Building friendships, crucial in personal and academic development, can be challenging for students. Films, an engaging tool, can beautifully illustrate this process. This post highlights five exceptional movies showcasing friendship-building. Each film is unique, offering valuable lessons on companionship, trust, and mutual support. Let’s delve into these films and their relevance to friendship building. Here are the 5 Perfect Movies to Teach Students about Building Friendships!
The Mighty (PG-13 – 1998)
In The Mighty, we follow two boys, Kevin and Max, each struggling with their own set of challenges. Kevin, brilliant but physically weak, and Max, physically strong but academically challenged, discover they complement each other perfectly. Their friendship, built on shared experiences, mutual support, and trust, empowers them to overcome adversity. Kevin and Max’s story is a testament to the strength and transformation that true friendship can bring.
Wonder (PG – 2017)
Wonder tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a young boy with facial deformities, navigating mainstream schooling for the first time. As Auggie faces societal prejudices, he forges friendships that defy these biases. These relationships, founded on empathy and understanding, enable Auggie to grow into a resilient and self-confident individual. The film beautifully demonstrates the power of friendship in overcoming life’s adversities.
Luca (PG – 2021)
Set in a picturesque Italian town, Luca presents the story of a sea monster boy curious about the human world. Luca forms a friendship with Alberto, another sea monster boy, and together, they embark on a summer of unforgettable adventures. Their bond, built on shared experiences and mutual support, helps them navigate the trials they face in the human world. Luca is a heartwarming tale about the joys and trials of childhood friendships.
The Peanut Butter Falcon (PG – 2019)
The Peanut Butter Falcon explores the unlikely friendship between Zak, a young man with Down syndrome, and Tyler, a small-time outlaw. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they form a profound bond during their journey together. This bond, rooted in empathy and mutual respect, allows them to support each other through various challenges. The film powerfully illustrates that friendship transcends societal norms and expectations.
Stargirl (PG – 2020)
Stargirl centers on the friendship between Leo, an introverted boy, and Stargirl, a free-spirited and enigmatic girl. Through their relationship, Leo learns the value of individuality, courage, and kindness. Stargirl, with her unconventional ways, teaches Leo to appreciate his uniqueness and the beauty of genuine friendship. The film is a touching reminder of how friendships can help us embrace our true selves.
Movies can be a valuable resource for educators, providing a relatable and engaging platform to discuss and teach vital life lessons. These five films offer invaluable insights into the process of friendship-building, making them great teaching resources. Do you agree with our top 5 movies to teach students about building friendships? Do you have other movie suggestions? We’d love to hear from you!
Do you want to search for more movies by their educational key concept?
Check out this blog post to discover 21 educational key concepts and find more movies that align with each one!