Getting older can be scary, but movies often mirror this process, helping viewers understand it. Old age is a thing to be celebrated for wisdom gained, not dreaded. Here are the best movies that focus on the struggles and joys of later life.
The Leisure Seeker
This comedy-drama focuses on a couple traveling on an unforgettable road trip in their old RV. Starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland, it’s a humorous look at facing age and health problems.
The Irishman
Martin Scorsese’s epic saga is about a truck driver who is recruited as a hitman. The Irishman follows him as he climbs the ranks, losing his friends along the way. He reflects on his actions throughout the movie and the hurt he has inflicted, with his guilt about one particular job staying with him to the very end.
45 Years
As a couple prepares to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary, revelations threaten to change their lives. Looking at how the past can influence the future, 45 Years is a romantic drama that will stay in your mind long after you watch it.
Mr. Holmes
An unusual take on the Sherlock Holmes legend, Mr. Holmes stars Ian McKellen as an aging Sherlock suffering from the effects of early dementia. As he struggles to write about his final case, he spends time with his housekeeper’s son, Roger (Milo Parker), forging a lasting bond.
Philomena
Loosely based on a true story, Philomena follows the story of an older woman (Judi Dench) who was forced to give up her toddler son 50 years ago. Helped by journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), she starts to search for him by retracing her life.
Robot & Frank
This sci-fi comedy set in the near future stars Frank Langella as the titular Frank, a former jewel thief. Concerned about Frank’s well-being, his son buys a robot companion to take care of him. Realizing the robot does not know right from wrong, Frank decides to have fun with it, going on a crime spree.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Visually striking, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who decide their retirement would be cheaper if they moved to India. On arrival, they are shocked to discover that the site is not quite as luxurious as advertised. The ensemble cast finds new perspectives on aging over the course of a comedy-drama that throws them in at the deep end.
Amour
Profound romantic drama Amour focuses on the elderly couple Anne and George, who face the ultimate test of their love when Anne has a stroke that paralyzes her right side. An honest and harsh portrayal of love, Amour won several awards for its moving story.
Driving Miss Daisy
Elderly retired teacher Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy) buys a car from her son, Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman), who also hires a chauffeur. Exploring the relationships between antisemitism and racism against African Americans, Driving Miss Daisy follows the changing views of society in the South of the USA.
Cocoon
A sci-fi comedy-drama about aging and rejuvenation, Cocoon focuses on a group of seniors from a retirement home trespassing in the pool of the neighboring house. They are shocked to discover that it is actually a pool of life force with aliens in cocoons recharging for the trip home.
On Golden Pond
Released in 1981, On Golden Pond is a touching story about an aging couple who go to their New England vacation home every summer. Estranged from their daughter, they nevertheless agree to care for Billy, her new boyfriend’s son, and start to form a strong bond.
Make Way for Tomorrow
A 1937 drama movie, Make Way for Tomorrow, focuses on the elderly couple Barkley (Victor Moore) and Lucy Cooper (Beulah Bondi), who lose their house. None of their five children immediately have room for both parents, so they are forced to split up and live with different children. Sad and emotional, Make Way for Tomorrow has been adapted multiple times and remains a classic.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Everyone must age, but Benjamin Button finds himself in the unusual situation of aging backward. Exploring powerful themes of time and love, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won three.
Nebraska
Alcoholic Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) is determined to get to Lincoln, Nebraska, to claim a million-dollar sweepstakes prize. His son David (Will Forte) goes along with him, finding common ground and reconciling from past rifts. Critically acclaimed, Nebraska was nominated for six Academy Awards.
Quartet
A British comedy-drama based on the play of the same name, Quartet is Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut. It is set in a home for retired musicians who need the yearly gala concert to be a success to keep the place open. Touching and inspirational, Quarter was a box office and critical success.
The Bucket List
Freshly escaped from the cancer ward, terminally ill patients Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) and Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) set out to tick off every item on their list of things to do before they “kick the bucket.” Emotional yet humorous, The Bucket List offers a thoughtful look at facing mortality.
The Straight Story
Based on actual events, The Straight Story follows Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) on his journey across the US on a lawnmower to reconcile with his distant brother. A heartwarming commentary on forgiveness and love, it was critically acclaimed on release but a minor flop at the box office.
Up
Disney animated movie Up tells the story of Carl Fredrickson (voiced by Ed Asner), an elderly widower who attaches thousands of balloons to his house to fulfill a promise to his late wife. Joined by eight-year-old Russell (Jordan Nagai), they set off on a journey that proves you’re never too old to have adventures.
Tokyo Story
Japanese drama Tokyo Story is loosely based on Make Way for Tomorrow and focuses on an older couple visiting their adult children in Tokyo. Poignant and memorable, it examines Japan’s generational divide and Westernization following World War II and the inevitability of children growing up.
Away From Her
Based on a short story called The Bear Came Over the Mountain by Alice Munro, this drama looks at the heartbreaking effects of Alzheimer’s. When Grant’s wife Fiona starts to suffer from this disease, she loses all memory of him, even starting a relationship with another nursing home resident.
About Schmidt
Starring Jack Nicholson as the titular character, About Schmidt focuses on a newly retired man struggling to feel useful. To try to come to terms with his situation, he sponsors a child in Africa and sends him rambling letters about his problems. Touching and funny, About Schmidt won two Golden Globes and was nominated for another three.
Harry and Tonto
After widower Harry Coombes (Art Carney) is evicted from his apartment, he sets out on a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country trip accompanied by his cat, Tonto. His episodic journey sees him meet a variety of new people before he settles down again with Tonto.
Hope Springs
After decades of marriage, an aging couple looks to rekindle their relationship. A week of intensive couples therapy follows, with progress made slowly but surely. Thoughtful and sweet, Hope Spring got primarily positive critical reviews and was a box office success.
Gran Torino
Produced by, directed by, and starring Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino tells the story of Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran. Bitter and angry at the movie’s start, Kowalski gradually thaws as he builds a relationship with the family next door.
