Top 10 Movies That Will Turn Boys into Men

In the vast landscape of cinema, certain films resonate deeply with audiences, leaving an indelible mark on their psyche. For boys on the cusp of manhood, certain movies offer more than just entertainment; they provide valuable insights, lessons, and perspectives that can shape their journey into adulthood. From tales of self-discovery to trials of character and resilience, here are the top 10 movies that will turn boys into men.

10. The Way Way Back (2013)

Let’s kick off the list with a heartwarming story that leans towards lighter drama, yet maintains a realistic theme. This coming-of-age story centers around Duncan, a shy and awkward teenager, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence amidst the backdrop of his mother’s new rich boyfriend with his arrogant spoiled daughter during a summer vacation.

The main actor did a really great job portraying a socially awkward and anxious teenager in the most realistic way. Duncan feels pretty miserable and alone until he meets Owen, who runs the water park. Owen becomes like a dad to Duncan and helps him gain confidence by working at the park, offering him a breath of fresh air away from his family problems.

Through his experiences working at a water park and forging unexpected  friendships, the main takeaway that you can get from this movie is learning about independence, self-confidence, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

9. The 400 Blows (1959)

Now, this may surprise a lot of people on how low this movie is on the list, considering it’s often hailed as one of the most influential and powerful coming-of-age stories that shaped the new era of filmmaking. However, the story itself is rather straightforward—it’s a depiction of childhood angst and rebellion. The main character begins to rebel against both home and school, eventually ending up in jail and making a complete escape.

What makes this film great is how it uses symbols. At the start, the movie portrays the protagonist’s home life as a tight and suffocating space, symbolizing the pressure and societal norms he’s trapped in. In contrast, by the end of the film, we’re presented with vast ocean scenery, symbolizing freedom and liberation.

One thing you can gather is that half a century later, the rebellious journey to self-awareness is still prominent among teens nowadays, no different from back then. The film serves as a reminder that resilience and determination can triumph over adversity, helping young boys turn into men.

8. Kids (1995) 

This one’s a bit controversial, it may go one way or another because it simply depicts a day in the lives of New York City adolescents casually discussing sex, use of drugs, and even have violence. Unlike some films that aim to inspire personal growth, this one focuses more on gritty realism and the harsh consequences of reckless behavior, highlighting the importance of accountability.

What earns this film its spot on the list is its realism; they cast some actors that are true to their age, effectively portraying how kids mimic the negative aspects of adulthood. It’s quite surprising to see a 10-year-old boy smoking at a party while other kids use illegal substance and having sexual acts everywhere. I’m not sure how this movie got approved, as it might have violated some laws at the time. That’s why I say it could go either way—you might be inspired to copy their actions, or you might realize it’s not a path you want to take.

7. Whiplash (2014)

Discipline and motivation are among the most crucial values in sports, and they’re also qualities that help boys become strong men. Over the years, there have been numerous movies that have effectively showcased these themes, including classics like “Rocky,” “Southpaw,” “Chariots of Fire,” and many more. However, among all of these, the standout and most powerful film in recent memory is “Whiplash.” While not technically a sports movie, it embodies the core qualities of pursuing perfection and facing the challenges posed by an abusive coach or trainer.

This intense drama follows Andrew Neiman, a young jazz drummer, on his quest for greatness under the tyrannical mentorship of Terence Fletcher. Through relentless dedication and sacrifice, we witness Andrew’s struggles, including his addiction to perfection and the psychological effects it takes on him. One thing I can guarantee is that it has one of the most satisfying endings I’ve ever seen. It serves as an inspiration for young boys to recognize their own limitations and discover the true essence of dedication and passion.

6. Straw Dogs (1971)

Another aspect that distinguishes boys from men is bravery and courage. That’s why I wanted to include a movie that depicts a transformation from weakness to strength, where a nerdy character becomes cool and badass. There have been many films like this in the past, but I chose the classic Sam Peckinpah’s psychological thriller, “Straw Dogs.” It delves into themes of masculinity, violence, and moral ambiguity. When a timid mathematician faces a terrifying home invasion, he’s forced to confront his own capacity for aggression and defend what he holds dear.

This movie might be too intense for those who aren’t comfortable with graphic violence in cinema, as it contains some harrowing scenes especially the rape scene. Nevertheless, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of courage and the fine line between heroism and brutality.

5. Stand By Me (1986)

As a boy, one of the experiences you can cherish is spending endless hours hanging out, playing, and simply exploring with your friends, indulging in whatever comes to mind. This movie beautifully captures the joy of childhood, depicting an era when cell phones and other technologies were nonexistent. It is based on Stephen King’s novella “The Body,” follows four young boys as they embark on a journey to find a dead body. The film celebrates the innocence of youth while acknowledging the inevitability of change.

What sets this film apart within its genre is how, as the boys journey, they begin to confront their fears, express themselves, and truly open up in a dramatic and most raw way like an adult accepting their flaws. While all the actors deliver commendable performances, River Phoenix’s performance particularly surprised me with its authenticity and emotional depth, especially during the crying scene.

4. Boyhood (2014) 

There’s no movie that literally captures the growing up of a boy from teen to adult like Boyhood does (maybe harry potter). Richard Linklater’s groundbreaking film offers a unique glimpse into the passage of time as it follows Mason, a boy growing up in Texas, over the course of 12 years. Through the highs and lows of adolescence, you’ll witness the evolution of Mason’s character and the universal struggles of identity, family, and self-discovery. 

One of the best scenes in the movie is when the  song “Hero” by the band Family of the Year starts to play. In my opinion it is one of the best soundtracks that truly captures the true essence of the scene, as if it was made for that film. 

3. Dead Poets Society (1989)

“Oh captain, my captain!” remains one of the most powerful scenes in movie history, as the students stand up on their desks as a symbol of disagreement with the rules and to show their admiration for their teacher’s inspiration. Set in an elite boarding school, this inspiring drama explores the transformative power of literature and mentorship. As English teacher John Keating challenges his students to seize the day and pursue their passions, they learn valuable lessons about individuality, integrity, and the pursuit of truth.

One could also argue that Keating is encouraging rebellion and brainwashing his students to adopt his own way of thinking, and that the final scene merely mimics his earlier actions in the film. However, personally, I believe his aim is to cultivate free thinking and instill an appreciation for poetry and other forms of art in these young men. For me, it was movies, songs, and stories that kept me alive for years (metaphorically speaking).

2. Into The Wild (2007)

Imagine you’ve got a bright future ahead, you’re accepted to college, and you’ve got $24,000 in your bank. Would you throw it all away? I’d definitely say no, but Chris did the unthinkable. He gave up most of his material stuff, like his car, donated all his money, and even burned the remaining cash he had left.

Based on a true story, Sean Penn’s film chronicles the journey of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandons conventional society to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Through his search for meaning and freedom, Christopher battles with the complexities of self-reliance, solitude, and the pursuit of an authentic existence.

Many people call him dumb and stupid, especially considering how he died. Technically, maybe he was, but just because someone doesn’t live the way you want doesn’t mean they wasted their life. Chris might have made some silly choices, but he lived a life that most people can only dream of.

1. Good Will Hunting

This might be a bit biased since it’s one of my favorite films, but out of all the movies on this list, this one had the biggest impact on me. This drama tells the story of Will Hunting, who works as a janitor at MIT but is incredibly smart and has faced many challenges in his past. As Will tries to understand his potential and deals with his emotional struggles, he forms a special connection with his therapist, Sean Maguire. The movie explores important themes like the difference between being smart and understanding emotions, resilience, and how connecting with others can help you heal.

One scene that really stuck with me is when Ben Affleck’s character tells Will that the best part of his day is when he goes to Will’s house and there’s no one there, no goodbye, no see you later, nothing. If you’ve seen the film, you know how powerful this moment is. There are many moments between Will and his therapist, but hearing those words from his best friend really hits differently.