Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, life would surely wouldn’t be complete without the company of friends. Through the good times and the bad, memories are best shared with people you trust and value.
To celebrate this magical bond between people, here are 10 of the best friendship movies to ever be made.
Top 10 Best Friendship Movies
10. Cinema Paradiso (1988)
A tribute to both friendship and cinema itself, Cinema Paradiso (1988) is a powerful film about a boy who develops an intimate friendship with an old projectionist over movies in post World War II Italy.
The film expertly explores the topics of nostalgia, youth and of course friendship. It is a must-watch for every cinephile out there.
Critics consider the film as one of the finest films ever to be made and ‘a perfect picture of a time when the cinema was the only source of laughter and joy’.
9. Sleepers (1996)
Sleepers (1996) is not your usual sunshine and rainbows friendship movie. It tells the story of four friends who accidentally killed a person after a prank went horribly wrong and were sent to a horrifying reform school where they were raped and beaten.
The film follows their adulthood and descent into the crime life. The story is based on a novel of the same name which is in turn based on real-life events. At its release, Sleepers faced controversy when the book’s veracity was challenged by reporters.
8. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Now, time for something a little bit lighter. Featuring one of Robin Williams’ best performances as a therapist to a mathematical prodigy played by Matt Damon.
The film is filled with fantastic scenes portraying the joy of being with friends and the bittersweetness of goodbyes. Good Will Hunting is a fantastic film that will show you what amazing things opening yourself to the world will bring you.
7. Thelma and Louise (1991)
Thelma and Louise (1991) follow the story of its titular characters as they go on a road trip that leads to unforeseen events which would instantly change the course of their lives.
The film is notable for its complex portrayal of rape and female liberalism as it chronicles the aftermath of Thelma’s rape and Louise’s murder of her rapist. The movie ends with them being pursued by a police officer as they make their way to the Grand Canyon where they must decide the fate of their lives.
6. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Directed by master filmmaker Steven Spielberg, the film tells the story of E.T. an alien who found his way into a family’s tool shed when he was accidentally left behind by his kin. If this were any other movie, the alien in the shed would have spelled destruction and chaos. But this isn’t just any other movie.
At its core, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is a heartwarming story about friendship and family everyone at any time period would find endearing.
5. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Here we have another film based on a story by Stephen King.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) tells the story of a man wrongfully imprisoned at the Shawshank prison for the murder of his wife and child. It shows how he eventually dealt with his new life in prison and his friendship with Red, a long-term inmate played by Morgan Freeman.
The film initially flopped in the box office, not even earning enough to break even. However, it was well-received by critics and would later on become a favorite by audiences who discovered the film through cable TV and DVD. The Shawshank Redemption is one of the year’s best friendship films.
4. The Deer Hunter (1978)
The Deer Hunter (1978) is a war drama film about three steelworkers and the great influence that fighting in the Vietnam War had on their lives. Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage play the three friends.
The film was a critical success at the time of its release. It won five Oscars including awards for best picture and best director.
3. Stand by Me (1986)
Of course, no list of best movies about friendship would be complete without the classic Stand By Me (1986).
Based on a Stephen King story, the film is a coming-of-age story about a group of four pre-teen boys who set out one day to look for a dead body in the 1950s in the wilderness of Oregon. The film shows a good balance of grown-up drama, childhood friendship and adventure.
It also features some great performances from its four leads Wil Wheaton, River Wheaton, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell.
2. Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Midnight Cowboy (1969) tells the story of two hustlers’ undying friendship forged by time and their shared identity as outcasts as they try to survive the tough streets of New York City. It’s also a fantastic film which explores the controversial topics of sexuality and fractured American identity at a time of political and cultural upheavals. It stars Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight as the pair of hustlers.
Although it was controversial at its release, the film received praise from critics. It’s also dubbed as the first Oscar best picture award winner which discussed ‘gay-related’ subject matters.
1. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Sergio Leone is best remembered for his work in the Western genre but did you know that he also excelled in trying his hand at the mob genre? The film Once Upon a Time in America (1984) is the fruit of this labor.
This move came as a surprise to many as Leone initially turned down the opportunity to direct The Godfather. But he took on Once Upon a Time in America when he became interested in the life of Herschel Goldberg and decided to explore his character.
And what resulted is a fantastic film about friendship and memorable performances particularly that of Robert De Niro.
Also Read: TV Shows Like Friends That Every Sitcom Lover Must Watch
Time to get your best buddies together and binge watch the films on our friendship movies list. Don’t forget to share this article with them as a form of an invitation to a movie night hangout.
