Gregory’s Girl

Gregory’s Girl

Year: 1980

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Director: Bill Forsyth

ComedyRomance

This has to be the match of the day… A teenager falls hard for the female soccer player who has replaced him on the team and attempts to pursue her.

Gregory’s Girl (1980) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Gregory’s Girl (1980) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the cramped corridors of a Scottish secondary school, the week‑long grind of classes is punctuated by the clatter of boots on a poorly kept football pitch. The atmosphere hums with a mix of adolescent ambition and the lingering sting of a losing season, setting a tone that is both gritty and oddly hopeful. The film captures the everyday rhythms of teenage life—locker‑room banter, the pressure of exams, and the unspoken hierarchy that governs who gets to wear the jersey.

The school’s football team, languishing at the bottom of the league table, decides to shake things up with an open trial. Into this familiar male‑dominated arena steps Dorothy, a confident girl who proves herself a natural centre‑forward, instantly challenging the status quo. Her arrival forces the squad to re‑evaluate positions, and Gregory Underwood finds himself moved from an out‑field role to goalkeeper, a change that unsettles both his ego and his friendships.

Gregory quickly becomes captivated by Dorothy’s skill and the effortless way she carries herself off the pitch. He confides his sudden infatuation to his steady friend Steve, while his precocious younger sister Madeleine offers unsolicited, bold counsel. Around them, a colourful cast of mates—Andy, Charlie, and the girls Carol, Margo, and Susan—populate the social landscape with their own quirks, laced with the typical teen humor and the subtle undercurrents of competition and camaraderie.

Against the backdrop of a struggling team and the ordinary pressures of school, the story follows Gregory as he navigates the awkward terrain of first crushes, shifting loyalties, and the desire to belong. The film balances light‑hearted moments with an earnest look at how a single season can reshape friendships, aspirations, and the fragile confidence of those standing on the brink of adulthood.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:40

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Awkward teenage romance movies like Gregory’s Girl

Stories of endearingly clumsy first crushes and the gentle chaos of adolescent affections.If you enjoyed the charming innocence and relatable awkwardness of Gregory's pursuit in Gregory’s Girl, you'll love these similar movies. This list features gentle comedies about first love, high school crushes, and the endearing fumbles of teen romance, all with a hopeful and optimistic feel.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a protagonist navigating the confusing world of teenage attraction. The central conflict is often internal—building confidence, interpreting social signals, and overcoming shyness—rather than external high-stakes drama. The journey is one of small, relatable triumphs and setbacks that lead to personal growth.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together for their shared focus on the lighthearted, earnest, and often humorous side of first love. They share a low-intensity, optimistic tone where the stakes are emotional and personal, not life-altering, making the experience universally relatable and charming.

Gentle coming-of-age stories like Gregory’s Girl

Nostalgic tales of personal growth found in the ordinary moments of youth.Fans of the everyday charm and nostalgic warmth of Gregory’s Girl will appreciate these similar movies. This collection focuses on coming-of-age stories where the focus is on friendship, self-discovery, and navigating social dynamics with a steady, lighthearted pace and an ultimately happy resolution.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is a straightforward, character-driven journey centered on self-discovery within a familiar social setting like high school. The protagonist learns about themselves and others through interactions with friends and peers, with the plot built from a series of relatable, slice-of-life events that collectively signify growth.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their gentle approach to the coming-of-age genre. They prioritize mood—nostalgia, charm, optimism—over complex plotting, and feature low-intensity conflicts that are resolved in a way that feels authentic and hopeful, capturing the universal experience of adolescence.

Unlock the Full Story of Gregory’s Girl

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Gregory’s Girl Summary

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Gregory’s Girl Summary

Gregory’s Girl Timeline

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Gregory’s Girl Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Gregory’s Girl

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Gregory’s Girl

More About Gregory’s Girl

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Similar Movies to Gregory’s Girl

Discover movies like Gregory’s Girl 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.