3 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Love stories have been rehashed, redone, re-filmed, an infinite number of times since, well, "LOVE STORY." The "boy meets girl" scenario has been overdone in celluloid, to be sure.

"Best friend" movies, however, are fewer and farther between. Which is too bad, really, because all of us go through several romantic relationships before we finally settle with "the one", but a true friendship never "breaks up". Nor, unlike romantic liaisons, are they dismantled by another friendship. They are enduring, and highly underrated.

Some of the best "friendship" movies are those that aren't deemed as such; the friendship relationship evolves along with the plotline, just as they do in "real life." Here are a few of the best:

Stand By Me (1986). This wonderful coming of age story is about a group of boys on the cusp of adolescence. Based on a book by (surprise!) Stephen King, Stand By Me explores the complexity and loyalties of the boys as they help one another through difficult home lives, social perceptions, the death of a sibling, and, the death of one of their schoolmates. From the movie: "Everything was there and around us. We knew exactly who we were and exactly where we were going. It was grand."

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). The friendship formed between Dill, Scout and Jem, then that formed by Boo Radley and the both Finch children in the end, was a sweet "respite" in an otherwise emotionally charged movie situation. Their innocence, and their devotion, and the journey they took together in learning some of the more unpleasant realities of life underscored the value of, and the need we have, for someone to understand us. And if understanding is out of the question, the value of being accepted, in spite of that fact.

Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991). The lifelong friendship of Izzy and Ruth was the backbone of this wonderful film, based on the book (entitled "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe") by Fannie Flagg.

Lonesome Dove (1989). This mini-series, starring Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall (based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Larry McMurtry) is the story of two men, former Texas Rangers, who take the journey of the lifetime, from South Texas to Montana. One of the most touching scenes in the entire story is the journey Captain Call (Jones) makes to carry his compadre's home for burial.

Beaches. (1988). Also based on a novel (do you see a pattern here?), no movie better explores the complexities of a female friendship than Beaches. The relationship of two friends (Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey) is examined from the time they met on the Boardwalk in early adolescence, all through the turbulent ups and downs, the competition, the wounded egos, and to the final days of their time together when one of them is diagnosed with cancer. There's no sugarcoating of their friendship, but a realistic portrayal of the pain and joy of a long standing relationship.

Some of the best "friendship" movies are, indeed, those that aren't specifically that. STAND BY ME is primarily about coming of age. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is about social injustice. LONESOME DOVE is about a cross continent cattle drive. But the friendships portrayed in all of them undergird the thematic message of the movies themselves. Just as they undergird all that is substantial in our lives.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Stockton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The top best friend movies of all time?
We want to hear your view. Write now!