5 Movies Every Young Adult Should Watch

by Asma Gaba

1) The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012):

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a movie adaptation of the

novel by the same name written by Stephen Chbosky. It

follows Charlie (played by Logan Lerman) as he navigates

his first year of high school. He’s the very definition of

socially awkward, and is bullied mercilessly. He’s beginning

to hate high school in earnest when two seniors, Sam and

Patrick (played by Emma Watson and Ezra Miller,

respectfully) take him under their wing.

This movie is emotional, tangible, and carries in it

spectacular meanings. In this coming-of- age film, Charlie is

forced to confront his intense personal struggles all while

attempting to enjoy the world of new music, friendship, and

love that Sam and Patrick introduce him to. This is a

wonderful watch for young adults, especially high schoolers.

It teaches us that no matter the hardships one might face,

there will always be a way out. Personally, The Perks of

Being a Wallflower is an all-time favorite movie of mine.

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2) It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010):

It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a movie adaptation of the novel

by the same name written by Ned Vizzini. Ned Vizzini wrote

the book after his stay in adult psychiatric, which explains

the air of authenticity the movie provides. This film explores

mental health in teens, something that isn’t given much

screen time. Sixteen year old Craig Gilner (played by Keir

Gilchrist) checks himself into the hospital after attempting to

commit suicide. Craig is stressed about everything- school,

friends, and his family. It seems to him as if the only way to

get rid of all these thoughts is by killing himself.

As it goes, the youth wing of the mental health facility

is closed for renovations, so he is forced to spend his time-

five required days- with the adults. The only other teen in

the facility seems to be a quiet girl with obvious scars on her

face, Noelle (portrayed by Emma Roberts). In the hospital

he meets adults who have been struggling as well, and

through therapy, medication, and newfound friends, he

learns that life maybe isn’t so bad after all.

It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a raw look into mental

health without sugarcoating a thing. It’s hilarious, it’s sad,

and it’s hopeful. It seems as if as the years go on, young

adults have more and more things to stress over. Craig

Gilner tells us all that no matter how hard it may seem,

there’s always a way to get help.


3) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015):

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a movie adaptation of the

book by the same name written by Jesse Andrews. Greg

(played by Thomas Mann) is forced by his mother to spend

time with his old childhood friend, Rachel (played by Olivia

Cooke), who had been diagnosed with leukemia. Despite the

two of them adamantly refusing to get to know each other,

Greg’s quirky and weird personality wins Rachel’s friendship.

Greg and his best friend Earl (portrayed by RJ Cyler)

make short films. They get their material from movies

they’ve watched and exaggerate the plot wildly to make it

their own. Although they have tons of homemade movies,

they don’t show it to anyone. Earl, on the other hand, wants

to share them with Rachel. After a heated debate, Greg

relents and agrees. Soon after, Earl and Greg decide to

make a film dedicated to Rachel.

One aspect I loved about the film is that there was no

love interest. Don’t get me wrong- romance films are lovely.

But sometimes, you just need a movie about pure,

unadulterated friendship- which was what Rachel, Earl, and

Greg had. Seeing Rachel’s succumbing to her disease and

the effect it had on Greg was heartbreaking. He cared for

her so much that he lost track of his schoolwork, putting his

college plans in jeopardy.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is the movie to watch if

you’re looking for hilarious (sometimes vulgar) comedy, an

incredible portrayal of friendship, and a heartwarming finale.

This movie is a work of art.


4) The Art of Getting By (2011):

George Zinavoy (portrayed by Freddie Highmore) is a senior

at one of the toughest high schools in Manhattan. He has

nothing but apathy towards school, and his attitude might

just keep him from graduating. He would much rather live

life without the burden of school. He’s the stereotypical

angsty, nihilistic teen. One day, he bumps into Sally (played

by Emma Roberts), and as he finally makes a friend, he

slowly falls in love with her.

The Art of Getting By is perfect for introverts and self-

proclaimed loners, the people who feel as if they don’t quite

belong anywhere. It tells us that opening up, and caring

even just a little can lead to the best memories ever. The

film has a wonderful soundtrack to boot, featuring songs like

“We Will Become Silhouettes” by The Shins and “Spitting

Fire” by The Boxer Rebellion.


5) The Spectacular Now (2013):

The Spectacular Now is a movie adaptation of the book by

the same name written by Tim Tharp. It tells the story of

Sutter Keely and Aimee Fineky (played by Miles Teller and

Shailene Woodley, respectfully) after a chance meeting.

Aimee is a quiet, lonesome girl. She likes to read and hates

to engage in social settings. So when Sutter, after a long

night of substantial drinking, wakes up on Aimee’s lawn-

well, it’s odd. Sutter is everything Aimee isn’t; he parties all

the time and everyone knows him. It seems as if opposites

really do attract, and the two teenagers begin dating.

Sutter doesn’t have any hope in himself; he believes

that he’s destined to live the rest of his life working at his

part time job at a clothing store. He purposely self-

sabotages himself and engages in risky behavior, completely

indifferent to how it might hurt him and others. However,

after seeing how motivated and positive Aimee is, he tries

his hardest to change his ways. He applies for college, and

he writes his essay about what he learned- or didn’t learn-

from Aimee and himself.

Aside from the Sutter and Aimee being an adorable

couple, I loved the way that Aimee influenced him to at least

think of becoming a better person. Their relationship

dynamic was unique and wildly relatable to people who have

been in similar positions. Sutter is a remarkably three-

dimensional character- despite his popularity; he’s far from

a happy person. The Spectacular Now is perfect for young

adults who want to change themselves for the better,

whether it is for themselves or their loved ones.