The 10 Best Coming-of-Age Fantasy Movies, Ranked (2024)

In film, coming-of-age stories are generally well appreciated, appealing to younger audiences looking for comfort and understanding and mature ones who wish to look back on their younger years. When combined with fantasy and imagination, these narratives result in some of the most magical tales that still resonate profoundly with audiences — particularly for their lessons on identity and courage through metaphors — while inviting them to their absorbing worldbuilding.

Whether readers are looking to watch a gripping, otherworldly narrative or simply want to reminisce about the importance of personal growth, giving these films a watch is worth considering. From Studio Ghibli to Marvel films, we look back at some of the best coming-of-age fantasy movies, ranking them by greatness.

10 'Bridge to Terabithia' (2007)

Director: Gábor Csupó

Based on Katherine Paterson's novel, Gábor Csupó's Bridge to Terabithia stars Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb in memorable roles as they create the secret kingdom of Terabithia — a land of monsters, trolls, ogres, and giants. There, the two protagonists spend their free time ruling as a king and queen and fighting evil creatures.

Dealing with profound themes of grief and loss, Bridge to Terabithia is an entertaining blend of the coming-of-age and fantasy genre that sheds light on the universal experiences of childhood, highlighting how imagination can be used to cope with internal and personal struggles, with its titular land serving as a metaphor for emotional resilience and growth. Furthermore, the 2007 film features striking visuals and great performances that elevate it.

Bridge to Terabithia

PG

Drama

Fantasy

Release Date

February 16, 2007

Cast

Josh Hutcherson , AnnaSophia Robb , Robert Patrick , Zooey Deschanel

Runtime

95 Minutes

Watch on Disney+

9 'The Chronicles of Narnia' Series (2005 - 2010)

Directors: Andrew Adamson, Michael Apted

Based on novels as well, this film series directed by Andrew Adamson and Michael Apted consists of three adaptations from C.S. Lewis' beloved fantasy books. The movie centers around the adventures of four siblings — Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) — after stumbling upon a magical wardrobe that leads to the magical realm of Narnia.

Although The Chronicles of Narnia arguably did not live up to its potential, the films still provide viewers with a great time in front of the screen, including how they handle essential coming-of-age themes such as growth, courage, and responsibility. The great performances from its talented cast and gripping narrative blended with its unforgettable fantasy world, help make it an unforgettable entry in the genre.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

PG

Adventure

Fantasy

Where to Watch

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Not available

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Release Date

December 9, 2005

Cast

William Moseley , Anna Popplewell , Skandar Keynes , Georgie Henley , Tilda Swinton , James McAvoy , Jim Broadbent , Liam Neeson

Runtime

143 Minutes

8 'Coraline' (2009)

Director: Henry Selick

Based on Neil Gaiman's book, this breathtaking Henry Selick film invites audiences to delve into a stunning Gothic tale about facing one's fears and growing up. The story centers around 11-year-old Coraline, who discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. However, to say in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.

This dark fantasy film features a relatable, strong-willed character that many may resonate with, especially in how she yearns for excitement and struggles to grow up, with her parent's lack of attention playing a harmful role in her upbringing. Coraline's timeless coming-of-age message, blended with its genuinely absorbing narrative, makes it a great watch for audiences of all ages, though it is a particularly great one for those coming-of-age, considering the poignant message it sends.

Coraline

PG

Family

Animation

Thriller

Fantasy

Drama

Where to Watch

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*Availability in US

Release Date

February 5, 2009

Cast

Dakota Fanning , Teri Hatcher , Jennifer Saunders , Dawn French , Keith David , John Hodgman

Runtime

100 minutes

7 'Labyrinth' (1986)

Director: Jim Henson

Starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, Labyrinth is one of the most popular films to come out of the 1980s, with Bowie's unforgettable villain being a huge culprit. The adventure epic follows teenage Sarah, who journeys through a maze to save her baby brother from the Goblin King.

It is evident that Sarah is navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood in this beautiful dark fantasy tale, with her fantastical journey mirroring her emotional growth and the labyrinth serving as a metaphorical representation of the challenges she faces — this allows her character to learn important lessons, such as how to take responsibility and make challenging decisions. Despite its lack of critical acclaim, Labyrinth endures as a fan-favorite cult classic even today, and part of that has to do with its entertaining but moving narrative.

Labyrinth

PG

Adventure

Family

Fantasy

Musical

Where to Watch

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Not available

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Release Date

June 27, 1986

Cast

David Bowie , Jennifer Connelly , Toby Froud , Shelley Thompson , Christopher Malcolm , Natalie Finland

Runtime

101 minutes

6 'The NeverEnding Story' (1986)

Director: Wolfgang Petersen

Another standout fantasy from the 1980s has got to be Wolfgang Petersen's The NeverEnding Story, a highly referenced film to this day. The adventure epic centers around a troubled boy (Barret Oliver) who dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book.

The NeverEnding Story is a dual coming-of-age tale, with the adventures of Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), whose quest is to save the mythical land of Fantasia, inspiring the introverted and grieving Bastian as he reads them. This eventually leads him to confront his fears and take control of his own destiny. The power of creativity and hope are two important messages in this fantastical tale of resilience in the face of adversity and self-discovery.

The Neverending Story

PG

Fantasy

Where to Watch

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See Also

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*Availability in US

Release Date

July 20, 1986

Cast

Noah Hathaway , Barret Oliver , Tami Stronach , Patricia Hayes , Sydney Bromley , Gerald McRaney , Moses Gunn

Runtime

94

5 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)

Directors: Victor Fleming, King Vidor

Although it is often labeled as a family adventure, Victor Fleming and King Vidor's fantasy epic The Wizard of Oz

is ultimately much more than that. The timeless film follows the young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto as the two are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, embarking on a quest to find their way back.

This exploration of self-discovery and courage is worth watching for audiences of all ages, whether for its memorable characters and entertaining narrative or its underlying message of confronting adversity and embracing responsibility. The Wizard of Oz is a classic for many reasons, including its groundbreaking introduction of technicolor (it was one of the first films to use it innovatively), iconic musical score, and advanced special effects.

The Wizard of Oz

PG

Musical

Fantasy

Family

Adventure

Where to Watch

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*Availability in US

Release Date

August 25, 1939

Cast

Margaret Hamilton , Jack Haley , Judy Garland , Bert Lahr , Ray Bolger

Runtime

102 minutes

4 'Pan's Labyrinth' (2006)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Guillermo del Toro is known for his fantastical films, and Pan's Labyrinth is at the top of the list. Flawlessly blending coming-of-age and fantasy elements, this dark fantasy masterpiece is set in 1944 Spain, following a little girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) sent to live with her stepfather. Amid her heartbreaking journey, she meets a fairy who takes her to an old faun.

What makes Pan's Labyrinth such a great coming-of-age tale is how it is rooted in reality, depicting the struggles that a young girl has to deal with, especially as she grapples with her mother's fragile health and her new stepfather's authoritarianism during such dark times. The movie's striking visuals are, too, a huge part of its undeniable appeal, as is the case for many del Toro pictures.

Pan's Labyrinth

R

Drama

Fantasy

War

Where to Watch

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Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

August 25, 2006

Cast

Ivana Baquero , Sergi López , Maribel Verdú , Doug Jones , Ariadna Gil , Álex Angulo

Runtime

112 minutes

3 'Harry Potter' Series (2001 - 2011)

Director: David Yates, Mike Newell, Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón

The Harry Potter series is an obvious pick when it comes to the fantasy genre, particularly when blended with captivating and layered coming-of-age tales. Counting on eight films and four directors, this fan-favorite saga has understandably captured the attention of young adults, children, and mature audiences alike, with its unforgettable characters and absorbing worldbuilding.

Harry Potter intertwines the fantasy and coming-of-age genres masterfully, particularly considering its fantastical narratives and how it follows Harry Potter's growth from an 11-year-old to a self-assured adult. Throughout the movies, Harry and his peers undergo massive transformations as they go face to face with the typical struggles of growing up. Themes of identity and belonging, as well as grief (namely from the loss of not only Harry's parents, but also Sirius, Dumbledore, and Cedric), play a huge role in the franchise.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

PG

Adventure

Fantasy

Release Date

November 16, 2001

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint , Emma Watson , Richard Harris , Tom Felton , Alan Rickman , Robbie Coltrane , Maggie Smith , Richard Griffiths , Ian Hart , Fiona Shaw , John Hurt , David Bradley , Matthew Lewis , Sean Biggerstaff , Warwick Davis , Harry Melling , James Phelps , Oliver Phelps , John Cleese , Chris Rankin , Alfred Enoch , Devon Murray , Jamie Waylett , Josh Herdman

Runtime

152 minutes

Watch on Max

2 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' (2023)

Director: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson

In this critically acclaimed animated 2023 film, Shameik Moore reprises his role as Miles Morales as the character catapults across the multiverse where he ultimately encounters a team of Spider-People. However, when the heroes clash about how to handle a new threat, Miles is challenged to redefine the meaning of being a hero.

Although both Across the Spider-Verse and Into the Spider-Verse are wonderful fantasy coming-of-age tales (and thus both deserve a mention), Across the Spider-Verse is arguably the most poignant of the two, particularly for Miles' transformative journey into a self-assured young man. This deeply personal coming-of-age story sees its lead character navigating the complexities of growing up and finding his place in the world, often highlighting the pressures between societal expectations and personal choice.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

PG

Animation

Superhero

Action

Adventure

Where to Watch

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*Availability in US

Release Date

June 2, 2023

Cast

Shameik Moore , Hailee Steinfeld , Oscar Isaac , Jake Johnson

Runtime

140 minutes

Watch on Netflix

1 'Spirited Away' (2001)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Studio Ghibli's works are very identity-focused, with many of their films exploring self-discovery and personal growth. Spirited Away is one of its most popular — it follows a 10-year-old girl (Rumi Hiiragi) who wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches, and spirits, where humans are changed into beasts.

Chihiro's journey from a timid child to a courageous individual is one of the movie's most clear and important messages. At its core, Spirited Away uses fantasy as a catalyst for growth, with its fantastical world serving as a metaphor for the unknown challenges and mystery surrounding growing up. By the end of the film, its central character has finished undergoing a massive moral transformation where she has ultimately learned about responsibility and courage.

Spirited Away

PG

Anime

Adventure

Family

Release Date

July 20, 2001

Cast

Rumi Hîragi , Miyu Irino , Mari Natsuki , Takashi Naitô , Yasuko Sawaguchi , Tatsuya Gashûin

Runtime

125 minutes

Watch on Apple TV

NEXT: 10 Best Coming-of-Age Superhero Movies, Ranked