If you’re hosting a movie night for all your friends, you’re probably racking your brain to think of the best films to watch. After all, it’s challenging to come up with a list that will have a little bit of everything.
Luckily, this article can help you. From hilarious comedies to cult classics, here are the best movies to watch with friends for an unforgettable night.
14 Top Movies to Watch With Friends
1. Zombieland (2009)
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This film is a real treat. Great humor, thrilling scenes, and a zombie apocalypse — what more could you ask for? The story follows three characters played by Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, and Jesse Eisenberg. All three are trying to survive on an Earth ravished by a deadly virus that turns people into zombies.
These three characters are different in all the ways that truly matter. However, the fight for survival brings them together, proving that even the most opposite of characters can work together when they have a common goal.
Will they be strong enough to overcome their issues for the greater good? And is this new Earth even worth saving, as destroyed as it is? One thing is for sure: a friendly movie night seems like the best place to find out the answers to these questions.
2. Back to the Future (1985)
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No movie night can go without a true classic, and Back to the Future is indeed one of the best options you can choose. In this cult film, a teenager is sent 30 years into the past, where he meets his teenage parents.
He has the once-in-a-lifetime chance to talk to them and understand them as the people they were before he came along. In addition, he has the opportunity to meet other people in his town and family and marvel at how much (or how little) they have changed.
Of course, there is a catch. He must return to his own time before anyone realizes that he doesn’t belong there. As it usually goes, returning is not as easy as he had anticipated, and his entire existence hangs in the balance.
Sweet and hilarious, this movie will impress just about anyone, regardless of which genre they usually prefer.
3. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
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This 2014 mockumentary follows the everyday (or rather every night) lives of four vampires. These supernatural beings are roommates, and their lives are surprisingly mundane, all things considered.
However, their carefully crafted routine changes when they get another roommate by turning a human into a vampire. All of a sudden, they have to deal with a new buddy who doesn’t have their centuries-long experience of hiding, bloodsucking, and staying out of trouble. Needless to say, chaos ensues rather quickly.
What We Do in the Shadows is a delightfully funny movie, and you will find it relatable even though it’s about vampires. In the end, it’s a true deep dive into what it means to be alive, and the vampires and gothic elements are just an awesome bonus.
4. The Hangover (2009)
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Are you organizing a movie party just for the boys? If so, The Hangover simply must be on your watch list!
The iconic movie follows four friends (Doug and his three best men) at a bachelor party in Vegas. It’s supposed to be a simple get-together full of drinks, gambling, and fun to celebrate the last day of Doug’s freedom.
However, things don’t go according to plan. The morning after, the three best men wake up hungover, without any memories about what happened, and without Doug. To make things worse, their hotel suite is in absolute disarray, there is a tiger in their bathroom, and an infant crying in the closet.
You will laugh out loud as you watch the three men try to retrace their steps and find Doug in time for his wedding. Make sure you have a lot of drinks and popcorn ready, and your night will indeed be unforgettable!
5. Deadpool (2016)
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If you want to watch a Marvel movie but you have no time to catch up on all the new installments and TV shows, Deadpool is an excellent compromise. While it is not a direct part of the current MCU, it has that Marvel vibe that everyone knows and loves.
In this film, a scientist named Ajax experiments on Wade Wilson, a mercenary suffering from terminal cancer. Ajax’s plan is to cure Wade and give him healing powers. Unfortunately, his machinations do not go according to plan, and the experiment leaves Wilson disfigured and hungry for revenge.
Thus, he becomes a real antihero: Deadpool. However, as morally gray and problematic as he is, you cannot help but root for him and laugh along as he goes through adventure after adventure. Of course, Ryan Reynolds’ incredible comedic appeal has a lot to do with that.
So, if you want a superhero movie where the lines between good and bad are as blurred as they come, look no further.
6. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
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Kingsman is most famous for its star-studded cast. The film features Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Taron Egerton, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Sophie Cookson, Elton John, Julianne Moore, and many more.
However, it is equally great plot-wise. It tells the story of a young man who becomes a secret service agent by sheer coincidence. After completing comprehensive training exercises and becoming a true London gentleman, he’s ready to go out into the world. His first task is nothing too serious: he just has to save the world from an eco-terrorist.
Hilarious and packed with excellent action, this film is a combination of funny and exhilarating that will wow just about anyone.
7. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
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One stormy night, Brad and Janet get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Stranded and without any clue how to get help, they notice a strange castle looming nearby. Seeing that it is inhabited, they decide to try their luck and see if there is a telephone they can use.
However, they soon realize that it is no ordinary castle. It is actually the home of Dr. Frank N. Furter, an alien transvestite. Furter is hosting an annual convention, so the castle is full of individuals of all ages, races, and sexual orientations. All at once, Janet and Brad are thrust into a maddening world where nothing is as it seems.
This film is based on the 1973 musical stage production The Rocky Horror Show. However, it is also a homage and parody of genres such as horror and sci-fi. At the time of its release, it was heavily criticized for the diverse portrayals of minorities. Nowadays, it is one of the most celebrated moves of all time.
So, if you’re a film buff and you want to stay on top of all the must-watch titles, you cannot miss this one. The musical numbers and wacky costumes are an added bonus that will ensure you get hooked on this story at first watch.
8. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)
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Spaghetti westerns are always a good choice for movie nights with friends, and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is the genre’s crown jewel. Clint Eastwood is at his best here, and the plot is equally mysterious and interesting. You’ll be on the edge of your seat all throughout the movie, waiting to see what happens with the stolen gold, the heartless hitman, and the sneaky Mexican bandit.
Another thing that fans all around the world love about this movie is its incredible music score. Composed by Ennio Morricone, the legendary music will transport you right into the old Wild West in no time.
9. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
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No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to feel a little bit of magic in your life. And nothing is as magical as the iconic story about Harry, a young wizard attending the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It is best to start the story at the very beginning and follow Harry as he discovers his powers, finds friends, and realizes he has mortal enemies he never knew about. The first movie is full of childhood innocence and wonder, and it doesn’t yet foreshadow the darkness and destruction that will come with the rest of the franchise.
If you have a lot of time on your hands, you can even continue with the rest of the movies and make a full-on marathon. It’s an excellent way to spend your day, and it’ll bring you back to your childhood in no time.
10. Trainspotting (1996)
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This black comedy-drama stars Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Kevin McKidd, and Kelly Macdonald. Based on Irvine Welsh’s infamous transgressive novel of the same name, the film follows a group of drug addicts living in Edinburgh.
The main themes the movie explores are urban decay, poverty, and the human experience in a society that doesn’t seem to care about anyone or anything. Painfully honest and deadpan funny, this film is a real treat for fans of Fight Club and American Psycho.
11. 21 Jump Street (2012)
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If you are into action comedies, look no further than 21 Jump Street. Starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, the movie follows two young cops who have to go undercover at a high school.
Their goal is to prevent the production and distribution of a new synthetic drug and to arrest the supplier. However, the task proves to be more difficult than they anticipated because they get caught up in high school drama. Their inability to focus on the task threatens to jeopardize both the investigation and their friendship.
To get the full Jump Street experience, you can follow up this movie with its hilarious sequel, 22 Jump Street. Together, they will make you laugh out every few minutes, making for a great choice for a chill movie night.
12. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
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Perfect for all fans of American Pie, this film follows two friends who get high and decide to go to White Castle and get burgers. On their way to New Jersey, their adventure becomes hectic and hilarious. In just under two hours, they face rednecks, cops with vendettas, and an inspired car thief.
This film wasn’t as successful at the box office as some of the other options on this list. Still, it has a dedicated following today. In fact, many consider it a modern cult classic, meaning that you should definitely include it in your watch party.
13. Coco (2017)
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Are you and your friends big animated movie fans? In that case, Coco is a masterpiece that you shouldn’t miss.
The story introduces you to Miguel, a passionate singer and performer who tries to pursue his dream. However, there is a catch: his family has banned music and won’t let him play or sing.
On the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), Miguel accidentally stumbles into the land of spirits. Once there, he reconnects with his great-great-grandfather and learns why his family is so against music in all forms.
However, not everything is as it seems, and a shocking twist reveals even more secrets buried deep. Suddenly, Miguel has to fight to survive and get back to his family. The alternative is staying trapped in the spirit world forever, which is a terrifying prospect.
Aside from a great plot and gorgeous animation, this movie will impress you with its catchy soundtrack. So, if you want something fun, heartwarming, and full of excellent music, Coco should be your number-one choice.
14. Amélie (2001)
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Constantly caught up in her vivid imagination, Amélie is a young girl living in Paris. The movie follows her quest to help others find happiness in life. As she works tirelessly to achieve her goal, she realizes that true love is just as attainable for her. She just has to be brave enough to seek it.
This film features a charming set of characters and the main protagonist who is equally fantastical and relatable. In addition, the cinematography and score are excellent. Thus, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the screen from the beginning to the end.
All in all, Amélie is a feel-good film that you can always come back to, no matter how many times you have seen it.
