Eighth Grade

Year: 2018

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Bo Burnham

Budget: $2M

DramaComedy

Kayla is a shy and awkward teenager trying to make the most of her last days of eighth grade. Armed with YouTube videos and online personas, she attempts to navigate the challenges of middle school and find her place. The film explores themes of identity, anxiety, and the bittersweet transition into high school, offering a relatable and heartfelt look at adolescence.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Eighth Grade yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Eighth Grade (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Eighth Grade (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Main Characters – Eighth Grade (2018)

Meet the key characters of Eighth Grade (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Major Themes – Eighth Grade (2018)

Explore the central themes of Eighth Grade (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about social anxiety and adolescence like Eighth Grade

Stories that capture the quiet panic and awkwardness of growing up.If you connected with the painfully awkward and heartfelt journey in Eighth Grade, these movies explore similar themes of finding your place amid social pressure. Discover other relatable coming-of-age stories that tackle identity, friendship, and anxiety with honesty and gentle humor.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a shy or socially anxious protagonist through a pivotal, often short, period in their youth. The central conflict is internal—a battle against self-doubt and the fear of judgment. The plot is driven by small, realistic social interactions rather than major events, emphasizing character growth over external drama.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their specific, empathetic focus on the inner turmoil of adolescence. They share a tone blending cringe-inducing awkwardness with underlying hope, a medium emotional weight rooted in realism, and a straightforward narrative that stays tightly focused on the protagonist's perspective.

Quiet and bittersweet character studies like Eighth Grade

Intimate portraits of ordinary life, finding meaning in small moments.Looking for more movies with the authentic, bittersweet feel of Eighth Grade? This selection features gentle, character-driven dramas that explore personal growth and emotional reality. These films share a steady pace, a mix of humor and sadness, and a deeply relatable central journey.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread are often episodic or slice-of-life, unfolding over a short period that highlights a character's internal state. The journey is one of subtle realizations and gradual change rather than dramatic plot twists. The endings acknowledge progress but also the ongoing nature of life's challenges, leaving the viewer with a complex, thoughtful feeling.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their unique blend of tone and pacing. They masterfully mix painful honesty with gentle humor, maintaining a steady, observant rhythm that allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the character's world. The emotional impact is significant but not overwhelming, grounded in relatable realism.

Unlock the Full Story of Eighth Grade

Don't stop at just watching — explore Eighth Grade in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Eighth Grade is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Eighth Grade Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Eighth Grade, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Eighth Grade Timeline

Track the full timeline of Eighth Grade with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Eighth Grade Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Eighth Grade

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Eighth Grade: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like Eighth Grade that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.