Movies Like Paper Towns: A Guide For Teen Movie Fans

Introduction

If you loved Paper Towns, the 2015 film adaptation of John Green’s novel, you might be looking for similar movies to watch. Fortunately, there are plenty of coming-of-age films with themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery that will resonate with fans of Paper Towns. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best movies like Paper Towns that you should add to your watchlist.

1. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

If you haven’t watched The Fault in Our Stars yet, you’re missing out on another amazing movie based on John Green’s novel. The story follows the journey of two teenagers with cancer who fall in love and go on a life-changing adventure together. Like Paper Towns, this movie explores themes of friendship, love, and the bittersweet nature of life. It will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the little things in life.

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is another coming-of-age film that will resonate with fans of Paper Towns. The movie revolves around a shy and introverted teenager named Charlie who struggles to fit in at his new school. He befriends a group of misfits who help him navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. The film explores themes of mental health, identity, and the power of friendship.

3. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a heartwarming and humorous movie about a high school student named Greg who befriends a classmate named Rachel who has leukemia. The two form an unlikely bond as they navigate the challenges of teenage life and Rachel’s illness. This movie will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the importance of living in the moment.

4. Lady Bird (2017)

Lady Bird is a critically acclaimed movie about a high school senior named Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson who dreams of leaving her hometown of Sacramento to attend college in New York City. The film explores themes of family, identity, and the complexities of growing up. Saoirse Ronan delivers a powerful performance as Lady Bird, and the movie is filled with relatable characters and poignant moments.

5. The Spectacular Now (2013)

The Spectacular Now is a coming-of-age movie about a charming and popular high school senior named Sutter Keely who falls in love with a shy and introverted classmate named Aimee. The film explores themes of addiction, self-discovery, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. The chemistry between the two leads, played by Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley, is palpable and realistic.

6. Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Edge of Seventeen is a refreshingly honest and humorous movie about a high school junior named Nadine who struggles with social anxiety and the complexities of teenage relationships. When her best friend starts dating her older brother, Nadine’s world is turned upside down. The film explores themes of family, friendship, and the importance of self-acceptance. Hailee Steinfeld delivers a standout performance as Nadine, and the movie is filled with relatable and memorable characters.

7. Moonlight (2016)

Moonlight is a groundbreaking and emotional movie about a young black man named Chiron who grows up in Miami during the 1980s. The film explores themes of race, sexuality, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The movie is divided into three chapters that chronicle Chiron’s life from childhood to adulthood. The performances by the ensemble cast, including Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, and Trevante Rhodes, are outstanding.

8. The Way, Way Back (2013)

The Way, Way Back is a charming and funny movie about a 14-year-old boy named Duncan who goes on a summer vacation with his mother and her boyfriend. Duncan feels out of place until he befriends a water park employee named Owen who helps him come out of his shell. The film explores themes of family, self-discovery, and the importance of finding role models. The ensemble cast, including Steve Carell, Toni Collette, and Sam Rockwell, is fantastic.

9. Adventureland (2009)

Adventureland is a quirky and nostalgic movie about a recent college graduate named James who takes a summer job at an amusement park to save money for graduate school. He falls in love with a co-worker named Em who is dealing with her own personal struggles. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. The ensemble cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and Ryan Reynolds, is excellent.

10. The Kings of Summer (2013)

The Kings of Summer is a charming and whimsical movie about three teenage friends who decide to build a house in the woods and live off the land for the summer. The film explores themes of independence, friendship, and the desire to escape the pressures of teenage life. The ensemble cast, including Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, and Moises Arias, delivers great performances.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of Paper Towns, these 10 movies like Paper Towns are a must-watch. They explore similar themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, and will leave you feeling inspired and moved. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming comedy or a poignant drama, there’s a movie on this list for every mood. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a movie marathon!