A slew of movies from the 80s and 90s have defined the coming of age of Generation X. Movies like Goonies and Reality Bites and Breakfast Club – they are the films of our youth and some of us hold those films to our cheeks like warm tortillas. But what about now? Gen X is navigating some tough times in a changing world that still doesn’t really see us. Are our midlife challenges being represented in film today?
The answer is an emphatic YES! There is absolutely some recent cinema telling it like it is. What it’s like to struggle with modern family dynamics, changing careers, questions of pursuing dreams versus settling down, and whether we will ever be able to retire, are all captured in these modern Gen X tales.
Now, my own movie viewing is neither expansive nor diverse, so I could use your help in adding to this list by sharing more movies that accurately, or at least somewhat believably, capture Gen X in midlife.
Here’s 9 from me.
Happy Gilmore 2 (2025)
This is a story about living for your children’s dreams and capturing (or recapturing) your own while overcoming all the cruel obstacles life throws at us. It is also a touching reminder to remember those gone too soon. Watch on Netflix.
Old Dads (2023)
In both business and family affairs, this movie depicts the hand-off of the world from the Baby Boomers to the Millennials, while the Forgotten Generation rides the wave and tries to catch its footing. Watch on Netflix.
Me Time (2022)
This relatable tale is about finding yourself settled into a bland yet stable maturity, but being unwilling to entirely give up your young and wild side. Finding a balance is key, because swinging from one extreme to the other just won’t do. Watch on Netflix.
Nobody (2021)
To retire or not to retire? That is the question. But it’s not always up to us, as Gen X is likely to find out. Trying to balance family, business, and our own needs – rarely is there room for our own needs – is at the heart of this action-packed film. Watch on Prime Video.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
This fantasy horror comedy may not be realistic in content, but the relationship dynamics are fully relatable. The story demonstrates the tentative kinship between Gen X and Gen Z while both cohorts are overshadowed and dominated by the larger generations, making them feel like outcasts and weirdos. Watch on Netflix.
Daddy’s Home 2 (2017)
Generation X is the early pioneers of some brand new family dynamics. Navigating blended families, co-dads, kids, stepkids, and parents is harder than it looks. Then toss in your co-dad’s dad and co-dad and it might get entirely out of hand. Especially when you might be a little bit older and little bit reluctant to change. Watch on Paramount +.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Besides being a great depiction of the very real struggle with modern family dynamics, this film also captures the inherent difficulties and triumphs of managing a small business, side hustling, maintaining waning skills, and discovering new talents. Watch on Netflix.
Friendship (2024)
This cringey comedy depicts the awkwardness and challenges of trying to make new friends in middle age. It’s an over-the-top exaggeration but relatable nonetheless, although you will likely relate more to the friends being placed in awkward situations than to the main character’s bizarre antics. Watch on HBO Max.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
By middle age, we expect to be settled and mostly smooth sailing. But when your relationships with your children, your parents, and your spouse all seem to be failing, not to mention your business, it’s easy to feel like you may have made every wrong decision in life. This exciting and absurd movie offers the optimism that maybe there’s something special about having always been wrong. Watch on Prime Video.
Hey, if you haven’t already, check out some of these posts:
50 Popular Gen X Actors and Actresses of the 2020s
The 8 Best Adult Animation Series for Relaxation
Generation X: Champions of Adult Animation
All the Nicknames for Gen X and Where They Came From
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