When I first saw ‘The Perks of Being a Wall Flower,’ I was pleasantly surprised. I went into the film with no expectations and came out completely captivated. Since then, I’ve seen the film at least a half-dozen times. I was so enthralled by the film that I came to Pittsburgh specifically to see and experience the locations where it was filmed. I even drove via Fort Pitt’s tunnel. And, as you can think, it was fantastic. I’m ecstatic that the film has gained cult status over time. It’s a hit with both teenagers and adults. We also voted it the finest teen film of all time (even though, it is as much an adult drama).
I strongly advise you to view the film if you haven’t already. And I have a few recommendations for fans of The Perks of Being a Wall Flower. Here’s a list of movies that are similar to The Perks of Being a Wallflower and should be seen. Several of these films are available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, including The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Flipped (2010)
In second grade, Juli gives her heart to Bryce, the angel with brown eyes and a serene temperament. She talks about how much she loves her hens and her beloved sycamore tree. Bryce, on the other hand, is uninterested in Juli and thinks she’s weird for caring about trees, chickens, and other such things. In eighth grade, everything changes when Bryce comes to see Juli in a new light, realizing that Juli’s pride in her family’s traditions is admirable. Juli, on the other hand, has come to the realization that Bryce is a selfish jerk who is unconcerned about other people’s feelings. What effects will this reversal have on the lives of these rowdy kids, and where will these unsuspecting lovers end up?
Girlhood (2014)
Marieme decides to leave her controlling family and start a new life after meeting a group of three free-spirited women. She changes her name, her clothing code, and quits school in order to be accepted into the gang, believing that this will lead to her freedom. This French film, directed by Céline Sciamma, has a fantastic script and outstanding performances. Karidja Touré’s performance about self-discovery and the desire for a new life is very outstanding. Despite its unattractiveness, ‘Girlhood’ features a really well-executed female-centric and empowerment-driven theme. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, it is well worth watching.
Heathers (1988)
‘Heathers,’ a 1980s hit, is a naughty version of ‘Mean Girls.’ Veronica, played by Winona Ryder, is a high school student who tries to navigate the social jungle by hanging out with the three most popular girls (all named “Heather”). She becomes trapped in a cycle of hatred, murder, and vengeance until she meets JD (Christian Slater). Rider and Slate’s portrayal of a couple of misfits, as well as the film’s bleak tone, helped it become a cult favorite. “Heathers” is not for everyone; some may find the dark comedy and obscure take on high school drama too overwhelming. The discussion, on the other hand, is one of the aspects of the film that makes it worthwhile to watch.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
True, love has no age limit because a person’s soul shapes his thoughts and actions. Over time, Sam, 12, and her pen pal Suzie, 12, have formed strong feelings for one another. So much so that they decide to depart from their various homes together. The couple ventured out into the woods with a picnic blanket, camping gear, and a few books in search of a cove they’ve dubbed ‘Moonrise Kingdom.’ When, on the other hand, has love been so straightforward? Suzie’s parents, Sam’s camp supervisors, and a host of other parties promise to end this public display of affection. Will society once again destroy love, or will the young lovers find themselves in one other’s arms?
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Within the first few minutes of watching it, you realize you’ve never seen anything like it. From its quirky, innovative imagery to its great use of audio, ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’ is a teenage film unlike any other. Despite not being as enjoyable as ‘Perks,’ I am convinced that if you give this film a genuine chance, you will like every aspect of it: its wit, humor, and underlying melancholy.
Moonlight (2016)
When it comes to African-American manhood, the film has a quiet and confident strength to it, and it makes no apologies for its subject matter, which I feel and hope we have moved past by now. In three chapters, “Little,” “Chiron,” and “Black,” we follow the same young guy from childhood to maturity as he struggles to understand who and what he is in today’s American culture. A captivating coming-of-age story told with elegance and nuance.
Never Let Me Go (2010)
Three friends stroll around in blissful ignorance of the horrible reality of their lives in a strange dystopian society where clone babies are produced and nurtured solely for the purpose of harvesting their body organs to extend human life. Despite the fact that this world appears to be devoid of passion or concern, love always finds a way. Despite their differences, the three friends Tommy, Ruth, and Cathy fall in love. How will the story of these three Cupid patients unfold in this soulless world, in a soul-crushing love triangle when being left alone is deemed to be a speedy death?
Paper Towns (2015)
When it comes to teenage love and the inevitable upheaval that comes with it, Paper Towns is an odd story and, as a result, an odd picture. The story follows Quentin (Nat Wolff), a young kid who falls in love with his next-door neighbor Margo Spiegelman, and depicts the transformation of a young boy into a man in a fascinating and intriguing way (Cara Delevingne). Margo is the most popular student at school and is prone to getting into mischief that always ends badly. Q discovers hints from Margo, the teenage adrenaline junkie, encouraging him to come locate her when she goes missing. Q sets off on a journey with his friends to a fictional village to reveal his heart to the only girl he has ever loved, immersed in his desire for the girl he will never have. Will Q be able to track down Margo, the queen of her fantasies?
The first few minutes of ‘Paper Towns’ are promising. It even has a Perks vibe to it in the first few minutes. However, it isn’t long before you realize this is a completely different film. It’s a more action-oriented plot. The tale, on the other hand, is treated in the same manner as any other coming-of-age film. In the end, the film has some unforgettable moments, even if it doesn’t quite match up to ‘The Perks of Being a Wall Flower.’
Say Anything (1989)
‘Say Anything’ is about Lloyd Dobler, a high school senior who only wants to date Diane Court, who is both beautiful and intelligent. Lloyd strives to earn Diane’s love before she departs for a scholarship in England, despite her overprotective father’s reservations. Many people who grew up in the 1980s remember it as a film that was both hilarious and poignant.
The Art of Getting By (2011)
Why are there at least one, if not two introverts in every great love story with any depth? Perhaps it’s because those who don’t speak love with their hearts rather than their mouths. George is a lonely painter who despises school and does not enjoy doing assignments. When he meets Sally, a beautiful introvert like him, Cupid strikes again, and the two young hearts fall in love. The narrative thickens as an older guy enters their lives, and Sally appears to be moving away from George. Will the introvert let his love walk away once more, or will he take charge of his life for the first time?
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
The story of two terminally ill adolescents who fall in love could have gone in any direction, mostly in the wrong, but Shailene Woodley makes sure the film’s heart stays where it’s supposed to be — as Green and the screenwriters intended. It’s unusual for a film with such a sentimental bent to succeed in its mission. When you watch the film, it will be difficult to keep your tears from streaming. Allow it to run its course!
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
‘The Edge of Seventeen’ is full of original characters who are portrayed as persons rather than entertainment props in a genre riddled with clichés. The film, however, is elevated by Hailee Steinfeld’s brilliantly nuanced portrayal. It is simply one of the best teen dramas of the century, with ‘The Perks of Being a Wall Flower’ and ‘The Spectacular Now.’
The Spectacular Now (2013)
Sutter (Miles Teller) is a high school senior with everything a teenager could desire. As he wades in a sea of alcohol, Sutter is constantly dead drunk and hangs out with his lovely girlfriend, making him pretty much the coolest person in school. When his sweetheart dumps him and he crashes into Aimme’s yard, the tables are turned. Aimme (Shailene Woodley), Sutter’s polar opposite, is studious, reclusive, and has a plan for her future. Will Sutter, a typical adolescent who wants to live in the now, succumb to Aimee’s simplicity and see his fate right in front of his eyes?
The story of an innocent, decent girl falling in love with an easy charmer isn’t new, but how it’s portrayed counts. ‘The Spectacular Now’ is a charmingly romantic love story that underlines the paradox of growing up: we want to grow up as teenagers, yet as adults, we want to be children again.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This young love story stars Oscar winner Heath Ledger. This movie is about teen love and how difficult it is to win the heart of the girl you love. Cameron (Joseph Gordon Levitt) is a new boy who has fallen in love with Bianca, the most popular girl at school, despite her seeming prohibition on dating. Cameron will have to encourage Kat (Julia Stiles), Bianca’s feisty and introverted older sister, to fall in love with someone if he wants to take her out. He chooses Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), a reclusive guy who has been the subject of numerous horrific stories. Because it is a witty, cheeky, and melancholy love story featuring four characters who are completely different from each other, this film showcases a very diverse aspect of Heath Ledger’s acting arsenal.
