at the pinnacle of their popularity, but also teetering on the brink of self-destruction. The majority of my time was spent amidst their entourage, a colorful crew I affectionately dubbed “band aids” – a polite term for the audience’s understanding of what we all knew as groupies. These women not only initiated me into the realm of intimacy but also subtly reminded me that I was way more amazing than I ever dared to believe.

This could be a more challenging trip for an ordinary teenager, but the experiences of maturing and discovering where you belong, or even creating your own unique space, aren’t fundamentally distinct from those depicted in films centered around school dances and yearbook clubs.

2024-12-30 00:31