The Global Day of Friendship is the perfect time to celebrate your friends — maybe with a friendship-themed movie night!
We see friendships all the time on screen, but not all films put these important relationships front and center. Films about friendships take a look at the bonds friends form over challenging circumstances and major life changes.
Whether a dynamic duo — like Thelma and Louise — or a big group of supportive friends — like the toys in Toy Story — these movies share the joy of friendship, no matter how young or old. Consider hosting a public screening of these titles for your local library's teen program or university student life organization.
Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart is a coming-of-age film in a long line of coming-of-age buddy comedy films — but this time, it’s for the overachievers. Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) have done everything right to get into their dream colleges, but the night before graduation, they realize that they haven't lived the “real” high school experience.
Cue a night filled with crazy parties, first kisses, and the illustrious Gigi (Billie Lourd). It’s laugh-out-loud hilarious, not to mention very true-to-life for many former high school overachievers. Booksmart just screams late-night slumber party film, so invite your friends over in their pajamas, pop some popcorn, and enjoy!
Read our review of Booksmart
Another Country (1984)
Guy Bennett (Rupert Everett) — a gay teen — and Tommy Judd (Colin Firth) — a Marxist — are an unlikely pair of friends, only drawn together by being outcasts at their boarding school in the 1930s. The film is loosely based on British diplomat and Soviet agent Guy Burgess’s life.
Unlike other films in this list, Another Country is much more serious and meditative. Everett and Firth are both superb in their roles, heightening the film’s drama. The two boys become closer throughout the film, working to support and protect each other.
Want a double feature? Another Country pairs well with Maurice, a 1987 film about the friendship and romantic relationship between two men in Edwardian England.
Support the Girls (2018)
There are not enough movies about life working in the food and beverage industry. Support the Girls, starring Regina Hall as Lisa, the manager of a Hooters-like restaurant. Lisa’s relationship with the serving staff crosses the manager-employee boundary; the women working at Double Whammies have a friend and confidante in Lisa.
Support the Girls explores serious themes related to working in the restaurant industry, abusive relationships, and financial instability. Despite its heavy content, Support the Girls keeps its humor and centers itself on the power of female friendship and solidarity.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise is a cultural staple. Starring Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise, this film tells the story of the women’s friendship and how it evolves after Louise shoots and kills a man who was assaulting Thelma. While the subject matter is serious, Thelma & Louise is still a fun ride through the American Southwest.
On the run from the police, Thelma and Louise decide to head to Mexico. During their trip, the women’s strength and power grow together as they fight against the misogyny and sexism they face while on the road.
Read our review of Thelma and Louise
Toy Story (1995-2019)
Since 1995, Andy’s toys have graced the screen providing entertainment to children and adults alike. The film, which follows a group of anthropomorphic toys on their adventures when Andy (their owner) is away, is an early exploration of friendship on screen for many children now.
The friendship between Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) anchors the film. At first rivals, the film shows how friendship can form even in the most bitter dislike.
The film is heartwarming right to the end — and don’t forget about the film’s many sequels either! Watching the Toy Story installments might just be the friendship-focused movie marathon you need.
Read our review of Toy Story