Watch These 6 Movies When You’re Mad At Your Friend…Again
Friend fights can be brutal, especially when Katie knows what she did.
Then there are those times when Katie doesn’t know what she did, but you’re still mad at her. It’s perfectly acceptable to be mad at Katie during both of those times. But if you’re not ready to reconcile with or mercilessly sue Katie yet and just need to sit with your thoughts for a while, then you should consider these six movies.
1. Thoroughbreds (2017)
Watch it when: You’re fuming and feel alienated from everyone on the planet.
Why it works: This overlooked comedy-drama starring Younger Millennial Icons Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy is an icy, sinister, and captivating movie that portrays the darker side of friendship. As you watch Cooke’s sociopath reconnect with Joy’s oppressed murderess, you’ll realize that anyone can mend their friendship, even when that friendship results in jail time. Friendship can be toxic, but it’s always worth involuntary confinement.
2. Stand By Me (1986)
Watch it when: You’re not sure what your friend really means to you.
Why it works: This adaptation of a Stephen King novella is a classic coming-of-age story about four boys who are on an adventure to find a dead body. (Before TikTok, this was the coolest way for a kid to spend their summer.) However, it’s not easy to find a dead body, and Stand By Me throws every obstacle at these kids: betrayals, insecurities, and the nagging fear of growing up. The whole movie is bittersweet and nostalgic and reminds you that friend fights are temporary if anything, unless they involve a felony.
3. The Social Network (2010)
Watch it when: You must justify your blinding rage.
Why it works: Have you ever wondered why Mark Zuckerberg always looks like that? It’s because he no longer has any friends who will tell him when he looks like that! As The Social Network will show you, Zuckerberg turned all of his friends into enemies after choosing money and power over genuine human connection and happiness. It’s a casual reminder that there are worse things than whatever Katie did.
4. Barb and Starr Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)
Watch it when: You’re one belly laugh away from forgiving them.
Why it works: This side-splittingly hilarious buddy comedy flew under the radar during Covid lockdowns. However, it has every right to be a classic cinematic representation of female friendship alongside Bridesmaids and Mean Girls, even if its relationship with reality is not as solid. As you watch Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo improvise their way through some of the weirdest, wildest gags this side of Tampa, you might just be inspired to call your pal again. Not even a singing Jamie Dornan can get between Barb and Starr.
5. Fire Island (2022)
Watch it when: You need a warm reminder that as we go on, we remember all the times we had together, and that as our lives change, come whatever, we will still be friends forever.
Why it works: As a queer sendup of Pride and Prejudice, this movie does not disappoint. As a testament to the transformative power of friendship, it’s even better. Starring Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, among other gay icons, Fire Island perfectly portrays the bonds of chosen family even as jealousy and miscommunication attempt to break them. If you’re feeling like your friend just doesn’t understand where you’re coming from, then this movie will remind you that true friends always come around in the end. That’s what made you two work in the first place.
6. Thelma & Louise (1991)
Watch it when: You want to transmute your anger towards your friend into anger towards the entire patriarchy.
Why it works: This movie is about a literal ride-or-die friendship that never lets up. Even as these two are pushed to the edge, they fiercely take control of their lives and decide to support each other at all costs. It will inspire you to not just forgive your friend but also fantasize about stealing a car with them. Friendship can transcend anything, even the law! (But don’t actually steal a car.) Now, go talk to your friend. They probably just watched the same six movies you just did, so lead with that.
