20 Must-Watch Movies Like Thirteen That Capture the Raw Essence of Growing Up

Growing up is never easy. It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments that can leave you feeling lost, confused, and alone. No movie captures this tumultuous journey quite like the 2003 film Thirteen. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, this raw and gritty coming-of-age drama follows 13-year-old Tracy as she navigates the treacherous waters of adolescence, friendship, and self-discovery.

If you’re a fan of Thirteen and are craving more movies that delve into the complexities of growing up, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best movies like Thirteen that will take you on an unforgettable journey through the highs and lows of youth. From heartwarming tales of friendship to gut-wrenching stories of struggle and resilience, these films are sure to leave a lasting impact.

So grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and prepare to be transported back to the rollercoaster ride of your teenage years. Here are the 20 must-watch movies like Thirteen:

1. Eighth Grade (2018)

Directed by Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade follows 13-year-old Kayla as she navigates the final week of middle school. Painfully shy and struggling to fit in, Kayla turns to YouTube to express herself, posting motivational videos that no one seems to watch. As she tries to survive the awkwardness of pool parties, crushes, and mean girls, Kayla learns valuable lessons about friendship, self-confidence, and the importance of staying true to yourself.

With its honest and relatable portrayal of adolescence, Eighth Grade will transport you right back to the hallways of your own middle school. Elsie Fisher delivers a breakout performance as Kayla, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of a young girl on the cusp of adulthood. If you loved the raw authenticity of Thirteen, Eighth Grade is a must-watch.

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Based on the beloved novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows shy and introverted high school freshman Charlie as he navigates the ups and downs of adolescence. When he befriends a group of misfit seniors, including the free-spirited Sam and her charismatic stepbrother Patrick, Charlie begins to come out of his shell and experience the joys and pains of first love, friendship, and self-discovery.

With its poignant exploration of mental health, sexuality, and the search for belonging, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age classic that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The film’s talented ensemble cast, including Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, bring the characters to life with raw emotion and vulnerability. If you’re looking for a movie that captures the bittersweet beauty of growing up, look no further than The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

3. Moonlight (2016)

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, Moonlight is a stunning and poetic exploration of identity, sexuality, and the search for connection. The film follows Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami, through three pivotal chapters of his life: as a shy and withdrawn child, a struggling teenager, and a hardened adult.

With its breathtaking cinematography, powerful performances, and deeply moving story, Moonlight is a cinematic masterpiece that will leave you in awe. The film’s exploration of masculinity, race, and the human need for love and acceptance is both timely and timeless. If you’re looking for a movie that will challenge your perceptions and touch your soul, Moonlight is a must-see.

4. Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, Lady Bird, is a heartwarming and hilarious coming-of-age story that captures the bittersweet beauty of growing up. Set in Sacramento in the early 2000s, the film follows high school senior Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson as she navigates the ups and downs of first love, friendship, and family drama.

With its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and pitch-perfect performances from Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird is a joy from start to finish. The film’s exploration of mother-daughter relationships, the search for identity, and the pains of growing up will resonate with anyone who has ever been a teenager. If you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, Lady Bird is the perfect choice.

5. The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Sofia Coppola’s haunting and dreamlike directorial debut, The Virgin Suicides, follows the mysterious Lisbon sisters, five beautiful and enigmatic teenagers who captivate the boys in their neighborhood. When the youngest sister attempts suicide, the girls are put under lock and key by their overprotective parents, only adding to their allure and mystery.

With its lush visuals, ethereal soundtrack, and powerful performances from Kirsten Dunst and Josh Hartnett, The Virgin Suicides is a mesmerizing exploration of adolescence, desire, and the unknowable nature of the human heart. The film’s dreamy and melancholic tone perfectly captures the bittersweet ache of growing up and the longing for something just out of reach. If you’re in the mood for a movie that will haunt you long after the credits roll, The Virgin Suicides is a must-see.

6. Girlhood (2014)

Set in the suburbs of Paris, Girlhood follows Marieme, a shy 16-year-old who finds friendship and empowerment when she joins a gang of tough girls. As she navigates the challenges of poverty, racism, and the expectations placed on young women, Marieme begins to find her voice and assert her independence.

With its vibrant cinematography, pulsing soundtrack, and powerful performances from its young cast, Girlhood is a raw and unflinching look at the experiences of black girls in modern-day France. The film’s exploration of identity, sisterhood, and the search for belonging will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world. If you’re looking for a movie that will open your eyes and touch your heart, Girlhood is a must-watch.

7. The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015)

Based on the graphic novel by Phoebe Gloeckner, The Diary of a Teenage Girl follows 15-year-old Minnie as she navigates the confusing and often treacherous waters of sexuality and self-discovery in 1970s San Francisco. When Minnie begins an affair with her mother’s boyfriend, she sets off on a journey of experimentation and self-expression that will change her life forever.

With its frank and honest exploration of female sexuality, The Diary of a Teenage Girl is a bold and daring coming-of-age story that pulls no punches. Bel Powley delivers a fearless and vulnerable performance as Minnie, capturing the raw emotion and confusion of a young girl on the cusp of womanhood. If you’re looking for a movie that will challenge your perceptions and leave you thinking long after the credits roll, The Diary of a Teenage Girl is a must-see.

8. The Hate U Give (2018)

Based on the bestselling novel by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give follows Starr Carter, a 16-year-old girl who navigates between the poor, mostly black neighborhood where she lives and the wealthy, mostly white prep school she attends. When Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer, she finds herself torn between two worlds and must find her voice to stand up for what’s right.

With its powerful performances, timely themes, and unflinching look at race and police brutality in America, The Hate U Give is a must-watch for anyone who cares about social justice and the experiences of young people of color. Amandla Stenberg delivers a tour-de-force performance as Starr, capturing the strength and vulnerability of a young woman finding her voice in a world that often seeks to silence her. If you’re looking for a movie that will inspire you to speak truth to power, The Hate U Give is a must-see.

9. Pariah (2011)

Directed by Dee Rees, Pariah follows Alike, a 17-year-old African American girl who is struggling to come to terms with her sexuality in a conservative Brooklyn community. As Alike navigates the challenges of family, friendship, and first love, she begins to find her voice and assert her identity as a proud lesbian woman.

With its raw and honest exploration of race, sexuality, and the search for self-acceptance, Pariah is a powerful and moving coming-of-age story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Adepero Oduye delivers a stunning performance as Alike, capturing the vulnerability and strength of a young woman on a journey of self-discovery. If you’re looking for a movie that will open your heart and expand your mind, Pariah is a must-watch.

10. Mustang (2015)

Set in a small village in Turkey, Mustang follows five orphaned sisters who are forced into arranged marriages after they are caught playing innocently with boys on the beach. As the girls rebel against the strict rules and expectations placed on them, they find strength and solidarity in their sisterhood.

With its stunning cinematography, powerful performances, and unflinching look at the oppression of women in patriarchal societies, Mustang is a must-watch for anyone who cares about gender equality and the experiences of girls and women around the world. The film’s exploration of the power of sisterhood and the resilience of the human spirit will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. If you’re looking for a movie that will open your eyes and touch your heart, Mustang is a must-see.

11. American Honey (2016)

Directed by Andrea Arnold, American Honey follows Star, a teenage girl from a troubled home who runs away with a traveling sales crew that drives across the American Midwest selling magazine subscriptions door to door. As Star falls in love with one of the crew members and gets caught up in their hard-partying lifestyle, she begins to question the direction of her life and the choices she’s made.

With its raw and gritty portrayal of life on the margins of American society, American Honey is a powerful and unflinching look at the experiences of young people who are often overlooked and forgotten. Sasha Lane delivers a stunning debut performance as Star, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of a young woman searching for meaning and connection in a world that often seems hostile and indifferent. If you’re looking for a movie that will challenge your perceptions and leave you thinking long after the credits roll, American Honey is a must-watch.

12. Fish Tank (2009)

Directed by Andrea Arnold, Fish Tank follows 15-year-old Mia, a troubled teenager living in a housing project in East London. When her mother brings home a new boyfriend named Connor, Mia finds herself drawn to his kindness and attention, even as she struggles with her own anger and frustration at the world around her.

With its raw and unflinching portrayal of life on the margins of British society, Fish Tank is a powerful and moving coming-of-age story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Katie Jarvis delivers a stunning debut performance as Mia, capturing the vulnerability and strength of a young woman trying to find her place in a world that often seems hostile and uncaring. If you’re looking for a movie that will challenge your perceptions and touch your heart, Fish Tank is a must-see.

13. The Florida Project (2017)

Directed by Sean Baker, The Florida Project follows six-year-old Moonee and her young mother Halley as they live week to week in a budget motel managed by Bobby, whose stern exterior hides a deep reservoir of kindness and compassion. As Moonee and her ragtag group of friends run wild and explore the wonderland of abandoned condos and tourist attractions that surround them, Halley struggles to make ends meet and provide for her daughter.

With its vibrant cinematography, naturalistic performances, and unflinching look at the lives of those living on the margins of American society, The Florida Project is a powerful and moving portrait of childhood innocence and resilience in the face of adversity. Brooklynn Prince delivers a stunning performance as Moonee, capturing the joy and wonder of a young girl who refuses to let the hardships of her life dampen her spirit. If you’re looking for a movie that will open your eyes and touch your heart, The Florida Project is a must-watch.

14. We the Animals (2018)

Based on the novel by Justin Torres, We the Animals follows three young brothers – Manny, Joel, and Jonah – as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a mixed-race family in upstate New York. As their parents’ volatile relationship threatens to tear the family apart, the boys find solace in each other and in the power of their imaginations.

With its dreamlike cinematography, poetic voiceover, and powerful performances from its young cast, We the Animals is a haunting and beautiful coming-of-age story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Evan Rosado delivers a stunning performance as Jonah, the youngest and most sensitive of the brothers, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of a young boy trying to make sense of the world around him. If you’re looking for a movie that will challenge your perceptions and touch your soul, We the Animals is a must-see.

15. The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)

Based on the novel by Emily M. Danforth, The Miseducation of Cameron Post follows Cameron, a teenage girl who is sent to a gay conversion therapy center after she is caught kissing another girl at a high school dance. As Cameron navigates the strict rules and oppressive environment of the center, she finds solace in the friendship of two other “disciples” and begins to question the validity of the therapy and the beliefs that underlie it.

With its powerful performances, biting humor, and unflinching look at the harmful effects of conversion therapy, The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a must-watch for anyone who cares about LGBTQ+ rights and the experiences of queer youth. ChloĆ« Grace Moretz delivers a stunning performance as Cameron, capturing the strength and vulnerability of a young woman fighting to be true to herself in a world that wants to change her. If you’re looking for a movie that will inspire you to stand up for what’s right, The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a must-see.

16. Skate Kitchen (2018)

Directed by Crystal Moselle, Skate Kitchen follows Camille, a lonely suburban teenager who befriends an all-girl, New York City-based skateboarding crew called Skate Kitchen. As Camille falls in with the in-crowd, she begins to understand the true meaning of friendship as she and her new friends navigate the male-dominated world of skateboarding.

With its authentic performances, stunning skateboarding sequences, and honest exploration of female friendship and empowerment, Skate Kitchen is a must-watch for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories with a twist. Rachelle Vinberg delivers a breakout performance as Camille, capturing the joy and freedom of a young woman who finds her tribe and her passion in the unlikeliest of places. If you’re looking for a movie that will make you want to grab a skateboard and hit the streets, Skate Kitchen is the perfect choice.

17. Divines (2016)

Directed by Houda Benyamina, Divines follows Dounia, a teenage girl living in a housing project on the outskirts of Paris who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. When Dounia meets a young dancer named Djigui, she begins to see a way out of her dead-end life. But as she becomes more involved in the world of street dancing and petty crime, Dounia finds herself torn between her dreams and the harsh realities of her life.

With its pulsing soundtrack, electrifying dance sequences, and raw performances from its young cast, Divines is a powerful and unforgettable coming-of-age story that will leave you breathless. Oulaya Amamra delivers a stunning performance as Dounia, capturing the fierce determination and vulnerability of a young woman fighting for her dreams in a world that seems determined to hold her back. If you’re looking for a movie that will inspire you to chase your passions no matter the obstacles, Divines is a must-watch.

18. Speak (2004)

Based on the novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak follows Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who stops speaking after a traumatic event. As she navigates the challenges of high school, Melinda struggles with depression, isolation, and the aftermath of sexual assault. With its honest portrayal of trauma and the healing power of art and self-expression, Speak is a powerful and moving coming-of-age story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt silenced or alone.

Kristen Stewart delivers a stunning performance as Melinda, capturing the pain and resilience of a young woman fighting to find her voice. If you’re looking for a movie that tackles tough issues with sensitivity and grace, Speak is a must-watch.

Conclusion

Growing up is never easy, but movies like Thirteen remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles. From the raw intensity of Speak to the poetic beauty of Moonlight, these 20 films capture the essence of what it means to come of age in a world that can be both cruel and beautiful.

Whether you’re a teenager navigating the ups and downs of adolescence or an adult looking back on your own journey, these movies offer a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. They show us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope, and that with courage and determination, we can overcome any obstacle.

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