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 can remember, I’ve never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I began to fail classes in high school causing sorrow. During a dark time when I found it hard to cope, friendships became a source of hope. 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 had an aptitude for making engaging movies about friendships that people treasure, and “The Shawshank Redemption” 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 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 friendships in a scary prison, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre producing movies which deserve celebration.
2. The Social Network
Friendships are fragile relationships that are rarely meant to last forever. I recall a close friend in my high school that I grew up to treasure. However, our strong bond came to closures. No longer the friend that I had grown up to adore, he became a total stranger that I didn’t recognize anymore. As someone treasuring a close friend on a social network, I adored “The Social Network”. Released in 2010, David Fincher’s movie captured friendships falling apart in formations of Facebook. 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 bold message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. A bold tribute to a company that forever changed social media, it’s a great reminder of a genre manufacturing unforgettable movies which are worth seeing in the Cinema.
3. Forrest Gump
Intellectual disability has shaped my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism that caused emotional damage. I recall feeling a sense of 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 great movies which audiences appreciate.
4. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with an English teacher that inspired me to become a great writer. I grew up to cherish a great English teacher making me believe there was nothing that I couldn’t accomplish. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that shaped my identity, I appreciated “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured friendships between friends in boarding schools. Weir has always had an aptitude for making movies about education systems in danger, and “Dead Poets Society” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids farewell to students by standing atop chairs in class with nostalgia is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Robin Williams, who proved how great of an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about teachers which resonates with everyone. A powerful portrait of teachers inspiring students to seize the day, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
5. The Breakfast Club
High school shaped my identity. I remember memories attending a school putting me under pressure. Being a shy teenager, I couldn’t ever fit in with any group in school. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against bullies in school leaving me terrified. Nevertheless, my friends did play a strong role in shaping the person I became today. As someone treasuring fond memories of my teachers in high school, I adored “The Breakfast Club”. Following its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Hughes is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for capturing lives of teachers, and his strengths are evident in “The Breakfast Club”. For instance, the scene in which the five teenagers sit together in a circle discussing reasons for detention forming a strong friendship is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Judd Nelson, who created one of the most iconic teen characters in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a bold message about adolescence which will resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of adolescence, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing movies earning an audience.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about friendships in danger, it’s worth discussing The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Since its publication in 1999, Stephen Chbosky’s book has become a literary classic. In 2012, Chbosky did an extraordinary job of adapting his literature in the film “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” stand out is its depiction of anxiety. Chbosky uses stunning voice-over narration capturing an anxious teenager struggling to form friendships facing tension. Assisted by Logan Lerman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Chbosky created a compelling adaptation of his book. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teen, it’s a bold reminder of a genre manufacturing timeless movies about friendships that deserve to be seen.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
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 final film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. Released in 2011, David Yates’ movie captured friendships tested by warfare. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Green Book
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made about friendship that have took the world by storm, it’s worth discussing “Green Book”. Released in 2018, Peter Farrelly’s movie honoured a black pianist. Farrelly used captivating montages capturing a real-life friendship. Assisted by Mahershala Ali who is amazing in the lead role, Farrelly captured friendship in the segregation era. Although I have always been a fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s use of a white saviour narrative to depict racism in history has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Don Shirley’s desire to overcome racism, it’s a stirring reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies offering wisdom about friendships which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish my dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 