Movies based on community delve into the power and dynamics of human connections, highlighting the bonds that form within a group of individuals. Whether set in small towns, neighborhoods, or specific communities, these films explore the characters’ collective spirit, shared values, and challenges. They often showcase the strength that arises from unity, the impact of community support in times of adversity, and the transformative nature of coming together for a common purpose.
Through narratives that celebrate diversity, resilience, and compassion, movies centered around the community offer inspiring and relatable stories that remind us of the importance of belonging, cooperation, and the shared experiences that shape our lives.
List Of The Best Movies About Community
There are many actors that seem to continuously attract these kinds of roles. Names like Joel McHale, Alison Brie, Chevy Chase, Yvette Nicole Brown, Donald Glover, Danny Pudi, Jim Rash, Jeff Winger, and Gillian Jacobs – to name a few!
Let’s break down movies focusing on community and the titles you should add to your list. Not all of these are new movies. In fact, most of these are either classics or considered a documentary film. I hope you check them out.
List 20 popular movies that focus on community
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) – A heartwarming classic that follows George Bailey, a man who learns the true value of community when he gets a chance to see how life would be without him.
- “The Breakfast Club” (1985) – A group of high school students from different cliques come together during detention, discovering that they have more in common than they initially thought.
- “The Blind Side” (2009) – Based on a true story, this film highlights the power of community as a wealthy family takes in a homeless teenager and helps him pursue his dreams of becoming a football player.
- “Remember the Titans” (2000) – Set in the early 1970s, this movie portrays the challenges and triumphs of a newly integrated high school football team and how they come together to form a tight-knit community.
- “Coco” (2017) – In this animated film, a young boy named Miguel embarks on a journey to the Land of the Dead, discovering the importance of family, traditions, and community along the way.
- “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) – A dysfunctional family goes on a road trip to support their young daughter competing in a beauty pageant, showing the strength and resilience that can be found in community.
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) – Based on the novel by Harper Lee, this film explores the racial tensions in a small Southern town and the power of a compassionate community standing up against injustice.
- “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) – Set in the slums of Mumbai, this movie tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young man who participates in a game show and reflects on his life experiences, highlighting the sense of community amidst poverty.
- “The Help” (2011) – Set in the 1960s, this film portrays the lives of African American maids and the bond they form with a young aspiring writer as they work together to expose racial discrimination.
- “Dead Poets Society” (1989) – A charismatic English teacher inspires his students at an all-boys prep school to pursue their passions and think independently, fostering a sense of community and self-expression.
- “Hidden Figures” (2016) – Based on a true story, this film showcases the contributions of three African American women who worked at NASA during the space race, overcoming racial and gender barriers with the support of their community.
- “Bend It Like Beckham” (2002) – A young British-Indian girl challenges societal expectations and pursues her passion for soccer, finding a sense of community and empowerment through the sport.
- “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) – Based on a true story, this movie follows a struggling salesman and his young son as they face homelessness and overcome numerous obstacles, ultimately finding hope and support from their community.
- “Pay It Forward” (2000) – A young boy introduces a concept of performing random acts of kindness that spread and create a ripple effect, highlighting the transformative power of community connections.
- “Up” (2009) – In this animated adventure, an elderly widower embarks on a journey to fulfill his late wife’s dream, forming an unlikely friendship with a young boy and a talking dog along the way.
- “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994) – Set in a prison, this film explores the friendship that develops between two inmates who find solace, hope, and redemption through their mutual support and camaraderie.
- “Moonlight” (2016) – This coming-of-age drama follows the life of a young African American man at different stages, showcasing the influence of his community, particularly his chosen family, in shaping his identity.
- “Whale Rider” (2002) – Set in New Zealand, a young Maori girl challenges her community’s traditional gender roles to prove herself as the next leader, highlighting the strength of her ancestral connections.
- “Stand by Me” (1986) – Four boys embark on a journey to find a missing teenager, forming a deep bond and supporting each other through the challenges they face along the way.
- “Selma” (2014) – Chronicling the historic Selma to Montgomery marches led by Martin Luther King Jr., this film highlights the power of collective action and the resilience of a community in the face of adversity.
5 movies based in a retirement community
Picture it – a small town filled with a group of individuals in a retirement home. Usually, these movies have a positive effect on the audience members and a life lesson to learn at the end.
- “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011) – A group of British retirees travels to India and finds themselves living in a charming yet dilapidated hotel. They navigate their new environment, forming unexpected friendships and discovering new perspectives on life and love.
- “Cocoon” (1985) – A group of elderly residents in a retirement community discovers a fountain of youth and rejuvenation. As they regain their vitality, they face moral dilemmas and must decide whether to keep their newfound youth or embrace the natural progression of life.
- “Grumpy Old Men” (1993) – Set in a small Midwestern town, two elderly neighbors and long-time rivals engage in a comedic battle of wits and pranks. Through their interactions and shared experiences, they ultimately find a deep friendship and a renewed sense of joy in their golden years.
- “Quartet” (2012) – A group of retired opera singers reside in a retirement home and prepare for an annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday. As old rivalries and romances resurface, they must confront their past and come together to create a memorable performance.
- “Red” (2010) – This action-comedy features a retired CIA agent who reconnects with his former colleagues when a contract is placed on his life. The movie humorously portrays the challenges and adventures faced by a group of older individuals who refuse to be sidelined by age and showcase their skills and resilience.
Note: It’s worth mentioning that while these movies are set in retirement communities or involve elderly characters, some of them may also have storylines or elements beyond the confines of the retirement community itself.
5 movies about people not being able to leave town
Sometimes you find movies about a group of friends that are stuck in town. It can be based on paranormal activity or something more sinister. The best movies keep you guessing! Local residents never stop trying, though, right?
- “The Truman Show” (1998) – Truman Burbank, unknowingly the star of a reality TV show, lives in a carefully constructed town where he is unable to leave. As he begins to question the reality of his surroundings, Truman becomes determined to escape and discover the truth.
- “Pleasantville” (1998) – Two teenagers are transported into a 1950s sitcom where they become trapped in the idyllic town of Pleasantville. As they introduce change and challenge the status quo, the black-and-white world begins to transform, allowing the inhabitants to break free from their limited existence.
- “Hot Fuzz” (2007) – A skilled London police officer is transferred to a seemingly perfect and crime-free village. However, he soon discovers dark secrets and a conspiracy that prevents anyone from leaving the town alive. He must unravel the truth and fight against the town’s oppressive control.
- “The Village” (2004) – Set in an isolated 19th-century village, the residents live in fear of the creatures that inhabit the surrounding woods. They are forbidden from leaving, believing it will lead to their demise. However, a young woman dares to venture beyond the village’s borders, leading to shocking revelations.
- “The Wicker Man” (1973) – A police officer travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate a missing girl. As he delves deeper into the strange and pagan practices of the island’s residents, he realizes he cannot escape their grip and becomes entangled in a horrifying fate.
These movies explore themes of confinement, control, and the desire for freedom as characters grapple with their inability to leave the confines of their towns or communities.
10 documentaries about community
- “American Factory” (2019) – This documentary examines the clash of cultures and labor practices when a Chinese company takes over an abandoned General Motors factory in Ohio, showcasing the impact on the local community.
- “Hoop Dreams” (1994) – Following the lives of two African American teenagers aspiring to become professional basketball players, this documentary explores themes of race, class, and community support in inner-city Chicago.
- “20 Feet from Stardom” (2013) – Focusing on the backup singers of renowned musicians, this documentary sheds light on the often overlooked but essential role these artists play in the music industry, highlighting their talent and the community they form.
- “Harlan County, USA” (1976) – Chronicling a coal miners’ strike in Harlan County, Kentucky, this documentary delves into the lives of the miners and their families, capturing their struggles, resilience, and sense of community as they fight for better working conditions.
- “Paris is Burning” (1990) – Offering a glimpse into the underground drag ball culture of New York City in the 1980s, this documentary explores themes of identity, community, and self-expression within the LGBTQ+ community.
- “The Square” (2013) – Set against the backdrop of the Egyptian Revolution, this documentary captures the power of collective action and community in the fight for political change and social justice.
- “The Salt of the Earth” (2014) – This documentary profiles the life and work of Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, showcasing his commitment to documenting social and environmental issues while also highlighting the communities affected by these challenges.
- “Brooklyn Castle” (2012) – Following the lives of students from an inner-city school in Brooklyn, this documentary explores the power of a chess program in building a supportive community, fostering academic growth, and overcoming adversity.
- “The Interrupters” (2011) – This documentary follows a group of individuals in Chicago who work as violence interrupters, mediating conflicts and preventing acts of violence within their communities, highlighting their efforts to create safer spaces.
- “The Act of Killing” (2012) – Examining the Indonesian mass killings of the 1960s, this documentary features former paramilitary leaders reenacting their brutal acts, providing insight into the impact of the events on the community and the process of coming to terms with the past.
All of these movies have one similar trend – each cast member has a common goal. They want to better their community. Whether the focus is on a best friend trying to find his lost buddy or a community movie highlight everything that is wrong with the federal government, the best films will leave you with tears in your eyes.