The 100+ Best Coming Of Age Movies Of All Time
Photo: Stand By Me / Columbia Pictures

The 100+ Best Coming Of Age Movies Of All Time

Ranker Film
Updated April 4, 2024 155.5K views
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23.9K votes
2.2K voters
16 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite coming of age films, regardless of how popular or successful they were at the box office.
Latest additions: Música, Snack Shack, Little Wing
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Over 2.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Best of All Time

More than 2,100 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best coming of age movies. From classic films like Stand By Me and The Breakfast Club, to modern hits like Boyhood and Moonlight, this list is a great way to rediscover some old favorites or find something new.

These movies resonate with audiences because they chronicle moments in life that are relatable no matter what generation you grew up in. They explore themes of friendship, family dynamics, first loves, bullying and more. It's why these types of stories become timeless classics - we can always relate the characters experiences back to our own lives and learn from them.

Take a look through all the votes on this list from dedicated movie fans who have helped shape it into one of the most comprehensive rankings around. Vote up your favorite coming-of-age films so others can discover them too.

  • Stand by Me
    1

    Stand by Me

    Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
    833 votes
    In the engaging film Stand by Me, four young boys - Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix), Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman), and Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell) - embark on an unforgettable quest. Their aim? To locate a missing teenager's body somewhere in the woods of Oregon. Directed by Rob Reiner, this coming-of-age drama is based on Stephen King's novella The Body. It's a gripping tale about friendship, adventure, and the harsh realities of growing up. The film, ripe with poignant performances and a captivating storyline, won critical acclaim upon its release in 1986.
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  • The Breakfast Club
    2

    The Breakfast Club

    Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson
    881 votes
    In the film The Breakfast Club, five high school students, each representing a different stereotype, meet in detention. There's the brainy Brian Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall), the athletic Andrew Clark (Emilio Estevez), the rebel John Bender (Judd Nelson), the princess Claire Standish (Molly Ringwald), and the outcast Allison Reynolds (Ally Sheedy). As they spend a Saturday together under supervision of the strict assistant principal Richard Vernon (Paul Gleason), they gradually open up to one another, revealing their deeper selves beneath their public personas. This 1985 coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by John Hughes explores themes of identity, peer pressure, and adolescence within its 97-minute runtime. To this day, it remains a classic in teen cinema.
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  • The Goonies
    3

    The Goonies

    Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
    317 votes
    In the heart of Astoria, Oregon, a band of misfit kids known as The Goonies embark on a wild adventure after finding an old pirate map in Mikey's (Sean Astin) attic. Together with his brother Brand (Josh Brolin), and friends Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Mouth (Corey Feldman), Data (Ke Huy Quan), Andy (Kerri Green) and Stef (Martha Plimpton), they set out to unearth the long-lost fortune of infamous pirate One-Eyed Willy. Chased by the nefarious Fratelli family, their journey is packed with booby traps, puzzles and swashbuckling danger. Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, The Goonies is a timeless adventure-comedy that celebrates friendship and courage.
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  • Dead Poets Society
    4

    Dead Poets Society

    Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke
    529 votes
    In the captivating drama, Dead Poets Society, English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) introduces his students at the conservative Welton Academy to the world of poetry. His unconventional teaching methods, centered around the motto Carpe Diem - seize the day, inspire his pupils to challenge the status quo and explore their individual identities. The narrative unfolds as Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), an aspiring actor, grapples with his authoritarian father's expectations. This 1989 Peter Weir-directed film was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning Best Original Screenplay.
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  • Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    5

    Ferris Bueller's Day Off

    Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
    720 votes
    In the classic comedy, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) is a high school senior who decides to play hooky for a day. He cleverly manipulates his parents, outwits his sister Jeanie (Jennifer Grey), and convinces his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) to join him. They embark on an unforgettable adventure in Chicago, involving a vintage Ferrari, the Sears Tower, and a local parade. Meanwhile, their suspicious principal Rooney (Jeffrey Jones) is determined to catch Ferris in the act. This film explores themes of friendship and rebellion against societal norms without resorting to heavy drama or violence.
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  • Clueless
    6

    Clueless

    Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
    422 votes
    In the heart of Beverly Hills, high schooler Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) reigns as a self-proclaimed fashionista and matchmaker. Clueless, a comedy-drama flick directed by Amy Heckerling, sees Cher navigating the tricky waters of adolescence while attempting to handle love interests and maintain her social status. Alongside Cher is her best friend Dionne Davenport (Stacey Dash), who aids in her various escapades. The film, an amusing modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, cleverly taps into teenage angst and the complexities of young love. Despite its light-hearted tone, it subtly addresses pertinent social issues, making it a timeless classic.
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  • The Outsiders
    7

    The Outsiders

    Matt Dillon, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio
    405 votes
    In the heartland of 1960s Oklahoma, The Outsiders tells the story of a group of underprivileged teenagers known as the Greasers. Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell), an introspective youth, and his friends Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio) and Dallas Winston (Matt Dillon) navigate their way through social inequalities and personal struggles. This coming-of-age drama, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is built on themes of friendship, societal pressure, and the harsh realities of socio-economic divisions. The film has been recognized for its authentic portrayal of teen angst amidst class conflicts.
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  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower
    8

    The Perks of Being a Wallflower

    Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
    276 votes
    In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie (Logan Lerman), an introverted high-school freshman, navigates through the trials and tribulations of adolescence. His world opens up when he befriends two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). As they introduce him to the real world beyond textbooks and tests, Charlie grapples with first love and deep-seated secrets. A coming-of-age drama, this movie shines a spotlight on the joys and heartbreaks of growing up. Garnering critical acclaim, it won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.
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  • The Sandlot
    9

    The Sandlot

    Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna
    571 votes
    In the heart of summer 1962, a group of boys gather at The Sandlot, a local baseball diamond. The movie follows Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry), who recently moved to the neighborhood and struggles to fit in. Benny Rodriguez (Mike Vitar), the team's star player, takes him under his wing. Together they embark on a series of adventures involving a monstrous dog nicknamed The Beast, and a coveted Babe Ruth baseball. This coming-of-age film, directed by David Mickey Evans, blends comedy with drama as it explores friendship, courage, and the joyous days of youth.
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  • Good Will Hunting
    10

    Good Will Hunting

    Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck
    469 votes
    In the heart of Boston, a self-taught genius janitor, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), solves complex mathematical problems at MIT unnoticed. His talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård). The professor seeks therapy for Will's emotional issues from Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), an empathetic psychologist. As Will grapples with his past and future, he finds solace in his relationship with Skylar (Minnie Driver), a Harvard student. Good Will Hunting, a compelling drama directed by Gus Van Sant, won two Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay.
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  • Dazed and Confused
    11

    Dazed and Confused

    Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Sasha Jenson
    514 votes
    Dazed and Confused is a coming-of-age comedy film that paints an authentic picture of American teenage life in the 70s. Set in Austin, Texas, on the last day of high school in 1976, this Richard Linklater-directed film showcases a host of characters. Randall Pink Floyd (Jason London) is a star quarterback facing the dilemma of signing a no-drug pledge, while freshman Mitch Kramer (Wiley Wiggins) endures hazing rituals. The movie, punctuated by an iconic rock soundtrack, captures the carefree spirit and uncertainty that mark the threshold of adulthood. It's a nostalgic romp through teen angst, party culture, and youthful rebellion - all rolled into one unforgettable summer night.
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  • 10 Things I Hate About You
    12

    10 Things I Hate About You

    Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
    266 votes
    Welcome to 10 Things I Hate About You, a modern-day Shakespearean twist that dances on the line of teen romance and biting comedy. Set in an American high school, this late-90s gem revolves around two Stratford sisters: the rebellious Kat (Julia Stiles) and her popular younger sister, Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). When Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a new student smitten by Bianca, learns of their father's strict dating rule, he hatches a plan involving bad boy Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) to woo Kat. Amidst clever banter and unexpected romances, the characters navigate the labyrinth of teenage angst, love, and self-discovery. Noted for its memorable performances and sharp wit, this film is a charming exploration of young love and personal transformation.
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  • Lady Bird
    13

    Lady Bird

    Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet
    150 votes
    In the indie dramedy film Lady Bird, Saoirse Ronan portrays Christine Lady Bird McPherson, a high school senior from Sacramento. She navigates her way through the trials and tribulations of adolescence, clashing with her mother Marion (Laurie Metcalf), who works tirelessly to keep their family afloat after Lady Bird's father (Tracy Letts) loses his job. The movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, is punctuated by Lady Bird's interactions with her best friend Julie (Beanie Feldstein) and her romantic interests (Lucas Hedges and Timothée Chalamet). With five Academy Award nominations, it remains a compelling exploration of coming-of-age in early 2000s America.
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  • Almost Famous
    14

    Almost Famous

    Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson
    362 votes
    Almost Famous is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama directed by Cameron Crowe. It follows the journey of 15-year-old William Miller (Patrick Fugit), an aspiring rock journalist who gets his big break when he lands an assignment for Rolling Stone magazine. He goes on tour with emerging band Stillwater, led by charismatic frontman Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and experiences the highs and lows of the '70s rock scene. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and features a breakout performance from Kate Hudson as groupie-with-a-heart-of-gold, Penny Lane.
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  • Fast Times at Ridgemont High
    15

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High

    Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold
    410 votes
    In the iconic 80s coming-of-age film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, teenage life is under the microscope. Amidst Southern California's sun-soaked malls and high schools, we follow a group of students as they navigate adolescent adventures. Our key characters include Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a young girl grappling with her burgeoning sexuality, her best friend Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates), Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) the shy novice in love, and Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), the perennial surfer dude. Directed by Amy Heckerling, this movie weaves together tales of love, loss, and teen angst against a backdrop of carefree adolescence and rock 'n' roll.
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  • The Lost Boys
    16

    The Lost Boys

    Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest
    299 votes
    In The Lost Boys, the Emerson family, comprising of recently divorced Lucy (Dianne Wiest) and her two sons, Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (Corey Haim), relocate to the seemingly tranquil town of Santa Carla. They soon find themselves caught in a sinister undercurrent when Michael is lured into a gang led by the charismatic David (Kiefer Sutherland), who are more than they appear: vampires. As Michael begins transforming, it's up to Sam and two quirky vampire hunters, the Frog brothers (Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander), to save him and their town from these night-time predators. A cult classic, this horror-comedy redefined the vampire genre with its unique blend of thrills and laughs.
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  • Sixteen Candles
    17

    Sixteen Candles

    Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling
    472 votes
    Sixteen Candles is a classic 1984 coming-of-age comedy directed by John Hughes. The film centers around the character of Samantha Baker, (Molly Ringwald), who's celebrating her 16th birthday but feels ignored by her family who are preoccupied with her sister's wedding. Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling), the high school heartthrob, is the object of Samantha's affection while she is relentlessly pursued by a nerdy freshman named Ted, (Anthony Michael Hall). As the day unfolds, hilarious and heartfelt moments ensue, culminating in a memorable birthday that Samantha didn't expect. This film marks an important milestone in teenage films for its honest depiction of adolescent life.
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  • To Kill a Mockingbird
    18

    To Kill a Mockingbird

    Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford
    189 votes
    Set in the throes of the Great Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird unfolds in a sleepy Southern town where racial tension simmers beneath the surface. Scout Finch (Mary Badham) and her older brother Jem (Phillip Alford) navigate their childhood under the watchful eyes of their father, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck). Peck's portrayal earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. This film adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel delves into themes of racism, morality, and innocence lost. The story climaxes when Atticus, a principled lawyer, defends Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a black man unjustly accused of rape, inciting a flurry of societal backlash.
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  • The Karate Kid
    19

    The Karate Kid

    Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
    480 votes
    In the heart of the 1984 martial arts drama The Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a high school student, finds himself in the crosshairs of bullies at his new school. To defend himself, he seeks guidance from a wise and enigmatic karate master Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). Through rigorous training, Daniel learns not just about physical combat but also life's profound lessons. Directed by John G. Avildsen, this film gained an Academy Award nomination for Morita and remains one of the most enduring classics in its genre.
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  • My Girl
    20

    My Girl

    Anna Chlumsky, Macaulay Culkin, Dan Aykroyd
    457 votes
    In the heartwarming drama My Girl, precocious 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky) navigates the trials of adolescence in 1972 Pennsylvania. Living with her widowed mortician father, Harry (Dan Aykroyd), Vada's world is colored by death and grief. Her best friend, the sweetly allergic Thomas J. Sennett (Macaulay Culkin), offers a ray of joy in her life. As Vada grapples with first love, loss, and growing up, she learns valuable lessons about life. The film beautifully captures the innocence and confusion of childhood amidst profound themes of mortality and transformation.
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  • American Graffiti
    21

    American Graffiti

    Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat
    372 votes
    Immerse yourself in the nostalgic whirlwind of American Graffiti, a 1973 comedy-drama directed by George Lucas. The spotlight shines on a group of freshly graduated high school friends, led by Steve Bolander (Ron Howard) and Curt Henderson (Richard Dreyfuss). As they navigate through a single night filled with drag racing, drive-ins and rock 'n' roll, they grapple with life-altering decisions about their futures. This film is an ode to the end of an era, offering a snapshot of American youth in the early 60s. Notably, it received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
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  • Dirty Dancing
    22

    Dirty Dancing

    Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach
    323 votes
    In the heart of summer 1963, Frances 'Baby' Houseman (Jennifer Grey) vacations with her affluent family at a high-end Catskills resort. She's an innocent daddy's girl until she stumbles upon the resort's dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). A tough-talking guy from the wrong side of the tracks, Johnny introduces Baby to an intoxicating world of dirty dancing and steamy after-hours parties. As they dance, they fall in love - a passionate affair that defies class boundaries and family expectations. Dirty Dancing, a music-filled drama that won the 1987 Oscar for Best Original Song, is a timeless tale about love, growth, and the power of dance.
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  • Heathers
    23

    Heathers

    Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
    264 votes
    In the dark comedy Heathers, high school senior Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) finds herself entangled in an unusual relationship with the mysterious new kid, J.D. (Christian Slater). Amidst the social pressures of Westerburg High School, dominated by a clique of girls all named Heather, Veronica and J.D. embark on a rebellious journey against the popular crowd. Their actions quickly spiral into a series of disturbing events that blur the line between teenage rebellion and criminal activity. This 1988 cult classic explores themes of popularity, power, and the chilling lengths some will go to leave their mark on society.
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  • Juno
    24

    Juno

    Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner
    427 votes
    Juno is a heartwarming drama-comedy that revolves around the life of Juno MacGuff (Elliot Page), a witty and independent 16-year-old who becomes pregnant by her friend, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). Instead of opting for an abortion, she decides to give the baby up for adoption. The prospective parents are Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner), a seemingly perfect couple. As the story unfolds, Juno navigates through pregnancy while dealing with school, relationships, and the impending reality of motherhood. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for three others including Best Picture.
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  • Back to the Future
    25

    Back to the Future

    Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover
    82 votes
    In the 1985 adventure-comedy Back to the Future, high school student Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is catapulted back to the 1950's in a time-traveling DeLorean car invented by his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Stranded in the past, Marty inadvertently interferes with his parents' meeting, jeopardizing his own existence. Now, he must ensure they fall in love again to secure his future. This Robert Zemeckis-directed film won an Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing and is known for its unique blend of science fiction and humor.
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  • Easy A
    26

    Easy A

    Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes
    260 votes
    In the cleverly comedic film Easy A, Emma Stone stars as Olive Penderghast, a high school student who finds herself tangled in a web of rumors and half-truths. After a small lie about losing her virginity gets out, she sees her life paralleling Hester Prynne's from The Scarlet Letter, which she is studying in school -- until she decides to use the rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing. Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, and Thomas Haden Church co-star in this engaging tale that takes a humorous look at the serious subject of reputation and the rapid spread of gossip in a digital era.
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  • Big
    27

    Big

    Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia
    429 votes
    In the classic comedy-drama Big, Josh Baskin (Tom Hanks) is an everyday 12-year-old boy who yearns for adulthood. After making a wish on a mystical arcade machine, he wakes up in the body of a 30-year-old man. Now navigating the adult world with a child's heart, Josh encounters everything from finding a job at a toy company to experiencing his first love with coworker Susan Lawrence (Elizabeth Perkins). Directed by Penny Marshall, Big earned Hanks an Academy Award nomination and solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood. The movie gracefully explores the contrast between childhood innocence and adult responsibilities, serving both laughter and thought-provoking moments.
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  • Superbad
    28

    Superbad

    Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
    448 votes
    Superbad is a coming-of-age comedy that navigates the tumultuous terrain of teenage life. Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), high school seniors, aim to lose their virginity before graduation. Aided by their unpredictable friend Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who adopts the infamous alias 'McLovin', they embark on a wild night of misadventures. Their quest for alcohol and female attention involves dodging irresponsible cops and navigating raucous parties. Directed by Greg Mottola and written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the film provides an honest, humorous glimpse into adolescent anxieties amidst chaotic circumstances.
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  • Mean Girls
    29

    Mean Girls

    Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey
    430 votes
    In the teen comedy Mean Girls, Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is a naive newcomer to public school, having been homeschooled in Africa. She finds herself in the whirlwind of high school politics and cliques, especially when she crosses paths with Regina George (Rachel McAdams), the queen bee of North Shore High School's most popular clique, The Plastics. As Cady navigates this new terrain, she becomes entangled in The Plastics' manipulative games. Tina Fey, who also wrote the screenplay, stars as Ms. Norbury, a teacher who provides guidance for Cady. Mean Girls was nominated for multiple awards and won a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Comedy.
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  • Say Anything...
    30

    Say Anything...

    John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney
    199 votes
    Say Anything... is a 1989 romantic comedy-drama directed by Cameron Crowe. The film centers on the unlikely romance between Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), an earnest, quirky kickboxer, and Diane Court (Ione Skye), a high-achieving valedictorian. Dobler's unconventional charm and persistent pursuit of Court forms the crux of this coming-of-age tale. The movie, while encompassing themes of young love and post-high school uncertainty, also delves into familial dynamics with James Court (John Mahoney), Diane's overprotective father. Say Anything... is noted for its iconic boombox scene and was ranked by Entertainment Weekly as one of the greatest modern movie romances.
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