Top 27 Best Buddy Movies Of All Time

"Some Like It Hot" is a classic American crime comedy directed, written, and produced by the legendary Billy Wilder. The film features unforgettable performances by Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis in the leading roles. Supporting the star-studded cast are Pat O'Brien, Joan Shawlee, George Raft, Joe E. Brown, Nehemiah Persoff, and Grace Lee Whitney. Notably, the screenplay is inspired by the French film "Fanfare of Love."

The story follows two musicians who disguise themselves as women to evade a gang of mobsters after witnessing a crime. Their hilarious attempts to keep their identities secret lead to a series of comedic and suspenseful situations.

Widely celebrated as one of the greatest films ever made, "Some Like It Hot" was among the first 25 movies selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry, honored for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance.

"The Man Who Would Be King" is a classic adventure film adapted from Rudyard Kipling's renowned novel. The movie features outstanding performances by Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Saeed Jaffrey, with Christopher Plummer appearing as Kipling himself.

The story follows two audacious ex-soldiers, Daniel Dravot (Connery) and Peachy Carnehan (Caine), who are former non-commissioned officers from the British Army. In 19th-century British India, they set out in search of fortune and adventure, ultimately finding themselves in remote Kafiristan, where fate crowns one as a god and the other as a king.

"The Shawshank Redemption," directed by Frank Darabont, is a celebrated American drama adapted from Stephen King’s 1982 novella, "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption." The film masterfully explores hope, friendship, and perseverance within the harsh confines of prison life.

The narrative follows Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker wrongly sentenced to life for the murder of his wife and her lover, and Ellis ‘Red’ Redding (Morgan Freeman), a wise contraband smuggler. Their enduring friendship develops over two decades in Shawshank State Penitentiary.

Together, they become vital to a money-laundering operation overseen by the corrupt warden, Samuel Norton (Bob Gunton). The standout cast also features Clancy Brown, William Sadler, James Whitmore, and Gil Bellows in memorable supporting roles.

"The Odd Couple" is a classic comedy adapted from Neil Simon's 1965 play, with Simon also penning the film's screenplay.

The movie features Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as divorced men with clashing personalities: Felix Ungar is an uptight, neurotic neat-freak, while Oscar Madison is a laid-back, fun-loving slob. When circumstances force them to live together, hilarity ensues as they navigate each other's quirks.

Upon its release in 1968, the film became an immediate hit, becoming the third highest-grossing movie of the year with $44.5 million at the box office. Its popularity inspired the creation of the ABC sitcom "The Odd Couple," starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman as Felix and Oscar.

"The Sting" is a classic American caper film set in September 1936. The movie follows two professional grifters—Robert Redford as Johnny "Kelly" Hooker and Paul Newman as Henry "Shaw" Gondorff—who hatch an elaborate scheme to outwit a powerful mob boss, played by Robert Shaw.

Inspired by real-life cons carried out by brothers Charley and Fred Gondorff, the film draws from the book "The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man" by David Maurer, making its plot both engaging and authentic.

"The Sting" was both a critical and commercial triumph, earning ten Oscar nominations and winning seven. Its screenplay is widely celebrated, and in 2005, it was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.

"Thelma & Louise," directed by Ridley Scott, is an iconic American road crime-comedy featuring Susan Sarandon as Louise and Geena Davis as Thelma.

The story follows two friends whose simple road trip quickly spirals out of control, leading them into a series of unexpected and dramatic events.

The impressive supporting cast features Michael Madsen, Brad Pitt, Harvey Keitel, and Christopher McDonald, with a memorable score composed by Hans Zimmer.

The film received widespread acclaim and proved to be both a critical and commercial triumph, securing the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Often hailed as a landmark in feminist cinema, "Thelma & Louise" continues to inspire countless films and artistic works even decades after its release.

"Stand by Me" is a classic coming-of-age comedy inspired by Stephen King’s 1982 novella, "The Body." The film features standout performances from Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell.

Set in 1959, the story follows four young boys who embark on a hike and ultimately discover the body of a long-missing boy. Their poignant adventure tests their friendship and shapes their lives forever.

The film received an Academy Award nomination and was nominated for two Golden Globes. Despite an initial limited release and mixed reviews from critics, it became a box office success and is now regarded as a beloved classic.

"Midnight Run" is a classic buddy-cop road-action comedy featuring the dynamic pairing of Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. The film also boasts strong supporting performances from John Ashton, Philip Baker Hall, Dennis Farina, Yaphet Kotto, and Joe Pantoliano.

In this fast-paced adventure, De Niro plays a tough bounty hunter given the difficult assignment of escorting a fugitive—portrayed by Grodin—across the country. Along the way, they are relentlessly pursued by police, mobsters, and competing bounty hunters, leading to a series of hilarious and suspenseful encounters.

The movie was both a commercial and critical triumph, leading to the release of its sequel, "The Midnight Run Action Pack," in 1994.

"The Nice Guys" is a fast-paced action-comedy featuring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in the leading roles, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Angourie Rice, Keith David, Matt Bomer, Kim Basinger, and Margaret Qualley.

Set in Los Angeles in 1977, the story revolves around private investigator Holland March (Gosling) and tough enforcer Jackson Healy (Crowe). The unlikely pair join forces to solve the mysterious disappearance of a teenage girl, played by Margaret Qualley.

The film premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, where it was praised by critics for its sharp blend of humor and mystery.

"Men in Black" is a science fiction action-comedy film, loosely adapted from the Marvel comic series of the same name.

The film stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as agents of a clandestine organization dedicated to managing extraterrestrial lifeforms on Earth and ensuring their presence remains hidden from the general public.

With a production budget of $90 million, "Men in Black" earned an impressive $589.3 million worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing film of its release year.

The movie launched a successful franchise, spawning sequels such as "Men in Black II" (2002) and "Men in Black 3" (2012), as well as a standalone spin-off, "Men in Black: International" (2019). Additionally, an animated series based on the film aired from 1997 to 2001.

"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is a neo-noir, action-packed black comedy thriller that marks the directorial debut of Shane Black, who also penned the screenplay.

The film stars Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in the lead roles, with Michelle Monaghan and Corbin Bernsen delivering strong supporting performances.

The screenplay draws inspiration from Brett Halliday's novel, ‘Bodies Are Where You Find Them,’ reimagining the classic hard-boiled detective genre in a fresh and witty style.

The plot follows a small-time thief (Downey Jr.) who stumbles into Hollywood and unexpectedly teams up with an unconventional private detective (Kilmer), leading to a series of comic and thrilling misadventures.

Critics praised the film for its sharp humor and dynamic storytelling, and it enjoyed commercial success as well.

Rain Man holds a special place as a personal favorite. Directed by Barry Levinson, this unforgettable road drama tells the story of Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), a self-centered young hustler. When Charlie learns of his estranged father's passing, he discovers that nearly the entire multimillion-dollar estate has been left to his autistic savant brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), whom Charlie never knew existed.

Charlie inherits only his father's rose bushes and an old vintage car, setting him on an unexpected journey with Raymond. The film made its world premiere at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Bear, the festival's highest honor.

Rain Man achieved widespread critical acclaim and was a box office hit, bringing in a remarkable $354.8 million on a $25 million budget. It ranked as the third-highest-grossing film of 1988 and went on to win four Academy Awards at the 61st ceremony, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor (Hoffman), Best Picture, and Best Director.

"48 Hrs." is a trailblazing buddy-cop action comedy featuring Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy. In the film, a hard-nosed cop teams up with a wise-cracking convict to bring down a pair of dangerous criminals.

The title refers to the tight 48-hour window they have to solve the case. This movie also marked Eddie Murphy’s big-screen debut, where he starred as the convict opposite Nolte’s gruff detective.

Regarded as the first true entry in the 'buddy cop' genre, "48 Hrs." features a memorable musical score by James Horner. The film was a box office hit in 1982 and earned significant critical praise for its dynamic performances and sharp writing.

"In Bruges," a dark comedy by Martin McDonagh in his feature-film directorial debut, stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as a pair of Irish hitmen from London. The two, Ray (Farrell) and Ken Daley (Gleeson), are forced to lay low in the picturesque city of Bruges as they deal with the wrath of their furious boss, Harry Waters, played by Ralph Fiennes.

The film derives its title from its striking setting in Bruges, Belgium. It premiered as the opening night film at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Colin Farrell's performance earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Martin McDonagh's clever writing won him a BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay, cementing the film’s reputation as a standout in the genre.

Set in 1962 America, "Green Book" tells the story of Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga, an Italian-American bouncer who becomes the chauffeur for Dr. Don Shirley, a celebrated Black pianist, as they embark on a tour through the segregated Deep South.

The duo relies on "The Green Book," a travel guide that identifies safe places for African Americans during an era of widespread racial discrimination. This historic context shapes their journey, bringing both tension and growth.

Confronting prejudice along the way, Tony and Dr. Shirley's initial cultural differences gradually give way to an unlikely bond, challenging their worldviews and fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Inspired by true events, the film masterfully blends humor and drama to examine the realities of racism, while emphasizing the transformative power of friendship and empathy.

"Green Book" garnered critical acclaim, winning the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor, and connected with audiences worldwide to become a major box office hit.

"21 Jump Street" (2012) is an American buddy cop action comedy that marks the live-action directorial debut of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. The film stars Jonah Hill—who also co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Bacall—and Channing Tatum in the lead roles.

The story follows two police officers, Jenko (Channing Tatum) and Schmidt (Jonah Hill), who are sent undercover to pose as high school students. Their mission is to investigate the emergence of a dangerous new drug and unmask its supplier, all while navigating the challenges of returning to high school life.

"21 Jump Street" garnered critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing $201 million on a budget of $42–54.7 million. Its popularity led to a sequel, "22 Jump Street," in 2014, and a female-led spin-off was announced in 2015.

"Lethal Weapon" is a classic buddy cop action-comedy featuring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in the lead roles. The film also boasts a talented supporting cast, including Tom Atkins, Mitchell Ryan, Darlene Love, and Gary Busey.

The story centers on two mismatched LAPD detectives: Martin Riggs (Gibson), a former Green Beret struggling with his wife's tragic death, and Roger Murtaugh (Glover), a seasoned veteran nearing retirement. Their unlikely partnership delivers a perfect blend of tension and humor.

With a budget of $15 million, "Lethal Weapon" became a major box office hit, grossing over $120 million. Its success spawned three sequels and inspired a television series, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the genre.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a delightful comedy-drama crafted by the talented duo Joel and Ethan Coen, who served as writers, directors, co-editors, and producers of the film.

The movie features standout performances by George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Turturro in the lead roles, with strong support from Chris Thomas King, Holly Hunter, John Goodman, and Charles Durning.

Set in 1930s Mississippi, the story follows three escaped convicts on a wacky quest for hidden treasure while being relentlessly pursued by a determined lawman.

This film serves as a clever and modern satire of Homer’s epic Greek poem, The Odyssey, infusing classic storytelling with a unique Southern twist.

If you're in the mood for a gripping film, Léon: The Professional is an excellent choice. Released in 1994 with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes, this critically acclaimed film stars Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and a young Natalie Portman, under the direction of Luc Besson.

The story centers on Léon, a professional assassin who takes in Mathilda, a young girl whose family—including her stepmother, stepsister, and beloved younger brother—are murdered by a corrupt DEA agent. As Mathilda seeks justice, Léon imparts his lethal skills and becomes her protector in a world filled with danger.

Driven by a fierce desire for revenge, Mathilda is especially determined to avenge her little brother—the one family member she truly loved. Her quest for vengeance becomes the film's emotional core, adding depth and urgency to this unforgettable buddy crime drama.

If you're seeking a fresh take on the modern bromance, "I Love You, Man" is a film you won't want to overlook. Starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel, this comedy delivers both laughs and heart.

The story centers on Peter Klaven (Rudd), a man without close male friends, who embarks on a quest to find the perfect best man for his wedding to his devoted fiancée, Zooey Rice (Rashida Jones).

Peter eventually meets Sydney Fife (Segel), forging a new friendship that quickly becomes complicated. Sydney and Zooey struggle to get along, putting Peter in the middle and creating hilarious tension between his best friend and his bride-to-be.

This film marks the third collaboration between Rudd and Segel, following their work together in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (2008) and "Knocked Up" (2007).

"The Intouchables" is a French comedy drama that was nominated for a BAFTA Award, a Critics Choice Award, and won the César Award.

It follows a wealthy quadriplegic named Philippe (François Cluzet), who hires Driss (Omar Sy), a young man from the projects, to be his caregiver.

Despite their vastly different backgrounds, an unlikely friendship blossoms. Driss brings humor and spontaneity into Philippe's regimented life, making him happy after a long time.

At the same time, Philippe offers Driss cultural and social opportunities that were not available to people from the projects.

The film explores themes of class, disability, and friendship and was a box-office sensation, becoming one of the highest-grossing French films ever.

Headlined by James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Seth Rogen, This Is the End is a comedy-fantasy that hit the screens in 2013. Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen brought the story to life with the help of competent crew members such as Seth Rogen, and Evan Goldberg (screenplay), Brandon Trost (cinematography), and many others.

Jay Baruchel arrives in Los Angeles to visit fellow Canadian Seth Rogen who invites him to James Franco's housewarming party. While there, Jay and Seth go out to buy cigarettes and are blinded by blue light which ends up sucking numerous people.

This is followed by an earthquake and the opening up of a sinkhole in James' yard. While several celebrities and partygoers are killed and everyone around tries to make sense of what's happening, Jay believes the disaster is the Apocalypse.

A buddy stoner comedy film, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (which was released in several international markets as Harold & Kumar Get the Munchies) stars Kal Penn and John Cho in titular roles with Neil Patrick Harris in supporting roles.

The film follows two friends, Kumar Patel (Penn) and Harold Lee (John Cho) on their journey to a White Castle restaurant after having smoked marijuana.

The film was written by Hayden Schlossberg and Jon Hurwitz, who based it on their experiences with those at Randolph High School.

It received critical and commercial acclaim, with its sequel, Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay being released in 2008.

Rush Hour is a buddy action comedy that stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in the lead. The story is of two mismatched police officers; detective inspector Lee (Chan) and detective James Carter (Tucker) who have been assigned to rescue the abducted daughter of a Chinese diplomat, Consul Solon Han (Tzi Ma).

The ensemble cast includes Tzi Ma, Ken Leung, Rex Linn, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Rolston, and Elizabeth Pena. The film was a big commercial success, garnering $244 million worldwide, on a budget of $33-35 million.

The success of the film led to two sequels which were also quite successful; Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Rush Hour 3 (2007).

Grumpy Old Men is a romantic comedy that stars Jack Lemmon, and Walter Matthau in the lead along with supporting acts from Ossie Davis, Kevin Pollak, Ann-Margret, Burgess Meredith, Buck Henry, and Daryl Hannah.

The film was followed by a sequel titled, Grumpier Old Men. The story is about two friends who simply love hating each other, albeit they do love each other intensely as well.

They've been fighting since they were kids but things start getting heated up when an attractive-looking older woman (Ann-Margret) decides to move into their neighbourhood. The film would be a good watch with your old man.

Top Gun isn't your typical buddy film. It is an action-drama starring quite a few people in the lead.

It is directed by Tony Scott, the name of the film was inspired by an article with the same name, written by Ehud Yonay, three years prior.

The story is about Lieutenant Pepe ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise) a young naval aviator aboard the USS Enterprise (aircraft carrier) and his radar intercept officer, Lieutenant Nick ‘Goose’ Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards), who are both given the chance to train at the US Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun).

The film also stars Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, and Tom Skerritt in supporting roles. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a huge commercial success, grossing $357 million, to a budget of $15 million.

It won both an Academy Award as well as a Golden Globe (for Take My Breath Away – Berlin).

Its sequel; Top Gun: Maverick, was released in 2022 and it managed to surpass the original both commercially and critically.