We discuss ten movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower you must watch. Add these well-recommended films to your watch list.
During the decade since first premiering at the Toronto Film Festival, The Perks of Being a Wallflower received many accolades and critical acclaim and gained quite a cult following. The film, based on a namesake novel by Stephen Chbosky, featured an all-star ensemble cast including Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, and Kate Walsh.
The touching coming-of-age drama follows a teenager during his first year of high school, dealing with past trauma and mental health conditions. And it’s still a compelling watch today for the sensitive way it approaches mature topics.
If dramas about a main protagonist going on a journey of self-discovery while forging meaningful bonds are your go-to, here are several other titles you’ll probably love.
10 Movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The DUFF (2015)
In this quirky teen comedy, a young girl finds out she’s perceived as the DUFF, aka the Designated Ugly Fat Friend in her high school. So she decides to do something about it and trades tutoring lessons in exchange for how-to-be-attractive lessons.
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, this nonlinear romantic drama follows the messy love story of a man and the titular Summer. Unlike many romance films, 500 Days of Summer centers on a failed relationship where one person is more infatuated than the other. It follows the lead as he becomes self-reliant by going through heartache.
Juno (2007)
This Oscar winner caused quite a controversy when it first came out in 2007 for its subject matter. Juno is a witty coming-of-age drama that follows a 16-year-old girl dealing with an unexpected pregnancy and showcases how it affects everyone around her.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Another critically acclaimed title from 2012, Silver Linings Playbook, centers on the bond a man with bipolar forges with a young widow after his release from a psychiatric facility. At first, he wants to reconcile with his estranged wife, but as the film progresses, he learns more about himself and how to cope with his situation.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a tearjerker about a teen boy whose parents force him to befriend his neighbor after her leukemia diagnosis. Like the characters in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the leads in this film are also a group of outcasts growing close as they’re handling difficult circumstances.
Adventureland (2009)
This critically-acclaimed coming-of-age drama follows a recent high-school graduate forced to take a job at a run-down amusement park instead of a desired trip to Europe. At his summer job, he meets and develops a relationship with a free-spirited coworker.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine centers on a financially-strapped family on a long road trip to a child beauty pageant their youngest daughter is meant to take part. The Oscar-nominated film offers a compelling and heartbreaking look at the child pageant industry.
Paper Towns (2015)
This teen comedy-drama centers on an awkward teen who spent years being infatuated with his neighbor. After her mysterious disappearance, he embarks on a road trip with friends to try and find her and confess his true feelings.
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
In this critically acclaimed teen drama, a young girl must manage her strained family relationships while coming to terms with watching her best friend dating her brother. It’s a touching flick that also approaches themes like relationships, entering adulthood, and mental health struggles.
The Half Of It (2020)
The Half of Itis a Netflix original about a Chinese American teen who agrees to help a less articulated jock seduce his crush. Unbeknownst to him, she also happens to like the same girl.
Do you have any other recommendations for 10 Movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower? Let us know in the comments below.
