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Tom Hankspremiered his latest star vehicle,A Man Called Otto, on December 30. The second adaptation of the beloved novelA Man Called Ove, the film deals with a retired and grumpy man who forms an unlikely friendship with his neighbors.Mariana TreviñoandManuel García Rulfoco-star.
Films about unexpected friendships are not uncommon; Hollywood has been exploring the concept since time immemorial. Thus, fans of Hanks' latest will surely want to check these other films out. Featuring similar themes of unique people forming unexpected connections against all odds, these movies will be perfect companions forA Man Called Otto.
Updated on July 22, 2025, by David Caballero:
A Man Called Ottowas an unexpected success, proving audiences still have a taste for mature stories about adult friendship and companionship. Luckily, the genre is far from dead, with many worthy and heartwarming options available across multiple streaming services. From classics from the late 20th century to more modern options, these movies have similar messages toA Man Called Otto, making them ideal for audiences looking for similar content.
20’Hope Springs' (2012)
Meryl StreepandTommy Lee Jonesstar in the 2012 comedyHope Springs. The plot centers on a married couple seeking to reignite their lost passion by enrolling in a retreat imparted by a renowned marriage counselor, played by a surprisingly subduedSteve Carell.
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Hope Springsis a classic tale of mature love, tenderly brought to life by Jones and Streep’s empathetic work. Streep is particularly stellar, playing one of her most vulnerable roles in ages.Hope Springsproves that age shouldn’t be a rival for passion or romance, delivering a sweet tale of love that is universal.
19’Beginners' (2011)
Christopher Plummerwon a long-overdue Oscar for his performance in the 2011 comedyBeginners. The film, co-starringEwan McGregorandMélanie Laurent, follows a man grieving his father’s recent passing while attempting to form a romantic connection with a young woman suffering from parental issues of her own.
A sweet and thoughtfulmovie about coming of age in the golden years,Beginnersexcels as a sensitive comedy and a stellar showcase for Plummer’s legendary talents. Fans ofA Man Call Ottowill enjoyBeginners' take on old age and the refreshing message that it’s never too late to try new experiences or lead a more liberated life.
18’Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Academy Award winnersKathy BatesandJessica Tandystar in the 1991 comedyFried Green Tomatoes. Based on the 1987 novelFried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, the film tells the story of the unlikely friendship between a bored housewife and an older woman living at a retirement home.
Fried Green Tomatoesis a story of friendship that proves age is no boundary to forming a deep and loving connection with someone else. Sprinkled with some witty and biting developments, the film is a delightful dramedy that soars thanks to the charming chemistry and banter between Bates and Tandy.
17’Quartet' (2012)
Two-time Oscar winnerMaggie Smithleads an impressive cast, includingTom Courtenay,Billy Connolly, andPenelope Wilton, inDustin Hoffman’s 2012 comedy-dramaQuartet. The plot follows a retired opera diva whose arrival at a retirement home for musicians disrupts the lives of the quirky inhabitants.
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Quartetis a humorous exploration of later life, benefitting from stellar work from an ensemble of brilliant performers at the top of their game. Smith, however, is the star of the show, bringing her now-famous razor-sharp humor to a story about love, life, and everything in between.
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16’Philomena' (2013)
Judi Denchis among her generation’s most acclaimed and respected actresses, a British icon who found her greatest successes in her late age. In 2013, she earned some of the best reviews of her career and her seventh Oscar nomination for her role inSteve Coogan’s biographical comedyPhilomena.
The plot chronicles Philomena Lee’s search for his long-lost son and reporter Martin Sixsmith’s efforts to find him. Dench is at her sweetest, delivering one of her best performances as the quirky Philomena. The film is bittersweet, but Dench’s loving portrayal and witty banter with Coogan make this a classic tale of an unlikely friendship in the face of unexpected hardship.
Watch on Prime Video
15’Belfast' (2021)
WithBelfast, a lovely andheartwarming black-and-white family drama,Kenneth Branaghfinally won an Oscar, but not for acting. The semi-autobiographical film follows a young boy growing up in 1960s Belfast during a particularly tough situation for the country.
Like many biographical films,Belfastpresents a slightly romanticized version of events. However, Branagh’s picture is honest and heartfelt, a loving portrayal of his relationship with his grandparents, whom he credits for encouraging his family to keep going and rising to the challenge despite considerable hardship.
14’Mr. Holmes' (2015)
Two-time Oscar nomineeIan McKellenstars opposite three-time Oscar nomineeLaura LinneyinBill Condon’s 2019 period dramaMr. Holmes. The film follows a ninety-three-year-old Sherlock Holmes living with his housekeeper and her son in retirement while struggling with dementia.
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Besides confirming that McKellen and Linney should be Oscar winners by now,Mr. Holmesis an excellent portrayal of old age. Using one of pop culture’s most well-known figures – one known for his powerful memory and deductive skills, no less –Mr. Holmespeels back the layers to present an intimate story about friendship and the need for companionship, especially during the most vulnerable times.
13’Last Vegas' (2013)
A who’s who of Oscar winners unites in the 2013 comedyLast Vegas.Michael Douglas,Robert De Niro,Morgan Freeman, andKevin Klinestar as four friends who travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor party they won’t soon forget.
Besides the joy of seeing four screen titans together for the first time,Last Vegasprovides several pleasant laughs for audiences looking for mature comedies. The chemistry between the four actors is stellar, and while the film isn’t amongthe best comedies of the 2010s, it more than succeeds in providing an entertaining and often quite hilarious time at the movies.
12’The Bucket List' (2007)
Jack Nicholsonand Morgan Freeman join forces forRob Reiner’s bittersweet buddy comedyThe Bucket List. The plot centers on two terminally ill men who go on an extended road trip to fulfill every item on a list of things they want to do before dying.
Elevated by the earnest performances of its two Oscar-winning leads,The Bucket Listis a tragic but ultimately rewarding experience. Showcasing the importance of leading a full life and having friends to share it with, the film is an ode to life and love. And while it often feels slightly manipulative in its efforts to bring out its audience’s tears,The Bucket Listis a worthwhile and heartwarming film that fans of mature cinema will love.
11'80 for Brady' (2023)
Four screen legends join forces forthe surprisingly delightful comedy80 for Brady.Sally Field,Jane Fonda,Lily Tomlin, andRita Morenostar as four lifelong friends and fans of Tom Brady who travel to Super Bowl LI in 2017 to watch him and the New England Patriots play.
Thanks to the stellar performances of its four incredible leads,80 for Bradyis a crowd-pleasing road trip movie that will leave everyone in the audience smiling from ear to ear. Lighthearted but heartwarming,80 for Bradyis a tender exploration of friendship and the importance of keeping the spark alive, even in those challenging but no less precious golden years.
