By Jessica Herndon
Ah, the raw delight and messiness of youth! Whether on the brink of adulthood or deep in the throes of maturity, coming-of-age stories hit with sweet — and bittersweet — doses of playfulness and reality. They’re portraits of transition and self-discovery — where growing up’s tender, awkward charm collides with the stark realities of becoming an adult. For those well into adulthood, these films transport you back to the days of unfiltered emotions when all decisions felt monumental and your experiences shaped who you are. And to the young ones heading toward adulting, see your world reflected as you brace for the wild and sometimes heartbreaking journey of growing up and finding your place.
With films about challenging societal expectations — oh hey, 2006 Fest darling Little Miss Sunshine! — to affecting stories on cultural identity, as seen in the 2002 Audience Award: Dramatic winner Real Women Have Curves; generational gaps, like in 2024 Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic winner Dìdi (弟弟); and father-daughter bonds, chronicled in 2024 Audience Award: U.S. Documentary winner and Festival Favorite Award–winning documentary Daughters, the Sundance Film Festival is known for premiering innovative coming-of-age stories through fresh, diverse lenses. And the 2025 lineup is no exception!
From a story about a bond between two teenage girls searching for belonging to a tale of a Bronx hustler forced to grow up too quickly, this year’s slate features a curated selection of deeply personal projects about growing up in all its beautiful complexity.
Below, preview 11 coming-of-age stories showing at the Fest to add to your Favorites.
Brides (World Cinema Dramatic Competition) — Doe and Muna might not have all the answers, but they know one thing: They need out. With dreams of freedom and a fresh start, the two teenagers set out to escape from their complicated lives in the U.K. Nadia Fall’s directorial debut tackles the complexities of identity through a sociopolitical lens. Anchored by heartfelt performances from Ebada Hassan and Safiyya Ingar, Brides is a deeply compassionate and thought-provoking exploration of friendship, faith, and self-discovery. Available in person and online.
DJ Ahmet (World Cinema Dramatic Competition) — For 15-year-old Ahmet (Arif Jakup), his remote village in North Macedonia is both home and a cage. Caught between his father’s stern expectations and a growing love for music, Ahmet dreams of a world beyond shepherding. With his brother Naim by his side, he tries to pursue his passion and impress Aya, a dancer who’s already spoken for. Pulsing with vibrant energy and color, the debut feature from Georgi M. Unkovski is an ode to the ways music can break barriers. Available in person and online.
FOLKTALES (Premieres) — In icy Arctic Norway, a group of teenagers embark on a transformative journey at a traditional folk high school, where modern distractions are traded for sled dogs and survival skills. In this documentary, co-directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady explore how the school — and challenges like enduring freezing temperatures without gloves — shapes its students. A story of simplicity and hope, FOLKTALES reminds us of the beauty in connecting to nature and each other. Available in person.
Hal & Harper (Episodic) — Sibling relationships can be messy, but for Hal and Harper, their codependent bond is the glue holding their world together. Director Cooper Raiff, who also stars as Hal, crafts an intimate look at a family navigating its past and present. Opposite Raiff, Lili Reinhart shines as the sardonic, humorous, and quietly vulnerable Harper. With flashbacks that blur childhood and adulthood and Mark Ruffalo delivering a layered performance as their guilt-ridden father, this series unpacks a family’s scars and love. First four episodes available in person, and all eight episodes available online.
Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo) (NEXT) — Life in the Bronx is all about the hustle for Rico — like selling his signature cocktails at the beach — until his girlfriend, Destiny, moves in with his family, and he has to adjust to new responsibilities. As Rico, Juan Collado is cool and vulnerable, while Destiny Checo brings depth to a young woman handling her own challenges. Dedicated to shining a light on urban life in his work, writer-director Joel Alfonso Vargas offers a heartfelt glimpse into his Dominican American community, blending grit and humor into this tender tale. Available in person and online.
Speak. (U.S. Documentary Competition) — The stakes are high as five exceptional high school orators craft speeches that could take them to the top of one of the world’s most intense public speaking competitions. Directors Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman offer an inspiring glimpse into the students’ lives, where rehearsals are squeezed between charting social media stardom and dating. But these speeches aren’t just words — they’re calls to action, tackling urgent issues like anti-LGBTQ+ laws and school shootings. Available in person and online.
Stranger, Brother. (Short Film Program 4) — Adam’s quiet, self-absorbed life gets a rude awakening when his estranged 10-year-old half brother, Mose, shows up on his doorstep, forcing Adam (Tiaki Teremoana) to confront the family he’s long avoided. In writer-director Annelise Hickey’s heartfelt short film, what starts as a frustrating interruption turns into a series of realizations as Adam grapples with the unexpected gravity of Mose’s presence. Available in person and online.
Sugar Babies (U.S. Documentary Competition) — Autumn isn’t just navigating TikTok fame and college; she’s rewriting the rules of an entrepreneur to carve out a better life for herself. Growing up in rural Louisiana with limited options, she launches a savvy online sugar baby operation — no meetups required — turning chatting and selfies into financial independence. Rachel Fleit’s empathetic doc offers an unvarnished look at Autumn’s life, celebrating her ambition. Available in person and online.
Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake) (U.S. Dramatic Competition) — At Green Lake, life flows in unexpected directions. Sierra Falconer’s debut is a gentle yet striking mosaic of the interconnected lives of characters that stay with you, including a soon-to-be sailor and a musician. Set in Michigan, where Falconer grew up, the film is a bewitching and personal portrait capturing those quiet moments that transform and shape us. Available in person and online.
The Virgin of Quarry Lake (World Cinema Dramatic Competition) — As Natalia and Diego’s friendship grows into something more, the arrival of the older and more worldly Silvia steals Diego’s attention. Laura Casabé’s striking adaptation of Mariana Enríquez’s short stories immerses us in an early 2000s Argentina on the brink of economic collapse. Dolores Oliverio delivers a powerful performance as Natalia, capturing the intensity of coming into her own in an alluring but dangerous setting. Available in person and online.
Where the Wind Comes From (World Cinema Dramatic Competition) — For Alyssa and Mehdi, life feels like a waiting room, and they’re desperate to leave. Armed with a knack for dreaming big, the two set out on a road trip to Djerba, hoping to win a contest that could be their ticket to a fresh start. Infusing everyday moments with playful surrealism, first-time feature director Amel Guellaty creates a story of two hopeful young adults, played by Eya Bellagha and Slim Baccar, yearning for more. Available in person and online.
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