20 Coming-Of-Age Movies That Are Totally Flawless

13. American Graffiti (1973)

American Graffiti Mels Drive-In
Lucasfilm

Before he changed the world with Star Wars, George Lucas directed American Graffiti, a plotless slice-of-slice dramedy set on the eve of the Vietnam War.

Enjoying their summer vacation in '62, the film follows a group of optimistic high schoolers attempting to have one last great day before the holidays end, during which they come to some eye-opening realisations about their futures.

Not only is American Graffiti a sweet and relatable ode to growing up with the world on your shoulders, but it's also a heartbreaking look into life pre-Vietnam, when anything seemed possible and everyone was prepared for their next chapters.

A major influence on future films of its kind, American Graffiti is a beautiful depiction of young love and uncertainty that is as awkwardly hilarious as it is crushing.

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