5 Movies You Should Watch Before Turning 25 and Why

Breakups, career uncertainty and questions about life direction shape many people’s early twenties. At this stage, individuals often navigate identity, relationships and personal goals while trying to make sense of their future.

Filmmakers frequently turn these experiences into stories that reflect real-life struggles. As a result, audiences often find characters facing situations that mirror their own.

Watching such stories can make those moments feel less isolating. It often helps to understand that confusion, setbacks and emotional highs form part of early adulthood rather than something unusual.

In describing this stage of life, singer Taylor Swift once said, “We’re happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time.”

The statement captures the mix of emotions often associated with the twenties.

Against this background, the following movies explore identity, relationships, personal challenges and decision-making during formative years.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) is a United States production directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert and produced by Jonathan Wang, featuring Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang.

Evelyn Wang runs a laundromat while she struggles with financial pressure and a strained relationship with her daughter.

Soon after, she finds herself pulled into multiple parallel realities where different versions of her life unfold.

As she moves between these worlds, she faces emotional overload, regret and responsibility. She tries to repair her relationships while she processes the chaos around her.

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Barbie (2023)

Barbie (2023) is a United States production directed by Greta Gerwig and produced by Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and David Heyman, with Margot Robbie playing Barbie.

Barbie begins to question her life in Barbieland when she notices something feels off.

She then travels to the real world, where she encounters new expectations and unfamiliar realities.

Through these experiences, she confronts questions about identity and self-worth as she adjusts to a different environment.

Past Lives (2023)

Past Lives (2023) is a United States and South Korea co-production directed by Celine Song and produced by David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, featuring Greta Lee as Nora (Na Young) and Teo Yoo as Hae Sung.

Nora reconnects with Hae Sung after many years of separation. They now live in different countries and lead separate lives.

As they meet again, they revisit their shared past and reflect on the direction their lives have taken.

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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) is a United States animated production directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson and produced by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Amy Pascal, with Shameik Moore as Miles Morales.

Miles Morales balances school, family expectations and his responsibilities as Spider-Man.

He later learns that Spider-People across the multiverse face expectations about predetermined destinies.

As pressure builds, Miles challenges those expectations and chooses to define his own path.

Queen of Katwe (2016)

Queen of Katwe (2016) is a United States and Ugandan production directed by Mira Nair and produced by Walt Disney Pictures, featuring Madina Nalwanga as Phiona Mutesi and Lupita Nyong’o as Harriet (Madina’s mother).

Phiona Mutesi grew up in Katwe, a low-income area in Kampala, Uganda, where she faced financial challenges and limited access to education.

She later joins a local chess program led by Robert Katende.

As she learns the game, she begins to compete in tournaments and gains exposure beyond her community. She continues to develop her skills while managing responsibilities at home.

The narrative follows her progress in chess and the opportunities that emerge as a result.

Viewers can relate to the process of learning, adapting and pursuing goals despite challenges.

Together, they show how individuals navigate identity, pressure and change during early adulthood.

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Lupita Nyong’o (Harriet Mutesi) embraces Madina Nalwanga (Phiona Mutesi) in a heartfelt scene from Queen of Katwe, highlighting a journey of hope and triumph against the odds. PHOTO/Walt Disney Pictures