Whether getting into trouble, lending a helping hand, or just being a shoulder to cry on, best friends play a pivotal role in cinema and in real life. There are plenty of movies that are excellent examples of the power of friendship on a variety of levels. Having all been released in the last decade, these films span a variety of genres, ranging from action, to horror, to comedy.
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The experience of sitting down with friends to experience a movie for the first time is one not easily replicated. In the age of streaming, heading to the theater for a night out is secondary tobinging movies and shows all night. Piling on the couch with popcorn, a good beverage, and these films is a recipe for success.
‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ (2019)
Opposites attract in this action-comedy when Luke Hobbs (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) team up to defeat a deadly threat. This movie keeps viewers of all kinds entertained whether they stem from theFastfranchise fan base or not.
With plenty of action, comedy, and heart, Hobbs & Shaw is a story that covers all the bases without stretching the imagination too far. Capitalizing on the strong personalities of Johnson and Statham, viewers sitting down with a group of friends are sure to debate who is the better action hero.
‘Someone Great’ (2019)
After a bold career move forces a devastating breakup for Jenny (Gina Rodriguez), her best friends band together to spend one more epic night in New York before their lives change for good. Led by Rodriguez,Brittany Snow, andDeWanda Wise, this movie is all about friendship and letting go.
A heartfelt storyabout loss and growth, Netflix’sSomeone Greatdeserves a spot on the screen during a night in with best friends, alongside a box of tissues and some pizza.
‘The Nice Guys’ (2016)
The buddy comedy of the decade,The Nice Guysfollows two private detectives as they try to solve an unusual case involving a murder, a mysterious runaway, and a car show. Starring A-listers likeRyan GoslingandRussell Crowe, this comedy involves partners-in-solving-crime with plenty of well-timed gags and bits.
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Like many best friendships, this dynamic duo matches wits without one character outdoing the other. Movie nights involving this story are sure to be filled with solid action sequences and gut-wrenching laughter.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018)
Portraying the rollercoaster that is the rock-n-roll lifestyle,Bohemian Rhapsodyfollows the inception and career of the legendary band Queenand its frontman Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek). Featuring fan-favorite tracks, this biopic adds an extra level of excitement for audiences who grew up listening to Queen and those just discovering the band.
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The band’s determination to support each other through thick and thin emulates real-life friendships as they evolve. For his performance as the rock-n-roll icon, Malek earned a Best Actor nomination and win at the 91st Academy Awards.
‘It: Chapter One’ (2017)
A modern adaptation ofStephen King’sclassic horror novel,It: Chapter Onefollows a group of middle school outsiders trying to save their town from a terrifying, supernatural clown. This movie is led by a powerful cast of young newcomers that accurately portray the bond of kids who share similar struggles.
WhileIt: Chapter Tworeceived warm reviews, it wasn’t the cultural and critical powerhouse that wasChapter One.Full of scares and intensity, this story’s theme of friendship and loyalty still breaks through the horror. Director Andy Muschietti’s take on the 1986 novel earns a feature slot for any scary movie night.
‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)
Based on the true story, this historical drama starringTaraji P. Henson,Octavia Spencer, andJanelle Monáetells the tale of the African American women behind NASA’s space race and the launch of astronautJohn Glenn.This powerful, female-led castbrings to life an epic tale of resiliency in 1960’s America.
This adaptation ofMargot Lee Shetterly’snon-fiction work earned three Oscar nominations. An excellent film to view among family and friends,Hidden Figuresrepresents the strength of friendship during life’s toughest struggles.
‘Game Night’ (2018)
Another epic installment inJason Bateman’scomedic career, this film depicts a group of friends whose weekly game night goes awry when a newcomer ups the stakes. A strong ensemble cast and a resilient plot are what make this film a perfect addition to a night among friends.
In addition to Bateman, this comedy boasts names likeRachel McAdams,Kyle Chandler, andJesse Plemons. Each star has an opportunity to steal the scene as multiple plots thread their way into one with mountains of laughter along the way.Game Nightdeserves a spot on any movie night’s watch list.
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