The Perks of Being a Wallflower

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower

PG-13

Released Oct 12, 2012

1h 43m

Comedy

Drama

Romance

LGBTQ+

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85%

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171 Reviews

89%

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100,000+ Ratings

Socially awkward Charlie is a wallflower watching from the sidelines, until a pair of charismatic seniors take him under their wing.

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Critics Consensus

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heartfelt and sincere adaptation that's bolstered by strong lead performances.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

This is boring, and it's partly that believability thing. How many alienated outsiders do you have to gather together before they become insiders? Alternatively, they are all so good-looking, smart and well-heeled, they are winners, surely.

Sep 1, 2018

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Violet Lucca

Film Comment Magazine

"Like real teenagers, Watson and Miller convincingly move from glowing objects of desire to comic relief to deeply troubled human beings."

Jun 28, 2013

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David Stratton

At the Movies (Australia)

I think for a first film this guy who wrote the book and has adapted it for the screen has done a terrific job and I really found these characters sympathetic.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 29, 2012

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

In not following the status quo and for being more honest than angst-ridden, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is an extremely soulful and satisfying challenge for the normally fluffy or unrealistic high school setting of movies.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 23, 2025

Full Review

José C. Donayre Guerrero

EscribiendoCine

A very lively film whose ending gives a sensation of leaving behind a youth that, although dramatic, love-filled and happy, is never permanent. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 8/10

Feb 12, 2024

Full Review

Michael Cuby

them.

It can sometimes be hard to watch a film adaptation of one of your favorite teenage books because, too often, they fail to live up to the brilliance of the page. Luckily, this was not the case for the 2012 adaptation...

Oct 3, 2022

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W.L. C

I'd heard nothing but good things about "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," so I'd hoped to watch a glowing, smart, in-depth film about youth. Sadly, all I caught was yet another disaffected youth movie full of tired tropes à la "Reality Bites." I appreciate that existence is full of realities that are different from my own; however, most of the anxieties and situations of "Perks" were simply exaggerated for dramatic effect leading to a groping, dishonest reflection of real teenage life. I was unimpressed with this story in its original forms ("Reality Bites," "Singles," the terrible adaptation of "Great Expectations" starring Ethan Hawke, "200 Cigarettes," "Threesome," et. al. ad infinitum), and was left feeling empty at its unoriginality.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

08/19/25

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Matt C

A wonderful little film that brings a stunning amount of depth and richness to the teen drama genre without ever feeling contrived. Beautifully shot, perfectly acted, and emotionally powerful.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

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Pasquale M

A very emotional, sad, happy, devastating, fun, and exciting ride that deals with many different issues teens experience growing up. And to quote David Bowie, if only… “We can be heroes, just for one day.”

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/11/25

Full Review

Iamwhoi M

I like this movie a lot, even though it's not my generation. The music is good, and Logan Lerman gives a good performance. Like the earlier Breakfast Club, I tend to stop & watch this every time I'm channel surfing. The ending alone is worth the watch. Heroes is one of my all-time favorite songs; and it is used very well in this flick. I usually end up shedding a tear or two over days long gone. It makes me remember how fleeting life really is....it could be in large part to the song HEROES, as that song always does that to me, by itself; but this movie is certainly worth a watch, or 5.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

Full Review

Makenzie G.

beautiful movie, gave me a new perspective on life, and showed how bad mental health can be

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/18/25

Full Review

charlotte t

daunting and powerful, a beautiful display of how youth and it's permeance can be challenged by both saddening and healing experiences

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/16/25

Full Review

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Stephen Chbosky

Director

Logan Lerman

Charlie

Emma Watson

Sam

Ezra Miller

Patrick

Mae Whitman

Mary Elizabeth

Kate Walsh

Mother

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - We Accept the Love We Think We Deserve

2:40

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - Come On Eileen

2:17

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - Charlie's Breakdown

2:38

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - You're a Wallflower

2:32

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - I Love You, Charlie

2:27

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - The Tunnel

1:44

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - Rocky Horror Picture Show

1:53

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - Sorry Nothing

2:41

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - We Are Infinite

2:47

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Official Clip - Truth or Dare

2:52

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Synopsis

Socially awkward Charlie is a wallflower watching from the sidelines, until a pair of charismatic seniors take him under their wing.

Director: Stephen Chbosky
Producer: Lianne Halfon, Russell Smith, John Malkovich
Screenwriter: Stephen Chbosky
Distributor: Summit Entertainment
Production Co: Mr. Mudd
Rating: PG-13 (All Involving Teens|A Fight|Sexual References|Drug and Alcohol Use|Mature Thematic Material|Sexual Content)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 12, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 21, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.7M
Runtime: 1h 43m

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