Why We Can’t Stop Writing Coming-of-Age Stories

There is a reason we never grow tired of coming-of-age stories. They are, in a way, all of our stories. No matter who you are, you have stumbled through that messy, uncertain terrain between childhood and adulthood, trying to work out who you might become. And when we watch someone else walk that path on screen, we recognise ourselves as awkward, hopeful, terrified and brave.

Think of Lady Bird running through the streets of Sacramento, desperate to claim her own name. Or Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, standing in the back of a pickup truck with music blaring, finally feeling “infinite.” Or Chiron in Moonlight, navigating identity, masculinity and love in a world that makes it hard for him to belong. None of these stories are about superheroes saving the world. They are about people saving themselves.

But coming-of-age isn’t just about optimism or hope. Take Blue Spring, for instance, a film that plunges into the bleaker side of adolescence. Here, the journey is marked by violence, apathy, and existential uncertainty. The characters aren’t striving for triumph, but for survival and identity in a world that seems indifferent. These darker stories remind us that growing up can be as much about loss and disillusionment as about transformation.

The Underdog We Can’t Resist

At their heart, these stories are about the underdog, the child who does not fit in, the outsider, the one who starts the film unsure and vulnerable. As a screenwriter, this is a golden opportunity. Watching someone grow on screen is cathartic. It reassures audiences that stumbling and failing are not the end; they are just the beginning. When crafting your story, focus on how your protagonist changes over time. Both external conflicts and internal struggles should feed into each other, showing transformation through plot and character.

The Perfect Canvas for Big Moments

Coming-of-age films thrive on small, human turning points: the first kiss, the first heartbreak, the first betrayal, the first real act of courage. These moments are cinematic gold. As a writer, notice how filmmakers show them: a lingering glance, a slammed bedroom door, the silence after an argument. These details convey more than dialogue alone ever could. Think visually. Ask yourself how this emotion can be shown through action, movement and framing rather than words alone.

Why They Are a Gift to First-Time Writers

For anyone starting out in screenwriting, the coming-of-age genre is a gift. You do not need a huge budget or sprawling worldbuilding. What you need is honesty. The stories you tell from your own adolescence, including your humiliations, your friendships and your longings, already contain the seeds of something universal. Use your personal truth to fuel your protagonist’s journey. Layer in stakes, conflicts and choices. Every setback is a scene, every discovery is a beat, and every moment of courage drives your character forward.

If you are ready to begin your story, Scriptor is here to help. With our free screenplay editor, beat board and whiteboard, you can sketch your characters, shape your story and plan every turning point, just as your characters take steps towards adulthood. Get started today, for free, forever.