Guys being dudes: The 25 greatest bromance movies

Forget Val Kilmer: the bromance between Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Goose (Anthony Edwards) is one for the record books. Whether the two are on the ground or in the air--at karaoke night or at flight school--their bond will never be broken. 

Yes, this franchise starts out with the two bickering like toddlers, but it evolves into something sweeter in part two. In the film, Riggs and Murtaugh spend every second of the day bonding over their differences and even use them to their advantage. I'd hate to be the guy who picked a fight with these cops--or anyone who can bond over a getting shot.

Nothing brings people together quite like the zombie apocalypse. It's impossible not to make lasting memories with the people you're with--who can forget those entrails?--and watching Ed and Shawn bond over their situation is beautiful. When the two are trapped in a pub, you may even find yourself tearing up over their fate. 

Even in the cold depths of prison, warm friendship can endure--just look at Andy Dufresne and Ellis Redding. They are the poster child for male friendship. They stand by each other for 30 years, proving that nothing can get in the way of a solid bond. 

Partners in crime, quite literally, Butch and Sundance are like the bank robber versions of Jules and Jim. They are besties for life, wander the countryside and try to impress a girl who looks like Jeanne Moreau. They are about as cool as movie bros get, with one of their only rivals coming up next. 

Paul Newman and Robert Redford were partners in crime more than once in their careers. In The Sting, they play hustlers who get revenge on the mobster who killed their friend. In true 70's fashion, they turn this serious task into a joyous adventure, with more fun moments than all the heist flicks in 2023 combined. 

The friendship between Woody and Buzz lives in the hearts of fans everywhere. They've got a friend in all of us, and we're happy to return to their world anytime we need a pick-me-up. 

Nothing bonds a bunch of dudes like the need--the need for speed. Goose may be gone, but that doesn't mean Maverick can't bond with the new hotshots or that rival who is now a friend. 

Growing up can be hard. If only someone would give us a manual on how to talk to girls or how to get invited to parties, things would be so much easier. But then we wouldn't get to watch Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) figure these things out the hard way, which almost makes all that stuff worth it. Almost... 

There are harder things about growing up than trying to lose your V-card--like having friends move out of town or finding a body in the woods. There are some things about youth that just can't be explained, which is why it's remarkable that Rob Reiner could speak to them so clearly. In Stand By Me, he follows four friends as they head into the woods to find a fallen classmate but end up finding themselves instead. 

Is this the best bromance movie ever? I'd say the chances are one-in-a-million. So yes, I'm saying there's a chance. 

A list of bromance movies wouldn't be complete without this 1990s classic. The movie follows a bunch of dudes as they drive around, drink, and party on their last day of high school. It's a joyride from start to finish, one you should definitely see with a bud. 

This movie is so money and you don't even know it. Most people haven't seen this comedy about two friends in Los Angeles, which is a shame since it's the breakout of both John Favreau and Vince Vaughn. It's also one of the great bromance movies, so anyone who hasn't seen it should get on that immediately. 

This movie is really just a chance to watch Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Matt Damon coexist on screen. Sure, the heist is cool and the revenge is sweet, but how often do you get to see this much star power on screen? It's like hitting the jackpot for fans of bromance. 

The backbone of this movie is the friendship between Rick (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stuntman Cliff (Brad Pitt). They do everything together, from acting to drinking to beating up hippies. They are the embodiment of the Bro Code, never leaving each other's side no matter what happens. 

Did you really think we were going to forget about Point Break? This is Bromance 101, with two dudes surfing, hanging out and robbing banks in thier free time. They are the textbook example of bros, with a number of shots of them hugging to prove it.  

There's nothing wrong with hanging out with girls all the time, but every guy should have at least one guy friend. Paul Rudd has none of those, so he tries to find one in the form of Jason Segal. It's a funny, charming look at male friendship that is slightly messy, but then again, so is Rudd's character.  

Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman star as two bounty hunters set out for one last job. Anyone who watches movies knows that "one last job" means "bad news," and it isn't long before these two find themselves in a world of hurt. In this poetic Western, the sunsets reflect blood and the winds echo sadness, making it one of the more tragic bromances on our list. 

Bill and Ted's relationship stays true over the years because they always remain excellent to each other and party on no matter what. It's something we can all apply to our own relationships in life. 

The O.G. bromance. This French New Wave classic follows two friends as they bond, hangout and fall in love with the same woman. How can they let this happen? She's played by Jeanne Moreau, that's how. You can't blame them once you set eyes on this angelic, luminious figure. 

Male friendship is the driving force behind this iconic drama. Two best friends navigate the streets of Boston the only way they know how: with their brains. With Matt Damon as the math genius and Ben Affleck as the streetwise youngster, these two can do anything--even make you cry. 

Frodo and Sam are as inseperable as peanut butter and jelly. They compliment each other perfectly, and the two hobbits give this fastastical adventure a much-needed dose of realism. 

There's no telling what the friends at the center of this action flick would do to keep each other safe--literally, there's no way for us to tell you all the crazy things they do in this movie. Storm a castle? Wrestle a bear? Fight a giant army? That's just the first act.

The greatest bromance comedy ever. Step Brothers has more jokes, more laughs and more quotables than any other movie on our list. The story of two stepbrothers moving in with their parents is pure comedy gold.  

The clothes may be dated, but John Hughes' hilarious and insightful script is timeless. Ferris Bueller is one of the most iconic characters of all time, with a sunny attitude and joyous spirit that makes even his depressed friend lighten up. You can't watch him ditch school without a smile.