My Top 10 Coming of Age Films

„Coming of Age“ by Johnathan Frank

When it comes to coming of age in real life - and it is something everyone must experience at least once in their lives - we often search for help in the world of art. Songs, albums, films and paintings, there are many possibilities to deal with and express this strange phenomena that is sometimes described as a feeling, sometimes as a phase in life. Coming of age is painful and joyful at the same time, it is a sweet despair, to say it with this great expression I just recently heard in the picture My Week with Marilyn, although in the film it was supposed to describe first love. But isn't first love and coming of age very much related?
To celebrate my 18th summer, I today give you my Top 10 Coming of Age Films - a compilation of films that deal with growing up and learning about life. The ranking has nothing to do with my favorite films of all time, it's more about the value they have to me as coming of age films. 
So sit back, listen to the music, and enjoy.
10. UdaanTaught me that sometimes it's okay to run away.
„Coming of age ain't about what you doIt's giving in to what's predefinedWhen you trade all your dreams for compromiseIt is never what you have in mind“
9. An EducationTaught me that there are different ways to get to Paris.
„One shot of happy, two shots of sadThat's how our lives are alignedThe path that you chose has got highs has got lowsBut it's never what you have in mind“
8. The DreamersTaught me about old films and other stuff.
„I must say that I still wonder why it disappearsMust say that I still wonder whyThe years keep tumbling by“
7. Angus, Thongs and Perfect SnoggingTaught me sometimes everything turns out better than expected.
„Coming of age ain't about who you meetIt's about the people who leave you behindYour brothers, your parents, your lovers, your friendsIt is never what you have in mind“
6. Mysterious SkinTaught me that sometimes everything turns out worse than expected.
„One shot of happy, two shots of sadWe know we might run out of timeBut when it comes to living, dying is the easy partNot exactly what you had in mind“
5. The Little MermaidTaught me why the grass is always greener on the other side. 
„I really doubt that I'll find out why it disappearsI really doubt that I'll find outWhat these years are all about“
4. Dirty DancingTaught me to enjoy the dance while it lasts.
„You might ask if these thoughts that I just summed upAre of any importance to you“
3. Harry Potter filmsTaught me to never stop dreaming.
„Maybe not but when things don't turn out like you plannedIt helps to know that they never do“
2. Stand by MeTaught me that you can't run away from growing up.
„Besides, if each shot of happyComes with only two shots of sadThen coming of age is not so badThen coming of age is not so badThen coming of age is not so bad...“
1. The GraduateTaught me something I can't put into words.
„Then coming of age is not so bad.“