7 Movies like ‘Good Boys’ That Explore the Joys and Troubles of Adolescence

“Good Boys” is among several child-led films that hilariously compact childhood nostalgia, preteen woes, and the embarrassing onset of puberty. The 2019 comedy adventure was a roaring success, ranked among the most beloved child-led movies in the last few decades of film and television.

“Good Boys” truly is about good boys verging on the precipice of adolescence. It follows the story of three 12-year-olds who are invited to a spin-the-bottle party. Max (Jacob Tremblay), a member of the Beanbag Boys, is particularly excited as he might finally get to kiss his crush, Brixlie.

Alas, the youngster has no clue about the mechanics of kissing, but it’s an obstacle he’ll demolish the best way he knows how: with his dad’s drone. He recruits his best friends, fellow Beanbag members Thor (Brady Noon) and Lucas (Keith L. Williams), and they embark on their mission: to spy on a teenage girl and her boyfriend for a live demonstration of lip-locking.

Much to their dismay, the boys are caught in the act, and the girl confiscates their drone. And so begins an adventure to retrieve the device, which leads to an escapade from vengeful teenage girls while carrying accidentally stolen drugs before finally reaching the long-awaited party.

Apart from the sizeable laughs guaranteed from watching “Good Boys,” the film explores the hilariously woeful transition to adolescence — involving a rather proud father when he discovers Max is playing with his nether regions and the boys being stumped about sex toys.

It also explores Max, Lucas, and Thor’s friendship as they reach a point where they question its existence and just how long it might last. “Good Boys” is the successor of many child-led adventures that delve into the same themes, though some take a more grave and emotional tone. Below is a compilation of seven such films, some of which have remained cult classics for decades.

Superbad (2007)

Similar to “Good Boys,” the heart of “Superbad” looks at two socially inept teenagers eager to achieve the “cool kids” status. Starring Jonah Hill as Seth and Michael Cera as Evan, the acclaimed actors hilariously depict two co-dependent teenagers who will soon separate after graduating high school and go off to different colleges.

Much like Max, Lucas, and Thor, Seth and Evan have yet to shed their innocence. But as graduation rolls around the corner, the two are determined to fit everything “bad” a teenager can do into one night of partying. Though after scoring some booze and inviting girls for their mischievous event, things go awry.

Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Michael Cera and Jonah Hill (clockwise from top) are pictured as they walk out of a studio bus in front of Bowlmor Lanes where they’re promoting their new movie “Superbad” on August 27, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002)

“The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys” is a coming-of-age story following the lives of the rebellious duo Francis Doyle (Emile Hirsch) and Tim Sullivan (Kieran Culkin) as students at a Catholic School. Francis and Tim are not goody-two-shoed boys, and they’re not afraid to show it.

After Sister Assumpta, the catalyst of their repression, finds them drawing obscene cartoons and confiscates the artwork, they plot their heist to retrieve the item. The film, adapted from a novel by Chris Furhman, integrated live-action scenes and animated sequences that somehow dramatized and intensified Francis and Tim’s story.

Contrary to the R-rated roles of the “Good Boys” main cast, “The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys” takes a more serious tone that delves into teenage friendship and romance. While the humor is undoubtedly sharp, Francis and Tim become each other’s mirrors as their plot to push back against their school’s orthodox rules thickens.

The Squid and the Whale (2005)

“Good Boys” sees three unrelated boys bound by friendship, but 2005’s “The Squid and the Whale” follows two siblings, 16-year-old Walt (Jesse Eisenberg) and 12-year-old Frank (Owen Kline), as they come to terms with their parents’ divorce.

The two are divided, as Walt sides with their dad, a pompous failing novelist, while Frank sympathizes with his mother, a writer on the verge of success. The movie is based on its writer and creator’s own real-life experience with his parents’ separation, set in 1986 in New York City.

Several mishaps unravel as tensions rise between Walt and Frank’s parents; however, the biggest gut-punch the film delivers is a sharp and intentional mix of comedy and the painful realities of children of divorce. It is that juxtaposition that becomes the film’s anchoring in the lived experiences of some fraction of the audience.

Booksmart (2019)

Released the same year as “Good Boys,” “Booksmart” is a teen comedy with a similar plot to “Superbad.” Molly (played by Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (played by Kaitlyn Dever) had soaring academic careers throughout high school.

However, after securing their places in college, they find out their peers, who didn’t exactly play by the book, also made it into ivy league institutions. It is that discovery that leads to the painful realization, “We chose wrong!” as Molly cried.

Molly and Amy are two best friends who realized too late that it was possible to work and play hard simultaneously. And so, in a desperate attempt to make up for lost time, they try to cram four years of fun into one night on the eve of their high school graduation.

Stand by Me (1986)

“Stand by Me” is a cult classic that remains beloved over three decades following its release. Like “Good Boys,” the film is a child-led adventure that follows the story of four boys trudging the woods, searching for a young boy’s supposedly missing corpse.

Although it is told through the eyes of a writer following the death of his friend, the story’s crux is central to the events that unravel during the youngsters’ quest. However, unlike “Good Boys,” “Stand by Me” explores the discomfort that accompanies the onset of adolescence.

The most enthralling aspect of the film is how it forces the audience to confront that discomfort alongside the main characters — played by the late River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Wil Wheaton — and the intense nostalgia it evokes as the audience witnesses the joys and woes and the evolution of young friendship.

Lucas (1986)

The 80s were quite a decade for exploring adolescence, and “Lucas” focused primarily on a teen romance. The title character, played by Corey Haim, is an awkward 14-year-old boy who meets the love of his life, Maggie. The 16-year-old love interest just moved to town and will be joined by Lucas — whose high IQ led to “acceleration” — when they return to school.

During the preceding summer, Lucas and Maggie become good friends, but things change when school starts. While Lucas has fallen hopelessly in love with Maggie, she instead develops feelings for his senior best friend, Cappie (played by Charlie Sheen). Lucas’s heart is shattered when he finds them kissing, but he’s determined to win Maggie back.

Although the film has some comedic relief, it takes a different direction from “Good Boys,” as it displays the harsh realities one faces as one’s innocence slowly dissipates. Like “Stand by Me,” “Lucas” is a beautiful coming-of-age story that touched the hearts of many.

The Sandlot (1993)

“The Sandlot” is set in the summer of 1962 and sees a shy young boy named Scott Smalls, new to a Los Angeles suburb, recruited by a baseball prodigy into his team despite having little flair for the game. As he jells into the group, Scott learns the nitty gritty of sandlot baseball and embarks on several adventures with his new friends.

“The Sandlot,” a dramedy that any family can enjoy, has been hailed as a “celebration of childhood friendship and summer fun.” This year marks its 30th anniversary, and the film remains beloved for several reasons. Apart from the nostalgia it evokes, it delves into timeless themes such as allowing oneself to learn from others and facing one’s fears.

Although the movie plot is not overly elaborate, it authentically depicts other themes against the backdrop of baseball. As Scott learns to break out of his shell through the sport and friendship, he finds the courage to open up to his stepdad after a rocky start in their relationship.