Best Movies About Friendship

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 film directed by Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. The film follows the story of Andy Dufresne (Robbins), a banker wrongfully convicted of murder, who is sent to Shawshank State Prison to serve a life sentence. Despite the brutality of prison life, Andy’s resilient spirit allows him to make the best of his situation and he gradually forms a friendship with the prison's elderly inmate Red (Freeman). Over the years, as Andy works to gain control of the prison library, Red works to get him out of prison. After 20 years, Andy escapes and Red is eventually released – reuniting the two friends outside the prison walls. The film explores the theme of hope in the midst of suffering, and how it can give a man the strength to find freedom.

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale, Antonella Attili, Isa Danieli
Rated R

Cinema Paradiso is a 1988 Italian drama film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. The film is set in a small Sicilian village in Italy in the 1950s and follows the story of Salvatore, a young boy who develops a passion for film after befriending Alfredo, the projectionist at the local movie theatre. As Salvatore grows older, he must face the realities of life such as love, loss, and responsibility, all while still cherishing the memories of his time at the movie theatre. The film is a touching and nostalgic look at the power of cinema and its ability to bring joy and happiness to people's lives.

From Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams
Rated R

Once Upon a Time in America is a crime epic directed by Sergio Leone. The film follows the lives of a group of Jewish gangsters in New York City from the 1920s to the 1960s, as they rise to power and eventually fall out of favor and into obscurity. The main protagonists, David "Noodles" Aaronson and Maximilian "Max" Bercovicz, embark on a quest for redemption and to reclaim their status in the underworld. Through the course of their quest, they must confront their past mistakes, the consequences of their actions, and their own mortality. The film is noted for its lengthy runtime (229 minutes) and its intricate narrative structure, with flashbacks, flashforwards, and dream sequences. Ultimately, the film is a tragic story of friendship, loyalty, and the corruption of power.

From John Lasseter, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
Rated G

Toy Story is a 1995 computer-animated comedy adventure film directed by John Lasseter. It stars the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, and tells the story of a group of toys that come to life when humans are not around. The toys, led by Woody, a pull-string cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear, an astronaut action figure, must work together to escape the clutches of an evil toy collector, who is determined to take them all away from their beloved owner, Andy. Along the way, the toys experience a series of comical and thrilling adventures, learning valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of cherishing the special bond between a boy and his toys.

From Rob Reiner, starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Rated R

Stand by Me is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Rob Reiner and based on a novella by Stephen King. It follows a group of four 12-year-old boys from the small town of Castle Rock, Oregon who set out on a two-day journey to search for the body of a missing boy. Along the way, they must face numerous obstacles that test their friendship, courage, and loyalty. Through this journey, the boys come to understand the harsh realities of life and the power of friendship. Ultimately, the group discovers what it means to stand by each other and the importance of cherishing their moments of childhood innocence.

From Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders, starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson
Rated PG

"How to Train Your Dragon" is an animated fantasy film released in 2010. The story follows Hiccup, a Viking teenager, who aspires to follow his tribe's tradition of becoming a dragon slayer. After he captures and tames his first dragon, he sets out on a journey to prove himself and ultimately save his people. Along the way, Hiccup must learn to understand and befriend the dragons in order to succeed. With the help of his dragon, Toothless, and his new friends, Hiccup’s courage and sense of adventure help him to realize his dreams. The film features a strong message of friendship, bravery, and the power of understanding.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir and written by Tom Schulman. Set in 1959 at the fictional elite conservative boarding school Welton Academy, it tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The film stars Robin Williams as John Keating, a teacher who encourages his students to think for themselves and to “seize the day” and make their lives extraordinary. After Keating's teachings and his students' extracurricular activities are discovered by the school administration and parents, a crisis arises that leads to tragic consequences. The film received critical acclaim and was a box office success. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and also received nominations for Best Actor (Williams), Best Director (Weir), and Best Picture. It is often seen as a wake up call for the education system and an inspiration to think for oneself.

From Michael Cimino, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, John Savage
Rated R

The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American epic war drama film directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, John Cazale and Meryl Streep. It follows a trio of Russian American steel workers from Pennsylvania whose lives are changed forever after being drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. The three friends (De Niro, Walken and Savage) are sent to an infamous prisoner of war camp and forced to play Russian roulette with other POWs in order to survive. Meanwhile, De Niro's girlfriend (Streep) struggles to keep the men in her life connected as they all face the harsh reality of war. The Deer Hunter is a powerful exploration of friendship, loyalty and the devastating effects of war.

From Kevin Costner, starring Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant
Rated PG-13

Dances with Wolves is a 1990 Western epic directed by, produced by, and starring Kevin Costner. It tells the story of Lt. John Dunbar, a Union army officer who is sent to the American frontier in the Dakota Territory. When he arrives, he finds it deserted, but is soon befriended by the local Sioux tribe who give him the name “Dances with Wolves”. As he learns more about the tribe, their lifestyle, and their culture, Dunbar eventually befriends the chief, Kicking Bird, and falls in love with the beautiful Stands With A Fist. The movie follows Dunbar's journey as he struggles to protect the tribe from the encroaching white settlers, and to keep the peace between the Native Americans and the U.S. Cavalry. In the end, Dunbar succeeds and is accepted into the tribe as their brother. The film is considered one of the best Westerns ever made, and it won seven Academy Awards.

From Louis Malle, starring Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejtö, Francine Racette, Stanislas Carré de Malberg
Rated PG

Goodbye, Children is a French drama from director Louis Malle. Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, the film follows the story of Julien, a 12-year-old Jewish boy who is sent to a Catholic boarding school. Despite an initially hostile reception from the other students, Julien eventually finds friendship and acceptance in the school. However, when the Nazis begin rounding up Jews, Julien and the other Jewish students at the school are forced to go into hiding. Julien is taken in by a rural family, and has to come to terms with the harsh realities of war and the looming possibility of death. In the end, he finds the strength to survive. Goodbye, Children is an emotional and powerful film that offers an important look at the human cost of war.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace
Rated PG

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a classic science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1982. The story follows a gentle alien (E.T.) who is stranded on Earth and befriends a young boy, Elliott, who helps him make a plan to get back home. E.T. and Elliott must evade government agents as they try to help E.T. escape, while also learning how to connect with each other on a deeper level. Along the way, they are aided by Elliott's siblings, Gertie and Michael, as well as their mother, Mary, who eventually learns to accept E.T. into their home. With the help of their friends, E.T. and Elliott eventually find the inner strength to make the journey home. The movie was a massive success and still stands today as one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.

From John Schlesinger, starring Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Sylvia Miles, John McGiver
Rated R

Midnight Cowboy is a 1969 American drama film directed by John Schlesinger, and starring Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman. The film follows the story of Joe Buck, a young Texan who moves to New York City in search of wealth and love. After a series of unlucky events, Joe meets Ratso Rizzo, a down-on-his-luck conman. Together, they form an unlikely friendship and embark on a journey of survival and self-discovery. Through their journey, they learn the value of friendship and the importance of never giving up hope.

From David Mickey Evans, starring Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Art LaFleur, Patrick Renna
Rated PG

The Sandlot is a 1993 coming-of-age sports comedy film directed by David Mickey Evans. It follows a group of young boys in the summer of 1962 who play baseball together every day on a sandlot near their homes. The boys, led by their leader Scotty Smalls, explore the sandlot, play baseball, and get into adventures. They also have to deal with the rivalry of the local team, known as the Beast. Eventually, they form a bond of friendship and work together to overcome the obstacle of the Beast. Along the way, they learn important lessons about life and friendship.

From David Fincher, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Rooney Mara
Rated PG-13

The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film directed by David Fincher. The film tells the story of the founding of social networking website Facebook. It stars Jesse Eisenberg as the founder, Mark Zuckerberg, and chronicles the events leading up to the launch of the site, as well as its subsequent growth. Along the way, the film deals with the legal and moral implications of the creation of the website and its impact on the lives of Zuckerberg and his associates. The film also touches on issues such as privacy and the commodification of personal information, as well as the power of social networks.

From Jon Avnet, starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker
Rated PG-13

Fried Green Tomatoes is a 1991 drama directed by Jon Avnet and based on the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. The film follows two women, Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates) and Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy), who become friends after Evelyn visits Ninny at a nursing home. Ninny tells Evelyn the story of two women, Idgie Threadgoode (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth Jamison (Mary-Louise Parker), and their unlikely friendship in the 1930s in the small town of Whistle Stop, Alabama. Idgie and Ruth are fiercely devoted to one another and their devotion transcends the boundaries between their races and the gender roles of the time. Together they open the Whistle Stop Café and offer a safe haven to the townspeople. They face many obstacles during their journey, from Idgie's brother Buddy, who is violently opposed to their relationship, to the Ku Klux Klan who are determined to put a stop to their business. Through determination, courage and resilience, the two friends ultimately prevail and create a lasting legacy for their town.

From Richard Donner, starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman
Rated PG

The Goonies is a 1985 American adventure comedy directed by Richard Donner. The story follows a group of misfit kids who call themselves the Goonies. With their home facing foreclosure, the Goonies set off on an epic quest to find the lost treasure of the legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy, in order to save their town. Along the way, they encounter dangerous obstacles, fantastic creatures, and a notorious criminal organization. As they battle the odds to discover the treasure, they learn the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and teamwork.

From Richard Linklater, starring Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Rory Cochrane
Rated R

Dazed and Confused is a 1993 coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Richard Linklater. Set in a small town in Texas in the summer of 1976, the film follows the adventures of various teenagers as they celebrate the last day of school. The film follows the lives of various high school and junior high school students during their last day of school. The main characters include Randall "Pink" Floyd, the star quarterback of the football team, whose peers pressure him to sign a pledge not to do drugs; Mitch Kramer, a freshman who is hazed by the upperclassmen; and the group of seniors who try to relive their glory days. Other characters include the stoner, Wooderson; the bully, O'Bannion; and the popular girl, Jodi. The film explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and growing up, as the teenagers grapple with the transition from childhood to adulthood. The film was a modest success at the box office, grossing over $8 million against its budget of $6.9 million and received mostly positive reviews from critics. It is now considered a cult classic, and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of teenagers and its coming-of-age

From Ridley Scott, starring Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American road film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri. It stars Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise, two friends who embark on a road trip with disastrous consequences. After a chance encounter at a roadside bar with an unwelcome suitor, Thelma and Louise become fugitives from the law after Louise shoots and kills him in self-defense. As their situation worsens, the two women become increasingly close and determined to make their dreams of a better life come true. With the police in pursuit, Thelma and Louise must rely on their wits and courage to escape their pursuers and make it to the Mexican border.

From Alexander Payne, starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh
Rated R

Sideways tells the story of Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti), a frustrated writer and a failed novelist who takes his old friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church) on a week-long road trip through California's Central Coast wine country. Jack's only concern is to enjoy himself and to find a willing companion to bed, while Miles struggles to cope with his growing mid-life crisis. Along the way they meet several friends and strangers, including Miles' old flame Stephanie (Sandra Oh) and her friend Maya (Virginia Madsen), with whom Miles has an unexpected connection. The tour through the vineyards ultimately forces Miles and Jack to confront their insecurities and inner demons, and to reassess their lives.

From George Lucas, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith
Rated PG

From Peter Weir, starring Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Billy Boyd, James D'Arcy
Rated PG-13

From Noah Baumbach, starring Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner, Adam Driver, Michael Zegen
Rated R

From John G. Avildsen, starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove
Rated PG

From Penny Marshall, starring Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard
Rated PG

From Herbert Ross, starring Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts
Rated PG