Not many genres have earned the viewership of friendship. Since the 1970’s, friends have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s redemptive prisoners, comic-book figures or drug users, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite friendship films of all-time which deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Shawshank Redemption
Hope is something that I’ve often found hard finding. As far as I remember, I’ve never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I began failing classes in school causing sorrow. Unable to cope with the pressure posed by high school studies, I experienced intense anxiety. During a painful time, it was impossible for me to see a bright light at the end of the pitch-black tunnel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how hope allows people to achieve redemption as powerfully as “The Shawshank Redemption”. Ever since its release in 1994, Frank Darabont’s iconic movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about friendship. With the greatest film of his career, Darabont used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the strong friendship among a pair of prisoners facing despair. Darabont has always excelled at making great movies about friendship, and “The Shawshank Redempton” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Darabont successfully used voice-over narration to capture the strong bonds between a pair of close inmates forming friendships in prison. For instance, the scene in which Red recounts his heartwarming memories of laying eyes on Andy Dufresne in prison for the first time facing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Morgan Freeman, who portrayed a compassionate inmate forming long-lasting friendships in prison. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” my favourite friendship film of all-time is its message. It delivers a profound message about the importance of hope which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about inmates questioning whether they should get busy living or get busy dying forming lasting friendships in a scary prison, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has always made memorable movies which deserve celebration.
2. The Social Network
Friendships are fragile relationships that are rarely meant to last forever. I remember a friend in school that I grew up to treasure. We would always enjoy spending time together playing soccer. However, our relationship came to closures. No longer the friend I had grown up to adore, he became a stranger that I didn’t recognize anymore. As someone treasuring a companion on a social network, I adored “The Social Network”. Released in 2010, David Fincher’s movie captured friendships falling apart in formations of Facebook. With the greatest film of his career, Fincher captured formation of a famous social network in which friendships faced despair. Fincher has often explored friendship in his movies, and “The Social Network” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Eduardo throws a temper tantrum breaking Mark’s laptop after his shares in social media are lowered is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who portrayed a renowned social network founder. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute to a company that forever changed social media, it’s a sensational reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies which are worth seeing in the Cinema.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. This anxiety began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. I felt humiliated when I had a nervous breakdown in front of teachers I appreciated. During a troublesome time, I turned to friends for support. Few films I’ve seen have captured how friends can help teenagers cope with disaster as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about friendship. Chbosky used captivating montages to capture the friendship between teenagers bonding in school. For instance, the scene in which Charlie has an emotional breakdown after he bids farewell to his friends causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Logan Lerman, who portrays an anxious teenager seeking friends. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teenager, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced great movies which audiences treasure.
4. Forrest Gump
Intellectual disability has shaped my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing emotional damage. I remember feeling terror when I was diagnosed with a disability that put my life in danger. During a hopeless time, friendships in school allowed me to cope with my mental illness. As someone treasuring friends that allowed me to cope with mental illness causing a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie captured individuals with intellectual disability forming friendships. Zemeckis effectively uses flashbacks to capture Forrest Gump’s friendships. For instance, the scene in which Forrest witnesses the death of his close friend Bubba in the Vietnam War causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Tom Hanks, who portrayed a larger-than-life character. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” a classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about intellectual disabilities which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s box of chocolate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which audiences appreciate.
5. The Banshees of Inisherin
Rejection is a common emotion faced by friends. Several years ago, I ended my friendship with a companion causing sorrow. Since we got along well together, I thought bonds would last forever. However, one day my friend suddenly decided he no longer wanted to be my companion. His decision to break ties brought tears to my eyes. As someone haunted by a friendship that ended in tragedy, I adored “The Banshees of Inisherin”. Released in 2022, Martin McDonagh’s movie captured doomed friendships in Ireland. McDonagh effectively uses symbolism to capture the end of a friendship between close Irish companions. For instance, the scene in which Padriac becomes aware that Colm no longer wants to see him anymore causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Colin Farrell, who portrayed a doomed friendship. Ultimately, what makes “The Banshees of Inisherin” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Ireland, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. An incredible portrait of doomed friendships between men that are Irish, it’s an insightful reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which audiences cherish.
6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. Friendship is a common theme throughout the Harry Potter series, and is most evident in the first film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Released in 2001, Chris Columbus’ movie introduced the magical series on the big-screen. Columbus used captivating montages to capture lasting friendship between three children at a wizard school. Assisted by Daniel Radcliffe who is amazing in the lead role, Columbus honoured a spellbinding book series about friendships. A spellbinding beginning of a famous fantasy series about wizards that are magical, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences consider to be special.
7. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a therapist that taught me how to overcome adversity. A guide, he became a close friend in whom I could confide. As someone treasuring a therapist that I found inspiring, I adored “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s movie captured friendships between therapists and troubled youth. Gus Van Sant used naturalistic dialogue to create a commemorated therapist relationship that’s compelling. Assisted by Matt Damon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Gus Van Sant created a commemorated therapist depiction. As powerful as Will Hunting’s desires to find meaning, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which are definitely worth appreciating.
8. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg is a legendary filmmaker that’s built a lasting legacy. Since the 1970’s, Spielberg’s movies have gained a huge following. Friendship has always been a common theme explored in Spielberg’s movies, and it is most evident in “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”. Released in 1982, Spielberg’s science-fiction classic captured strong bonds between a child and extra-terrestrial alien. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “E.T.” stand out is its depiction of aliens. Spielberg uses groundbreaking special effects to create an alien friendship that’s engaging. Assisted by Henry Thomas who is excellent in the lead role, Spielberg created a strong alien friendship. As strong as E.T.’s desire to phone home, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced well-known movies which have always stood in a league of their own.
9. Dil Chahta Hai
Friendships that face a dilemma are common in India. India has built an image of being a country where friendships often face damage. The way in which friendships function in India today is beautifully depicted in “Dil Chahta Hai”. Released in 2001, Farhan Akhtar’s movie captured friendships in India facing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dil Chahta Hai” stand out is its depiction of Indian culture. Akhtar effectively uses montages to capture bonds between friends in India facing tragedy. Assisted by Aamir Khan who is extraordinary in the lead role, Akhtar created a compelling Bollywood classic about friendship. An incredible portrait of long-lasting friendships in Mumbai, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured meaningful movies which always satisfy.
10. The Breakfast Club
Few films ever made about friends forming a club are as beloved as “The Breakfast Club”. Since its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has become a timeless classic about friendship. Hughes used captivating montages capturing a group of teens bonding in detention. Assisted by Judd Nelson who is amazing in the lead role, Hughes created a compelling teen movie. Although I’ve always been a huge fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. The movie’s exaggerated depiction of social cliques has made it a film that’s outdated. Nevertheless, it remains a strong addition to the genre. As strong as bonds between the Breakfast Club in high school, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured cool movies about friendships that are cruel which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking breaking every rule.
The Film Buff 