The most comforting coming-of-age dramas

Some of the best coming-of-age films in this list are semi-autobiographical in nature, beginning with the first one. Interestingly, five of them are directorial debuts. Makes one think, doesn't it? (Sajin Shrijith)

The 400 Blows (1959)

French maverick filmmaker Francois Truffaut explored, in his groundbreaking directorial debut, aspects of his own childhood, aside from the ill effects of parental neglect on young minds.

Stand By Me (1986)

Based on Stephen King's novella The Body, the film brings up all kinds of strong emotions, and is one of the author's most moving book-to-screen adaptations alongside The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile.

Risky Business (1983)

This exceptionally written and made early Tom Cruise film takes a simple concept and gives it a classy spin without going the 'American Pie' way. And that Tangerine Dream soundtrack is a gem!

Dazed and Confused (1993)

This Richard Linklater film moves like a breeze, with nary a dark or negative moment. It's the perfect hangout movie, with characters thrust into hilarious situations and exchanging witty lines.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

It helps that another poignant book-to-screen adaptation was directed by the book's author Stephen Chbosky himself, who populated the book with situations drawn from personal experiences and ones of his own making.

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret | The Edge of Seventeen

You don't have to be a girl to connect to some of the core emotions of this immensely cheerful film, superbly directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, who also made another excellent coming-of-age drama The Edge of Seventeen.

Udaan (2010)

Vikramaditya Motwane's directorial debut, co-written by Anurag Kashyap, is the kind of film that's uncomfortable and rewarding at the same time, and is powered by strong performances and grounded storytelling.

Almost Famous (2000)

You don't have to know about rock-and-roll to dig this semi-autobiographical feature from director Cameron Crowe. And journalists, who started their careers with much idealism and optimism, will find a bit of themselves in the protagonist.