Movies like Friends (2021)
The best movies like Friends (2021) are Mater and the Ghostlight (2006), Frankenweenie (2012) and Thriller Night (2011). If Friends hooked you with its animation and comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedDay & Night (2010)7.7/10 from 984 votes
- NewestMeurtre du tableau (2025)Released 2025
Mater and the Ghostlight (2006)
Mater, the rusty but trusty tow truck from Cars, spends a day in Radiator Springs playing scary pranks on his fellow townsfolk. That night at Flo's V8 Café, the Sheriff tells the story of the legend of the Ghostlight, and as everyone races home Mater is left alone primed for a good old-fashioned scare.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFrankenweenie (2012)
When a car hits young Victor's pet dog Sparky, Victor decides to bring him back to life the only way he knows how. But when the bolt-necked "monster" wreaks havoc and terror in the hearts of Victor's neighbors, he has to convince them that Sparky's still the good, loyal friend he was.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThriller Night (2011)
A Shrek parody of Michael Jackson's Thriller song and music video, with Donkey singing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNo Time for Nuts (2006)
Scrat comes across a time machine and is transported to various times all in pursuit of his beloved acorn.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisScrat's Continental Crack-Up: Part 2 (2011)
This short film continues the adventures of the title character as he tries to retrieve his elusive acorn.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDay & Night (2010)
When Day, a sunny fellow, encounters Night, a stranger of distinctly darker moods, sparks fly! Day and Night are frightened and suspicious of each other at first, and quickly get off on the wrong foot. But as they discover each other's unique qualities--and come to realize that each of them offers a different window onto the same world-the friendship helps both to gain a new perspective.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness (2022)
A brave young animal explorer teams up with two trusty friends to find a powerful artifact before his greedy uncle can get his paws on it.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDug's Special Mission (2009)
Dug is sent on foolish missions by Alpha, Beta, and Gamma so they can hunt for the Bird of Paradise Falls by themselves. Dug may find that where he belongs is not where he's been looking.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisYellow Is the New Black (2018)
An adventure about two Minions who make a daring (though temporary) escape from jail. As they navigate the chaos of their breakout, their antics showcase the Minions' signature blend of resourcefulness and mischief, resulting in a short filled with hilariously unpredictable moments.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow (2013)
When Brainy Smurf is favored to win the annual Smurfberry Hunt for the ninth year in a row, Gutsy Smurf sets out to discover how Brainy wins every year. Gutsy’s investigation takes him into spooky Smurfy Hollow–and right into Gargamel’s trap! Can Brainy and Gutsy, with the help of Smurfette, put aside their rivalry before Gargamel captures them–or worse, they come face-to-face with the legendary ghost, the Headless Horseman?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisParty Central (2014)
Mike and Sulley are back at Monsters University for a fun-filled weekend with their Oozma Kappa fraternity brothers. The gang is throwing their first party, but no one’s showing up. Luckily for them, Mike and Sulley have come up with a plan to make sure “Party Central” is the most epic party the school has ever seen.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGroot's Pursuit (2022)
Groot investigates a spooky noise that’s been haunting the Quadrant, which leads to an intense dance off.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStewie Griffin: The Untold Story (2005)
The maniacal baby of the Griffin family, Stewie, meets his future self. In doing this he discovers that his future image is not what he has anticipated because of a near death experience.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSing: Thriller (2024)
Buster Moon dreams up a star-studded spectacle set to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in this animated short featuring characters from the hit "Sing" films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFerdinand the Bull (1938)
This Oscar-winning short tells of a bull who preferred to sit under trees and smell flowers to clashing horns with his fellow animals. As luck would have it, an untimely bee reveals Ferdinand's ferocious side via pained howls and wild stomping. This lands him in the bull-fighting arena amidst characters based on Walt's animators with a matador reportedly modeled after Walt himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLou (2017)
A lost-and-found box holds a mysterious and unseen monster within.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisInvader Zim: Enter the Florpus (2019)
ZIM discovers his almighty leaders never had any intention of coming to Earth and he loses confidence in himself for the first time in his life, which is the big break his human nemesis, Dib has been waiting for.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Little Guy (2022)
Groot discovers a miniature civilization that believes the seemingly enormous tree toddler is the hero they’ve been waiting for.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMooned (2023)
Villainous Vector must figure out how to get off the moon and return to Earth.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCars Toon Mater's Tall Tales (2008)
Mater the tow truck travels from country to country as he retells his infamous but unbelievable stories.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChristopher Walken's Coffee Shop (2016)
Christopher Walken has branched out from his very successful acting career to pursue his true passion, creating artisanal coffee beverages and pastries, but be warned his concoctions have more than just meets the eye.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & comedy
Hair Wolf (2018)
The staff of a black hair salon fend off a strange new monster: white women intent on sucking the lifeblood from black culture.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & comedy
Meurtre du tableau (2025)
An artist, surrounded by the mess in her studio, struggles with frustration as she tries to find inspiration for her new painting.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
The Cat That Walked by Himself (1968)
The story about the wild creatures of the wild forest and one impudent Cat who walks by himself, and all places are alike to him.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Blue Curry (2021)
The greatest life lessons are learned through the simplest of experiences. When your kitchen turns into your biggest classroom... and Mom just serves you a plate of wisdom.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Big Brother (2021)
Antoine and his former Big Brother reunite after the latter, now a father, moved to Russia several years previously. They roam the city to make up for lost time but quickly realize that their relationship is no longer the same.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Grey Matter (2018)
The Advanced Film class at Rockridge is proud to present their latest feature film, a drama/thriller/comedy based on the short story Grey Matter by Stephen King. Originally published in 1973, Grey Matter is about the lengths one would go to for their family… with a dark twist.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Grey Matter (2016)
Three old men investigate the strange behavior of an alcoholic recluse when his son insists he's metamorphosing into a degenerate creature.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
One For The Road (2019)
After a long night at the bar, a small town bartender and her long-time customer are convinced to help a pleading mother. They embark on a mission to help her two children. In the process they confront their fears about the mysterious evil town of Salem's Lot.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
The Moon's Kiss (2010)
A poetic tale that explores the diversity of romantic relationships.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Like Friends and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Friends?
The closest matches to Friends are Mater and the Ghostlight (2006), Frankenweenie (2012) and Thriller Night (2011). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Friends?
Start with Mater and the Ghostlight (2006), the closest match to Friends.
What is the highest-rated movie like Friends?
Day & Night (2010), rated 7.7/10 by 984 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Friends?
Meurtre du tableau (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Friends?
Yes: Mater and the Ghostlight (2006), Frankenweenie (2012) and Thriller Night (2011).
How are movies similar to Friends chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Friends, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.