Movies like Friends (1986)
The best movies like Friends (1986) are Naruto OVA 9: Chunin Exam on Fire! and Naruto vs. Konohamaru! (2011), Naruto 20th Anniversary - Road of Naruto (2022) and Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025). If Friends hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple (2018)8.1/10 from 201 votes
- NewestKaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025)Released 2025
- In JapaneseNaruto OVA 9: Chunin Exam on Fire! and Naruto vs. Konohamaru! (2011)Also in Japanese
Naruto OVA 9: Chunin Exam on Fire! and Naruto vs. Konohamaru! (2011)
Naruto faces off against his old pupil Konohamaru in a tournament during the chuunin entrance exams.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNaruto 20th Anniversary - Road of Naruto (2022)
Promotional video celebrating 20 years of the Naruto animation project.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025)
In a Kaiju-filled Japan, Kafka Hibino works in monster disposal. After reuniting with his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, a rising star in the anti-Kaiju Defense Force, he decides to pursue his abandoned dream of joining the Force, when he suddenly transforms into the powerful "Kaiju No. 8." An action-packed recap of the first season of Kaiju No. 8 and a new original episode, Hoshina's Day Off.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDC Showcase: The Phantom Stranger (2020)
Jess joins her friends at a party in a dilapidated mansion hosted by the mysterious Seth. When odd things begin to happen to Jess and her friends, the Phantom Stranger intervenes to save her from a dreary fate.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCrayon Shinchan the Movie: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back (2001)
Shin-chan must rescue the adults of Kasukabe when they mysteriously abandon their responsibilities to relive their youth at the new 20th-century expo.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisPersona3 THE MOVIE #2 Midsummer Knight's Dream (2014)
After realizing the value of life and the importance of his own allies, Makoto finally got his smile back. He finds himself learning more about those comrades and getting closer to them. Makoto wishes that everything will continue just as they are. However, little by little, the pieces and people in Makoto's new, happy life begin to fall apart.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTokyo Mater (2008)
A routine tow lands Mater in Tokyo, where he is challenged to a drift-style race against a nefarious gang leader and his posse of ninjas. With the help of his friend, 'Dragon' Lightning McQueen, and some special modifications, Mater attempts to drift to victory and become Tow-ke-O Mater, King of all Drifters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDoraemon: Nobita and the Galaxy Super-express (1996)
Doraemon went missing for 3 days. But it turns out later that he went to the 22nd century to buy a mystery galactic express train ticket whose destination is a secret until the passengers arrive there and see for themselves.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDC Showcase - Batman: Death in the Family (2020)
Tragedy strikes the Batman's life again when Robin Jason Todd tracks down his birth mother only to run afoul of the Joker. An adaptation of the 1988 comic book storyline of the same name.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Sibling's Bond (2019)
movie anime adaptation of Koyoharu Gotoge's Kimetsu no Yaiba by Ufotable. The movie consists of the first 5 episodes of the TV anime adaptation. A two-week theatrical release on 11 theaters began on March 29, 2019, a week before the premiere of the TV series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisPompo the Cinephile (2021)
Operating out of the movie capital "Nyallywood," Pompo has been shooting one B-grade entertainment flick after another that anyone would enjoy. One day, Pompo's "movie buff" assistant Gene spots a new script written by Pompo and is moved by its exquisite story. In a fit of passion, he proclaims, "I want to see this as a finished work in theaters as soon as possible!" However, Pompo tells him, "So you shoot this film." Thus, Gene takes on his first directing gig. Meanwhile, Natalie, an ordinary girl who just arrived in town with movie actress dreams, has been discovered by Pompo...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple (2018)
A large scale catastrophe is occurring across the planet. Ability users are discovered after the appearance of a mysterious fog, apparently having committed suicide, so the Armed Detective Agency sets out to investigate these mysterious deaths. The case seems to involve an unknown ability user referred to as "Collector," a man who could be the mastermind behind the incident. Trust and courage are put to the test in order to save the city of Yokohama and ability users across the world from the grip of Collector where the Armed Detective Agency forms an unlikely partnership with the dangerous Port Mafia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisCrayon Shinchan the Movie: The Secret Treasure of Buri Buri Kingdom (1994)
The Noharas win a vacation to the Kingdom of Buri Buri -- but the whole thing was just a clever ploy by an evil organization to kidnap Shin-chan!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGintama: The Very Final (2021)
The countdown to destruction has begun! Gintoki and the others set out to fulfill the wishes of their teacher Shoyo and thwart Utsuro's plans. Shinpachi, Kagura, the Shinsengumi, members of the Kabuki District, and even former enemies will join their fight. As Utsuro's power grows, Takasugi fights for his very life. Will Gintoki be able to put an end to all this?!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisLonely Castle in the Mirror (2022)
Shy outcast Kokoro has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. When a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game, the teens must work together to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them. However, anyone who breaks the rules will be eaten by a wolf.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- (2024)
Tanjiro undergoes rigorous training with the Stone Hashira, Himejima, in his quest to become a Hashira. Meanwhile, Muzan continues to search for Nezuko and Ubuyashiki. A recap of Kimetsu no Yaiba episodes 55–56, with new footage and special end credits.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPlanes: Fire & Rescue (2014)
When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMarvel One-Shot: All Hail the King (2014)
A documentary filmmaker interviews the now-famous Trevor Slattery from behind bars.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPersona3 THE MOVIE #1 Spring of Birth (2013)
In the spring, male student Makoto Yuki transfers to Gekkoukan High School. However, as he heads to his new dormitory, listening to the music on his headphones, he is stopped. More precisely, time has stopped, and the people who were around him turn into coffins. Makoto learns that this period of time hidden between the minute of midnight is called the Dark Hour, a time when monsters called Shadows appear. Suddenly made the leader of his fellow classmates Yukari and Junpei by his upperclassmen Mitsuru and Akihiko, Makoto must learn empathy, his connection to his comrades, and the meaning of death. With the power of his Evoker aimed at his head he awakens a Persona and fights against the Shadows threatening to attack his world from the mysterious tower of Tartarus.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCarl's Date (2023)
Carl Fredricksen reluctantly agrees to go on a date with a lady friend—but admittedly has no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl's pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends—if you're a dog.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Friends?
The closest matches to Friends are Naruto OVA 9: Chunin Exam on Fire! and Naruto vs. Konohamaru! (2011), Naruto 20th Anniversary - Road of Naruto (2022) and Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Friends?
Start with Naruto OVA 9: Chunin Exam on Fire! and Naruto vs. Konohamaru! (2011), the closest match to Friends.
What is the highest-rated movie like Friends?
Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple (2018), rated 8.1/10 by 201 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Friends?
Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Friends?
Yes: Naruto OVA 9: Chunin Exam on Fire! and Naruto vs. Konohamaru! (2011), Naruto 20th Anniversary - Road of Naruto (2022) and Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025).
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.