Sitting down to a good movie is a pleasure that all ages can enjoy. Thanks to streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix anyone can watch their favorite films and TV shows at their convenience.
Movies are an excellent way for the older generation to enjoy a good laugh and a few hours of quality entertainment. Some in the list are Academy Award winners, and some are just plain fun. The following (in no particular order) are some of the best movies for seniors, covering a range of genres, themes, and styles.
Best Drama Films for Seniors
All The President’s Men
A 1976 movie starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, the story follows the Watergate scandal of 1972 that toppled President Richard Nixon. Based on the book of the same name, this movie is full of suspense and intrigue.
The Notebook
An old man is seen telling a romantic story from his notebook to an elderly woman in a retirement home who has Alzheimer’s. Next, we see two young people fall in love despite being from different social backgrounds. After being separated, they eventually find their way back to each other. Watch this romantic drama to find the link between the two stories.
Thelma and Louise
A housewife, Thelma (Geena Davis), and her friend Louise (Susan Sarandon), go on a road trip but end up on the run from the law after Louise shoots dead a man who tried to rape Thelma. Also starring Brad Pitt and Harvey Keitel.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
This is based on the true story of a dog who was abandoned but taken in by a retired professor. It is a story about love and devotion between a man and his dog, and a dog who continues to wait for his owner, even after his untimely death.
Driving Miss Daisy
A man hires an African American driver as a chauffeur for his mother, an elderly Jewish widow after she crashes her car. The story is set in the Deep South and explores the realities of race as they eventually form a close friendship.
Julie and Julia
This biographical comedy-drama and book club favorite is based on the true story of Julia Child and Julie Powell (starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams). Julie attempts to prepare all 500+ recipes from chef Julia Child’s famous cookbook “Mastering The Art of French Cooking”. The story is intertwined with the story of Julia Child’s own early years in the culinary industry.
Gran Torino
An unlikely friendship forms between bitter war veteran Walt Kowalski (played by Clint Eastwood) and a young Hmong teenager after the teenager is pressured by a gang member to try and steal Walt’s beloved Gran Torino car.
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Comedy Movies Seniors will Love
The Bucket List
Two terminally ill men with cancer (Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) meet in the hospital and decide to make a list of all the things they wish they had done in life. They leave the hospital against the doctor’s orders and set out on a road trip to experience some of the to-dos on their wish list.
Grumpy Old Men
This movie features a man (Walter Matthau) and his best friend (Jack Lemmon) and their age-old rivalry. The rancorous relationship between the two old codgers made this a surprise hit which was later followed up by a sequel.
Something’s Gotta Give
Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) is dating a woman under 30 but ends up finding the love of his life in her mother, Erica (played by Diane Keaton). This romantic comedy-drama is the funny but complicated love story of two older adults who unexpectedly fall for each other despite being exact opposites.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
A group of broke British retirees decide to move to India for a cheaper retirement lifestyle. They are initially disappointed by the rundown Marigold Hotel, an assisted living facility run by Sonny (Dev Patel). However, the senior citizens eventually find life and love in their new surroundings.
Calendar Girls
A British film based on the true story of the “Calendar Girls” a group of middle-aged women who pose nude for the Annual Women’s Institute Calendar to raise funds for a local hospital. Starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters.
Best Biopics For the Older Generation
Walk The Line
This is the story of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) from his early life to his relationship with his wife Vivian, to his eventual relationship with June Carter. One of the best films to learn the story of this legendary country singer’s life and loves with some fantastic singing from both Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon.
Lincoln
Produced by Steven Spielberg, this is the story of Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most beloved presidents. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, this movie is set during the American Civil War of 1865 and is based on the president’s life during his final months in politics.
The King’s Speech
A poignant biographical movie about how King George VI became king and the struggles he had in public speaking with a severe stammer. Starring Colin Firth as the king, and Helena Bonham Carter as his wife Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) he eventually gets help from an unconventional speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush).
Fun Musicals for Seniors
Mamma Mia
For older adults who want to relive the great music that Abba gifted us with in the 1970s, Mamma Mia is not to be missed. With a superb cast including Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, this is the story of a girl who wants to invite her dad to her upcoming wedding. Except she doesn’t know who he is, and there are three possible candidates!
Singin’ In The Rain
This classic 1952 musical is best known for its song of the same name, featuring Gene Kelly joyfully dancing in the rain while twirling his umbrella. His character is that of a silent film star, who falls in love with a chorus girl (Debbie Reynolds) while trying to transition to the era of sound in Hollywood movies.
Science Fiction Films
Star Wars
Star Wars might not be one of the movies you think of when considering great films for older adults. However, the very first Star Wars: A New Hope was released over 40 years ago, which makes it the perfect movie for those wanting to experience the nostalgia of the original stories.
Best Classic Movies for Seniors (Oldies)
On Golden Pond
Featuring Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda, this story follows a man and his wife and their relationship with their daughter Chelsea (Jane Fonda) who comes to visit with her fiancé and his son. This heartfelt movie sees love renewed and strained relationships repaired.
The Bachelor And The Bobby Soxer
This light-hearted comedy-drama from 1947 is a great watch for fans of Cary Grant and Shirley Temple. A teenage girl has a crush on a playboy who falls for her older sister and trouble ensues! They all learn some life lessons along the way.
Wizard Of Oz
There have been many remakes of this Hollywood movie over the years, but nothing beats the original made in 1939. This heartwarming story of Dorothy and her dog Toto swept away from her home in Kansas by a tornado to the land of Oz, is a classic that can be enjoyed by all ages and generations.
It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life is one of those iconic holiday movies that many people watch year after year. Set in the 1940s this is the heartwarming tale of a man, George Bailey (James Stewart), who is so down on his luck that he is contemplating suicide. A guardian angel comes to earth during the holiday season to show him what life would be like if he had never existed.
White Christmas
Fans of old musicals will love this Christmas story of two men who fall for two sisters. They team up to perform a singing and dancing show to help their former war commander who is having financial difficulties and is about to lose the Vermont Inn. Starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, this festive classic is full of musical nostalgia and holiday spirit.
Watching movies can be an enjoyable and enriching experience for all ages. The 23 films that we have listed in this article offer a diverse range of stories that should particularly appeal to the older generation. Some of the best movies for seniors include heartwarming stories of love and friendship, historical dramas, and inspiring biopics.
So whether you’re looking for a movie to watch with a group of friends, or a romance to watch on a date night, these are great choices to check out.
