Dazed and Confused is a 1993 American coming-of-age comedy film written and directed by Richard Linklater. The film follows the adventures of a group of suburban Texas teenagers during their last day of school in May 1976.
If you’re looking for movies that capture the spirit of “dazed and confused,” check out these titles:
1. Half Nelson (2006)
Where to stream:
I’ve always said that if you want to watch Gosling act, see ‘Drive’ and ‘Half Nelson.’ His greatest films blasphemously contradict one another and offer us a glimpse into his acting range.
Dunne works as a history teacher at the local high school. He, however, has no difficulty having fun and being addicted to narcotics. His rambunctious activities frequently put him in contact with unanticipated boulders in life, and one such occurrence helped him make friends with a 13-year-old boy.
Without his brother to look after him, who is incarcerated for drug dealing, Dunne almost makes it a point of pride to care for the kid and build an indestructible friendship with him.
The film’s soulful perspective on drug addiction and mismanaged adolescents is moving. ‘Half Nelson’ is a vessel of jarred happiness and moanful misery of life, with stunning performances from the cast and a melancholic score by Broken Social Scene (do check them out).
2. Boyhood (2014)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Linklater’s masterpiece Boyhood is one of those movies that feels like it was plucked right out of life. Filmed over the course of twelve years with the same cast, Linklater charts the growth of Mason (Ellar Coltrane) from a wide-eyed six-year-old to a brooding eighteen-year-old.
It’s an intimate and moving portrait of human life, charting all the usual milestones – first loves, family arguments, college applications – as well as the more subtle changes that occur over time.
The film has been praised for its realism, and it’s easy to see why; it’s one of the few movies that feels like it’s truly about life, rather than just a collection of disparate events.
3. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Where to stream: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
If you’re looking for a coming-of-age movie with a female protagonist, then ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ is the perfect film for you.
Starring Hailee Steinfeld as the eponymous seventeen-year-old, the film follows her as she navigates the ups and downs of high school life.
The Edge of Seventeen is a funny, touching and relatable film that perfectly captures the pain and confusion of growing up.
4. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
‘The Breakfast Club’ is one of the most iconic teen movies of all time, and for good reason.
The film follows five high school students – a jock, a brain, a beauty, a rebel and a recluse – as they spend a Saturday in detention together.
Through their interactions, the film explores the different cliques that exist in high school and the pressures that kids are under to conform.
With its smart writing and a great cast (including Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson), ‘The Breakfast Club’ is a must-watch for anyone who’s ever been a teenager.
5. American Graffiti (1973)
Where to stream: MX player, Apple TV
Set in 1962, American Graffiti is a coming-of-age film that follows the adventures of a group of friends as they spend their last night together before heading off to college.
Filled with nostalgia, the film is a moving portrait of teenage life in the early 1960s.
American Graffiti is a classic of the coming-of-age genre, featuring an all-star cast that includes Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video, Mubi, Netflix
Another great coming-of-age movie is ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower.’
Starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson, the film follows Charlie, a shy and introverted high school student, as he comes to terms with his teenage years.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a funny and moving film that will speak to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
7. The Kings of Summer (2013)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
If you’re looking for a coming-of-age movie with a difference, then you should check out ‘The Kings of Summer.’
Instead of taking place in a high school, the film follows three teenage friends who run away from home and spend the summer living in the woods.
The Kings of Summer is a charming and funny film that captures the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with being a teenager.
8. High School (2012)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
If you’re a fan of over-the-top high school movies, then ‘High School’ is the film for you.
Starring Chandler Riggs (from The Walking Dead) and Noah Malahari, the film follows a group of students who get caught up in a scheme to sell drugs to their classmates.
High School is a wild ride that’s packed with laughs, thrills and teenage antics.
9. School of Rock (2003)
Where to stream: Prime Video, Apple TV
Another great high school movie is ‘School of Rock.’
Starring Jack Black as a struggling musician who poses as a substitute teacher, the film follows him as he turns his class into a rock band.
Filled with hilarious moments and awesome musical performances, School of Rock is a must-see for anyone who loves music.
10. Superbad (2007)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud teen movie, then you can’t go wrong with ‘Superbad.’
Starring Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, the film follows two high school nerds as they try to score alcohol for a party.
Hilarious and raunchy, Superbad is one of the funniest movies ever made.
11. Empire Records (1995)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
If you’re a fan of ’90s movies, then you need to check out ‘Empire Records.’
The film follows a group of young employees at a small-town record store as they try to save their store from being shut down.
Featuring an amazing cast that includes Liv Tyler, Anthony Rapp and Robin Tunney, Empire Records is a fun and nostalgic film about teenage life in the ’90s.
12. Skateland (2010)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Set in the 1980s, ‘Skateland’ is a coming-of-age film that follows the life of a small-town teenager as he navigates his way through love, friendship and adulthood.
Filled with nostalgia, Skateland is a moving and insightful film about growing up in America.
13. Remember the Daze (2007)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
If you’re a fan of movies like ‘Dazed and Confused,’ then you need to check out ‘Remember the Daze.’
Set in the summer of 1999, the film follows a group of friends as they spend their last days of high school.
Filled with nostalgia, Remember the Daze is a moving portrait of teenage life in the ’90s.
14. The Last Song (2010)
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video, Mubi
If you’re looking for a coming-of-age movie with a bit of romance, then you should check out ‘The Last Song.’
Starring Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, the film follows a teenage girl who is sent to spend the summer with her estranged father.
While there, she falls in love with a local boy and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
The Last Song is a sweet and heartfelt film that will speak to anyone who’s ever been through a tough breakup.