Movies like perks of being a wallflower are quintessential movies that beautifully portray the life of adolescence and self-discovery. Written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, the movie revolves around an awkward teenager named Charlie (Logan Lerman), a wallflower who has become a part of a close-knit group of Sam(Emma Watson) and her stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller) who accept him for who he is. The movie beautifully explores the importance of genuine friendships in a teen’s life. The movie also sensitively tackles the theme of mental health and trauma. The characters demonstrate empathy towards each other and how they support their friends when they are most vulnerable.
Charlie, who is an introverted teenager, becomes friends with Sam and Patrick, two seniors at his school. The trio quickly forms a bond and Charlie, who is struggling with his mental issues overcomes it through his newly made friends. With Charlie documenting his experiences through letters, the viewers get the perspective of a shy outsider who finds acceptance among his newfound friends. If you love movies like perks of being a wallflower, then here is a list of 10 relatable movies you can watch with it.
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Awesome Movies Like Perks of Being a Wallflower
1. The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club is directed by John Hughes, who depicts the lives of five high school students who have distinct personalities and discover common ground on a fine Saturday detention. It is a beautiful movie, much like The Perks of Being a Wallflower that explores the complex relationships that teenagers share.
2. Almost Famous ( 2000)
This award-winning movie directed by Cameron Crowe depicts a fifteen-year-old teen named William who is presented with an opportunity to accompany a rock band. Almost Famous takes us on a nostalgic journey of the world of 1970s rock culture. Just in Movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, here the protagonist undertakes the journey of self-discovery and is all set for the forthcoming challenges of the trip.
3. The Edge of Seventeen (2017)
Movies like perks of being a wallflower and The Edge of Seventeen share a common theme of complex relationships that a teenager experiences growing up. The movie is an emotional rollercoaster of the highs and lows of an adolescent named Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) who is at the edge of seventeen. Nadine, the main character, is often seen to experience loneliness just much like Charlie from the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The film uncovers Nadine’s journey of self-growth as she learns about friendship and acceptance through valuable lessons.
4. The Spectacular Now (2013)
It stars Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley who unexpectedly fall in love with each other. Both the characters are depicted as having contrasting personalities, one is a life of the party and the other is a studious girl. The movie shares the same theme of compassion among the characters who grow fond of each other making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
5. LadyBird (2017)
Ladybird is a powerful coming-of-the-age movie starring Greta Gerwig, a high school senior who has an estranged relationship with her mother. Throughout the film, Ladybird struggles to find her place in the world and come to terms with who she is. The movie also shares the theme of the complexities of self-identity the protagonist faces in her adolescence.
6. Silver Lining Playbook (2012)
Silver Lining Playbook and The Perks of Being a Wallflower come from different genres but they have a common theme that uncovers the issue of mental health and struggles involved with it. The movie addresses the issue of bipolar disorder that the protagonist “Pat Solantino” experiences and how it impacts his connections. However, much in movies like perks of being a wallflower is shown to have supportive characters, here too Pat builds a close connection with Tiffany who helps him cope with his emotions.
7. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Based on the bestselling novel of John Green, The Fault in Our Stars delivers an emotional love story that develops between two teenagers fighting cancer. It is a heart-touching movie that revolves around the two teenagers who first met in a support group. Hazel and Augustus quickly develop a bond which leads the viewers to explore the challenges they face as lovers who are both battling cancer. Just like Charlie who finds her solace in Sam, the characters here also find peace in each other’s company.
8. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl (2015)
This movie is about a teen boy who is forced by his parents to befriend a neighbor when she is diagnosed with Leukemia. In a similar manner as in movies like perks of being a wallflower, the central characters of this movie are also shown to develop a steady bond of friendship with one another. This movie also holds a humorous genre that tackles such major issues lightly. Illness is the central theme of the movie and how it impacts others, the struggles faced by the characters of the movie are explored vividly by writer Jesse Andrews.
9. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Dead Poets Society is about a new English Teacher played by Robin Williams, who inspires students who come from conservative homes to come out of their shells and embrace poetry. Through his unorthodox methods of teaching, he motivates his students to face the challenges of life and society. These students are constantly encouraged by their teachers to continue pursuing their passion. Movies like The Perk of Being a Wallflower, where Sam and Patrick constantly support Charlie to overcome his shyness, the group labeled as Dead Poets also share a common bond of support and encouragement among each other.
10. It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
Craig is a sixteen-year-old adolescent who checks himself into a mental health hospital where he develops connections with his fellow patients during his brief stay at the clinic. In his journey to seek help for his depression, the movie explores the issue of mental health and how it impacts them. Just like in the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the serious issue of mental health is dealt with a mix of wit and humor.
Conclusion
If you enjoy light-hearted movies that tackle serious issues on a lighter background just in the movie like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, this list of 10 movies is a must-watch for you. All these movies explore the complex relations among the people and the emotions that are overwhelming to them. Every character has been projected differently but all of them share some struggle that eventually leads them to discover themselves. The transition from child to being an adult is beautifully explored in all these movies.
