Latest Asian Coming of Age Film Recommendations for 2025, Must-Watch

Kapanlagi.com - The coming of age genre has long been a favorite as it depicts the process of growing up filled with conflicts, the search for identity, and strong emotional experiences. These stories reflect the challenges and changes experienced during the transition from adolescence to early adulthood.

Not only from Hollywood, several Asian coming of age films have also managed to capture global attention with local cultural touches, touching narratives, and relatable characters.

From Japan to India, Asia has a lineup of the latest coming of age films that offer inspiring, meaningful, and emotionally touching stories. If you are looking for heartwarming viewing, here is a list of Asian coming of age films that you must watch this year. Reported by KapanLagi.com from various sources, Wednesday (30/4/2025).

1. Japanese Film I Wish: When Children's Hopes Drive the Story

I Wish (Image by Mydramalist.com).

The film I Wish (2011) takes us into the world of two brothers, Koichi and Ryunosuke, who are trying to reunite their family after their parents' divorce. Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, this film presents the children's perspective with tenderness and realism.

Koreeda is known as a filmmaker who often portrays Japanese family life with a humanistic approach. In I Wish, he not only focuses on family conflicts but also on the hopes and beliefs of children in miracles. �I want to make a film that can be seen through the eyes of a child, not just about them,� said Koreeda in his interview with BFI.

This film conveys the message that children's dreams, no matter how simple, can be a driving force. With a strong Japanese cultural backdrop and deep emotional nuances, I Wish is a perfect depiction of the coming-of-age genre.

2. Mary is Happy, Mary is Happy: An Absurd and Poetic Portrait of Adolescence in Thailand

Mary is Happy, Mary is Happy (Image by Mydramalist.com).

Mary is Happy, Mary is Happy (2013) is one of the most experimental films from Thailand that boldly showcases the absurdity of adolescence. Directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, the film is adapted from 410 tweets from the Twitter account @marylony, making it unique in both structure and content.

Mary and her best friend, Suri, are compiling a yearbook ahead of their graduation. In the midst of this project, they encounter strange occurrences, from a falling camera to losing their sense of direction in life. “I want to show that being a teenager is not always logical, but always emotional,” Nawapol told The Hollywood Reporter.

With a surreal cinematic style and a script full of irony, the film successfully represents the anxieties and oddities of adolescence. The audience is invited to laugh, be astonished, and even reflect through a story that is personal yet feels universal.

3. House of Hummingbird: A Portrait of the Solitude of Korean Adolescence Amidst Social Turmoil

House of Hummingbird (Image by Mydramalist.com).

House of Hummingbird (2018) depicts the life of a 14-year-old girl named Eun Hee growing up in Seoul in 1994. The film immerses the audience in the feelings of loneliness and pressure that Eun Hee experiences in a harsh family environment and a demanding education system.

Directed by Kim Bora and based on her personal experiences, the film presents an intimate and touching narrative. Eun Hee feels lonely even amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Her introduction to a female teacher becomes a turning point in her life. “I want to capture the small voices that are often overlooked,” Kim said in an interview with Variety.

The film has successfully captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and won the Grand Prix at Berlinale. The combination of adolescent emotions and the historical backdrop of Korea makes House of Hummingbird one of the strongest coming-of-age films from Asia.

4. Better Days: When Friendship and Resilience are Tested in a Harsh System

Better Days (Image by Mydramalist.com).

Better Days (2019) is a Chinese film that showcases the harsh realities of teenage life amid academic pressure and school violence. Chen Nian, a bullied student, meets Xiao Bei, a street kid who becomes her protector.

Directed by Derek Tsang, the film is an adaptation of the novel In His Youth, In Her Beauty by Jiu Yuexi. Better Days is not just a teenage romantic drama, but also a sharp social critique of the education system and the lack of protection for students. �We want to show how a harsh system can destroy a teenager's mental health,� Tsang told SCMP.

The film has won various awards and was nominated for the 2021 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category. With dark cinematography and emotional performances, Better Days is a film that is hard to forget.

5. The Last Film Show: Childhood Love for Cinema in the Indian Countryside

The Last Film Show (Image by Youtube.com).

The Last Film Show (2021) is a love letter to the world of cinema, packaged through the lens of a village boy named Samay. Living in Gujarat, India, Samay's life changes when his father takes him to the cinema for the first time.

This film is a semi-autobiographical work by director Pan Nalin. �At the cinema, Samay is captivated by the light, sound, and stories displayed on the big screen,� Pan said in an interview with IndieWire. This fascination leads Samay to want to create his own projector, along with his little friends.

The film not only touches on childhood dreams but also shows how access to art can change a person's future. Included in the Oscar 2023 shortlist, The Last Film Show is strong evidence that big dreams can emerge from the simplest of places.

6. Not Friends: A Love Letter to Cinema from the Perspective of Youth

Not Friends (Image by Mydramalist.com).

Not Friends (2023) is a unique Thai film that discusses the relationships between friends after death. The film highlights Pae, a transfer student who makes a short film about his late classmate, Joe, whom he ignored during his life.

Director Atta Hemwadee includes many film references, especially from Christopher Nolan. �This film is not just about friendship, but also about how we want to be remembered,� Atta said during the GDH 559 press conference. The story emerges because it discusses how cinema becomes a tool to express repressed emotions.

With an unpredictable plot and a cinematic style rich in references, Not Friends is a coming-of-age film that invites the audience to reflect on existence and the meaning of human relationships.

7. Fleet of Time: Sweet and Bitter Memories of Adolescence That Leave a Mark

Fleet of Time (Image by Mydramalist.com).

Fleet of Time (2019) is a Thai film that highlights nostalgia and sweet memories of school days. The story begins as Win reminisces about his teenage years in 1999, filled with laughter, sadness, and true friendship.

The film honestly depicts the dynamics of adolescence. The audience is invited to see how small events, like being punished with friends or experiencing first love, can leave a deep impression. â��I want to invite the audience to feel again what it’s like to be young and full of hope,â�� said the director in a local Thai interview.

With a nostalgic backdrop, Fleet of Time is the perfect choice for those who want to revisit the simple yet meaningful moments of their teenage years.

8. I Told Sunset About You: The Search for Identity and Love Amidst Inner Struggles

I Told Sunset About You (Image by Mydramalist.com).

I Told Sunset About You (2020) is a Thai drama that explores the theme of sexual identity search between two high school boys. Starring Putthipong Assaratanakul and Krit Amnuaydechkorn, this series is filled with emotions and inner turmoil.

Known for its cinematic visuals and poetic storytelling, the drama not only highlights romance but also the struggle of self-discovery. â��It’s not about who they love, but about how they find the courage to love themselves,â�� said producer Nadao Bangkok to the Bangkok Post.

Although it tackles controversial themes, the series has received a warm welcome and has even become a symbol of positive LGBTQ+ representation in Asia. It’s no wonder that many teenagers in various countries relate to the story of Teh and Oh-aew.

9. Why Are Coming of Age Films from Asia Gaining Attention Worldwide?

Asian films with coming of age themes are increasingly finding a place in the hearts of international audiences. Not only because of their unique cultures but also due to the strength of the stories and emotions conveyed.

Several factors that make these films stand out:

• Personal narratives that honestly depict the anxieties of youth.

• Highlighting social issues and identities that are globally relevant.

• The quality of cinematography and direction that is increasingly recognized internationally.

With an authentic and emotional approach, these films successfully build cross-cultural empathy. They are not just entertainment but also a reflection of youth that shapes who we are today.

(kpl/cyk)