Films about community

Films About Community

Films about community explore the dynamics, challenges, and strengths that arise when individuals come together to form a group, often highlighting themes of belonging, unity, and shared experiences. These films can be heartwarming, inspiring, or even challenging, as they delve into the ways communities support each other and overcome obstacles. They often reflect the importance of human connections and the power of collective effort.

List of Films About Community

“The Village”, 2004

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

This thriller by M. Night Shyamalan centers around a secluded, tight-knit community living in fear of creatures in the woods, exploring themes of trust, isolation, and the sacrifices made for the perceived safety of the group.

Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Brendan Gleeson, Cherry Jones, Celia Weston, John Christopher Jones, Frank Collison;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: thriller, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;

More information about the film “The Village” on the website imdb.com

“Little Miss Sunshine”, 2006

Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

A heartwarming comedy-drama that follows a dysfunctional family's road trip to support their young daughter in a beauty pageant, highlighting the bonds of family and the collective effort to achieve a common goal.

Starring: Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Marc Turtletaub;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;

More information about the film “Little Miss Sunshine” on the website imdb.com

“The Full Monty”, 1997

Director: Peter Cattaneo

This British comedy-drama tells the story of a group of unemployed steelworkers who form an unlikely male striptease act to make ends meet, showcasing themes of camaraderie, resilience, and breaking societal norms.

Starring: Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Wim Snape, Tom Wilkinson, Steve Huison, Paul Barber, Hugo Speer, Lesley Sharp, Emily Woof, Deirdre Costello;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;

More information about the film “The Full Monty” on the website imdb.com

“Dead Poets Society”, 1989

Director: Peter Weir

Set in an all-boys preparatory school, this drama focuses on a group of students inspired by their English teacher to seize the day and break free from conformity, emphasizing the impact of mentorship and peer support.

Starring: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;

More information about the film “Dead Poets Society” on the website imdb.com

“The Goonies”, 1985

Director: Richard Donner

A beloved adventure film about a group of kids who embark on a treasure hunt to save their homes from foreclosure, underscoring the power of friendship, teamwork, and the spirit of adventure.

Starring: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Ke Huy Quan, John Matuszak, Robert Davi, Joe Pantoliano;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;

More information about the film “The Goonies” on the website imdb.com

“Akeelah and the Bee”, 2006

Director: Doug Atchison

This inspirational drama follows an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles who competes in the National Spelling Bee, supported by her community, illustrating themes of perseverance, education, and communal encouragement.

Starring: Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Curtis Armstrong, J.R. Villarreal, Sean Michael, Sahara Ware, Lee Thompson Young, Julito McCullum, Erica Hubbard;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;

More information about the film “Akeelah and the Bee” on the website imdb.com

“Remember the Titans”, 2000

Director: Boaz Yakin

Based on a true story, this sports drama depicts the integration of a high school football team in Virginia, focusing on overcoming racial tensions and building unity through sportsmanship and teamwork.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst, Donald Faison, Craig Kirkwood, Ethan Suplee, Kip Pardue, Hayden Panettiere, Nicole Ari Parker;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: biography, sport, drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;

More information about the film “Remember the Titans” on the website imdb.com

“To Kill a Mockingbird”, 1962

Director: Robert Mulligan

This classic film, adapted from Harper Lee's novel, explores themes of racial injustice and moral integrity through the eyes of a young girl and her father, who is a lawyer defending an innocent black man, highlighting the community's divisions and strengths.

Starring: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, Frank Overton, Brock Peters, James Anderson, John Megna, Collin Wilcox Paxton, Robert Duvall, Rosemary Murphy;
Production year: 1962;
Genre: drama, crime;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;

More information about the film “To Kill a Mockingbird” on the website imdb.com

“Gran Torino”, 2008

Director: Clint Eastwood

Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this film tells the story of a Korean War veteran who forms an unlikely friendship with a Hmong teenager in his neighborhood, addressing themes of prejudice, redemption, and the importance of cross-cultural understanding.

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her, Brian Haley, Geraldine Hughes, Dreama Walker, Brian Howe, John Carroll Lynch, William Hill;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;

More information about the film “Gran Torino” on the website imdb.com

“Pay It Forward”, 2000

Director: Mimi Leder

This drama centers around a young boy who starts a movement of kindness by doing good deeds for others and asking them to “pay it forward,” showcasing the ripple effect of generosity and community spirit.

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Haley Joel Osment, Jay Mohr, James Caviezel, Jon Bon Jovi, Angie Dickinson, David Ramsey, Gary Werntz, Colleen Flynn;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;

More information about the film “Pay It Forward” on the website imdb.com

“The Pursuit of Happyness”, 2006

Director: Gabriele Muccino

Based on a true story, this biographical drama follows a struggling salesman who, despite facing homelessness, strives to build a better future for himself and his son, highlighting themes of perseverance and support systems.

Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Takayo Fischer, Kevin West, George Cheung;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;

More information about the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” on the website imdb.com

“Do the Right Thing”, 1989

Director: Spike Lee

Directed by Spike Lee, this film explores racial tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood on a hot summer day, examining the complexities of community relations and the impact of individual actions on the collective.

Starring: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Richard Edson, Ossie Davis, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, Rosie Perez, Ruby Dee, Roger Guenveur Smith;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;

More information about the film “Do the Right Thing” on the website imdb.com

“Whale Rider”, 2002

Director: Niki Caro

This New Zealand film tells the story of a young Maori girl who challenges tradition to fulfill her destiny as the leader of her tribe, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage, community acceptance, and gender roles.

Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa, Mana Taumaunu, Rachel House, Taungaroa Emile, Tammy Davis, Mabel Wharekawa;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, family;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;

More information about the film “Whale Rider” on the website imdb.com

“Our Town”, 2017

Director: Steven Farrell, Ben Alexander Kippen, Jonathan Thorp, Jenny Barth

An adaptation of Thornton Wilder's play, this film depicts the everyday lives of the citizens of a small New England town, reflecting on the beauty of ordinary moments and the interconnectedness of community members.

Starring: Rafe Bird, Jules Maxine, Dawn Funnell, Ben Mansfield, Ronan Williams, Helen Porter, Helen Gilbert, Steven Farrell, Rachel Green, Dale Wilder;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;

These films illustrate the varied and rich tapestry of community life, offering insights into how individuals come together to face challenges, celebrate successes, and support each other in meaningful ways.

Films about community offer a profound exploration of the human spirit and the collective experiences that bind us together. Through stories of triumph, struggle, and unity, these films illuminate the diverse ways communities form, thrive, and overcome adversity. They capture the essence of what it means to belong, highlighting the importance of support, understanding, and shared goals. From heartwarming tales of small towns rallying together to poignant narratives of marginalized groups finding their voice, these films remind us that, despite our differences, we are all connected by the universal need for connection and solidarity. Ultimately, they inspire us to appreciate the strength and resilience found within our own communities and to foster a deeper sense of empathy and togetherness in our everyday lives.