The COMM

8 Quirky On-Screen Friendships

There are so many films and TV shows about romance and falling in love, but not enough about friendship. Some of the greatest adventures you will ever have are with your friends so there are plenty of stories to tell! From indie comedies to anime classics, let’s dive into our favourite movies and shows with quirky friendships.

 

Image courtesy of ABC News.

Napoleon Dynamite

Meet Napoleon Dynamite, your typical moody, apathetic, nerdy high schooler. His friend Pedro Sanchez, the new student from Mexico, is running for class president, but of course, the “popular kids” aren’t convinced about Pedro’s credentials. Napoleon, who usually doesn’t believe in anyone but himself, pushes Pedro to do what he wants in spite of the haters. Between their awkwardness and monotonous conversations, Napoleon and Pedro are a match made in geek heaven. For us, it’s a vote for Pedro.

 

Image courtesy of Indie Wire.

Ghost World

Ghost World is about two snarky best friends, Rebecca and Enid, who hate everyone. Relatable. We meet them at a crossroads between childhood and adulthood. One of them wants to find a job and become an adult, while the other is clinging onto the past for dear life. Again, relatable. It shows us that friendship is a tricky path to navigate, especially when you’re transitioning out of high school. We had to give a special mention to Enid’s 90s grunge wardrobe! The combination of cat eye glasses and equally catty comments makes this movie one to remember.

 

Image courtesy of Elite Daily.

Game of Thrones: The Hound and Arya

Arya: smart, courageous, takes no nonsense from anybody. The Hound: foul-mouthed, rough and stroppy. Together, they made one of the most unlikely, and deadly, duos to be seen on screen. What started as mutual loathing turned into mutual admiration and a strong bond was formed between the two. Arya learns valuable lessons and finds the courage to take on life by herself, while The Hound becomes kinder and more compassionate.

 

Image courtesy of Den of Geek.

My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro is a beloved but totally trippy film by Hayao Miyazaki. When Satsuki, Mei and their father move to an old house so that the girls can be closer to their mother who is ill in hospital, they become friends with a giant, imaginary bear named Totoro. Their new furry friend helps them to get through a stressful time in their lives by taking them on new and exciting adventures. We never really know whether it was real or all in their heads but the film is a heart-warming reminder that friends, imaginary or real, can get us through the worst of times.

 

Image courtesy of Tokyo Treat.

Nana

This manga-turned-anime-turned-live-action film captures the essence of friendship between two people from completely worldviews. On a train bound for Tokyo, a ditzy girl named Nana, and a hardcore rock chick, also named Nana, meet by chance. They soon become roommates even though they have polar opposite styles and personalities… or so it seems. Over time they get to know each other and realise that they aren’t so different after all. They end up developing a deep, mutual love for one another that sees them through the toughest of times. (They still didn’t like each other’s style though.)

 

Image courtesy of Cafe Mom.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is a cult classic about five very different teenagers stuck in detention. There’s the nerd, the snobbish popular girl, the jock, the rebel, and the weird, shy one. Different cliques. Different problems. Different lives. It’s the ultimate “huh?” kind of friendship. But through a random twist of fate, the group really gets to know each other and form a bond—even if it’s only for a day. It’ll make you cry, dance, laugh and punch the air in victory.

 

Image courtesy of The Mary Sue.

Sailor Moon

“I have friends with the same purpose as me. I have all of you.” Sailor Moon managed to do away entirely with the stereotype that girls can’t be friends with other girls. Sure, they bickered but they always resolved their problems because their friendship was more important. They knew they had to find a way to work together, as a team and as friends, to save the day. And, (spoiler alert!) in the end, it was the power of friendship that saved them and the world.

 

Image courtesy of Plugged In.

Dude, Where’s My Car?

Dude, Where’s My Car? is an American stoner comedy film about two best friends who forget where their car is parked. The premise of the film is exactly the same as their friendship—ridiculous! Films usually pair a goofy friend with a sensible one to balance everything out, but Dude, Where’s My Car? pairs equally chaotic friends together, so mayhem inevitably ensues! After all, if you can’t be your most outrageous self with your best friend, then dude, make a new best friend!

 

Written by Ash.