19 Movies About Friendship That Avoid All the Clichés

Movies frequently fall back on predictable ways of showing friendship, but the most lasting friendships are usually more complicated. The films below break away from typical buddy-comedy formulas and overly sweet endings, instead offering realistic and nuanced connections. These stories delve into the honest, sometimes difficult, realities of platonic love – including the hurt of growing apart and the bonds people create when they feel like outsiders. They demonstrate that the deepest relationships aren’t always easy to define.

‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (2022)

When Colm unexpectedly ends his friendship with Padraic, Padraic is heartbroken. Set on a faraway Irish island, this split leads to shocking and irreversible events. The film explores the pain and quiet suffering of losing a friend, portraying the end of a close, non-romantic relationship with the same weight and seriousness as a tragic love story.

‘Frances Ha’ (2012)

Greta Gerwig stars as a dancer trying to make it in New York City, all while watching her close friend move on with their life. The film beautifully portrays their deep, non-romantic connection as the heart of the story. We see Frances grapple with the difficult process of becoming independent and leaving a codependent relationship behind. It’s a moving depiction of the sadness that comes with drifting apart from someone you thought you knew everything about.

‘Withnail & I’ (1987)

Two down-on-their-luck actors escape London for a countryside getaway, but things quickly fall apart. The story centers on the clashing personalities of the worried Marwood and the pleasure-seeking Withnail. Their bond isn’t built on affection, but on shared hardship and substance use. Ultimately, the film ends with a bittersweet realization that sometimes you have to distance yourself from damaging people.

‘Midnight Cowboy’ (1969)

Okay, so this movie follows Joe Buck, a guy who heads to New York hoping to make some easy money as a hustler. It doesn’t exactly go as planned, and he ends up paired with this really down-on-his-luck con man, Ratso Rizzo. They’re both just trying to survive in this incredibly harsh city, and they kind of reluctantly team up. What I love about it is that their connection feels so real and messy – it’s not some overly sweet, Hollywood friendship. It really gets at how lonely people can be, and how that loneliness can bring two outsiders together in a surprisingly genuine way.

‘Lost in Translation’ (2003)

In Tokyo, a famous older actor and a young woman recently married find a surprising connection at a hotel. Over a brief time, they develop a deep understanding of each other that goes beyond just romance or physical desire. The film focuses on the subtle, shared moments between two people who feel lost and alone in a strange country. Their relationship is complex and emotionally resonant, but avoids the typical storyline of an affair.

‘Stand by Me’ (1986)

As a film lover, I was really struck by this story about four young boys venturing into the woods to find a missing kid. It’s not just a search, though; it’s a journey where they start opening up about their biggest worries and what they’re truly scared of. What really got to me was how perfectly it captured those intense, almost overwhelming friendships you have as a kid – the ones that feel like they’ll last forever, but you know, deep down, are changing. It’s rare to see a film explore the vulnerability of young boys with this much honesty and sensitivity, and that’s what makes it so special.

‘Thelma & Louise’ (1991)

After a shocking event at a bar, two friends are forced to go on the run, turning their weekend trip into a desperate escape from the authorities. As they navigate life as fugitives, their friendship deepens, and they forge a powerful connection in a world that often overlooks women. Directed by Ridley Scott, this film is a thrilling road movie where the women prioritize their relationship with each other over any romantic connections. Ultimately, their journey solidifies their place as one of cinema’s most memorable and beloved pairs.

‘Ghost World’ (2001)

Enid and Rebecca are high school graduates navigating the challenges of growing up and societal expectations. As they try to figure out their futures, their friendship begins to fall apart – one wants a stable life, while the other feels increasingly isolated. The film doesn’t offer an easy or optimistic ending; instead, it realistically shows how people can grow apart, and even the strongest childhood bonds can fade when their priorities change.

‘Sideways’ (2004)

Miles and Jack, longtime friends with very different views on life, take a road trip to wine country just before Jack’s wedding. Through their journey, the film examines the struggles of middle age and the insecurities men often face. Rather than portraying a perfect friendship, the movie honestly shows the imperfections and tensions that make their relationship feel authentic and relatable.

‘Mary and Max’ (2009)

Over twenty years, a solitary girl in Australia and a worried man in New York become friends through letters. The story, told with a unique claymation style, is a moving look at mental health and the difficulties of connecting with others. As they share their letters, hidden truths and miscommunications strain their long-distance bond. Ultimately, it shows how two people can profoundly impact each other’s lives, even without a face-to-face meeting.

‘Trainspotting’ (1996)

Set in Edinburgh, the film follows a group of heroin addicts struggling with poverty and their dependencies, all while trying to live together. Their bonds of loyalty are repeatedly strained by deceit and personal desires. Director Danny Boyle uses a fast-paced, chaotic style to reflect the turbulent lives of these characters. The story ultimately asks if their difficult relationships are worth maintaining, or if breaking free is the better path.

‘The Station Agent’ (2003)

A man with dwarfism finds himself seeking peace in an old, unused train station. He unexpectedly connects with a hot dog vendor and an artist who is dealing with a loss. Their friendship blossoms naturally from their shared feelings of loneliness, without relying on contrived plot points. Directed by Tom McCarthy, the film is a subtle and quiet piece where the characters’ presence and connection are more important than what they say. It’s a celebration of the comfort found in simply being present with others who understand what it’s like to hurt.

‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ (2016)

When a rebellious young boy in foster care and a gruff, older man vanish into the New Zealand wilderness, a nationwide search begins. Director Taika Waititi tells a heartwarming story about how these unlikely companions connect through tough times and a shared sense of humor. Their bond overcomes a large age difference without relying on typical, overly sentimental mentor storylines, offering a unique and uplifting take on the idea of finding family in unexpected places.

‘Old Joy’ (2006)

The film follows two longtime friends reconnecting on a camping trip in the Cascade Mountains, where they discover how much their lives have changed and how distant they’ve become. With very little dialogue, the story focuses on the subtle, uneasy feeling of trying to recapture a friendship that’s slipped away. Director Kelly Reichardt beautifully portrays the sadness of watching relationships naturally fade, making the film a thoughtful exploration of time and connection.

‘Swiss Army Man’ (2016)

The film tells the story of a man alone on an island who forms an unlikely friendship with a corpse that washes up on the shore. What starts as a strange and comical situation unexpectedly becomes a moving story about overcoming shame and the need for connection. The filmmakers use the sheer oddity of the premise to cut through social barriers, ultimately creating a beautiful and heartwarming story about friendship in the most unusual of circumstances.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

On Christmas Eve in Los Angeles, Sin-Dee Rella and her close friend Alexandra embark on a frantic search for Sin-Dee’s unfaithful boyfriend. Remarkably, the entire movie was filmed on iPhones, giving it a raw and energetic feel, and it beautifully portrays the lives and strong bonds within the transgender community. Despite facing constant challenges, their friendship is a powerful example of loyalty as a means of survival, offering a genuine glimpse into often-overlooked experiences.

‘Close’ (2022)

Lukas Dhont’s film portrays the close friendship between two thirteen-year-old boys and how it’s challenged when others misunderstand their connection. The film explores how society pressures young men to avoid showing affection, and the painful results of suppressing genuine emotions. It’s a deeply moving story about the loss of innocence as boys are forced to conform to social norms.

‘The Master’ (2012)

After World War II, a troubled veteran becomes captivated by a compelling cult leader. Their relationship is a complex power struggle, shifting between guidance and control, and fueled by a search for purpose in a changed world. Rather than offering support, their connection is fraught with tension and ultimately damaging.

‘Napoleon Dynamite’ (2004)

This movie follows a clumsy teen who helps his new friend Pedro campaign for student government, all while navigating his quirky family life. It’s a celebration of friendship between those who don’t quite fit in, but without turning them into popular figures. Their bond is shown through subtle humor and quiet encouragement. It’s become a beloved film because it avoids typical high school movie clichés.

Tell us which unconventional friendship movies you love the most in the comments.

2025-11-28 00:16