If you’re a fan of the drama genre and were captivated by the unique storytelling of Boyhood, you’re in for a treat. Here are 19 movies that offer a similar blend of emotional depth and compelling narratives. Discover more about Boyhood here.
1. Moonlight
Moonlight is a poignant coming-of-age drama that follows the life of a young African-American man named Chiron as he grapples with his identity and sexuality. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film stars Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, and Mahershala Ali.
2. The Tree of Life
Directed by Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life explores the existential questions of life through the eyes of a middle-aged man’s childhood memories. The film stars Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain.
3. Boy
Set in New Zealand, Boy is a heartwarming drama about an 11-year-old boy who idolizes his absentee father. Directed by Taika Waititi, the film features James Rolleston and Taika Waititi himself.
4. The Florida Project
Directed by Sean Baker, The Florida Project offers a glimpse into the life of a precocious six-year-old girl living in a budget motel near Disney World. The film stars Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Prince, and Bria Vinaite.
5. Lady Bird
Lady Bird is a coming-of-age drama directed by Greta Gerwig that follows the turbulent relationship between a teenage girl and her mother. The film stars Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Timothée Chalamet.
6. Call Me by Your Name
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Call Me by Your Name is a romantic drama that chronicles the summer romance between a 17-year-old boy and his father’s research assistant. The film stars Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer.
7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age story that follows a socially awkward teenager navigating high school. The film stars Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller.
8. Manchester by the Sea
Manchester by the Sea is a drama directed by Kenneth Lonergan, focusing on a man who must care for his nephew after the boy’s father dies. The film stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, and Lucas Hedges.
9. Room
Directed by Lenny Abrahamson, Room tells the harrowing story of a woman and her young son who escape from captivity. The film stars Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay.
10. Blue Is the Warmest Color
Blue Is the Warmest Color is a French romantic drama that explores the intense relationship between two young women. Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, the film stars Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux.
11. A Ghost Story
Directed by David Lowery, A Ghost Story is a unique drama that follows a recently deceased man who returns as a ghost to watch over his grieving wife. The film stars Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.
12. Short Term 12
Short Term 12 is a drama directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, focusing on a young supervisor of a group home for troubled teens. The film stars Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr., and Kaitlyn Dever.
13. The Spectacular Now
Directed by James Ponsoldt, The Spectacular Now is a coming-of-age drama that follows a high school senior’s unexpected romance with a quiet, introverted girl. The film stars Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley.
14. Eighth Grade
Eighth Grade is a drama directed by Bo Burnham, capturing the life of an awkward teenage girl during her last week of middle school. The film stars Elsie Fisher and Josh Hamilton.
15. The Way Way Back
Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, The Way Way Back is a coming-of-age story about a shy 14-year-old boy who finds an unexpected friend in the manager of a water park. The film stars Liam James, Steve Carell, and Sam Rockwell.
16. 20th Century Women
20th Century Women is a drama directed by Mike Mills, focusing on a teenage boy being raised by his mother and two other women in 1970s California. The film stars Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, and Elle Fanning.
17. The Edge of Seventeen
Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, The Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age drama that follows a high school junior dealing with the complications of adolescence. The film stars Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson.
18. Mud
Mud is a drama directed by Jeff Nichols, telling the story of two teenage boys who encounter a fugitive hiding on a small island. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, and Reese Witherspoon.
19. The Kings of Summer
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, The Kings of Summer is a coming-of-age comedy-drama about three teenage friends who decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods. The film stars Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, and Moises Arias.
