These films celebrate one of the greatest human bonds
From toddlers in the sandbox to parenting friends who get you through a hard day, friendship is one of the greatest human relationships. It reduces stress and loneliness (hello, group text where everyone totally supports your rant) and brings deep personal connections. The films on this list feature a diverse range of friendships for younger and older kids: we’ve got robots, animals, giants, ogres, and even a goldfish princess. They are funny and touching, and many may make you cry. Grab a box of tissues and snacks and snuggle with your kids for these movies about friendship.
Best Movies about Friendship for Young Kids
The BFG
In this film, based on the book by beloved children’s author Roald Dahl, a young girl befriends a giant. They navigate their way through Giant Country, where the girl must rely on the big friendly giant to protect her from those giants who aren’t so friendly. There are a few scary scenes and themes presented, so parents may want to save this for kids 7 and over.
Why it made our list: Another odd friendship pairing, the girl and the giant prove that friendship can be found in the most magical and unexpected ways and places. As a bonus, this movie about friendship allows parents to encourage reading with their kids by introducing the book the film was based on.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Disney +
Big Hero 6
Based on the comic book series, the film features robot Baymax and teen tech genius Hiro as they join up with a group of friends to save the world. Big Hero 6 won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year in 2015.
Why it made our list: The film focuses on themes of friendship, brotherhood, and helping others. Big Hero 6 also features a cast of diverse and strong characters many of whom are female.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Disney +
Charlotte’s Web
Based on the timeless classic children’s book by E.B. White, farm girl Fern rescues Wilbur, a pig who is the runt of the litter. When Wilbur meets Charlotte, a barn spider, she also saves him and they form a special friendship. We all know what happens in the end (where are those tissues?!), but there’s a silver lining, too.
Why it made our list: With so many special friendships, including the one between Wilbur and Fern, the farm animals, and the nurturing maternal spider Charlotte, the film shows kids what it means to be a true friend.
Rated: G
Where it’s streaming: Hulu (with Showtime), Amazon Prime
Homeward Bound
When a family leaves their brood of animals with a friend while they go on vacation, the animals decide to go after them. When they encounter danger in the wilderness, the pets must band together to find their family.
Why it made our list: The unlikely friendship between two dogs and a cat helps them to overcome obstacles and proves that friendship can blossom between dogs and cats. Their undeniable bond with their family is also heartwarming and proves pets are undeniably a part of the family.
Rated: G
Where it’s streaming: Disney +
The Peanuts Movie
Loveable underdog Charlie Brown does his best to find love in this epic adventure based on the comic strip created by Charles Schulz. Snoopy and all his pals join him as he dreams big and does his best to finally win at something.
Why it made our list: The Peanuts gang has been on adventures over many decades. Both parents and kids will relate to the awkward Charlie Brown and his band of equally interesting and unique friends.
Rated: G
Where it’s streaming: Disney +
Shrek
When an ogre has his swamp-land home invaded by fairytale characters, he must go on a quest to find and rescue a princess. On his journey with his trusty and hysterical donkey sidekick, Shrek somehow falls in love with Princess Fiona. Parents should be aware that there is some adult humor and mild language.
Why it made our list: The friendship that grows between cantankerous ogre Shrek and clueless Donkey makes this film worth a watch. Their back-and-forth banter is smart and witty and will appeal to both parents and kids.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Hulu
Related:14 Coming-of-Age Movies That Should Be Required Viewing
Zootopia
A scheming fox teams up with a rookie cop bunny to solve a case in the city of Zootopia. The characters are voiced by an eclectic and diverse group of actors, including Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Tommy Chong, J.K. Simmons, Shakira, and Octavia Spencer. Crude humor and intense scenes of animals ‘going savage’ may be difficult for young children.
Why it made our list: Natural enemies by breed and occupation, the fox and bunny actually become great friends. The film also teaches kids that we should not judge a book (or fox or bunny) by its cover.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Disney +
The Fox and the Hound
In the iconic animated Disney film, a young fox and a young hound become fast friends after meeting in the forest. As they get older and realize the roles they are meant to play in the world, their relationship gets complicated.
Why it made our list: The job of a hound is to round up foxes, but this movie shows us that even an unlikely pair can find a way to become friends. This is a classic movie about friendship that many parents may have enjoyed when they were kids, and now they can introduce it to their children.
Rated: G
Where it’s streaming: Disney +
UP
An elderly man who believes life has passed him by goes on an epic journey filled with twists, turns, and adventure. His companion is Russell, a young Wilderness Explorer. Some scenes may frighten very young viewers and some content surrounding aging and death might garner questions from kids.
Why it made our list: The developing relationship between the old man and his young travel buddy proves age is not a deterrent when it comes to friendship. The film also features positive messages and themes surrounding loyalty, responsibility, and kindness.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Disney +
The Iron Giant
A giant robot from space that the government wants to annihilate finds a friend in a young boy named Hogarth Hughes. The cast includes the voices of Jennifer Aniston, Cloris Leachman, Vin Diesel, and Harry Connick Jr. Parents should be aware that there is some mild language and perilous situations.
Why it made our list: Hogarth doesn’t simply assume that just because the giant is big and looks dangerous that he is. Watching Hogarth protect his new friend, who is so different from him, is heartwarming.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Amazon Prime
Ponyo
A goldfish princess named Ponyo meets young Sosuke in this touching and beautiful animated film. Ponyo wants to become human and uses sorcery to transform into a little girl, but her actions have consequences.
Why it made our list: The friendship that develops between Ponyo and her new friend is one of love and trust. They go to great lengths to care for one another. If parents are looking for a film to show their kids what friendship has the power to be, this is the one.
Rated: G
Where it’s streaming: HBO Max
The Sandlot
This 1990s classic coming-of-age movie is based in the 1960s. The film focuses on a new boy in town who is befriended by a group of kids who play baseball in a local lot. The summer is filled with adventure and mischief. Parents should be aware that some thematic content and language may not be appropriate for very young viewers.
Why it made our list: The way the group welcomes the new boy, Scotty, is touching and provides some genuinely funny moments. This movie about friendship may also bring back memories for many parents who watched it when they were kids.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Hulu with a Starz subscription
Related: All the New Family Movies Hitting Theaters in 2023
Wonder
When a boy with a facial deformity goes to a mainstream school, it is a lesson for everyone. Based on the novel by R.J. Palacio, the 2017 film stars Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts. The film does picture some bullying and mild language.
Why it made our list: The movie features many positive messages about friendship, including learning to see people for who they are beyond their appearance. The film also shows a strong family supporting one another through difficult times.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Hulu and Amazon Prime
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
A young boy whose parents have recently divorced finds an unlikely ally in an alien who is accidentally left behind when his spaceship leaves without him. The two wind up having an other-worldly connection that ties them to one another unexpectedly as Elliott helps E.T. to return home. Parents should be aware of some language and thematic elements.
Why it made our list: E.T. is a quintessential 1980s classic film, and the bond between E.T. and Elliott is both sweet and sad. Watching Elliott and E.T. ride high against a night sky lit by the moon as they fly away on Elliott’s bike is one of cinema’s great moments.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Amazon Prime
Best Movies about Friendship for Older Kids
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Based on the young adult novel by Anne Brashares, the film features four best friends spending the summer apart. To stay connected, they share a pair of jeans that fit them all perfectly despite their different sizes and body shapes. The film is probably best for kids 12 and over due to some language and sensitive themes surrounding sex and suicide.
Why it made our list: The four friends support each other through difficult times and are always there for one another. The film also features positive role models in the four girls who are at the center of the story.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: HBO Max
The Color of Friendship
This Disney television movie focuses on the friendship that develops between two very different girls. A white South African teen spends time with a Black teen at her home in Washington D.C. in this Emmy-winning movie. Parents should know the film tackles tough issues surrounding race and prejudice and is best for kids 11 and over.
Why it made our list: Both girls are surprised to discover stereotypes don’t always hold. They develop a strong friendship despite their differences, especially once they realize they have a great deal in common. With positive messages and role models, The Color of Friendship is worth watching.
Rated: TV-G
Where it’s streaming: Disney +
Related: 11 Marvel Movies You’ll Feel Okay with Your Kid Watching
My Girl
Two best friends, Vada and Thomas, lean on each other during a summer that’s filled with change. When the unthinkable happens, life will never be the same. Parents may want to keep this film from young viewers due to the thematic content surrounding death.
Why it made our list: The sweet friendship between Vada and Thomas is worth the watch alone. The film also may be helpful to parents hoping to introduce the topics of grief and loss to their children in a gentle way.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: Netflix
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Adapted from Stephen Chbosky’s novel of the same name, this intense coming-of-age film features Charlie, a boy who is left reeling after the death of his best friend. As he enters his freshman year of high school, he befriends a group of seniors, falls in love, and discovers a traumatic event from his past. Due to difficult topics such as domestic violence, suicide, and sex, this film is best for teens.
Why it made our list: Charlie and his friends give a realistic depiction of what teenage friendship is—warts and all. The film also provides a moving depiction of how difficult being a teenager can be.
Rated: PG-13
Where it’s streaming: Hulu
Napoleon Dynamite
This quirky comedy became a cult classic. The film is based on the misadventures of a nerdy high schooler and his band of friends growing up in a small Idaho town. Parents should be aware this may be best for kids 11 and older due to some mild language and thematic content.
Why it made our list: Aside from its cult status, the movie is about an underdog and his efforts to help his friend become student body president. The film celebrates nonconformity and shows that everyone can find a place where they fit.
Rated: PG
Where it’s streaming: HBO Max
Related: New, Original Family Movies You’ll Only Find on Netflix, Disney+ & Apple TV in 2023
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Emotionally detached teenager Greg fears getting too close to anyone. During his senior year, his mother forces him into a friendship with Rachel, a girl dying of cancer. He and Earl, a boy he’s known since kindergarten, decide to make a film for Rachel. Parents should be aware that mature themes surrounding drugs, death, and sex are present, as well as some language, which makes this film best for kids 14 and up.
Why it made our list: Watching Greg slowly allow himself to open up to someone is touching and proves that friendship is one of the most important human relationships. The film is touching and humorous and teaches not only about friendship but about grief, loss, and what it means to truly live.
Rated: PG-13
Where it’s streaming: Amazon Prime
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