Best feel-good movies about friendships

By Neia Balao 8:08am PDT, Jun 3, 2020

Sometimes all you need is a movie that reminds you of the power of friendship. As we continue to stay home and binge-watch to our heart's content, Wonderwall.com has put together a list of our favorite feel-good films about friendship. Starting us off? This beloved comedy starring two "Saturday Night Live" alums. Led by Kristen Wiig, "Bridesmaids" comically tackles a best friend's greatest fear: What happens to the friendship once your bestie says "I do"? The film follows Annie Walker (Kristen), a 30-something maid of honor who grows increasingly insecure about her place in best pal (and bride-to-be) Lilian Donovan's (Maya Rudolph) life. From that scene at the bridal shop to the random cameo by Wilson Phillips, there's no shortage of laughable moments in this Judd Apatow-produced film. Keep reading for more…

"Blockers"

Like "Superbad" but for girls. Directed by Kay Cannon, who famously wrote and directed most of the "Pitch Perfect" film series, "Blockers" is a comedy about three parents (played by Leslie Mann, John Cena and Ike Barinholtz) who, after finding out that their daughters all made a pact to lose their virginity on prom night, join forces to put a stop to it. It's basically nearly two straight hours of Leslie, John, and Ike bantering while getting into the wildest shenanigans. In addition to being incredibly funny, the film also packs an emotional punch with a great payoff.

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"Frances Ha"

If someone ever says they love "Frances Ha" unprompted, protect them at all costs. The film, which was written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, follows the life of 20-something Frances (Greta) as she struggles to establish a life of her own after her best friend (Mickey Sumner) moves out of their New York City apartment to live with her boyfriend. In the face of a fragmenting friendship, Frances, who also recently became jobless, is forced to find other ways to occupy her time. With lines of dialogue that ring so true ("Don't treat me like a two-hour brunch friend!"), it's the kind of film that feels like it was written specifically for you.

"Lady Bird"

You don't need to have gone to an all-girls Catholic school to love this film. There are many reasons why Greta Gerwig's "Lady Bird" should be on your watch (and rewatch) list — from Saoirse Ronan's expert portrayal of a rebellious teenager who wants nothing more than to shed her Northern California roots to the realistic depiction of a strained mother-daughter relationship, the movie exudes authenticity. Also, good luck not playing the Dave Matthews Band's "Crash Into You" on loop after watching this.

"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"

The word "sisterhood" is in this film's name for a reason. "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" is a classic that follows a group of best friends who must spend the summer apart but stay connected by sharing a pair of pants that, for some reason, fits them all perfectly. It's a fun, creative way of looking at the binding force of friendship — regardless of what they've got going on in their own lives, the girls still manage to prioritize their friendships with each other. With a cast that includes Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera, the film is so early 2000s, the nostalgia alone will put a smile on your face.

"Romy and Michele's High School Reunion"

Ah, the dreaded 10-year high school reunion. "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" is a hilarious tale about two best friends who decide to create fake careers in an effort to impress their former classmates. In Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele (Lisa Kudrow) we have two women who couldn't be further from having their lives figured out, yet regardless of how disheveled they are, their bond remains as strong as ever. From their candy-colored dresses to their synchronized dance numbers, Romy and Michele are kindred spirits; the film is basically a romantic comedy about friendship, and we can't help but adore it.

"Superbad"

There's nothing uncommon about two teenage boys wanting to lose their virginity before going off to college, but what sets "Superbad" apart from other teen films chronicling this goal is its charismatic leads. Led by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, the film is more than just a raunchy comedy. Beneath the "must lose virginity before I graduate high school" premise is a story about two friends struggling to accept the fact that they're about to head down pretty dissimilar paths, and that this might very well be the last time they spend any quality time together. Seth (Jonah) has an especially difficult time addressing his feelings, but once he does, he and Evan (Michael) share some really sweet moments (i.e., the sleeping bag scene).

"Mean Girls"

Being a girl is tough, and this movie shows you exactly why. Generally, there's nothing desirable about catty girls — they mask insults with a smile, pretend to care when they don't and spread rumors like it's nobody's business but their own… yet those reasons are exactly why "Mean Girls" is so watchable. Lindsay Lohan shines as out-of-touch high schooler Cady Herron, a girl who ends up becoming obsessed with the queen bee (Regina George, as played by Rachel McAdams) she was meant to take down. The movie explores all sorts of friendships — the good, the bad and the plastic.

"Big Hero 6"

While there's no shortage of action, what makes "Big Hero 6" so special is its heart. The movie focuses on the relationship between a young boy named Hiro who, after tragically losing older brother Tadashi, finds a companion in Baymax, a robot whose sole function is to care for others. What develops is an unlikely friendship between a grieving boy and a selfless droid. It's a touching tale about family and friendship and how both can be found in the most unexpected places.

"Bend It Like Beckham"

There are some films you watch growing up that shape your perception of the outside world, and "Bend It Like Beckham" is one of them. It follows two British girls (played by Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley) who develop a friendship after recognizing their mutual love for soccer. The film also addresses what it means to be a first-generation immigrant while challenging the preexisting cultural and societal expectations that come with it.

"When Harry Met Sally"

While it's technically about a relationship in the making that spans 12 years, "When Harry Met Sally" is also a film about friendship. Sure, sparks fly between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan), but long before they ever act on those feelings, they become friends. The film is great because it really unpacks the age-old question of whether or not men and women can truly be just friends.

"Clueless"

Stripped of its Beverly Hills backdrop and adorable coordinating outfits, "Clueless" is as much about self-growth as it is about strong female friendships. Upon meeting Tai (Brittany Murphy), Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) can't resist the urge to make her over and bring her into her own social circle. What she eventually comes to realize, though, is that appearances aren't everything — what matters is maintaining your authenticity and figuring out who you are separate from your image. Cher and Tai, along with Cher's other bestie Dionne (Stacey Dash), make for three of Beverly Hills' most lovable friends.

"Monsters, Inc."

If only we had a dream team like theirs. "Monsters, Inc." taught us a lot of life lessons, but among the most important is the value of a solid friendship. Despite having different scare tactics, what makes the friendship between Mike and Sully so special is how well they work together. While they might not always agree (like when Mike was initially reluctant to help Sully hide Boo), they eventually set aside their differences for the common good. With a friendship dating back to college, this scary pair is nothing short of adorable.

"I Love You, Man"

"I Love You, Man" is about a friendship that blossoms out of a chance encounter at an open house — and it's an absolute delight to watch. Chronicling the new friendship between Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) and Sydney Fife (Jason Segel), the film has all the story beats of a romantic comedy — the meet-cute, the nerves associated with asking someone to hang for the first time –and portrays friendship in your 30s in a sincere way that's pretty special to watch play out.

"Wreck-It Ralph"

There's something especially pure about two outcasts finding each other at just the right time. "Wreck-It Ralph" explores the unlikely friendship between video game characters Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) and the titular Ralph (John C. Reilly). Ostracized from their respective games, neither Vanellope nor Ralph are seen as more anything other than a glitching race car driver and a destructive villain. All they've got is each other, and that companionship is something neither of them take for granted.

"Booksmart"

It's a dreadful feeling to realize that you didn't make the most of a formative experience like high school — and that's the reality for best friends Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever). In an effort to cram years of lost time into one epic night, they decide to go to a graduation party… without actually knowing where it's taking place. What ensues is a ridiculous, chaotic adventure that none of their studying could've ever prepared them for. A charming comedy about high school and coming of age, the film also incorporates what is possibly the best code word ever: Malala.

"The Breakfast Club"

It would be difficult to compile a list of films about friendship without including this John Hughes classic. "The Breakfast Club" set a precedent for films about teens that didn't feel childish or without substance. Here, we have a dynamic, complicated group of high school students who seemingly have nothing in common. Of course, as the film progresses, we come to realize that isn't true at all. Sometimes, all it takes is being stuck in a library to understand that some of the most worthwhile friendships are with people you've judged in error.

"The First Wives Club"

Solidarity is explored in this hilarious comedy about three divorcées (played by Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler) who exact revenge on their ex-husbands for leaving them for younger women. Filled with witty one-liners and a life-invigorating dance number, "The First Wives Club" charmingly underscores the importance of having strong female friendships.

"Stand By Me"

While it's based on a Stephen King novel, "Stand By Me" is far from scary. What starts off as an adventure among four boys (played by Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O'Connell) turns into a life-altering experience. The film is coming of age at its finest, and it serves as a gentle reminder that even the most seemingly insignificant moments in our lives can leave a lasting impact.

"Friends With Benefits"

While it's more of a romantic comedy than anything, "Friends With Benefits" also focuses on friendship and the fear of ruining one. Starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis as friends-turned-casual lovers, the comedy that explores whether or not men and women have the capacity to be intimate with each other without having any strings attached. It's more a case study of what happens when you blur that line between friends and more than friends. Plus, who wouldn't want to see J.T. sing "Closing Time" by Semisonic?