The Best Movies About Friendships Ranked

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 crucial 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 friendship can allow 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 close prisoners facing despair. Darabont has always had an aptitude for making engaging movies about friendships that are in danger, 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 bold inmate forming 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 after the release of a classic film about inmates debating 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 manufacturing movies which deserve immense 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 making unforgettable movies which are commonly worth seeing in the Cinema.

3. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that my aunt always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with an aunt that loved a series about rings causing damage. Friendship has always been a common theme in a fantasy franchise about rings that are dangerous. In 2001, Peter Jackson honoured the fantasy series about rings in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Jackson used compelling world-building to recreate the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary literature. For instance, the iconic scene in which Gandalf has a dilemma battling a dragon stating that it shall not pass is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by Elijah Wood, who portrayed a hero forming friendships on his journey. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” a great adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the fantasy book to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. 70 years following the publication of a famous book about adventurous hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies honouring literature which audiences commonly consider extremely precious.

4. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming friendships 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 friends that experience 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 absolutely today.

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. It delivers a meaningful message about doomed friendships which would resonate with everyone. An incredible portrait of doomed friendships between men that are Irish, it’s an insightful reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences commonly cherish.

6. The Breakfast Club

High schools are a setting where friendships are often lasting. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of forming friendships with peers in a school that faced a dilemma. As someone treasuring fond memories of friendships in a high school club, I adored “The Breakfast Club”. Released in 1985, John Hughes’ movie captured friendships between students in detention. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Breakfast Club” stand out is its depiction of high school. Hughes uses captivating montages capturing bonds between a group of teenagers in detention. Assisted by Judd Nelson who is extraordinary in the lead role, Hughes created a captivating coming-of-age movie. A bold portrait of adolescence, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies that have earned a tremendous audience.

7. 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 undeniable own.

8. 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 extremely special.

9. The King’s Speech

When it comes to the most beloved figures in the royal family, it’s worth discussing King George V. A troubled leader, George V developed a friendship with a speech therapist that inspired him to guide his country. In 2010, Tom Hooper honoured the iconic political leader with speech disabilities in his movie “The King’s Speech”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The King’s Speech” stand out is its depiction of speech impediments. Hooper uses captivating montages capturing the friendship between a royal family leader and his speech therapist. Assisted by Colin Firth who is amazing in the lead role, Hooper honoured the king’s legacy. As strong as King George V’s desire to overcome speech disabilities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which are worth absolutely celebrating.

10. Superbad

Few movies ever made about friends that behave bad are as beloved as “Superbad”. Released in 2007, Greg Mottola’s comedy captured teen friendships facing adversity. Mottola used captivating montages capturing bonds between a pair of teenagers in schools that are nerve-wracking. Assisted by Jonah Hill who is extraordinary in the lead role, Mottola created a captivating friendship comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of jealousy causing friendships between teens to end badly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Seth’s bond with Evan, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about friendships that face tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.