From 'Men in Black' to '3 Idiots': 11 films that celebrate friendship and bromances

Heidi Yeung, Web editor

Aliens aren’t just out there: they’re already here, and a government agency works across the world to keep the presence of aliens on Earth a secret. One agent, K (Tommy Lee Jones), is looking for a new partner after his previous retires. Enter James Edwards, Smith’s streetwise character that plays off perfectly against Jones’ straight-man. Much of the film’s hilarity rests on their interactions, insults, and quippy one-liners. As we all know, a good friend will help you kill an alien intent on blowing up Earth, but a true friend will let that sucker swallow them whole before blasting it from the inside out.

Ginny Wong, Sub-editor

Action-packed comedy Rush Hour follows Hong Kong’s Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) and Los Angeles’ Detective Carter (Chris Tucker) as they attempt to solve the kidnapping of the daughter of the Chinese consul in LA. Along the way they learn more about each other, and become ultimate partners in crime.

Alejo Rodriguez Lo, Videographer

This is a comedy about soon-to-be-married Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) who is desperately searching for a male best friend to act as his best man at his wedding. Straightforward, simple Peter stumbles across the eccentric, happy-go-lucky Sydney Fife (Jason Segel), and they form a friendship based on a mutual love for music, and other common interests. The themes in the film revolve around the pressure men face in admitting their love for their bro or best friend, and how society’s taught them to remain tight-lipped about expressing their feelings.

Rhea Mogul, Junior reporter manager

The members of the main buddy duo in this animated film are both as lovable as they are silly. Spanish con men Miguel and Tulio set out to find El Dorado, a legendary city in South America believed to be overflowing with gold. Of course, things don’t quite go according to plan, but the pair ultimately learn friendship is worth more than any amount of gold.

Charlotte Ames-Ettridge, Sub-editor

Sherlock Holmes, and its sequel, A Game of Shadows, are great examples of stories where two people shouldn’t be friends, but end up with the perfect partnership anyway. The Robert Downey Jr/Jude Law portrayals of the famous characters are perhaps the first time we see Dr Watson giving as good as he gets from the more pushy, creative, and eccentric Holmes. They quite frequently disagree on matters but, when it comes to the crunch, they will support each other to the near-death. Their relationship reminds us of the importance of trust, support and acceptance in a friendship, even (or especially) if you and your friend are nothing alike.

Karly Cox, Deputy editor

Wayne’s World tells the story of two slacker buddies, Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar and their TV show. The comedy explores what happens when friendship is tested by money, fame, and a relationship. Packed with quirky characters and hilarious one-liners, this is the perfect film to watch on your next man-date.

Doris Wai, Multimedia producer

The prison drama based on a Stephen King novel, Shawshank tells the story of two men trapped in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. The friendship between Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins)
and Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) is a major theme in the movie. It is a source of strength for the two men that helps them survive in prison.

Wong Tsui-kai, Web reporter

Wonder is a film that everyone can relate, especially the friendship between Auggie and his one & only male friend Jack Will might recall our childhood memories. Auggie is a boy born with genetic facial difference and this “difference” caused him to be bullied by peers and eventually, he has also become a bully of himself belittling his own value. However, Jack is not affected by his facial deformities but sees the best in Auggie. 

Unfortunately their friendship goes through a rough time when Jack mistakenly made a disrespectful remark on Auggie’s appearance. Jack regretted his wrongdoing and sought Auggie’s forgiveness. After a sincere communication between the boys, the duo has become best friends again and yet, in a better version of themselves.

It’s interesting to see the difference between Auggie and Jack’s perspectives. Auggie thinks he is disapproved by Jack. In fact Jack admires Auggie a lot and hopes to be a close friend with him. There’s always misunderstanding if we do not speak our hearts out. But the duo did a good job and let us see how everyone is unique and there is always someone who can truly appreciate your inner little-me.  

Kelly Fung, Editorial assistant

I can’t think of a better movie to watch with your best buds this Brovember than The Little Rascals. With a hilarious gang of He-Man-Woman-Haters, go kart racing, and priceless pranks, it’s the ultimate go-to film for a good laugh and a lesson on friendship. Although BFFs Alfalfa and Spanky go through a bit of a rough patch in the beginning, the two learn to put their differences aside, and refuse to let a girl get in the way of their friendship.

Nicole Moraleda, Sub-editor

Bollywood comedy-drama 3 Idiots will make you laugh and cry. Engineering students Rancho (Aamir Khan), Farhan (R. Madhavan) and Raju (Sharman Joshi) became close friends after being assigned as roommates in the college dormitory. Unlike other students who brood over academic results, Rancho believes the process of learning is more crucial. He devises clever plans with Farhan and Raju to stand up against the school’s traditional elitist professors, and proves their strategy of ‘teaching to the test’ wrong by becoming the top of his class. While the film centers on the special bond among the three friends, it also sheds light on extreme pressure on students caused by the education system in Indiathe distressing issue of student suicide in India under the high-pressure education system.

Kelly Ho, Reporter