Movies About Friendship

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

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont and based on the Stephen King novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Shawshank State Penitentiary. While initially despondent, Andy gradually forms friendships with fellow prisoners Ellis Redding and Tommy Williams. With Red's help, Andy eventually gains the trust of the prison warden, Samuel Norton, and makes plans to escape. In the process, Andy develops a unique bond of friendship and hope with Red, which ultimately helps them both overcome their respective struggles within the prison.

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

Cinema Paradiso is a heartwarming story about the power of film to shape the life of a young boy. Set in the small Sicilian village of Giancaldo in the 1950s, the film follows the life of Salvatore Di Vita, a boy who falls in love with the movies at his local cinema, Cinema Paradiso. After befriending Alfredo, the elderly projectionist, Salvatore begins to spend every waking moment at the theater, learning the secrets of film and the craft of editing. As Salvatore grows up, he faces emotional challenges that force him to make difficult choices. Ultimately, through the power of cinema, Salvatore learns the value of friendship and the meaning of true love. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1989.

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

Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 epic crime drama film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, and Joe Pesci. Set in New York City's Little Italy neighborhood during the early 20th century, the film follows the lives of four childhood friends – Noodles, Max, Cockeye, and Patsy – which span decades as they rise, fall, and ultimately find redemption. The film follows the four men as they experience success, failure, love, and betrayal. After serving time in prison, Noodles and Max reunite with their childhood friends, while Noodles struggles to come to terms with his past. As they become involved in the criminal underworld, their relationships and loyalties are tested. The film is a sweeping tale of friendship and betrayal, and of the power of nostalgia and the struggle for redemption. Spanning multiple decades and featuring stylized visuals, dynamic editing, and a mesmerizing score, Once Upon a Time in America is considered one of Leone's greatest works.

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

Toy Story is a 1995 American computer-animated buddy comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by John Lasseter, the film follows a group of toys who come to life when humans are not present, led by Woody, a pull-string cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear, an astronaut action figure. When their owner Andy prepares to leave for college, the toys must come to terms with the possibility of being replaced by newer toys. They soon embark on a road trip, accidentally leaving behind a toy, Forky, who gets lost in the real world. With the help of a Barbie doll, they travel to find him while avoiding their arch-nemesis, a stuffed teddy bear named Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear. Along the way, they confront their fears of abandonment, eventually learning to accept change. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1995 and the highest-grossing animated film at the time. It was the first ever feature-length computer animated film and is credited as having ushered in the new age of computer animation.

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

Stand by Me is a coming-of-age adventure drama directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King's novella, The Body. Set in the summer of 1959, the film follows four 12-year-old boys as they embark on a two-day journey to find the body of a missing local boy. Along the way the boys, Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Chris (River Phoenix), Teddy (Corey Feldman), and Vern (Jerry O'Connell) share their fears and hopes, learn about sacrifice and courage, and gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. The film culminates in an emotionally charged encounter with the dead boy's body and an unforgettable reunion with an old friend. Stand by Me is an uplifting, timeless classic that captures the joy and pain of growing up.

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

How to Train Your Dragon is a 2010 computer-animated comedy-drama fantasy film directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders. The film tells the story of a young Viking named Hiccup and his quest to become a dragon-tamer. After capturing and training a dragon, Hiccup and his newfound dragon-riding friends embark on a journey to protect their village from an evil dragon. Along the way, Hiccup must learn to accept his new dragon-taming abilities and make peace between humans and dragons. The film features an all-star cast of voice actors including Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Kristen Wiig. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning two Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

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

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 drama film about a group of young men at a prestigious prep school in 1959 who are inspired by their unconventional English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams). Keating encourages the boys to think for themselves and to make their lives extraordinary. Through their interactions, the boys take on a new appreciation for life and poetry, and ultimately challenge the strict traditions of their school. The film follows their journey as they discover the power of freedom and friendship, and the importance of living life to its fullest.

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 and co-written by Michael Cimino about a trio of Russian American steel workers whose lives are changed forever after they are drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. The film stars Robert De Niro, John Savage, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, Meryl Streep, and George Dzundza. The story takes place in Clairton, Pennsylvania, a small working-class town on the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, and in Vietnam. It follows the three friends, Michael (De Niro), Steven (Savage) and Nick (Walken) who join the Army and fight in the Vietnam War, where Nick is taken prisoner and forced to play Russian roulette by his captors. Upon their return home, they struggle to adjust to civilian life and the psychological and physical trauma they experienced in the war. The Deer Hunter paints a vivid portrait of the ravages of war and its impact on the human spirit, and won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Walken), Best Film Editing, and Best Sound.

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

Dances with Wolves is a 1990 American epic Western film directed by and starring Kevin Costner. The film follows the story of a United States Army officer, Lieutenant John Dunbar (Costner), who travels to the American frontier to find a new life as a soldier. After befriending a tribe of Native Americans, he begins to understand their culture and embrace their way of life. Through a series of events, Dunbar eventually becomes involved in the tribe's struggle against the United States Cavalry and their expansion into the West. Along the way, Dunbar falls in love with a Native American woman, Stands With A Fist (Mary McDonnell), and the two become integral members of the Sioux tribe. The film is a powerful story of courage, friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice, set against a backdrop of the American Old West.

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

Goodbye, Children is a 1987 French drama film directed by Louis Malle. Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, the film follows two boys in a Catholic boarding school, Julien (Stanislas Carré de Malberg) and Joseph (Gaspard Manesse), who must contend with the horrors of war, their own burgeoning sexuality, and their growing awareness of the darker side of their beloved schoolmaster, Pére Jean (Philippe Morier-Genoud). As the war progresses and the boys grow up, Pére Jean's true nature is exposed, leading to a shocking climax. In its depiction of children's loss of innocence in wartime, Goodbye, Children is a powerful, emotionally charged drama.

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

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a 1982 American science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Melissa Mathison. It tells the story of Elliott, a young boy who makes friends with an extraterrestrial, dubbed "E.T.", who is stranded on Earth. Elliott and his siblings help E.T. return home while attempting to keep him hidden from their mother and the government. Along the way, they experience a range of emotions as they confront mysteries of the universe. The film was a box office success, grossing over $793 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Music (Original Score), and was nominated for six more. The film's success led to several spin-offs and sequels, including a short film, an animated series, and a video game. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made.

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

Midnight Cowboy tells the story of Joe Buck (Jon Voight), an aspiring young Texan who moves to New York City in search of a better life. He quickly discovers that the big city isn't quite what he expected, and is left with few job prospects. He eventually finds work as a hustler, but is soon taken in by Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman), an ailing street hustler who has his own dreams of escaping the city. Together, the two unlikely friends embark on a journey across the country in search of a better future. As they travel, they must confront the harsh realities of life on the streets, as well as their own inner demons, in order to survive.

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

The Sandlot is a classic coming-of-age sports movie released in 1993. Set in 1962, the film follows a group of young boys in the summer as they bond over their love of baseball at the local sandlot. With the help of the leader of the group, Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez, they form a team and deal with various obstacles, from a fierce rival team to a mysterious creature living in the tall grass of the sandlot. As the boys make friends, learn about life and growing up, and become a true team, they also work together to save the sandlot from destruction. With a cast of colorful characters, an unforgettable story, and plenty of laughs, The Sandlot is a timeless tale of childhood friendship, joy, and adventure.

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

The Social Network is a 2010 drama film written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher. It stars Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of the social networking website Facebook. The film chronicles the rise of Facebook, from its inception in a Harvard dorm room in 2003 to its eventual success, and the numerous legal issues and personal conflicts Zuckerberg faced along the way. It follows the story of how Zuckerberg created the world's largest social network, and the struggles and controversies that come with it. Along the way, Zuckerberg also deals with the relationships he had with his friends and colleagues, including Eduardo Saverin and Sean Parker. The film ultimately explores the impact of Facebook on our lives, and the implications of technology on society.

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

Fried Green Tomatoes is a 1991 drama film directed by Jon Avnet, starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary-Louise Parker, and Mary Stuart Masterson. It is based on the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg. The film tells the story of two elderly women, Ninny Threadgoode (Tandy) and Idgie Threadgoode (Masterson), in a small Alabama town in the 1930s. Ninny befriends a young housewife, Evelyn Couch (Bates), who is struggling in her marriage. Through their friendship, Evelyn gains the strength to find her own independence and purpose in life. Ninny recounts the story of the Threadgoode family, including Idgie's unrequited love for her friend Ruth (Parker). The film explores themes of friendship, family, courage, and justice.

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

The Goonies is a 1985 adventure-comedy film directed by Richard Donner. A group of misfit kids known as the Goonies, led by Mikey Walsh (Sean Astin) and his older brother Brand (Josh Brolin), discover an old pirate treasure map in their attic. The map leads them on an adventure to a secret underground cave in search of the legendary fortune of One-Eyed Willie, a 17th-century pirate. Along the way, they must evade a family of criminals, a monster, and various other obstacles. Eventually, the Goonies find the treasure, but must fight to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. They must also work together to survive and escape the underground caverns. Along the way, their friendship is strengthened as they experience several thrilling and dangerous situations.

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

Dazed and Confused is a coming-of-age comedy drama set in 1976 and follows a group of high school and junior high students as they navigate their way through the last day of school. Led by upperclassmen, the teens roam the streets of their small Texas town, drinking, smoking, and partying, leading to a night of misadventures. Along the way, the kids encounter hazing rituals, a wild party, and a showdown between the incoming freshmen and the seniors. The film offers a nostalgic look at a simpler time in America, while also highlighting the timelessness of teenage angst and rebellion.

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

Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American road movie directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri. It tells the story of two friends, Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon), who embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. During their road trip, they find themselves in a series of increasingly dangerous situations, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the law. Along the way, Thelma and Louise gain a newfound sense of freedom and learn to trust and rely on one another. The movie is also noted for its strong feminist themes, and its iconic ending.

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

Sideways is a 2004 comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne. It follows the story of two middle-aged men, Miles and Jack, who take a week-long road trip to the California wine country to celebrate Jack's impending wedding and escape the troubles of their lives. Along the way, the two men confront the reality of their fading friendship, as well as their disappointments in life and love. As they spend their time drinking wine, playing golf, and meeting new people, Miles and Jack learn to be honest with themselves and each other, and ultimately, learn to move on and appreciate what they have.

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