8 best movies about friendship to watch on International Friendship Day 2026

DreamWorks’ Academy Award-winning animated comedy follows Shrek, a reclusive ogre whose quiet swamp is overrun by fairytale creatures banished by Lord Farquaad. To regain his privacy, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, accompanied by a relentlessly talkative, overly enthusiastic Donkey.

At its heart, the film is a story about vulnerability and connection. Shrek is an isolated outcast who built emotional walls to protect himself from a world that rejects him, but Donkey’s steadfast loyalty, patience and unconditional acceptance break down those barriers. Donkey shows Shrek that he is worthy of love and companionship, delivering a timeless message that true friends see past external appearances and accept you for who you genuinely are. Kids, teenagers and adults will all find Shrek the perfect movie for some witty comedy, fairytale parodies and lighthearted animation.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Tom Holland, this brand-new Marvel installment picks up four years after Doctor Strange’s spell forced the world—including Peter Parker’s best friends, MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon)—to completely forget he exists. Living in total isolation in New York City, Peter fights crime as a full-time superhero while silently watching his old friends move on with their lives at university.

The film offers a bittersweet, mature exploration of selflessness, memory and the lasting impact of friendship. Even when former friends no longer remember you, the love, shared history and desire to protect them never truly fade. It is ideal for Marvel fans, teenagers, and young adults seeking an emotionally resonant superhero blockbuster.

Coincidentally, Spider-Man: Brand New Day debuts in Hong Kong cinemas on July 30, 2026—making it the perfect theatrical outing for International Friendship Day.

Directed by James Gunn, this Marvel sci-fi adventure brings together a ragtag band of galactic misfits: space outlaw Peter Quill, assassin Gamora, vengeful warrior Drax, genetically engineered raccoon Rocket, and tree-like humanoid Groot. Forced to cooperate to stop the villainous Ronan, they evolve into the cosmos’ unexpected defenders.

Guardians of the Galaxy is the ultimate “found family” story. Each character starts as a lonely outcast burdened by grief, trauma or a criminal past. Through shared danger, ridiculous humour and sacrifice, they learn to trust again, culminating in Groot’s iconic declaration, “We are Groot”. The film highlights how friendship can heal personal wounds and transform broken loners into a fiercely loyal family.

Inspired by a true story, this Academy Award-winning comedy-drama is set in 1962 and follows Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga, a tough Italian-American bouncer hired to drive Dr Don Shirley, a world-class African-American classical pianist, on a concert tour through the racially segregated Deep South of the US.

Initially divided by racial prejudice, social class, and contrasting temperaments, Tony and Don are forced to navigate systemic racism and hostility together. As they protect each other on the road, Tony learns dignity, cultural refinement and open-mindedness from Don, while Don finds warmth, protection, and true belonging through Tony’s family. Their journey demonstrates how genuine friendship can dismantle deeply ingrained societal biases and forge an unbreakable lifelong connection.

The movie is best suited for mature audiences, history buffs and fans of character-driven biographical dramas.

An American remake of the acclaimed French hit The Intouchables, The Upside stars Bryan Cranston as Phillip Lacasse, a wealthy Manhattan billionaire rendered quadriplegic after a paragliding accident, and Kevin Hart as Dell Scott, an unemployed ex-convict hired to be Phillip’s live-in caregiver. Despite coming from completely different socio-economic backgrounds and life experiences, Phillip and Dell form a life-changing bond. Dell treats Phillip with direct honesty, humour and respect rather than pity, reinvigorating Phillip’s desire to embrace life again. In turn, Phillip offers Dell guidance, responsibility and a genuine second chance to reconnect with his family.

The film celebrates how companionship can transcend physical limitations, class divisions and social barriers to bring joy back into dark places. The Upside is perfect for adults and older teenagers seeking an uplifting, humorous and emotionally resonant drama.

Written and directed by Stephen Chow, Kung Fu Soccer serves as the spiritual successor to his 2001 classic Shaolin Soccer. Starring Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat and Lay Zhang, the sports action-comedy follows the underdog “Emei” women's football team as they blend martial arts techniques with soccer skills to compete in a prestigious tournament.

Beyond the gravity-defying action and signature Stephen Chow nonsense humour, the heart of the film lies in female empowerment, sisterhood and team solidarity. The players must overcome self-doubt, fierce rivalries and impossible odds by relying on unwavering trust and mutual encouragement. Fans of martial arts comedies, sports movies and Stephen Chow's cinematic legacy can look forward to its summer debut in Hong Kong on August 13, 2026. But for those who can’t wait, consider heading to mainland China, where cinemas are already showing the movie.

In case you missed: Inside ‘Kung Fu Soccer’: How Stephen Chow’s most expensive film combines AI, female power and nonsensical humour

Looking ahead to the future of cinematic friendships, Marvel Studios recently made a blockbuster announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, confirming a brand-new standalone Ghost Rider feature film slated for theatrical release in 2028. Starring Ryan Gosling as stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze and directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine), the film brings the iconic Spirit of Vengeance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

At its core, Johnny Blaze’s tragic origin story revolves around the sacrifice made out of love and loyalty for a father figure, making a Faustian bargain that transforms him into a supernatural antihero. Furthermore, the project itself was born out of a real-life creative friendship between Gosling and Levy, who bonded while filming Star Wars: Starfighter and pitched their shared vision directly to Marvel. Perfect for Marvel enthusiasts, action fans, and Ryan Gosling devotees, this highly anticipated film will arrive in Hong Kong cinemas in 2028.

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