Our team compiled the best friendship movies and here is what they came up with
Friendship is a universal theme that has been explored in countless films throughout the years. Here are 18 examples of popular movies that focus on friendship, along with information on each film’s box office performance, MPAA rating, and year of release:
Here are the 17 best friendship movies to check out on the streaming service.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Directed by Frank Darabont, the film stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman as two prisoners who form an unlikely friendship while serving time in a brutal penitentiary. The movie grossed over $28 million worldwide and was rated R. It was released in 1994. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the power of friendship to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
2. Stand by Me (1986)
Directed by Rob Reiner, the film is based on a novella by Stephen King and follows a group of friends as they set out on a journey to find a dead body. The movie grossed over $52 million worldwide and was rated R. It was released in 1986. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of friendship in adolescence.
3. Forrest Gump (1994)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film stars Tom Hanks as a simple man whose friendship with a young woman (Robin Wright) has a profound impact on his life. The movie grossed over $678 million worldwide and was rated PG-13. It was released in 1994. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of friendship and the power of love.
4. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Directed by John Hughes, the film follows five high school students as they spend a Saturday detention together and form unlikely friendships. The movie grossed over $51 million worldwide and was rated R. It was released in 1985. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the stereotypes and prejudices of adolescence.
5. The Outsiders (1983)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film is based on a novel by S.E. Hinton and follows a group of rival gangs as they form unlikely friendships. The movie grossed over $33 million worldwide and was rated R. It was released in 1983. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of friendship and loyalty.
6. The Best of Times (1986)
Directed by Roger Spottiswoode, the film stars Robin Williams and Kurt Russell as two friends who re-live a high school football game. The movie grossed over $28 million worldwide and was rated PG. It was released in 1986. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of friendship and the power of second chance.
7. The Great Outdoors (1988)
Directed by Howard Deutch, the film stars Dan Aykroyd and John Candy as two brothers-in-law who go on a disastrous camping trip. The movie grossed over $39 million worldwide and was rated PG. It was released in 1988. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of family and friendship.
8. Bridesmaids (2011)
Directed by Paul Feig, the film stars Kristen Wiig as a maid of honor who becomes jealous of her best friend’s new friend. The movie grossed over $288 million worldwide and was rated R. It was released in 2011. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of female friendship and the complexities of relationships.
9. The Hangover (2009)
Directed by Todd Phillips, the film follows a group of friends as they try to piece together their wild bachelor party in Las Vegas. The movie grossed over $467 million worldwide and was rated R. It was released in 2009. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of male friendship and the bond of brotherhood.
10. The Princess Bride (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner, the film is a fairy tale adventure that tells the story of a young woman and her true love who are reunited after many years apart. The movie grossed over $30 million worldwide and was rated PG. It was released in 1987. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of true friendship and the power of love.
11. The Notebook (2004)
Directed by Nick Cassavetes, the film is based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks and tells the story of a young couple who fall in love during the 1940s. The movie grossed over $115 million worldwide and was rated PG-13. It was released in 2004. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of true love and friendship.
12. The Best Man (1999)
Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the film stars Taye Diggs and Nia Long as college friends who reconnect at a friend’s wedding. The movie grossed over $34 million worldwide and was rated R. It was released in 1999. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of friendship and loyalty.
13. The Sandlot (1993)
Directed by David Mickey Evans, the film is about a group of young friends who spend their summer playing baseball and getting into mischievous adventures. The movie grossed over $33 million worldwide and was rated PG. It was released in 1993. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of childhood friendships.
14. The Goonies (1985)
Directed by Richard Donner, the film is about a group of friends who set out on an adventure to find a legendary treasure. The movie grossed over $61 million worldwide and was rated PG. It was released in 1985. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of friendship and the power of imagination.
15. The Impossible (2012)
Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, the film is based on the true story of a family that becomes separated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The movie grossed over $180 million worldwide and was rated PG-13. It was released in 2012. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of family and friendship in times of crisis.
16. Superbad (2007)
Directed by Greg Mottola, the film follows two high school friends as they navigate the challenges of teenage life and try to score alcohol for a party. The movie grossed over $170 million worldwide and was rated R. It was released in 2007. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of friendship and the challenges of adolescence.
17. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Directed by Gabriele Muccino, the film is based on a true story and stars Will Smith as a struggling single father who fights to provide for his family and keep his friendship with his son. The movie grossed over $307 million worldwide and was rated PG-13. It was released in 2006. The movie was appreciated for its performances of the cast, its story, and its commentary on the importance of family, friendship and the pursuit of happiness.
These movies have been popular over the years because they bring to light the different aspects of friendship. They depict friendships that are deep and meaningful, some are based on loyalty, some on the bond of brotherhood or sisterhood, others on shared experiences and some on the bond of family. They also show the importance of friendship in different stages of life and how it can help us to overcome difficult situations. They also provide a commentary on the stereotypes and prejudices that can exist in friendship, and how these can be overcome. Additionally, they provide an insight into the people who form these friendships and the challenges they face.