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True friendship is above everything – but also above a cozy movie night at Netflix? Not necessarily, because the popular streaming service naturally also has numerous films on offer that focus on the theme of friendship. We have compiled the 25 best friendship movies on Netflix for you here.
1. The Intouchables (2011)
What is at stake?
Driss (Omar Sy), recently released from prison, doesn’t have much of an appetite for work and prefers to get an interview stamp from potential companies so he can keep collecting unemployment benefits.
Philippe (François Cluzet), who is in a wheelchair and paralyzed from the head down, likes the easygoing nature of the alleged applicant, so he actually gives him a chance to take the job he has advertised as a caregiver. At first, Driss is not enthusiastic about the idea, but soon an intimate friendship develops between the two disparate people.
Why is the film worth seeing?
The film, which originated in France, was one of the big surprise hits of 2011 and presented viewers with an appropriate take on a serious subject – but while the film is very touching, there’s also a fair amount of laughs to be had here. Must Watch!
2. Call Me by Your Name (2017)
What is it about?
17-year-old Elio (Thimotée Chalamet) spends the summer of 1983 with his parents in a villa in Italy. The highly educated young man passes his time with classical music, books, and flirting with his acquaintance Marzia (Esther Garrel).
When his father brings in Oliver (Armie Hammer), a guest, to help him with his archaeological work, Elio isn’t too thrilled at first. However, as he gradually befriends Oliver, he finds to his confusion that he has more than just a platonic friendship with the new roommate.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“Call Me by Your Name” is a touching and stirring love story that at no point falls prey to kitsch but is directed in a sensual and sensitive way. For the screenplay, there was the coveted Oscar in 2018.
3. Green Book (2018)
What is it about?
“Green Book” is set in 1962 and tells the story of a colorful pianist, Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), who is chauffeured by his driver Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), to various venues. Tony has been keeping his head above water with odd jobs and is not too keen on driving an African-American around.
Because to find out which restaurants and hotels guests with dark skin are also welcome, he always has to look at the “Green Book” he carries with him. Nevertheless, an intimate friendship develops between the fundamentally different men during their long journey.
Why is the movie worth watching?
“Green Book” is an Oscar-winning masterpiece that is more relevant than ever in times of racism and incitement. The coveted Academy Award went not only to Mahershala Ali for Best Supporting Actor but also for Best Original Screenplay and in the top category of Best Picture.
4. The Bucket List (2007)
What it’s about?
White billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and colored mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) meet under very sad circumstances: Both have cancer and are in the same hospital room.
Both men have only a few months left to live, but they want to do various things in that time. Through Cole’s financial resources, they embark on a journey that takes them worldwide – a deep friendship develops.
Why is the film worth it?
“The Best Comes at the End” is not a mainstream film, but a real insider’s tip that you should definitely watch – if only because of the excellent chemistry between the two acting greats, Nicholson and Freeman.
5. The Goonies (1985)
What is it about?
The “Goonies” is a group of kids made up of creative genius Data (Jonathan Ke Quan), the way-too-big-mouthed Mouth (Corey Feldman), the rotund Chunk (Jeff Cohen), girls Stef (Martha Plimpton) and Andy (Kerri Green), and their leader Mikey (Sean Astin).
Always on the lookout for an exciting adventure, the kids one day come across a mysterious treasure map that once belonged to a notorious pirate. A dangerous but exciting treasure hunt, which welds the friends even closer together, takes its course.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“The Goonies” is a successful mixture of coming-of-age and adventure films and makes a lot of good humor from the first to the last minute. Not just great fun for young adventurers.
6. The Peanuts Movie (2015)
What is it about?
Charlie Brown may not be unpopular at his school, but he’s a real klutz. The new, red-haired classmate would never fall in love with him – but, of course, he himself has already fallen in love with her.
Inspired by the power of love, Charlie Brown finally decides to stop being a loser. In implementing his plan, however, he relies not only on his own intuition but also on the help of his best friend, the dog Snoopy.
Why is the movie worth watching?
“The Peanuts – The Movie” is a deliberately old-fashioned animated film in which there is hardly any action but a touching story about love and friendship. In the original version, Noah Schnapp (“Stranger Things”) lends his voice to the clumsy Charlie Brown.
7. Okja (2017)
What is it about?
Mija (Seo-Hyun Ahn) has a very special friend: a huge but absolutely good-natured creature she has grown up with since her childhood in the mountains. But when the determined businesswoman Lucy Mirando (Tilda Swinton) kidnaps the gentle creature to New York in order to make a profit out of him, Mija can prove that in life, it is always worth fighting for a real friendship.
Why is the film worthwhile?
In this strong Netflix in-house production, the focus is not on the friendship between two people but on the close bond between a human being and a living creature. In the director’s chair was Bong Joon-Ho, who was showered with awards for his film “Parasite” at the 2020 Oscars.
8. Hangover (2009)
What is it about?
Doug (Justin Bartha) is about to get married, but before that, he wants to enjoy his life as a bachelor to the fullest one last time. Together with his best friends Stu (Ed Helms) and Phil (Bradley Cooper), as well as his future brother-in-law Alan (Zach Galifianakis), he wants to have a good time in the gambling metropolis in Las Vegas.
After a drunken night with far too much alcohol, however, the boys wake up without memory in a completely demolished hotel room. What happened last night?
Why is the movie worth it?
“Hangover” is already an absolute cult movie and definitely one of the funniest buddy comedies of all time.
9. The Hangover Part 2 (2011)
What is it about?
The crazy Las Vegas trip from the first “Hangover” movie has been successfully survived, and the four friends, Doug, Stu, Phil, and Alan, are already planning a new trip. This time it should go to the far Thailand, where one would like to spend its stay, however clearly more restrained.
Unfortunately, this plan goes totally wrong, and after the end of the first night, nobody remembers the crazy events of the previous day.
Why is the film worthwhile?
Sequels don’t have too good a reputation with many movie fans, as they tend to be significantly inferior. This is also true for “Hangover 2”, but the buddy movie still offers a lot of good entertainment in round 2.
10. The Hangover Part III (2013)
What is it about?
When Alan’s (Zach Galifianakis) father passes away, and his life threatens to come apart at the seams, he is on the verge of being committed to a mental institution.
Strength in this difficult situation can now give him only his best friends Phil, Stu, and Doug, who plan to make their Best Buddy cheerful again: They want to go to Las Vegas with him one more time to have a good time there. It comes as it must come: Once again, pretty much everything goes wrong during their stay in gambler city.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“Hangover 3” is a worthy conclusion to the trilogy that, unlike Part 2, comes up with some fresh ideas.
11. My Girl (1991)
What is it about?
Despite her young age, Vada (Anna Chlumsky) is already very familiar with the subject of death: not only did her mother die giving birth to her, but her father also runs a funeral home and hardly has any time for her. Secretly, Vada is in love with her English teacher, but even being with her best friend, Thomas J. (Macaulay Culkin), provides a welcome change of pace in their otherwise dull lives.
Why is this movie worth watching?
“My Girl” is a wonderfully staged film that deals with growing up and the first great love. It offers a fair amount of charming wit but also deeply sad moments – and then there would be one of the most famous movie kisses of all time.
12. Friends with Benefits (2011)
What is it about?
Jamie (Mila Kunis) is head over heels in love with Dylan (Justin Timberlake), which is why she convinces him to move to New York and take a new job here. However, the two don’t feel comfortable with each other because they soon realize they are still mourning their previous relationships.
A crazy plan is to save the relationship: they continue to sleep together, but beyond that, they are just good friends. Can it really work?
Why is this movie worth watching?
Very entertaining, good, mood film that breaks with many a genre cliché. More suitable for female viewers.
13. No Strings Attached (2011)
What is it about?
Adam (Ashton Kutcher) and Emma (Natalie Portman) have known each other for many years and even shared their first kiss together. However, they did not become a couple, but both of them never regretted it. When they meet again by chance after several years, old memories come up, which actually tempt them to end up in bed together.
However, since Emma wants to focus on her soon-to-be job as a doctor, the two agree to a friendship based solely on sex. However, Adam soon discovers that he now has great feelings for his childhood friend.
Why is the movie worth watching?
If you love “Friends with a Conscience,” you will also enjoy this film, which has a great cast.
14. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
What is it about?
In 1961, cowboys Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis (Heath Ledger) were hired as sheepherders on Brokeback Mountain. A deep friendship develops between them, which soon turns into love.
But since the love between two men is frowned upon in conservative Wyoming, Ennis quickly suppresses his feelings and soon marries the beautiful Alma (Michelle Williams) instead. Jack, however, can’t easily forget what he sees as wonderful experiences on Brokeback Mountain.
Why is the movie worth it?
“Brokeback Mountain” is emotional cinema at the very highest level that is both stirring and moving. The film also features great actors such as Heath Ledger (“The Dark Knight”), who sadly passed away much too soon. The screenplay won an Oscar in 2006.
15. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
What is it about?
8-year-old Satsuki moves to the countryside with her father and little sister Mei, as the family wants to be close to their resident mother, who is recovering from a serious illness. While playing in the yard of her new house one fine day, Mei discovers a tiny creature busily picking up acorns and placing them in an even tinier sack.
When she follows the creature into the forest, she meets an even more extraordinary being: A giant, furry forest dweller, who, however, turns out to be very friendly. Mei and her sister quickly befriend the creature christened Totoro and develop a close bond with him.
Why is the film worth it?
“My Neighbor Totoro” is one of the most beautiful Japanese animated films that captivates both young and old viewers with its affectionate storytelling and imaginative tale. In addition, the focus here is the friendship with the strange creature Totoro and the love of nature, along with all its small and large beauties.
16. A Friend of Mine (2006)
What is it about?
Karl (Daniel Brühl), a young executive at an insurance company, is sure he wants nothing in his life. However, he only discovers that this is very much the case when he meets Hans (Jürgen Vogel), who introduces him to the really important things in life – which, to Karl’s amazement, are a few.
Why is the film worthwhile?
Entertaining German Road movie, which is primarily convincing due to its strong leading actors.
17. TIGERMILCH (2017)
What is it about?
14-year-old students Nini (Flora Li Thiemann) and Jameelah (Emily Kusche) go to school together in Berlin and have been the very best of friends for many years. The fact that Jameelah’s family, which comes from Iraq, is threatened with deportation from Germany, the two suppress as best they can because, for them, the fun in their lives is clearly in the foreground.
That the girls have it fist-full behind the ears, one could already recognize by the fact that they regularly the baby prostitution – in the hope of losing their innocence here. However, when they witness a so-called honor killing there, their friendship is tested.
Why is the film worthwhile?
An impressive film about the importance of friendship, the difficult tasks that are placed on one, and unexpected situations in life that can destroy even the best friendship.
18. The Fault In Our Stars (2014)
What is it about?
Hazel Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) is only 16 but has been suffering from thyroid cancer for three years. In a therapy group for young people who are all suffering from cancer, she meets Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort) – an impressively strong young man who had to have a leg amputated due to his illness.
The two become close friends and, from then on, are always there for each other – Augustus, for example, does not leave his friend’s side when she has to spend several days in the hospital. To strengthen their friendship after this experience, the two plan a trip to Amsterdam to meet the famous author Peter Van Houten (Willem Dafoe), whom Hazel likes very much.
Why is the film worth watching?
In contrast to numerous other Hollywood films that take up similar themes but fall into kitsch far too quickly, this strip convinces with a sad but, at the same time, very beautiful story, in which any unnecessary amount of overblown sentimentality has been deliberately avoided.
19. Benji (2018)
What is it about?
Little Carter (Gabriel Bateman) encounters a stray dog during a trip to town and immediately takes him to his heart. His sister Frankie (Darby Camp) also immediately falls in love with the four-legged friend, who, after initial difficulties with mom Whitney (Kiele Sanchez), eventually becomes a permanent member of the family. However, when the two siblings are kidnapped by criminals one day, the puppy, christened Benji, can test his courage to save his friends.
Why is the film worthwhile?
Even though the story has been told in similar ways, “Benji” will appeal to younger viewers in particular.
20. Pokemon: Mewtu Strikes Back – Evolution (2019)
What it’s about?
The scientist Dr. Fuji has cloned Mew, the strongest Pokemon in the world, in his laboratory. However, the result, which he christened “Mewtwo,” turns against its creators and soon proves to be a danger to all mankind. Shortly after, Ash Ketchum from Alabastia and his friends receive an invitation to a mysterious Pokemon tournament, but it turns out to be a trap. Now it takes all the courage and cohesion of Ash and his friends to defeat the seemingly overwhelming Mewtwo.
Why is the film worthwhile?
A lovingly animated 3D remake of the 1998 box-office hit “Pokemon – The Movie” teaches its young viewers the value of true friendship.
21. Mamma Mia! (2008)
22. Tough Girls (2013)
23. Hidden Figures (2016)
24. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
25. Mudbound (2017)
We wish you good entertainment with our recommended friendship movies on Netflix. We hope you will revisit our homepage soon – because here we will present you with many more exciting movie tips from different genres regularly.
