Friendship Movies: Types, Examples, and Their Impact

Friendship movies spanning coming-of-age, buddy films, and comedy-drama genres reflect real relationship dynamics and research shows they can enhance friendship quality by increasing confidence and acceptance while reducing loneliness, making them valuable tools for understanding and strengthening personal connections.

Ever watch a movie and immediately want to call your best friend? Friendship movies don't just entertain—they offer powerful insights into our own relationships and can actually strengthen the bonds we cherish most.

Coming-of-age, comedy-dramas, and more: Types of friendship movies

Movies about friendship span multiple genres, but they all share one common element: the deep bonds between characters. Whether portraying lifelong friendships or new connections, these films often reflect our own relationships. Here are several genres of friendship movies and their distinctive characteristics.

Coming-of-age

Coming-of-age films typically explore the transition from childhood to young adulthood, focusing on pivotal moments or challenges that shape the characters’ development. These movies often feature dialogue-heavy scenes that reveal the characters’ inner growth and evolving relationships.

Buddy

Buddy movies follow friends who tackle problems or embark on adventures together. While many are comedies, this category spans various genres. The narrative frequently includes a falling out between characters, requiring personal growth before they can reunite and accomplish their goals.

Comedy-drama

Comedy-dramas, or dramedies, blend humorous and serious elements. By balancing weighty topics with comedy, these films make difficult subjects more approachable and relatable.

Any friendship movie can leave a lasting impression, but here are some particularly impactful examples. (Warning: spoilers ahead!)

Bridesmaids, starring Kristin Wiig and Maya Rudolph

This buddy comedy follows Annie (Kristin Wiig), whose life is in disarray when she’s asked to be maid of honor for her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). The wedding party includes several memorable characters, particularly Helen (Rose Byrne), who becomes Annie’s rival for Lillian’s friendship.

Cast highlights: Kristin Wiig and Maya Rudolph

Annie and Lillian eventually reconcile, learning that while friendships may evolve over time, they can still endure. This represents a valuable lesson about the natural evolution of relationships that many viewers can relate to.

Waiting to Exhale, starring Angela Bassett and Lela Rochon

This film centers on four African American women—Savannah (Whitney Houston), Bernadine (Angela Bassett), Gloria (Lorette Devine), and Robin (Lela Rochon)—navigating their romantic lives while supporting each other through life in Phoenix.

Cast highlights: Angela Bassett and Lela Rochon

The contrasting storylines of Bernadine and Robin create an interesting dynamic. Bernadine sacrificed her career for her husband’s business and their children, only to be abandoned when he leaves for his mistress. Meanwhile, Robin is involved with a married man, believing he’ll eventually choose her over his wife.

Both women ultimately find resolution: Bernadine receives a favorable divorce settlement and meets someone who encourages her aspirations, while Robin ends her affair and chooses to raise her baby independently. Throughout their challenges, all four women maintain their supportive friendship circle.

The Breakfast Club, starring Judd Nelson and Molly Ringwald

This iconic 80s film portrays five high school students from different social groups forming unexpected connections during Saturday detention: Andy “the athlete” (Emilio Estevez), Allison “the basket case” (Ally Sheedy), Brian “the brain” (Anthony Michael Hall), John “the criminal” (Judd Nelson), and Claire “the princess” (Molly Ringwald). As they share their personal stories, new friendships emerge, and they question whether their school dynamics will ever be the same.

Cast highlights: Judd Nelson and Molly Ringwald

The detention assignment—writing a letter—serves as the film’s central metaphor. The stark difference between their initial and final letters reveals their transformed perspectives about one another. This evolution is particularly evident in the budding romance between Claire and Bender (Ringwald and Nelson).

The film powerfully demonstrates that we rarely understand others’ challenges and that meaningful connections can form with people who seem entirely different from us.

Other friendship movies

Beyond these three examples, consider watching these popular friendship films:

• Stand by Me: A writer recounts his childhood adventure searching for a missing boy with friends.
• Beaches: Chronicles the decades-long friendship between Hillary and CC through triumphs and tribulations.
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower: A socially awkward teen finds friendship and love with new friends.
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: Four friends share a magical pair of jeans during a summer apart.
• Wonder: A boy with facial differences becomes an inspiration when he enters mainstream school.
• Booksmart: Two academically-focused friends attempt to experience high school partying before graduation.
• Dead Poets Society: An unconventional teacher inspires students to pursue their dreams and form lasting bonds.
• Now and Then: Four women reunite before one gives birth, reminiscing about their pivotal summer of 1970.
• My Girl: Best friends Vada and Thomas J. confront life and death in this touching coming-of-age tale.
• The Sandlot: A newcomer bonds with neighborhood kids over baseball games.
• The Goonies: Friends battle developers while searching for treasure in this adventure classic.
• When Harry Met Sally: A classic story exploring whether men and women can maintain friendship without romance.
• The First Wives Club: Three college friends reunite after a classmate’s death and plan revenge on their ex-husbands.

From Bridesmaids to Waiting to Exhale: What we can gain from friendship movies

While research specifically on friendship movies is limited, a 2016 study found that friendship-themed movies can enhance friendship quality among adolescents by increasing feelings of confidence, acceptance, and safety while reducing loneliness.

Beyond potential psychological benefits, watching these films with friends creates shared experiences and opportunities to reflect on your own relationships. Seeing friendship dynamics portrayed on screen can offer fresh perspectives on your personal connections and deepen your appreciation for those who support you.

Therapy

Friendships provide valuable connections that can protect against various physical and mental health challenges. Quality generally matters more than quantity in friendships, and nurturing existing relationships is crucial for longevity.

If you’re looking to strengthen your friendships, working with a therapist can help address underlying issues that might be hindering your relationships, such as attachment difficulties, confidence issues, or communication challenges.

For those uncomfortable with face-to-face therapy, telehealth services offer a convenient alternative. ReachLink’s virtual therapy platform connects you with licensed clinical social workers through secure video sessions from any location with reliable internet access. Most clients are matched with a therapist within 48 hours, and you can change providers if needed.

Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth therapy. A 2022 meta-analysis found that online and in-person therapy typically produce equivalent client outcomes. Both approaches can effectively address various mental health concerns.

Takeaway

Friendship movies can help celebrate your most meaningful relationships, whether you identify with the characters or simply enjoy sharing the experience with friends. If you’re seeking additional ways to enhance your friendships, consider speaking with a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink’s telehealth platform or with a local mental health professional.