Graduation is more than just a ceremony and a diploma, it also marks a new beginning and a giant step into the unknown. For many, that brings a flood of mixed emotions. Feelings of sadness, excitement, and uncertainty run high during this time. In moments like these, the arts offer reassurance during life’s transitions, helping us navigate uncertainty and change with a sense of connection and understanding. To help navigate this emotional crossroads, I’ve gathered a few songs and films that speak to the uncertainty, joy, and nostalgia that often come with growing up.

Songs

Ribs – Lorde 

A nostalgic and emotional reflection on growing up and the fear of getting older.

Slipping Through My Fingers – ABBA

A tender, bittersweet song about watching a child grow up too quickly and the moments that slip away.

Scott Street – Phoebe Bridgers 

A quiet, melancholic track about the distance (emotional and physical) between people who once shared closeness.

Wherever I Go – Hannah Montana 

A heartfelt farewell song about lasting friendship and going separate ways.

Older – Lizzy McAlpine

A song about exploring the complexities of maturing, physically getting older and longing for the past.

River and Roads – The Head and the Heart

A bittersweet song about moving on and the emotional weight of leaving people behind.

Vienna – Billy Joel

A reflective song urging patience and balance, reminding you not to rush through life.

Our Last Summer – ABBA

A nostalgic look back at a youthful, carefree life that now lives in memory.

Getting Older – Billie Eilish

A raw, confessional piece about fame, growing pains, and personal evolution.

Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift 

A soft lullaby filled with longing, innocence, and the quiet ache of time passing.

Films 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

A poignant coming-of-age story about trauma, friendship, and finding your place in the world.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

A sharp, dark-humored, and heartfelt teen dramedy about loneliness, identity, and growing into yourself.

Lady Bird (2017)

A beautifully honest film about a high school senior navigating identity, family, and dreams of escape.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

An inspiring and tragic tale about individuality, rebellion, and the power of literature and self-expression.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

A three-movie series that is coming to an end, and an emotional finale capturing the excitement and uncertainty of graduation and life beyond high school, moving on.

Booksmart (2019)

A witty, fast-paced comedy about two high-achieving friends squeezing four years of fun into one wild night.

Monsters University (2013)

A charming prequel about ambition, failure, and the value of unexpected friendships and personal growth when entering college. 

Even through the emotional weight of goodbyes, change, and growing up, congratulations to the Class of 2025. So wherever life may take you, take pride in how far you’ve come. Here’s to the memories, the music, the movies—and all that’s still ahead.