(DML Top 20 Lists - Coming-of-Age Comedy Films ranked)

Honorable Mention

10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Director: Gil Junger, rated R for crude sexual humor, alcohol and drug use

How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways.

Starring: Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Larry Miller, Andrew Keegan, David Krumholtz, Susan May Pratt, Daryl "Chill" Mitchell, Allison Janney, Gabrielle Union, Letters to Cleo (band), Save Ferris (band)

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Alright, wait a minute. No drinking, no drugs, no kissing, no tattoos, no piercings, no ritual animal slaughters of any kind. Oh, God, I'm giving them ideas." - Mr. Stratford, to his daughters before they go out

Why watch this? Health and Julia have quite an engaging chemistry.

Plot Summary: The popular and sweet younger sister can only date if her rebellious, anti-social older sister also finds a suitor. An admirer of the younger sibling orchestrates an elaborate plot to pay a mysterious bad boy to court the older sister. This scheme backfires when genuine feelings get in the way and unexpected connections blossom.

Dad's Preview: Director Gil Junger must have realized in casting that Health Ledger's smile was romantic gold. He wisely slapped him into a "bad-boy" role and set him against Julia Stiles, who plays a convincing sassy bitch. When he breaks into that smile, everyone melts. The rest is standard teen comedy fare: bullies and nerds, awkward sexual situations, etc. One scene that stands apart is the serenade at the football stadium - man, that was really fun. I also have to confess I really liked sardonic actor, Larry Miller, as the out-witted single father of two teen daughters. It's a great film with a good heart, even if the word hate is in the title.

Touchstone Pics, Mad Chance, Jeret Ent.;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #20 Top

Ratatouille (2007), Directors: Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava, rated G

He's dying to become a chef.

Starring: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Janeane Garofalo, Brad Garrett, Peter O'Toole, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Will Arnett

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I'm sick of pretending. I pretend to be a rat for my father, I pretend to be a human for Linguini. I pretend you exist so I have someone to talk to!" – Rémy

Why watch this? An ambitious rodent partners with a reluctant chef - together they make culinary history.

Plot Summary: Remy is a rat with an exceptional sense of taste and smell who dreams of becoming a chef, despite his family's disapproval and the obvious obstacle of his species in a human kitchen. Through a series of events, Remy finds himself beneath a famous Parisian restaurant and forms an unusual alliance with a young, clumsy kitchen worker named Linguini. Together, they navigate the demanding culinary world and overcome challenges.

Dad's Preview: This is a creative animated Disney/Pixar film about a rat, Rémy, who aspires to be a chef of all things. He travels to Paris, and secretly becomes a sous chef to a young culinary student, Alfredo. The symbiotic relationship, between human an rodent, is special to watch. There are a host of zany supporting characters that add to the richness of this wonderful dish. You will crave some Italian cooking after this one.

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #19 Top

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Director: Amy Heckerling, rated R for language, crude humor, nudity, drug use

At Ridgemont High Only the Rules get Busted!

Starring: Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Brian Backer, Robert Romanus, Ray Walston, Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." – Spicoli

Why watch this? As a teen I loved this crude flick. As an adult, I appreciate it even more.

Plot Summary: The school year of several Southern California teenagers is chronicled as they navigate the challenges and excitements of adolescence. The film explores themes of romance, first jobs, and self-discovery, showing how these young people cope with the ups and downs of growing up. It captures the atmosphere of 1980s youth culture, highlighting social trends like mall culture and the shift towards more casual relationships.

Dad's Preview: This could have been just another irreverent, nudity-filled 80's high school comedy (which it is), but it's so much more than that. There are some great tales to tell about high school and teenagers coming of age. Some are working evening jobs, some are playing sports, some are smoking dope, and all are struggling to find success with the opposite sex. This film has a lot of really funny, and embarrassing moments, you know, like real high school. This raunchy comedy introduced the world to newcomers Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and, of course, the scene-stealing Sean Penn, whose portrayal of Spicoli, the surfing stoner who loves to have his pizza delivered to Mr. Hand's history class.

Refugee Films; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #18 Top

The Parent Trap (1961), Director: David Swift, rated Passed

Pop's love affair is a 3-ring circus!

Starring: Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, Joanna Barnes, Una Merkel, Leo G. Carroll, Charlie Ruggles, Cathleen Nesbitt, Linda Watkins

"Look, pet. I've tried to be friendly, but I'm going to marry your father, so you get used to the idea!" - Vicky Robinson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

Why watch this? It's a creative story, featuring an amazing dual-performance by Haley Mills.

Plot Summary: Teenage twin sisters, separated at birth due to their parents' divorce, unexpectedly meet each other for the first time at summer camp. Realizing they are sisters, the two devise a plan to switch places after camp to get to know the parent they've never met. Their ultimate goal, however, is to scheme to reunite their divorced parents.

Dad's Preview: I know this is a girl's story, but I've always secretly loved it. Mills always impressed me by playing both sisters. I also an a huge fan the adult actors: Brian Keith and Maureen O'Hara. The premise is essentially "separated at birth" due to a painful divorce - one child goes with Mom, one with Dad. Then, by chance, the girls meet a summer camp and figure out they are connected. The sisters devise a plan to get Mom and Dad back together again, and renew their family. Mom and Dad, however, have moved on, so the plan has its obstacles. It's part

Walt Disney Prod.; Buena Vista Distributing

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #17 Top

Dazed and Confused (1993), Director: Richard Linklater, rated R for drug and alcohol use, language

It was the last day of school in 1976, a time they'd never forget...
if only they could remember.

Starring: Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Joey Lauren Adams, Milla Jovovich, Shawn Andrews, Rory Cochrane, Adam Goldberg, Sasha Jenson, Marissa Ribisi, Michelle Burke, Cole Hauser, Parker Posey, Ben Affleck

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"All I'm saying is that if I ever start referring to these as the best years of my life - remind me to kill myself..." - Pink

Why watch this? It's a walk down (my) memory lane with a killer soundtrack.

Plot Summary: A group of Austin teenagers celebrate their last day of high school in 1976 by seeking out parties, cruising the town's central hangout spots, and engaging in classic end-of-year traditions. As the sun sets, the younger students navigate the challenges presented by the older seniors while various cliques search for the biggest and best keg party of the night. The intersecting lives of these high schoolers and recent graduates capture the anticipation of growing up and the freedom of a single, memorable summer evening.

Dad's Preview: Like other films regarding school hijinks, such as American Graffiti (1973) and Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), this coming-of-age story captures the late 1970's with all the off-kilter, bong-filled honesty it deserves. Alcohol use was standard fare, and pot was just coming into its own as a recreational drug. This was before MTV when happiness was a cool hard rock song blaring on your Camaro's 8-track. There were heads, jocks, brains, band nerds, poindexters, and teasers. A few were cool. The rest, however, didn't know what the hell they were doing, or where they were going. This film captures all that and more. It features many young stars destined for fame. I do have to say, any soundtrack featuring classic rockers like "Fox on the Run" and "Love Hurts" is gonna resurrect some old, fun memories.

Alphaville, Detour Filmproduction;
Gramercy Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #16 Top

The Sandlot (1993), Director: David Mickey Evans, rated PG

No uniforms. No problem. No girls. No problem. No ball. BIG problem!

Starring: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi, Marty York, Shane Obedzinski, Denis Leary, Karen Allen, James Earl Jones

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong." - The Babe

Why watch this? ... to remember, and cherish, the days before organized youth sports.

Plot Summary: In the summer of 1962, a shy new kid in town, Scotty Smalls, struggles to make friends until he's accepted into a group of neighborhood kids who play daily at a local sandlot. The boys embark on a series of adventures throughout their summer, bonding over baseball, sleepovers, and a sexy lifeguard. Their biggest challenge arises when a prized baseball is hit over a fence into the backyard of a mysterious, legendary, and supposedly fearsome dog known as The Beast.

Dad's Preview: A great film, similar to Stand By Me (1986), about growing up in a simpler age, before electronics and a thousand TV channels. Our "gang" loves to play baseball at the local field. The problem occurs when a fly ball lands in the backyard of "The Beast". This film has a sweet innocence, and a lesson about overcoming fears and insecurities.

Island World; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #15 Top

Coco (2017), Director: Lee Unkrich, rated PG

The celebration of a lifetime

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía, Edward James Olmos, Alfonso Arau, Selene Luna, Jaime Camil, Natalia Cordova-Buckley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Our memories, they have to be passed down by those who knew us in life - in the stories they tell about us. But there's no one left alive to pass down Cheech's stories... Hey, it happens to everyone eventually." - Héctor

Why watch this? A wonderful children's film about life, and death, and the important in-between.

Plot Summary: A young boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family's long-standing ban on music. On Día de Muertos, a series of events leads him to the vibrant Land of the Dead. There, he embarks on a journey to find his deceased great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer, and uncover the truth about his family's past.

Dad's Preview: Why are we so afraid of death? It is human nature and fear of the unknown. This delightful, colorful Latino-based film explores death, and many more very adult topics such as: the impact a missing father can have, old grudges and the damage they do, and the importance of pursuing your heart's dream, regardless of the many naysayers. Yet, children will love it, too. The Pixar animation, once again, out-does itself. The choice to zip up and infuse brightness, and life, into the land of the dead was brilliant. In many ways it is as creative as Up (2009) or Inside Out (2015). The concept of the hereafter is unique and well-done. We all get to experience Miguel's arduous journey to be himself, while honoring his family. This film is about as good as it gets if you are looking for an experience to make you feel really good inside.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #14 Top

Inside Out 2 (2024), Director: Kelsey Mann, rated PG

Big changes. New emotions.

Starring: (the voices of) Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Ayo Adebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paul Walter Hauser

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Of course I'm delusional! Do you know how hard it is to stay positive all the time? When all you folks do is complain, complain, complain! Jiminy mother loving toaster strudel!" - Joy

Why watch this? This is the sequel fans of the original craved and deserved.

Plot Summary: The story again focuses on teenager Riley's existing emotions, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, as they navigate the transition to puberty. However, there are some new emotions moving in, including Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment and Ennui (aka boredom, I had to look it up, too). The original emotions, particularly Joy, must learn to adapt and find a way to coexist with these new feelings to help Riley navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.

Dad's Preview: Most audience members walked out of Inside Out (2015) wanting more. All of us who experienced children through those darn teen years really want to understand that ordeal better, and we really want to know more about dear Riley. This film hits those notes like a hockey slap-shot. The addition of new emotions adds to the hilarity, as Riley feels the pressures of meeting new friends, and balancing her existing relationships. She is also dealing with her fragile confidence and sense of identity. It's all good, and extraordinarily entertaining, here. This film is a Joy (pun intended)! I can't wait for the next chapter.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #13 Top

Superbad (2007), Director: Greg Mottola, rated R for language, crude humor

Come and Get Some

Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader, Emma Stone, Martha MacIsaac, Loe Lo Truglio

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Gimme that. All right, you look like a future pedophile in this picture, number 1. Number 2: it doesn't even have a first name, it just says "McLovin"!" - Seth

Why watch this? One simple word: McLovin.

Plot Summary: Three nerdy high school seniors, Seth, Evan, and Fogell, set out on a misadventure to purchase alcohol for a party in the final weeks before graduation. Their plan to impress girls and get laid takes an unexpected turn when Fogell, armed with a questionable fake ID under a dumb name is busted by two incompetent police officers. Separated from their friend and facing increasingly chaotic obstacles, Seth and Evan navigate a wild night that tests the boundaries of their friendship.

Dad's Preview: Me and my basketball buddies, now called the Old Men's Club, can't get enough of this movie. It is a hilarious, extremely crude, coming-of-age film about three college-bound dudes who just want to be "cool"... and succeed at scoring with the ladies. The under-aged fellows, Seth, Evan and Fogell, are tasked with getting the alcohol for a big party. Aha! A chance to impress, and enhance their street cred. This quest becomes an epic adventure in and of itself. "Chicka chicka yeah!"

Columbia Pictures, The Apatow Co.;
Sony Pictures Releasing

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #12 Top

Big (1988), Director: Penny Marshall, rated PG

You're only young once!

Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard, Jared Rushton, Jon Lovitz, David Moscow, Mercedes Ruehl

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm your best friend. What's more important than that, huh?" - Billy

Why watch this? It's a modern day fairy tale about a wish that actually comes true.

Plot Summary: This tale centers on a young boy named Josh Baskin who, frustrated with his young age, makes a wish to be "big". He wakes up the next day to find himself transformed into an adult. He now must navigate the challenges and wonders of adulthood while trying to find a way to reverse the magical transformation. With the help of Billy, his best friend, he must find the mystical machine that granted his wish.

Dad's Preview: Early in Tom Hanks' film career this comedic role was a perfect fit. His shtick then was essentially acting like a kid in an adult's body, so Big was ideal. Through some strange magic, Josh gets his wish, and wakes up an adult. Let the hilarity ensue. It's a lot of fun watching Hanks - how he interacts with this 10-year-old best friend; his innocence at a toy store; his excitement (and inexperience) with an adult woman who shows affection for him. There are many warm and funny moments in this superb coming-of-age classic.

Gracie Films; 20th Century-Fox

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #11 Top

Wayne's World (1992), Director: Penelope Spheeris, rated PG-13 for crude humor

You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll hurl.

Starring: Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Brian Doyle-Murray, Laura Flynn Boyle, Donna Dixon, Meat Loaf, Chris Farley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"That bass player's a babe. She makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym class." – Garth Algar, speaking of Cassandra

Why watch this? Don't over-think it. Just sit back, and let this movie make you laugh.

Plot Summary: Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar host a popular public-access television show from Wayne's parents' basement. A slick television producer discovers the show and offers them a chance to bring "Wayne's World" to a wider audience. However, their journey from basement to big time is fraught with challenges, testing their friendship and artistic integrity.

Dad's Preview: There's much to love in this frolic through, rock and roll, as seen from the couch of two goofy teens, just trying to set the standard for slackery. Myers' positivism is as infectious as Carvey's sheepish lack of confidence; all traits many guys can relate to. What started as an excellent skit on SNL, WW seamlessly transitioned to the big screen. It's a heck of a fun ride when Bohemian Rhapsody is blasting!

Lorne Michaels; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #10 Top

The Holdovers (2023), Director: Alexander Payne, rated R for language, some drug use

Discomfort And Joy.

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa, Carrie Preston, Brady Hepner, Ian Dolley, Jim Kaplan, Michael Provost, Andrew Garman, Naheem Garcia, Stephen Thorne, Gillian Vigman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You know, Mr. Kountze, for most people, life is like a henhouse ladder: shitty and short. You were born lucky. Maybe someday, you entitled little degenerates will appreciate that. If you don't, I feel sorry for you and we will have failed to do our jobs." - Paul Hunham

Why watch this? Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy, and newcomer Dominic Sessa captivate in this gem.

Plot Summary: Set in 1970, a strict and unpopular history teacher at a New England boarding school is forced to supervise students who have nowhere to go during Christmas break. He is left stranded on campus with a brainy but troubled teenager and the grieving head cook. Together, these three unlikely companions form a makeshift family and share unexpected misadventures that help them heal from their pasts.

Dad's Preview: This New England dramedy begs me to watch it again. It's filled with perhaps the wittiest dialogue in the last few years. It introduces us to a slew of interesting characters, then effectively whisks many of them away to a ski vacation. We are left with the true holdovers: Mary, the school's cafeteria manager; Paul, a stubborn teacher living in a sort of self-imposed exile; and Angus, an intelligent, but inwardly angry young boarding school student. Let the in-depth exploration of these three incredibly interesting souls begin! There is a richness here, like an ordinary piece of cake that, when bitten into, blows your mind with its complex flavors. If it feels like a comedy and a drama, it is. It's also a holiday film about what holidays should center on - appreciating those in your orbit who, despite liking them or not, impact you in positive ways.

Miramax, Gran Via; Focus Features

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #9 Top

Toy Story 3 (2010), Director: Lee Unkrich, rated G

The Breakout Comedy Of The Summer

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton, Jodi Benson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You can unlock doors, sneak past guards, climb the wall - but if you don't take out that Monkey, you ain't goin' nowhere. You wanna get outta here? GET RID OF THAT MONKEY!" - Chatter Telephone

Why watch this? I did not expect this to have such an emotional impact... but, it did.

Plot Summary: As Andy prepares for college, his toys face an uncertain future as they are mistakenly sent to Sunnyside Daycare instead of the attic. Believing they've been abandoned, the toys initially welcome the new environment, but soon discover a sinister truth behind the daycare's facade. Woody must then convince the others of their mistake and lead a daring escape to return home to Andy before he leaves for college.

Dad's Preview: It's an accomplishment when the third film in a franchise remains engaging and delivers an emotional gut-punch, especially for a cartoon. Andy is 17 and heading to college. This event throws the toys into crisis-mode. Mom bags our favorite toys, then donates them to a local daycare. There, they encounter Losto, a stuffed, pink bear who rules the roost with an iron paw. It's up to Woody and Buzz to pull off an escape and get back to Andy! It's a wonderful ride, but brace yourself for the bittersweet ending... wow, I was a sobbing mess.

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista
Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #8 Top

How to Train Your Dragon (2010), Directors: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, rated PG

What started as fire and fury will become friendship.

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Jay Baruchel, Randy Thom, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, David Tennant

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Most people would leave. Not us. We're Vikings. We... have stubbornness issues." - Hiccup

Why watch this? It's a wonderful, action-filled tale about Vikings and air-borne dragons.

Plot Summary: Viking 101: They kill dragons - all of the many kinds. On the island village of Berk, chieftain Stoick the Vast, has a teen son, Hiccup, who is a wiz with creating mechanical devices, yet weak by dad's brawny standards. When Hiccup shoots down a rare Night Fury dragon, nobody believes him. After searching the nearby forest for the dragon's body, Hiccup finds the downed beast very alive and kinda friendly. Meanwhile, Stoick enrolls the lad in dragon-fighting class, as he once sails away to destroy the monsters' nests. Hiccup desperately seeks his dad's approval, but can he actually take a dragon's life?

Dad's Preview: This beloved animated treasure features misunderstood flying monsters, and the Scottish norse-folk, who have killed the beasts for as long as they can remember. There's also a loveable cadre of teenage Vikes who strive to be the best dragon-slayers. However, for me, the core of this film is a broken relationship between a father and his son. Once again, DreamWorks has put forth a delightful, high-quality children's film. It also should resonate with many adults, especially fathers who might have been too hard on their sons. But rest assured folks, in this colorful adventure, all will be put right by the end credits.

DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #7 Top

Back to the Future (1985), Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated PG

He was never in time for his classes... He wasn't in time for dinner...
Then one day he wasn't in his time at all.

Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Tom Wilson, Claudia Wells, Marc McClure, James Tolkan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I guess you guys aren't ready for that, yet. But your kids are gonna love it." - Marty McFly, after lighting up the prom with some guitar licks by Eddie Van Halen

Why watch this? When Marty meets his parents, back in the 1950's, the fun really begins.

Plot Summary: Marty McFly is a teenager who travels back to 1955 using a time machine built by his friend, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown. He accidentally prevents his parents from meeting and falling in love, putting his own future existence at risk. Marty must ensure his parents get together and find a way to return to his own time.

Dad's Preview: This now iconic film's success hinged on properly casting the lead. Wisely, director Zemeckis replaced Eric Stoltz with quick-witted Michael J. Fox from TV's Family Ties. The rest is film history. It's a time-jumping adventure that keeps the viewers guessing as altering actions in the past might impact the future. Think about it - what would you change if you could travel back in time to meet your parents in high school? No way that doesn't get a little weird.

Amblin Entertainment; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #6 Top

A Christmas Story (1983), Director: Bob Clark, rated PG

Sometimes Christmas is about getting what you really want.

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Scott Schwartz, Tedde Moore, Ian Petrella, R. D. Robb, Zack Ward

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 100 #100 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of A Christmas Story

"In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." - adult Ralphie, narrating

Why watch this? It's packed with memories we all experienced growing up.

Plot Summary: Set in the 1940s, the film follows a young boy named Ralphie whose fervent Christmas wish is a Red Ryder BB gun. Despite warnings that he'll shoot his eye out, Ralphie embarks on various humorous attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus. The film also features relatable childhood experiences and family dynamics leading up to Christmas Day.

Dad's Preview: This film captures the holidays for many families from the end of World War II through the early 1970's - certainly a simpler time in the USA. Ralphie and his little brother can't wait until Christmas. He must endure school his annoying sibling, bullies, parents that won't listen, and a full-body pink bunny suit. This warm family classic offers a lot of comedic yuletide cheer, year after year.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; MGM/UA Ent. Co.

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #5 Top

Inside Out (2015), Director: Peter Docter, rated PG

Meet the little voices inside your head.

Starring: (the voices of) Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"We should lock the door and scream that curse word we know. It's a good one!" - Anger

Why watch this? This may be the most creative film yet from Disney and Pixar.

Plot Summary: An 11-year-old girl, Riley, moves with her family from Minnesota to San Francisco. The story explores the inner workings of her mind, where her emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust — live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's brain, and guide her actions. As Riley struggles to adjust to her new life, turmoil ensues in Headquarters, leading Joy and Sadness on an adventure through Riley's mind.

Dad's Preview: The creators of this wonderful Pixar offering take us into the mind of a teenage girl, just as her simple, happy life is about go haywire thanks to a move from Minnesota to California. Her first day of school does not go well. Meanwhile, we are transported into her brain's control room. There, the five emotions, Joy, Anger, Fear, Sadness, and Disgust, are in charge. Well, sort of. The emotions are voiced by some great stars. You will love this film, and its perspective, regarding how the mind works. You'll shed a few tears, as well.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #4 Top

Napoleon Dynamite (2004), Director: Jared Hess, rated PG

He's out to prove he's got nothing to prove.

Starring: Jon Heder, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino, Diedrich Bader

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter." - Kip

Why watch this? ... the quote-ability! I literally know every line from this film. Gosh!

Plot Summary: In a small Idaho town, the awkward and socially isolated Napoleon Dynamite navigates high school life while dealing with his eccentric family, which includes his internet-obsessed older brother Kip and get-rich-quick scheming uncle Rico. He finds unexpected friendships with a shy, artistic girl Deb and a quiet exchange student who decides to run for class president, Pedro. Napoleon's journey involves supporting his friends and discovering his own unique way of belonging in a world that often misunderstands him.

Dad's Preview: You'll either get this film, or you won't. When I laud this, some folks look at me like I'm crazy (hint: that's how I can tell you grew up as a bully). The plot is really about nothing, just some kids at high school. They are nerds. One in particular, Napoleon, just won't accept that he's not destined for greatness. My kids and I watched this film over and over. We still quote its lines. We rejoice when the nerds actually win one! Because, honestly, there's alotta nerd in many of us.

Napoleon Pictures; Fox Searchlight
thru 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #3 Top

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), Director: Mel Stuart, rated G

It's Scrumdidilyumptious!

Starring: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Julie Dawn Cole, Leonard Stone

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #48 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

"Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple." - Willie Wonka

Why watch this? A tour through a mysterious chocolate factory. What could happen?

Plot Summary: Young Charlie Bucket, from an impoverished family, dreams of finding one of the five coveted Golden Tickets hidden in Willy Wonka's chocolate bars. Winning a ticket grants a tour of Wonka's mysterious and magical chocolate factory, along with a lifetime supply of candy. Charlie, joining four other children, embarks on a fantastical adventure within the whimsical factory.

Dad's Preview: As addicting as its namesake dessert flavor, this children's film has a lot to say. Not only is this trip as magical as the journey to Oz, it also takes special care to pass along valuable lessons to kids and parents alike: Don't overeat. Too much candy is bad for you. Don't spoil your children. Don't watch too much TV. These "bad" little kids get their cod liver oil. I always thought of myself as the sweet, innocent, and honorable Charlie... but am I? The verdict is still out.

Wolper Pictures, The Quaker Oats Co.;
Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #2 Top

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), Director: Edgar Wright, Rated PG-13 for adult themes

An epic of epic epicness.

Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alison Pill, Kieran Culkin, Ellen Wong, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Um, I guess... if we're gonna date, you may have to defeat my seven evil exes." – Ramona Flowers

Why watch this? There is not a second in this film that I don't love.

Plot Summary: Scott Pilgrim, a slacker musician living in Toronto, finds his comfortable life disrupted when he falls for the mysterious and enigmatic Ramona Flowers. To win her heart, however, he must defeat her seven evil exes, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. This journey forces Scott to confront his own flaws, past relationships, and insecurities, ultimately pushing him toward self-discovery.

Dad's Preview: I had sorta lost faith in the next generation of movies; maybe I was getting old and out of touch. Then I discovered Scott Pilgrim, and my faith was restored! Nestled sweetly within this video game of a story is a very fresh and interesting romance. It's so much fun! The lovingly odd Michael Cera is an amazing understated actor. I love the action, the songs (watch a video of all All Scott Pilgrim musical performances), the premise, its creativity - EVERYTHING!

Marc Platt Prod., Big Talk Films, Closed on
Mondays Ent., Dentsu; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Coming-of-Age Comedy Films #1 Top

Almost Famous (2000), Director: Cameron Crowe, rated PG-13 for language, sexual situations

Stillwater Runs Deep!

Starring: Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Frances McDormand, Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Philip S. Hoffman, Zooey Deschanel

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #31 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Almost Famous

"Aw, man. You made friends with them. See, friendship is the booze they feed you. They want you to get drunk on feeling like you belong." - Lester Bangs

Why watch this? It's the swan song about rock and rock in my era, you know, the awesome 70's!

Plot Summary: William Miller, at 15-years-old, is an aspiring journalist who gets a dream assignment: to write a cover story for Rolling Stone magazine. He embarks on a tour leg with the up-and-coming rock band Stillwater, experiencing the highs and lows of life on the road. William navigates the world of rock and roll, forming relationships with the band members and a groupie named Penny Lane, all while trying to maintain his journalistic integrity.

Dad's Preview: Much of the film's earnestness comes from the film's director, Cameron Crowe, who lived a life similar to young William Miller. He too was a Rolling Stone writer, and his wife is none other than Nancy Wilson, guitarist for Heart - So the man knows the rock world. Bill Crudup, as the incendiary Russell Hammond, is unforgettable. Kate Hudson's pretty darn good, too. It has great musical performances and a wonderful soundtrack documenting the last great years of Rock 'n' Roll.

DreamWorks Pics, Columbia Pics, Vinyl Films;
DreamWorks Dist. LLC