Omnia Essawy
Friendship is a powerful emotion that has been celebrated in film for decades. From classics like Thelma and Louise to more recent hits such as Bridesmaids, movies about friendship have had a lasting impact on audiences. Whether it’s two friends embarking on an adventure together or a group of friends supporting each other through tough times, these 25 movies about friendship are sure to bring out all the feels.
These films explore different aspects of friendship, from loyalty and trust to unconditional love and support. They also show how friendships can be tested by life’s challenges and how they can help us grow as individuals. Whether you’re looking for a movie to watch with your best friend or just want to relive some of your favourite moments from these classic films, this list of 25 great movies about friendship will surely provide hours of entertainment.
These films are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and inspiring. They remind us that no matter what life throws at us, we can always rely on our friends for support and companionship. So grab some popcorn, sit back, relax, and enjoy these 25 great movies about friendship!
1. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
When four childhood friends, inseparable since birth, turn sixteen, they face their first summer apart from one another. However, the determined quartet refuses to let a little distance get in the way of their strong bond, so they come up with quite a unique idea, sharing a pair of pants over the course of their time apart. Could this funky fashion choice be the key to keeping their treasured friendship alight? Only time will tell!
2. Bridesmaids (2011)
Brace yourselves for the BEST comedy to watch with your BFF on a lazy Sunday afternoon! Bridesmaids follows the story of Annie (played by Kristen Wiig) as she navigates the tumultuous waters of Lilian’s (Maya Rudolph) forthcoming wedding. As maid of honour, Annie’s responsibilities test her relationship with the bride-to-be. From dress fittings to bachelorette crimes, all hilariously captured in the movie!
3. Thelma and Louise (1991)
Let’s paint a picture of one of cinema’s most notable tales of female empowerment. You know the one; Thelma (played by Gena Davis) and Louise (played by Susan Sarandon) ditch society’s expectations and break free from every obstacle the world tries to throw their way. This duo’s daring story of sisterhood is etched into cinematic history for all the right reasons.
4. The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club – a classic ’80s movie – highlights the perils of cliques and the beauty of bonding over shared experiences. As the five teens are thrown together in Saturday detention, what starts as an agitated, uncomfortable day results in newfound friendships. This movie teaches us that popularity is overrated and that anyone can unite if they try.
5. Girls Trip (2017)
Meet the awesome Flossy Posse, a quad of gal pals who turn their New Orleans holiday experience into an unforgettable adventure. Overflowing with comical and risqué scenes, this brilliant comedy never loses sight of the bond between the ladies that remains the heart of the story.
6. Frances Ha (2012)
Frances Ha describes her best buddy Sophie as her hair twin. At first, these twenty-something New Yorkers were inseparable. But as life progresses, Sophie delves deeper into adulthood, living with her banker boyfriend. And Frances, left on her own, was struggling with her career and figuring out her life. This movie will hit a soft spot for anyone figuring out their place in the world. It’s a love story between two friends and a reminder that it’s okay to lean on your friends when you need them the most.
7.‘friend’ (2001)
Four kids from vastly different backgrounds form an unbreakable bond of friendship. But as they grow older, their disparate paths lead them astray. Education beckons two of them to college, while the other two get embroiled in the murky world of drugs, and to make matters worse, they become sworn rivals. Although sad, the friendship rollercoaster this movie depicts surely rings close to home with many of us.
8. Stand by Me (1986)
Can anyone claim to have friends later in life like the ones that they did at age 12? The answer is no. However, Stand By Me might have the answer for why these tweenage friendships often don’t last. Adapted from Stephen King’s short story, this coming-of-age classic is famous for its rhetorical question that lingers even after the film is over. But it goes deeper than that. The memories attached to those formative events, such as finding the body of your dead classmate, can fade, but they can also shape you. And that’s why Stand By Me endures; it acknowledges and celebrates these memories that accompany us into adulthood, even if the friends associated with them do not.
9. Forrest Gump (1994)
Who needs a love interest when you have the iconic friendship between Forrest Gump and Bubba Blue? These two army buddies and shrimp lovers know how to stick together, even in the toughest of times. After Bubba tragically passes in the Vietnam War, Forrest finds a way to honour his best bud’s legacy by building the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Today, you can even chow down on Mama Blue’s Fried Shrimp at the Bubba Gump restaurant chain, created as a real-life tribute to these unforgettable fictional characters and the most real relationship in Forrest’s life.
10. Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Meet Romy and Michele, the ultimate BFFs! They’ve been inseparable since high school and think of each other as “the funnest person” they know. In the movie, they return to their hometown to prove that they’re successful, only to find that nobody appreciates their unique qualities. But that doesn’t stop them from showering each other with compliments and giving each other validation. Even when Michele falls in love with the good-geek-gone-rich Sandy, it still doesn’t compare to their unbreakable bond. In fact, their romance plays a supportive role in their awesome friendship. Talk about girl power!
11. Nine to Five (1980)
Are you craving some girl power in your office? Look no further than the inspirational comedy classic, Nine to Five. The trifecta of Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton portrays three colleagues fed up with their ungrateful and chauvinistic boss.
Witness as they team up to seek revenge and successfully overthrow their boss, all while implementing female-friendly policies in the workplace. With each other’s unwavering support, their schemes become bolder and brighter, and this is a true friendship drama that passes the Bechdel Test with flying colours. So, what are you waiting for? Get inspired and bring some of that ‘Nine to Five’ magic to your own workplace!
12. Finding Nemo (2003)
We all know that one friend who’s more annoying than a pesky younger sibling but has a heart of gold large enough to save the world. Or better yet, search the ocean for a lost child. Marlin may not be a social fish, but when he meets Dory by chance, she triggers memories of a happier time. With a true friend by your side, the underwater world becomes a better place. Dory drags them through life-threatening obstacles, like lapsed-vegan sharks and deadly jellyfish, but the experience turns out to be worthwhile with her joyful spirit and infectiously positive attitude.
13. Beaches (1988)
Don’t be deceived by the stereotype that suggests that Beaches is nothing more than a sob-filled chick flick. At its core, this 1988 classic celebrates an unbreakable friendship that defies time and distance. From the moment two young and different girls meet by chance under an Atlantic City boardwalk, their bond begins to define their lives. The final emotional twist of this cult favourite needs to be seen to be believed. Trust us; tears will be shed!
14. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Marvel movies have a lot of friendship-themed moments, but there is one in particular that we believe truly celebrates the power of camaraderie, and that is Guardians of the Galaxy. What better way to prove you’re buddies than with a killer dance-off, jamming to mixtapes, and having a chatty tree that hugs you while saving your life?
15. Miss You Already (2015)
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster! This heart-rending drama will have you reaching for the tissues. Jess and Milly have been best mates forever, and as they navigate the trials of adulthood – like marriage, kids and even breast cancer – their friendship will be tested in ways they never expected.
16. Clueless (1995)
The hit ’90s comedy, Clueless, is far more than fancy clothes and preppy cliques. At its core, it’s an uplifting tale of friendship between fashionable Cher (masterfully played by Alicia Silverstone), Dionne (Stacey Dash), and Tai (Brittany Murphy).
17. Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Step back to the ’90s with a classic film adaptation of Terry McMillan’s best-seller! Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon star as BFFs, providing one another with support through relationship woes. Get ready to sing along to one of the best soundtracks of all time and witness the iconic scene of Bassett burning her husband’s car! End it all with a sincere “Exhale” from Houston.
18. Booksmart (2019)
Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) devoted their entire high school tenure to academics, only to realise they missed out on having fun. Determined to make up for lost time, they plan to pack a lifetime of adventure into a single night. And, as expected, it’s an uproarious mess!
19. Dumb & Dumber (1994)
Join two brainless buddies, Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels), as they stumble across a suitcase overflowing with cash.
Soon, they set off on a road trip to restore it to the rightful owner- unaware that they are being trailed by both killing machines and cops desperate to get hold of the jackpot.
If you think that sounds ludicrous, you’re right. But this classic flick also portrays how unshakable friendships can overpower even the greatest of obstacles.
20. Now and Then (1995)
Join lifelong besties Samantha (Demi Moore), Roberta (Rosie O’Donnell), and Tina (Melanie Griffith) as they plan a special reunion with their childhood pal, Chrissy (Rita Wilson). Together, they’re on a trip down memory lane, reminiscing and giggling about their unforgettable moments together from the summer of ’70. The true friendship vibes between the leading ladies will make you feel like you are the one reuniting with your childhood besties.
21. Superbad (2007)
Picture this – Seth (played by Jonah Hill) and Evan (played by Michael Cera) are two unpopular high school seniors who are inseparable best buddies. When the two BFFs receive an invitation to a house party, they hatch a plan to supply enough booze and – hopefully – lose their virginity before heading off to college. But life is never straightforward, and things quickly go awry, leaving them in a world of trouble. Stick around for a raucous journey through the tumultuous terrain of high school life in this coming-of-age comedy!
22. Sex and the City (2008)
Get ready to catch up with Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker). She’s back, and it’s more fabulous than ever as Carrie’s still with her main man, Mr Big (Chris Noth), and she and her gal pals are keeping each other sane while balancing love and work. But what happens when one of the squad threatens Carrie’s relationship? You won’t believe the drama! Don’t miss checking it out if you haven’t already!
23. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Get ready to join young Charlie (aka Logan Lerman) on his journey through high school, where he meets two seniors (Emma Watson and Ezra Miller) who help him tackle his biggest challenges. In the process, he discovers first love and genuine friendships. This film is not one to be missed!
24. Mean Girls (2004)
When it comes to hall politics in high school, The Plastics seem to reign supreme, but the true friendship between Janis and Damian is something to be admired. Their bond is unbreakable, and although they may be a bit obnoxious with each other, it’s only because they share the kind of friendship that most of us could only dream of. Unlike The Plastics, who eventually crumble under the weight of their own drama, Janis and Damian remain the best of buds, rocking matching purple tuxedos that are objectively terrible but somehow perfect for them.
25. The First Wives Club (1996)
Few things unite people better than having a shared opponent. A true gem, First Wives Club stars Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton. The trio portrays classic friends overcoming challenges as they seek revenge on their wayward husbands, who left them for younger partners.
Friendship is a powerful force that has been explored in many films over the years. The 25 films we have listed examine the complexities of relationships between friends, from the highs of shared experiences to the lows of betrayal and heartbreak. Each film offers its own unique take on friendship, exploring themes such as loyalty, trust, support, love, and loss. Whether it’s a group of teenagers going on an adventure in Stand by two women who become unlikely friends in Thelma & Louise, these movies offer insight into how friendships can shape our lives.
No matter what kind of movie you’re looking for – comedy, drama, romance – there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab some popcorn and get ready to explore some of the best movies about friendship ever made!