If you’re anything like me (a huge John Green fan), you’ve probably seen The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns – and absolutely loved them. I also loved Looking for Alaska, by the way, but more to the point, there are so many characters and scenes in Paper Towns that I absolutely adore.
I gotta give credit to Cara Delevingne as her portrayal of Margo Roth Spiegelman was great. She perfectly portrayed the unpredictable, free-spirited teen who unexpectedly disappears but leaves behind a trail of cryptic clues for her friends to follow.
Then you have Quentin, played by Nat Wolff, who has a huge crush on Margo. Quentin’s love for her is the reason he goes on a quest to find her, as he believes she’s more than just a mysterious figure; she’s someone he needs to understand.
Along the way, Quentin drags his friends – Ben (Austin Abrams) and Radar (Justice Smith) – on a wild road trip to track down Margo. This movie is incredibly fun, full of quirky humour and heartfelt moments. It’s one of those films I never get bored with rewatching.
Here are some movies similar to Paper Towns you need to watch now.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
You can’t watch The Fault in Our Stars without a tissue on hand! This iconic teen movie is about a girl named Hazel Grace, who is battling cancer. She meets her love interest, Augustus Waters, at a support group. Initially annoyed at his character, the pair soon fall in love and go on an adventure of a lifetime.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age story about a shy young boy named Charlie who struggles to make friends as he starts his freshman year with no friends, but then befriends seniors Patrick and Sam. Charlie has had a troubling few years after his best friend took his life and his abusive aunt died. He learns to cope with the tragedies and take on new experiences.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
The Spectacular Now is a coming-of-age drama that follows our main character, Sutter Keely, a high school senior who often gets drunk, lives in the moment, and avoids thinking about the future. But his life changes once he befriends Aimee Finecky, a shy and introverted girl who challenges his perspective on life. They later develop feelings for each other and are open about their insecurities and regrets.
Into the Wild (2007)
Into the Wild is a great film about a young man, Christopher McCandless, who abandons his possessions and savings to travel across America, seeking freedom and meaning. His journey ultimately leads him to the Alaskan wilderness, where he faces the harsh realities of isolation and survival.
Adventureland (2009)
Adventureland is a comedy-of-age story starring Jesse Eisenberg as James Brennan and Kristen Stewart as Em Lewin. James and Em befriend each other while working at a local amusement park. Growing closer, they discuss their plans as they navigate life after college.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Call Me by Your Name follows 17-year-old Elio, who spends the summer in northern Italy with his family. He becomes romantically involved with Oliver, a 24-year-old American scholar staying with them. Their short but intense relationship leaves Elio with deep feelings that stay with him long after Oliver is gone.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine is about a dysfunctional family who road-trips across the country to support their young daughter’s dream of winning a beauty pageant, facing challenges and bonding along the way.
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a romantic comedy-drama about two teenagers, Nick and Norah, who meet by chance during a wild night in New York City. After Nick’s ex shows up at a concert, he asks Norah for help, and the two embark on an unexpected adventure, as they share a bond over music and personal struggles.
Love, Simon (2018)
Love, Simon is a quirky teen flick that follows Simon Spier, a high school senior who’s secretly gay but hasn’t come out to anyone—not even his best friends or family. Things take a twist when Simon starts emailing an anonymous guy, “Blue,” and they bond over their shared secret. But when their private emails end up in the hands of Simon’s classmate Martin, Simon’s world is turned upside down.
The Way, Way Back (2013)
This movie about a shy, awkward teenage boy who spends the summer with his mother and her boyfriend at a beach house. He finds solace and confidence working at a local water park, where he forms a friendship with the quirky manager.
Juno (2007)
Juno is a hilarious coming-of-age flick about a teenage girl who gets pregnant and decides to give the baby up for adoption, facing the challenges of her decision and relationships along the way.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Me, Earl and the Dying Girl follows our protagonist Greg, a senior in high school who avoids social interaction. However, he is forced to befriend a girl named Rachel Kushner, who has been diagnosed with leukemia. Over the course of the film, we witness how Greg’s relationship with Rachel evolves as he begins to care for her. Greg is joined by his best friend Earl, with whom he shares a love for making quirky parody films, and his growing friendship with Rachel.
Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
Stranger Than Fiction follows Harold Crick, an IRS agent who starts hearing a narrator describe his life. As he learns he’s the protagonist of a novel, he must change his fate before the story ends tragically. It stars hilarious comic Will Ferrell.
The Kings of Summer (2013)
The Kings of Summer is a fun coming-of-age comedy about three friends who run away to the woods to build their own house and live freely. This film is all about friendships and freedom.
Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird (2017) follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a high school senior dealing with the turbulent waters of adolescence in Sacramento, California. She dreams of independence, leaving her small-town life and heading to a more exciting future in New York City. However, her relationship with her mother, Marion, is difficult. Christine is torn between following her heart and living up to her mother’s high expectations for her.