Movies About Rebellious Youth

From Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Rated R

City of God is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. It follows the story of two boys growing up in a dangerous neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro known as "Cidade de Deus" (City of God). One of the boys, Rocket, is a small-time thief who dreams of becoming a photographer, while the other, Li'l Zé, is a violent drug dealer who wants to become the neighborhood's kingpin. The film follows their lives over the course of several years, as they struggle to survive in their harsh environment. As Li'l Zé's power grows, Rocket finds himself increasingly in danger, and the film culminates in a violent confrontation between the two. Despite its harsh subject matter, the film has been praised for its visual style and handling of complex themes. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film directed, produced and co-written by Stanley Kubrick, based on Anthony Burgess's 1962 novel of the same name. The film follows the adventures of Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a charismatic, psychopathic delinquent whose pleasures are classical music, rape, and ultra-violence. He leads a small gang of thugs, whom he calls his "droogs". The film chronicles the horrific crime spree of his gang, his capture, and attempted rehabilitation via an experimental psychological conditioning technique. Alex's rehabilitation and eventual freedom have ambiguous implications for the future of a society that is willing to treat him as a human being. The film is an exploration of free will and morality, and has been described as "one of the most controversial and influential films ever made".

From Rob Reiner, starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Rated R

"Stand by Me" is a coming-of-age drama directed by Rob Reiner and released in 1986. Based on a novella by Stephen King, the film follows the story of four young boys in a small Oregon town who set off on an adventure to find the dead body of a missing boy. Along the way, they come to understand the value of friendship, courage, and loyalty. Through a series of events, the boys come to terms with the realities of life, death, and growing up.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir, written by Tom Schulman, and starring Robin Williams. Set in 1959 at the fictional elite conservative fictional Welton Academy, it tells the story of an English teacher (Williams) who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The film follows the story of shy Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke), who has been sent to the school by his strict father. Along with his classmates, he learns to look at the world from a different perspective, encouraged by his teacher's unconventional teaching methods. The students in the class form the Dead Poets Society, a secret club that meets in a cave to read poetry. The club encourages the boys to "carpe diem", or seize the day, and make their lives full and meaningful. As the boys begin to challenge the status quo and make their own choices, the school's administration is threatened and the teacher is fired. The story culminates in a stand-off between the boys and the school, as they attempt to save their teacher. The film portrays the characters' struggle against conventional attitudes of their strict upbringing and the struggle to make choices independent of their parents. The film also highlights the importance of individualism and freedom of expression.

From Hirokazu Koreeda, starring Yûya Yagira, Ayu Kitaura, Hiei Kimura, Momoko Shimizu
Rated PG-13

Nobody Knows is a 2004 Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. The film tells the story of four siblings (ages 4-12) living in Tokyo, who have been abandoned by their mother. The four children struggle to live without adult supervision, finding ways to get food, clothing and shelter while trying to remain undetected by their neighbors and the authorities. As their situation becomes increasingly desperate and their bonds of love and loyalty are tested, their struggle for survival becomes a heartbreaking and powerful story. The film explores themes of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of life without adult guidance, as well as the difficulties of growing up in a world that often doesn't provide any support.

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman
Rated G

Aladdin is a 1992 animated musical fantasy adventure film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. It is the 31st Disney animated feature film, and was released during the Disney Renaissance. It was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, and is based on the Arabian folktale of the same name from One Thousand and One Nights. The film follows the story of Aladdin, a street urchin who falls in love with Princess Jasmine. With the help of the Genie, he must win her heart and foil the plans of the evil sorcerer Jafar who seeks to take over Agrabah. Along the way, Aladdin learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and following his heart. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $504 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1992. It won two Academy Awards for Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Score.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd
Rated PG-13

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 coming-of-age drama film based on the novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky. Set in 1991, the film follows the story of an introverted teenager, Charlie (Logan Lerman), as he navigates his freshman year of high school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With the help of his English teacher, Bill (Paul Rudd), and two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), he discovers the joys of friendship, first love, and the courage to accept life-altering challenges. As Charlie learns to open himself up to the world, he finds solace in the support and acceptance of his newfound friends. He eventually finds the strength to confront his inner demons and move forward into adulthood.

From Jean-Marc Vallée, starring Michel Côté, Marc-André Grondin, Danielle Proulx, Émile Vallée
Rated Not Rated

C.R.A.Z.Y. is a coming-of-age drama set in Quebec in the 1960s and 70s. It tells the story of Zac, the fifth of five brothers, and his search for identity, acceptance and understanding amidst a volatile family dynamic. On the surface, Zac's family appears to be a conventional Catholic family living in perfect harmony, but beneath the facade lie simmering tensions and secrets. Zac's father is a strict disciplinarian who is unaccepting of Zac's eccentricities, particularly his homosexuality. Zac struggles to reconcile his true self with the expectations that his father and society have placed on him. Zac's journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, and through his story, viewers are given a glimpse into the struggle for self-identity and acceptance that is common to many adolescents.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace
Rated PG

"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982) is a heartwarming and iconic science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. The movie follows the story of a young boy, Elliott, who befriends an alien from another world who has been separated from his people. Together, Elliott and E.T. must devise a plan to help E.T. get home while avoiding the government agents who are trying to capture him. Along the way, Elliott discovers the power of friendship and loyalty, and ultimately helps E.T. reunite with his family. With its memorable characters, special effects, and powerful story, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

From John Hughes, starring Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy
Rated R

The Breakfast Club is a 1985 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by John Hughes. It follows five teenagers—a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal—who all meet for Saturday detention. Through the course of the day, they learn to understand and respect each other while facing their personal issues and clashing with the school principal. The film is considered to be a coming-of-age masterpiece and a defining work of Hughes' career.

From James Ivory, starring James Wilby, Rupert Graves, Hugh Grant, Denholm Elliott
Rated R

Maurice (1987) is a British drama film directed by James Ivory, and based on the novel by E.M. Forster. The film follows Maurice Hall, a young Englishman from a privileged background, as he struggles to come to terms with his homosexuality in early 20th century England. After being expelled from Cambridge for his relationship with a fellow student, Maurice travels to London and meets Clive Durham, another gay man, who helps him to understand his sexuality and find self-acceptance. The two men develop a romantic relationship, and Maurice eventually must choose between a life of secret meetings and a loveless marriage or a life of honesty and a relationship with Clive. Through Maurice's story, the film explores themes of self-acceptance, loyalty, and society's expectations.

From Shane Meadows, starring Thomas Turgoose, Stephen Graham, Jo Hartley, Andrew Shim
Rated Not Rated

This Is England is a 2006 British drama film written and directed by Shane Meadows. Set in 1983, the film follows 12-year-old Shaun as he navigates life in a tough, economically depressed area of England. His father has recently died in the Falklands War, and Shaun is taken under the wing of a local gang of skinheads. The gang and its leader, Woody, quickly become like a family to Shaun, providing him with much-needed direction and an escape from his troubled home life. But trouble soon arises when Combo, an older, more extreme skinhead, returns to the group and begins to influence their increasingly violent behavior. As Shaun struggles to choose between loyalty to his newfound family and his own morality, the gang comes to a crossroads that will decide their future.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ana López Mercado
Rated R

Y tu mamá también is a 2001 Mexican road trip film directed by Alfonso Cuarón and written by Cuarón and his brother Carlos. The film follows two teenage boys, Julio (played by Gael García Bernal) and Tenoch (played by Diego Luna) who, while on summer vacation meet Luisa (Maribel Verdú), a beautiful and alluring Spanish woman in her late twenties. When they learn she is going to a beach they have never heard of, they invite her to come along on a road trip they have planned. Along the way, they encounter many obstacles that test their friendship and open their eyes to the realities of life. The film serves as a coming of age story and is considered to be one of the most significant films of the 2000s.

From Richard Donner, starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman
Rated PG

The Goonies is a classic adventure film directed by Richard Donner and released in 1985. It follows a group of young friends, "the Goonies," as they go on a thrilling and dangerous treasure hunt. Led by Mikey and his brother Brand, the Goonies set out on an epic quest to find a hidden pirate map and a long-lost fortune. Along the way, they face off against a family of criminals, the Fratellis, who are also after the map. With the help of a mysterious stranger named Data and some of the Goonies' own ingenuity, they must find the treasure before the Fratellis do, or they'll be out of their beloved homes forever.

From Nicholas Ray, starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, Jim Backus
Rated PG-13

Rebel Without a Cause is a 1955 American drama film directed by Nicholas Ray. It follows the story of Jim Stark (James Dean), a troubled teenager who moves to a new town with his parents. When he quickly finds himself in trouble with the law, he meets Judy (Natalie Wood) and Plato (Sal Mineo), two fellow outcasts who become unlikely friends. Together, they confront the social norms of their high school and struggle to find their place in society. As they deal with the pressures of growing up, they yearn for a sense of belonging and identity. Jim's search for understanding and acceptance leads to a tragic climax. This classic film questions the nature of authority and the teenage experience in 1950s America.

From Greg Mottola, starring Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader
Rated R

Superbad is a 2007 American teen comedy film directed by Greg Mottola and written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The film stars Jonah Hill and Michael Cera as Seth and Evan, two teenage best friends about to graduate high school. In an attempt to become popular, they set out to purchase alcohol for a party, but their quest takes a series of wild and unexpected turns. Along the way, they encounter foils, including their awkward classmate Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a shady police officer (Bill Hader), and two other party-goers (Seth Rogen and Martin Starr). Despite the numerous obstacles, their friendship remains strong as they navigate their way through the night's wild adventures.

From John Crowley, starring Andrew Garfield, Peter Mullan, Shaun Evans, Siobhan Finneran
Rated R

Boy A is the story of Jack, a young man who is released from prison after serving a long sentence for a crime he committed when he was just a child. As Jack rebuilds his life on the outside, he struggles to overcome his past and find a place in society. With the help of his social worker, Terry, and the support of his newfound friend, Michelle, Jack eventually begins to believe that he can make a life for himself. However, his past eventually catches up with him and Jack is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. The film explores the themes of identity and redemption, and how one can move on from a difficult past in order to create a better future.

From Sidney Lumet, starring River Phoenix, Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, Jonas Abry
Rated PG-13

Running on Empty is a 1988 drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring River Phoenix, Christine Lahti, and Judd Hirsch. The film tells the story of two fugitive parents, Annie and Arthur Pope (Lahti and Hirsch), who, in the 1970s, were members of the radical left-wing group called the Weather Underground. After bombing a napalm laboratory, they are forced to go on the run with their two teenage sons, Danny (Phoenix) and Harry (Jonas Abry). The family struggles to keep their fugitive status a secret while trying to live a normal life and provide a stable upbringing for their children. As the boys mature, they must deal with the implications of their parents' past and their own desire to live a normal life without the stigma of the past. Ultimately, the family is forced to confront the consequences of the choices they have made and the decisions they must make in order to remain together.

From Edgar Wright, starring Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick
Rated PG-13

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an action-comedy film based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Malley. It follows Scott Pilgrim, a 22-year-old slacker and bass guitarist who falls in love with Ramona Flowers, an American delivery girl. To win her affections, he must battle and defeat her 7 evil exes. Through the course of the movie, Scott is helped by his friends and bandmates Stephen and Kim, as well as his own ninja-like fighting skills. With their help, he must defeat Ramona’s exes and their formidable powers in order to win her heart and save the world.

From Nancy Savoca, starring River Phoenix, Lili Taylor, Richard Panebianco, Anthony Clark
Rated R

From Nabil Ayouch, starring Mounïm Kbab, Mustapha Hansali, Hicham Moussoune, Abdelhak Zhayra
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Jack Kinney, starring Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried, Bill Thompson
Rated G

From Wolfgang Petersen, starring Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach, Gerald McRaney
Rated PG

From Scott Kalvert, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lorraine Bracco, Marilyn Sokol, James Madio
Rated R

From Jonathan Kaplan, starring Matt Dillon, Michael Eric Kramer, Pamela Ludwig, Vincent Spano
Rated PG