It's been eight years since Bo Burnham made his directorial debut with Eighth Grade, a film that quickly became a touchstone for the coming-of-age genre. Now, fans and newcomers alike will have a chance to revisit this modern classic without spending a dime, as it's set to arrive on the free streaming platform Plex this September.
The movie follows Kayla Day, a 13-year-old girl navigating the final week of middle school while grappling with the pressures of social media and crippling anxiety. Elsie Fisher delivers a breakout performance that captures the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence with remarkable authenticity. Burnham, who first gained fame as a YouTube comedian, proved his storytelling chops extended far beyond the digital realm, crafting a film that resonates with anyone who's ever survived the jungle of teenage life.
Made on a modest budget of just $2 million, Eighth Grade went on to earn nearly $15 million worldwide, a testament to its critical and commercial appeal. Its near-universal acclaim—boasting a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—cemented its status as one of the best films of its kind in recent memory. The movie's honest portrayal of modern adolescence, complete with its awkward silences and heartfelt moments, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
One of the film's most notable admirers is none other than Molly Ringwald, the queen of 80s teen cinema. In a 2018 podcast with Fisher, Ringwald confessed that Eighth Grade was the first film in years that truly captured the teenage experience, saying, "Everybody has asked me for years why people still watch the movies that I did... And I always said, well, because nobody else has managed to make a film that really speaks to teenagers. And then I saw Eighth Grade, and it was really the first time I sort of had that shock of recognition."
Burnham's transition from YouTube to filmmaking was ahead of its time, paving the way for other creators like Curry Barker and Kane Parsons, who have recently made similar leaps with projects like Obsession and Backrooms. While those films have made waves at the box office, Eighth Grade remains a unique gem in Burnham's filmography—his only traditional feature to date.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, the addition of Eighth Grade to Plex's free library is a win for cinephiles. Starting September 1, 2026, you can stream this coming-of-age masterpiece without a subscription. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the film that Molly Ringwald herself called a revelation, or to revisit it and see if it still holds up—spoiler: it does.
For more on the best in streaming and film, check out our list of forgotten thrillers that still deliver chills, or dive into the world of Stephen King's flawless novels. And if you're a fan of mind-bending cinema, don't miss our take on the twist of 'Identity'.
