His semi-autobiographical films like 'The 400 Blows' and 'Jules and Jim' are foundational explorations of adolescent yearning, rebellion, and the painful transition to adulthood.

Her films 'Lady Bird' and 'Little Women' capture the emotional complexity of teenage girls navigating identity, family relationships, and self-discovery with nuance and humor.

His animated masterpieces like 'Spirited Away' and 'Kiki's Delivery Service' use magical realism to explore adolescent growth, independence, and the bittersweet loss of childhood wonder.