Have you ever wondered why filmmakers (mainstream, indie, foreign, domestic, and even newbies) like making movies that revolve around aging and retirement? Well, here are a few reasons why:
- Aging is a universal experience and a relatable topic that seems to appeal to audiences of all ages.
- Retirement is often a time of great change, including great joy and satisfaction, but also anxiety and stress.
- Retirement and aging in general can bring about great personal growth.
- Movies about retirement and aging can inspire audiences to live their lives to the fullest, no matter what their age.
So, we’ve created a long list of 100 movies about retirement that we’re sure will be entertaining for most seniors. They’re movies that tell a story that reveals characters who are resilient in spite of the many hurdles that life throws at them when they reach or even just approach retirement.
They tackle a number of themes from health, mortality, relationships, and purpose in life. We included official trailers only for the first 10 movies (otherwise the page takes forever to load).
Let’s get started now with 100 great movies that we have found about aging and retirement. They explore both the joys and the challenges of aging while also offering a glimpse into the lives of many OGs.
1. On Golden Pond (1981)
The beloved father and daughter team, Henry and Jane Fonda, star in this heartwarming film alongside the great Katherine Hepburn. It revolves around a retired college professor dealing with everything from family relationships to mortality on Golden Pond in picturesque Maine.
2. The Bucket List (2007)
Two terminally ill men played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman put together a bucket list of everything they want to do before they die. They have just six months to live and their search takes them on numerous adventures in this beautiful story about love, hope, and loss.
3. The Intern (2015)
A 70-year-old widower by the name of Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) embarks on a whole new chapter in his life when he becomes an intern where he works for an online fashion site. He works for the company’s young CEO, Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway), and the two form a very unlikely friendship.
4. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
In this lighthearted rom-com, Jack Nicholson plays Harry Sanborn, a rich music mogul in his 60s who’s from New York. He usually dates much younger women but falls in love with one closer to his age, played by Diane Keaton.
It shows a different approach to retirement and adapting to changes in life. In addition, it shows that a young, gorgeous, and successful rival (Keanu Reeves) doesn’t always win out in affairs of the heart.
5. Cocoon (1985)
This amazing 80s comedy, produced and directed by Ron Howard, follows a colorful group of seniors who break in and swim in a pool that’s full of alien cocoons that impart youthful energy that changes them. It features an amazing cast that includes Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Brian Dennehy, Maureen Stapleton, and even Ron’s little brother, Clint Howard.
6. Terms of Endearment (1983)
In this classic film, Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) is a strong-willed woman who is also quite wealthy and devoted to her only daughter, Emma (Debra Winger). When Emma grows up, starting a family of her own leads Aurora to find herself struggling to accept the fact that her daughter isn’t a child anymore.
Jack Nicholson plays Aurora’s neighbor, Garrett, who’s a famous retired astronaut and the two embark on a great love affair. Great cast, a great story, and five Oscars!
7. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
A group of World War II veterans named Al (Fredric March), Fred (Dana Andrews), and Homer (Harold Russell) face some serious difficulties re-entering civilian life. Fred’s a war hero who’s unable to compete with the skilled workers upon his return and ends up returning to his low-wage job as a soda jerk.
Al’s a banker who lands in hot water because he offers veterans like himself favorable loans. Homer lost both of his hands in the war and struggles to adjust after returning home to his loving fiancée.
8. Book Club (2018)
This American romantic comedy was directed by first-time director, Bill Holderman, and stars Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, and Mary Steenburgen playing four close friends. During their monthly book club, they all read the popular steamy novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, and then start changing how they’ve been viewing their personal relationships.
Also starring Andy García as Mitchell, Don Johnson as Arthur, Craig T. Nelson as Bruce, and Richard Dreyfuss as George.
9. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)
Some British retirees (Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith) travel to India so they can retire to a luxury hotel. However, upon arrival, they discover that the hotel isn’t exactly what they’re expecting. This is a film that’s funny and heartwarming and involves the importance of friends and family as well as second chances.
10. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)
This comedy/drama/romance sequel to #9 directed by John Madden finds Dench, Nighy, and Smith interacting with a man named Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) pursuing his dream of expansion by opening a second hotel. With just one remaining vacancy, a hilarious rooming predicament ensues.
11. Grumpy Old Men (1993)
Two grumpy old guys (Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau) start feuding over a beautiful woman (Ann-Margret) when she moves in next door. Directed by Donald Petrie, it’s great fun watching them step up their romantic game in the hopes of wooing the enchanting new neighbor. Also features Daryl Hannah and Burgess Meredith in supporting roles. ·
12. RED (2010)
Retired and Extremely Dangerous (RED) is a CIA label (albeit fictional) that refers to former agents who are considered to be way too old to actually keep working but also much too stubborn to accept retirement. It’s definitely not your average story, but quite the wild ride. Starring Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban, and Bruce Willis means you’re in for a treat.
13. About Schmidt (2002)
Directed by Alexander Payne, this film stars the always-great Jack Nicholson alongside Kathy Bates, Hope Davis, and Dermot Mulroney. It chronicles the journey of a retired man who is struggling to cope with his wife’s death and goes to his daughter’s wedding although the two are estranged, ending up discovering a lot more about life and himself than he was expecting.
14. Still Alice (2014)
This is a bittersweet and eye-opening film about a linguistics professor (Julianne Moore) who received a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Moore actually won an Oscar for her amazing performance in this film even though it wasn’t necessarily considered to be a mainstream film that year.
15. Nebraska (2013)
In this film directed by Alexander Payne, Bruce Dern is an aging man traveling from Montana to Nebraska for the purpose of claiming a million-dollar sweepstakes prize. His son David (Will Forte) goes with him but doesn’t believe for one minute that the win is for real. It’s kind of like that “hahaha” moment in “Night & Day” with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz when she asks his parents “You actually won Publishers Clearing House?”
16. I’m Not There (2007)
This is a biopic of Bob Dylan told through the eyes of seven different characters and it includes reflections on his life from Richard Gere, Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Ben Whishaw, the late great Heath Ledgerand more.
In 1966, a motorcycle accident forced Dylan to cancel all engagements and he effectively retired from touring. However, he later came out of retirement and continues to tour worldwide to this day.
17. Beginners (2010)
This film chronicles a man dealing with his father’s death after Dear Old Dad came out as gay shortly before dying. Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer star in this interesting and very frank little film as the son and the father respectively,
18. The Farewell (2019)
This American comedy/drama was written and directed by Lulu Wang. Starring Diana Lin, Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, and Zhao Shuzhen, it tells the story of a Chinese-American family traveling to China so that they can say goodbye to their beloved grandmother who’s dying.
19. The Father (2020)
This psychological drama was co-written and directed by debuting director, Florian Zeller. It stars the always excellent actor, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and the academy award-winning Olivia Colman in the story of an aging man who is struggling to deal with declining mental health.
20. Drive My Car (2021)
While a theater director grieves the death of his wife, he’s invited to direct a production for a Hiroshima theater festival of Uncle Vanya. He accepts the offer and travels there chauffeured by a young woman, hence the title. This is a Japanese drama co-written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
21. Amour (2012)
In this French romantic drama that was written and directed by an Austrian filmmaker by the name of Michael Haneke, a retired couple married for 50 years faces issues related to the wife’s stroke that turns their idyllic life upside-down. Starring Isabelle Huppert, Emmanuelle Riva, and Jean-Louis Trintignant, it’s a beautifully moving portrait of pure love and exceptional devotion in the face of adversity.
22. Up (2009)
Animation’s not just for kids anymore and this film proves it. The great Ed Asner is the voice of a grumpy 78-year-old widower who decides to become completely isolated from the outside world in this Disney Pixar production. He then proceeds to tie thousands of balloons to his home and head for South America searching for the childhood dream that he once shared with his late wife.
23. 80 For Brady (2023)
Four recently retired friends in their 60s plan a wild trip to see their hero, Tom Brady, play in the 2017 Super Bowl. The game was close, however, the Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl and the girls were ecstatic! Their trip to the Super Bowl was a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
It’s a cute story (and actually true) with an all-star unforgettable cast that includes Sally Field, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Lily Tomlin as the four friends (all looking really good for their age) and, of course, Brady and the Gronk as themselves.
24. Harry and Tonto (1974)
After his apartment building gets torn down, a retired New Yorker embarks on a journey across America accompanied by his beloved cat, Tonto. This heartwarming film was directed by Paul Mazurskym starring Herbert Berghof, Ellen Burstyn, Art Carney, and René Enríquez.
25. Tender Mercies (1983)
When a country singer named Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall) is down-on-his-luck, he wakes penniless in a motel run by a kindly widow by the name of Rosa Lee (Tess Harper). She offers him a job and he falls for her. Along the way, she assists him with his drinking problem and he bonds with her young son (Allan Hubbard). Of course, a career comeback comes along and he’s forced to choose between his new life and his former successful career.
26. Book Club II (2023)
The Next Chapter follows four BFFs, Diane played by Diane Keaton, Vivian played by Jane Fonda, Carol played by Mary Steenburgen, and Sharon played by Candice Bergen, who hit the road, taking their book club across the pond for the best girls’ trip that they’ve ever had. However, things go off the rails a bit in Italy, some secrets end up being revealed, and their supposedly relaxing vacation becomes a once-in-a-lifetime foreign adventure.
Directed by Bill Holderman, this endearing sequel to Book Club also stars (again) Andy Garcia as Mitchell, Don Johnson as Arthur, Craig T. Nelson as Bruce, and Adno De Pasquale as the new handsome face in the crowd in this May 12, 2023 release.
27. Unforgiven (1992)
This one is a classic western that was directed by and starred the uber-talented Clint Eastwood. It follows him as a retired gunslinger named William Munny who agrees to take on one last job. He’s a truly complex character who continues to be haunted by his violent past although he’s also still capable of drawing on that violent nature when it’s absolutely necessary.
28. Our Souls at Night (2017)
This dramatic romance directed by Ritesh Batra stars Jane Fonda and Robert Redford as a widow named Addie Moore and a widower by the name of Louis Waters. The two have been next door neighbors for many years with practically no connection whatsoever. That completely changes when Addie decides to try establishing a connection with her handsome neighbor.
29. Crazy Heart (2009)
Jeff Bridges stars as a former country-music legend named Bad Blake who is forced to start assessing the direction of his life. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Colin Farrell also star in this fascinating film. With many years of hard living, Blake is now reduced to playing gigs in dives and bowling alleys.
During one of these gigs, he meets Jean Craddock (Gyllenhaal), a sympathetic reporter. Unexpectedly, Blake warms up to her, and a romance begins. However, Blake soon finds himself at a crossroads that may threaten his last chance at happiness. Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, this film is truly excellent.
30. The Lost Valentine (2011)
Betty White stars in this heartbreaking film as a grandmother returning every single year to a train station to wait for her husband who embarked for war on their very first wedding anniversary. It’s so sad but beautiful at the same time.
31. Going in Style (2017)
This popular movie is an American heist/drama/comedy remake of a 1979 film bearing the same name. It was written by Theodore Melfi and directed by Zach Braff. The all-star cast includes Alan Arkin, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman as an unusual group of seniors who are just plain up-to-no-good. Other cast members include Matt Dillon, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Joey King, Christopher Lloyd, Ann-Margret, and John Ortiz.
32. Gran Torino (2008)
Nobody in the world could ever play a grumpy old guy quite like Clint Eastwood does in this classic drama film. Produced and directed by Eastwood himself, the movie tells the story of Walt Kowalski, a widowed Korean War veteran who has become isolated from his family and the world around him.
However, Walt’s self-imposed exile is challenged when his young neighbor, Thao Vang Lor, tries to steal his prized possession, a 1972 Ford Gran Torino. Surprisingly, their unlikely bond leads to a meaningful friendship and important lessons for both of them. And, of course, in true Clint Eastwood fashion, he kicks ass when the time comes to defend his friend.
33. Calendar Girls (2015)
OK ladies, this one’s for you. It chronicles what happens when a lively group of female retirees decide to pose naked for a calendar for the purpose of raising funds for their local hospital. The dialogue is hilarious and some very unexpected situations ensue.
Julie Walters and Helen Mirren lead the cast of lovely ladies who just happen to be brave enough to start thinking outside the box and challenging the public’s perception of them because it’s for a good cause. It’s funny, sad, and deeply inspiring.
34. The Farewell (2019)
A Chinese-American woman named Billi learns that her beloved grandmother, Nai Nai, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Knowing that Nai Nai wouldn’t want to be told the truth, her family decides to stage a wedding in China as an excuse to bring everybody together for one last time.
This Sundance award-winning film tells an emotionally-charged and funny story of family, love, and loss, as they grapple with the difficult decision to hide the truth from the matriarch of their family.
35. Queen Bees (2021)
Queen Bees is a funny and satirical film that’s set in the year 1992 and stars Ellen Burstyn and Ann-Margret and is about a widow named Helen moving to a senior community just to find out that it’s exactly like high school. Initially, she tries to avoid things like flirtatious suitors and schoolgirl-like cliques but soon discovers that these are the very things that she’s been missing in life.
36. Quartet (2012)
This comedy/drama with plenty of good music and romance is set in Paris and the UK. It’s Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut and revolves around passion, pride, and temperamental divas in a home for retired musicians where an annual concert takes center stage.
37. The Last Laugh (2019)
A hilarious American comedy starring the always hilarious actor/comedian, Chevy Chase, and the great actor in any genre, Richard Dreyfuss, this film tells the story of a talent manager by the name of Al and his move to a retirement home. Living there makes him increasingly restless and bored until he’s reconnected with Buddy, an old client who’s also retired. Al talks Buddy out of retirement from being a standup comedian and gets him back onstage.
38. Stop and Go (2021)
This little comedy is all about two sisters who embark on a hilarious, road trip for the purpose of rescuing their grandmother and her dog from a retirement home before their reckless sister can get there first. No big stars but an adorable dog in a cute story.
39. Mrs. Caldicot’s Cabbage War (2002)
Set in 21st-century England, this foreign film chronicles a woman’s search for independence after her husband passes away. Again, it doesn’t offer any major American film stars, of course, but it’s humorous and quite touching.
40. The Mule (2018)
This is one of those films that is a major winner just based on the cast alone. It stars 88-year-old Clint Eastwood (acting and directing) in the title role and Bradley Cooper as a tough but sympathetic Fed. It also offers a great supporting cast that includes Andy Garcia, Dianne Weist, Michael Peña, Laurence Fishburn, and even Clint’s daughter, Alison.
It’s actually a true story that’s based on a New York Times article about the real-life Sinaloa Cartel. In this great film, Clint Eastwood is an unwitting drug mule who is not only haunted by his past but is also facing some very serious threats in his present reality.
41. Cry Macho (2021)
Here’s another really touching film directed by Clint Eastwood who also stars in it as a retired rodeo star and horse breeder, Mike Milo. It’s set in 1978 when Mike accepts a job from his former boss (Dwight Yoakam) to get his young son away from his alcoholic mother and bring him home.
As they cross through rural Mexico heading back to Texas, they face unexpected challenges and end up becoming close friends. It’s a truly uplifting drama where Mike finds love at the end.
42. Space Cowboys (2000)
This is a must-see film that was produced, directed, and stars Clint Eastwood alongside some other unforgettably great actors, namely James Garner, Tommy Lee Jones, and Donald Sutherland. Together, they play four retired test pilots who travel into space where they’re sent for the difficult task of repairing an ancient Soviet satellite.
43. The Family (2013)
If you love black comedies, this one should be right up your alley. The cast is amazing and includes the uber-talented Robert De Niro, the lovely Michelle Pfeiffer, and the always-entertaining Tommy Lee Jones in this excellent crime drama that was directed and co-written by Luc Besson.
It revolves around a notorious mob family, the Manzonis, that’s sent on an extended European vacation in Normandy, France under WITSEC for their own protection.
44. Last Vegas (2013)
Talk about all-star casts! This one may have them all beat with talented stars like Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, and Mary Steenburgen. It was written by Dan Fogelman and directed by Jon Turteltaub.
This is a hilarious story about four recently retired friends (who hail from Brooklyn and go way back) named Archie, Billy, Paddy, and Sam. The men travel to Las Vegas for their last remaining single friend’s bachelor party.
45. About My Father (2023)
Directed by Laura Terruso, this recent film stars the red hot American comic, Sebastian Maniscalco, opposite two-time Oscar winner, Robert De Niro. It revolves around Sebastian (Maniscalco) being encouraged by his lovely fiancée (Leslie Bibb) to take his father, an immigrant hairdresser named Salvo (De Niro), with them for a family weekend get-together.
Unfortunately, it’s at her family’s home and they’re not only super-rich but also very eccentric (Kim Cattrall, Brett Dier, Anders Holm, David Rasche). Their weekend ends up developing into a culture clash that leaves Salvo and Sebastian having to find out everything that’s really great about family.
46. Savage Salvation (2022)
In this action/thriller, (dubbed “geezer teaser”), Sheriff Church (Robert De Niro) and Detective Zeppelin (Meadow Williams) work hard trying to keep the peace in their little town populated by local residents with only two interests among them. They are the local church and drugs, namely oxycodone.
A newly engaged couple, Shelby John (Jack Huston) and his fiance Ruby Red (Willa Fitzgerald) are looking for a fresh start so that they can get clean and start a family with the help of brother-in-law, Peter (John Malkovich). However, when Shelby finds Ruby dead on the front porch, it triggers a vengeful killing spree against the drug-dealers.
47. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
A wealthy, elderly, Jewish, and very white Atlanta woman named Daisy Werthan played by Jessica Tandy crashes her vehicle and her concerned son, Boolie played by Dan Aykroyd, hires an African-American chauffeur named Hoke Colburn played by Morgan Freeman to drive for her.
Although their relationship starts out quite rocky, they end up developing a very close friendship while navigating the ever-changing Southern social landscape.
48. The Straight Story (1999)
This is a truly heartwarming film directed by David Lynch about an elderly World War II veteran traveling 240 miles from Laurens, Iowa, to Mount Zion, Wisconsin, on his lawnmower just to pay a visit to his estranged brother. It stars Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, and Harry Dean Stanton as the Straight family.
49. The Savages (2007)
(Not to be confused with The Savages about drug dealers and the DEA with John Travolta) A darkly funny film starring the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Linney, Peter Friedman, and Philip Bosco, this The Savages tells the intriguing yet often all-too-true story about adult siblings, Jon and Wendy Savage, who are forced into caring for their aging and abusive father who is suffering from dementia.
50. Aging Gracefully By Sticking ‘All Together’ (2012)
This is a comedy directed by Stephane Robelin that’s in French with English subtitles . It involves five close friends in their 70s deciding to move in together rather than opt for retirement-home living.
The stars on board include Jane Fonda, Geraldine Chaplin, Guy Bedos, Claude Rich, and Pierre Richard as seniors struggling to deal with everything from difficult economic conditions to their mental and physical realities.
51. The Man Who Planted Trees (1971)
A French animated short, this film tells the story of an old shepherd who plants a tree every day for 20 years. It’s a beautiful and inspiring meditation on the power of hope and resilience that opens with the shepherd arriving in a desolate valley.
The land is barren and the people are poor. The shepherd decides to plant a tree, hoping that it will bring life back to the valley. At first, the trees were small and weak. But the shepherd continues to plant and care for the trees, never giving up hope.
Over time, the trees grow strong and tall, providing food and shelter for the animals and the people and the valley is transformed from a barren wasteland into a lush and thriving forest. The film ends with the shepherd, now an old man, surrounded by the trees he planted. He has lived a long and fulfilling life, and he has made a difference in the world.
52. My Winnipeg (2007)
This one is a Canadian documentary film by Guy Maddin that’s a personal and poetic look at the filmmaker’s hometown. The film is full of surreal imagery and dreamlike sequences that explore the themes of aging, memory, and nostalgia.
53. 45 Years (2015)
British drama was never better than this little film that tells the story of a couple who are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary when they receive a letter that threatens to upend their lives. The film is a slow-burning and suspenseful exploration of the complexities of marriage and aging.
54. The Discovery (2017)
If you love sci-fi dramas, you’ll love this film that tells the story of a world where a scientific discovery has made it possible to see into the afterlife. The storyline explores the ethical implications of this discovery, as well as the ways in which it might change our understanding of aging and death.
Directed by Charlie McDowell, the film’s stars include Robert Redford, Jason Segel, Riley Keough, and Rooney Mara.
55. Away from Her (2006)
This film tells the story of an elderly woman who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her husband must come to terms with her declining mental state and the changes that it brings to their relationship. Stars of this film include Julie Christie, Olympia Dukakis, and Gordon Pinsent.
56. Poms (2019)
Comedy is the word of the day when a group of women form a cheerleading squad at their retirement community. It’s a truly heartwarming and inspiring story about the power of friendship and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. The cast includes Diane Keaton, Rhea Perlman, and Pam Grier.
57. The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Historical drama gets pretty exciting with this story of Hawkeye, a white man raised by Mohicans who teams up with a British colonel and his daughter during the French and Indian War. Hawkeye is an older man in the film, but he’s still a skilled warrior and a brave leader.
Epic adventure and passionate romance unfold with a cast led by Daniel Day Lewis and Madeleine Stowe. Directed by Academy Award-winning director, Michael Mann, who also brought us such classics as “Ali” and “Miami Vice”.
58. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Western movie fans in the 60s all seem to love this story of Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart), a young lawyer who comes to the Wild West to bring law and order to a lawless town.
He’s successful….. Eventually, however, he ends up relying on the assistance of an older gunfighter by the name of Tom Doniphon (John Wayne), to accomplish this seemingly impossible feat. Tom may be a man of few words, but he’s not only a skilled fighter but a true hero.
59. The Shootist (1976)
John Wayne’s last film role, before he passed away in 1979, this western tells the story of J.B. Books, an aging gunfighter facing death from cancer. He chooses to face his final showdown in a small town, surrounded by both friends and enemies. He’s a courageous, dignified man, accepting his fate with grace.
The supporting cast was amazing as well, including Lauren Bacall, Richard Boone, John Carradine, Scatman Crothers, Ron Howard, Richard Lenz, Harry Morgan, Sheree North, Hugh O’Brian, and the great James Stewart.
60. The Wild Bunch (1969)
Written and directed by Sam Peckinpah, this popular western tells the story of a gang of aging outlaws trying to make one final big score before retiring. It’s a stylish and quite violent film featuring some of the most iconic action scenes that have ever been filmed thanks to the director’s cinematic genius.
Stars include iconic great actors from William Holden to Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Edmond O’Brien, Warren Oates, Ben Johnson, Strother Martin, and Dub Taylor.
61. Logan (2017)
Superhero film lovers will appreciate this movie about an aging Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) who tries to protect a young vulnerable mutant (Dafne Keen) from a powerful corporation. This brutal and highly-emotional film explores aging, family, and mortality themes.
62. Coco (2017)
This is an animated film that tells the story of a boy who gets transported to the Land of the Dead. Once there, he has to find his own way back to the Land of the Living. This is a beautiful film and a heartwarming story about tradition, family, and the importance of remembering our loved ones who have come before us.
63. The Expendables (2010)
There are four Expendables movies (so far) and The Expendables are actually a group of mercenaries who have been hired to carry out some extremely dangerous missions. This formidable team is being led by Sylvester Stallone who plays Barney Ross, who’s joined by Liam Hemsworth playing Billy the Kid, Terry Crews playing Hale Caesar, Jason Statham who plays Lee Christmas, Dolph Lundgren playing Gunnar Jensen, Randy Couture who plays Toll Road, and Jet Li playing Yin Yang.
The first one was released in 2010, the second one in 2012, the third one in 2014, and the fourth one in 2023, and these films have been highly-praised for their star-studded casts that include some of the best-known action stars of the last 20 years.
64. The Expendables 2 (2012)
Like the first of the series, this is an American action thriller based upon characters created by David Callaham and written by Sylvester Stallone. It pays homage to the many blockbuster 1980s and 1990s action films while also paying some gratitude to the action stars of that era, as well as some of the more recent stars.
Like the other The Expendables movies, you can expect lots of gunfire, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat. Jean-Claude Van Damme joins the extensive cast along with Bruce Willis, Chuck Norris, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
65. The Expendables 3 (2014)
With the same cast (almost) and more of the same action, #3 adds Mel Gibson, Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford (replacing Bruce Willis due to financial demands), and Antonio Banderas to the cast. (And just when we thought the cast couldn’t possibly get any better!)
66. The Expendables 4 (2023)
Surprisingly, Stallone isn’t in this iteration as he exited in 2017 because of disagreements about the future of the franchise and what direction the fourth film was headed in. Hopefully, this won’t spell the end of The Expendables since they’re always such fun to watch!
67. Knives Out (2019)
This mystery thriller is about a detective (Daniel Craig) who investigates the untimely death of a very wealthy patriarch (Christopher Plummer). The cast also includes many other senior actors and actresses like Ana de Armas, Toni Collette, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, and Michael Shannon.
68. The Hateful Eight (2015)
You’ll never find a more unique western/mystery/thriller than this one directed by the uber-talented albeit rather strange Quentin Tarantino. You may remember some of his other unusual and very popular films that he either wrote, directed, or starred in, like “Pulp Fiction”, “Kill Bill”, “Inglourious Basterds”, “Django Unchained”, and “Reservoir Dogs”.
The cast of The Hateful Eight features some very popular senior actors like Bruce Dern, Walton Goggins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Tim Roth, who are joined by a well-known young hunk, Channing Tatum. The story revolves around eight strangers snowed in at a very remote stagecoach stop.
69. The Nice Guys (2016)
OK, who doesn’t love buddy cop films? This is a neo-noir offering about two private detectives (one young one, Ryan Gosling, and another close to retirement, Russell Crowe) who investigate the disappearance of a young woman. It also stars Kim Basinger and Matt Bomer and was directed by Shane Black.
70. The Post (2017)
If you love both historical dramas and anything directed by the great Steven Spielberg, this one’s for you. It’s all about the Washington Post’s battle for the right to publish the Pentagon Papers. The cast is truly amazing and includes Alison Brie, Tom Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Meryl Streep, and Bradley Whitford.
71. The Irishman (2019)
Crime dramas are a favorite of many moviegoers and this one about a semi-retired hitman (Robert De Niro) who’s asked to take on just one last job is really exciting. And, so is the rest of the cast, which includes Al Pacino, Stephen Graham, Harvey Keitel, Joe Pesci, and Anna Paquin. Let’s face it, no movie with both De Niro and Pacino has ever been bad!
72. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Directed by somebody who is clearly one of our favorite directors, Quentin Tarrantino, this comedy/drama that revolves around a fading once-famous actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) is hilarious.
They’re trying hard to make it in the Hollywood of the 1960s. The supporting cast members are also amazing and include Dakota Fanning, Timothy Olyphant, Al Pacino, Kurt Russell, and Margot Robbie.
73. The Woman in the Window (2021)
This is one scary psychological thriller involving an agoraphobic woman (Amy Adams) who happens to witness a crime from the window of her home where she’s literally trapped by her severe anxiety disorder. The cast also includes Brian Tyree Henry, Anthony Mackie, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman, and Wyatt Russell.
74. The Godfather Coda The Death of Michael Corleone (2020)
This is a recut version of Part III where the quintessential director, Francis Ford Coppola, was charged with overseeing the recut and stated that it’s truly the definitive version that both he and Mario Puzo were always intending to make.
As you undoubtedly know, this crime drama trilogy (1972 to 1990) followed the fascinating and very powerful Italian-American Corleone crime family. The stars of the series include Marlon Brando, James Caan, John Cazale, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Al Pacino, and Talia Shire.
75. Rocky (1976-2015)
This well-known sports drama film series tells the story of the life of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), an Italian-American boxer who lives in Philadelphia. The series also starred Dolph Lundgren, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, and Burt Young. Although Rocky was young and vital in the earlier movies, he was retired in the later iterations.
76. Harold and Maude (1971)
Perhaps you wouldn’t expect any film that features an unlikely relationship between a high-spirited 79-year-old woman named Maude (Ruth Gordon) and a much younger 20-year-old man by the name of Harold (Bud Cort), who’s completely obsessed with death, could ever become a cult classic.
It did, however, and that’s less about their clear age difference and a lot more about people interacting and connecting with each other and how we’re only as old as we feel.
77. Lethal Weapon (1987-1998)
This very popular hit buddy-cop/action/comedy series chronicles the exploits of a Los Angeles police detective Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) who’s really a loose-cannon, and his initially unwilling partner and by-the-book sergeant Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover).
The series also stars Rene Russo as Riggs’ love interest, Joe Pesci as their crazy little sidekick, and Gary Busey as the bad guy. In Lethal Weapon 3, Murtaugh is retiring but, of course, changes his mind and stays with the force.
78. Venus (2006)
In this comedy/drama/romance film directed by Roger Michell, life gets turned upside down for a pair of veteran actors by a brash teenager that they end up meeting. The stars include Peter O’Toole, Leslie Phillips, Beatrice Savoretti, and Jodie Whittaker.
79. Unfinished Song (2012)
Music is the center of attention in this musical drama directed by Paul Andrew Williams where Arthur is a grumpy old man who lost his wife, Marion. He’s incredibly lonely and doesn’t know what to do with himself. One day, he receives a letter from Marion’s choir director, inviting him to join the choir.
Reluctant at first, he eventually decides to give it a try. The choir is a group of unconventional people from all walks of life who are united by their love of music. Arthur makes new friends and starts to feel more connected to the world again.
He also starts to feel Marion’s presence the more he sings and the choir becomes a lifeline for him and also helps him to become close again with his estranged son. The stars include Terence Stamp, Vanessa Redgrave, Gemma Arterton, and Christopher Eccleston.
80. Going in Style (1979)
Directed by Martin Brest, this comedy/crime drama stars George Burns, Art Carney, Charles Hallahan, and Lee Strasberg as friends who make the foolish decision to try and rob a bank.
81. Going in Style (2017)
Obviously this is a remake of the 1979 comedy film but this time it’s directed by Zach Braff and stars some true acting greats like Alan Arkin, Michael Caine, Matt Dillon, and Ann-Margret as the daring bank robbers and lifelong friends.
82. Is Anybody There? (2008)
This unusual drama about a lonely boy living in a home for the elderly that’s run by his parents was directed by John Crowley. It intricately explores the child’s obsession with the afterlife during his unlikely friendship with an aging magician. The cast includes the great Michael Caine, Anne-Marie Duff, Bill Milner, and Ralph Riach.
83. Elsa & Fred (2014)
Comedy, drama, and romance are the themes of this film that’s directed by Michael Radford and features such stars as the unstoppable Shirley MacLaine, Marcia Gay Harden, Christopher Plummer, and Wendell Pierce. It revolves around a withdrawn senior gentleman experiencing life in many new ways when he starts to spend some quality time with a free-spirited woman living across the hall.
84. The Lady in the Van (2015)
This is a very unusual but riveting biography/comedy/drama directed by Nicholas Hytner. It involves a man forming an unexpected bond with a transient old woman. She happens to live in her van, which is parked in his driveway. Stars of this film include Jim Broadbent, Clare Hammond, Alex Jennings, and Maggie Smith.
85. A Rather English Marriage (1998 Made-For-TV Movie)
Here’s a drama directed by Paul Seed about a retired milkman and a squadron leader who make the difficult decision to bury all of their many differences and try moving in together after they both become widowers on the very same night, becoming a companionable but odd couple for sure. Stars include Tom Courtenay, Albert Finney, John Light, and Joanna Lumley.
86. 45 Years (2015)
This romantic drama tells the story of a married couple who are busy preparing to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. They suddenly receive shattering news that could change the course of their lives forever. It’s directed by Andrew Haigh and features some talented|stars from Charlotte Rampling to Geraldine James, Tom Courtenay, and Dolly Wells.
87. A Man Called Ove (2015)
In this foreign comedy/drama/romance directed by Hannes Holm features an ill-tempered, isolated retiree named Ove, who whiles away his days visiting his wife’s grave and trying to enforce block association rules.
Just when it seems that he’s given up on life, a very unlikely friendship starts to develop with his wild and crazy new neighbors. Stars Filip Berg, Ida Engvoll, Rolf Lassgård, and Bahar Pars.
88. Attention, Papa Arrives! (1991)
This is a foreign family comedy co-directed by Vicco von Bülow and Renate Westphal-Lorenz. It chronicles a former manager named Heinrich Lohse who orders enough typewriter paper for 40 years, (so that he can get a good discount), but then ends up being forced into retirement. This gives him lots of time with his wife and teenage son but it remains to be seen if they really want that.
89. Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (1993)
In this dramatic film directed by Randa Haines with an all-star cast that includes Sandra Bullock, Robert Duvall, Richard Harris, and Shirley MacLaine, revolves around a very uneasy friendship between a hard-drinking Irish sea captain, two retired and very lonely septuagenarians, and a Cuban barber with impeccable manners.
90. Sense of an Ending (2017)
Mystery and drama unfold in this film about a man who’s haunted by the past when he suddenly receives a very mysterious legacy that ends up causing him to completely rethink his life and especially his current situation. Directed by Ritesh Batra, it features Jim Broadbent, Michelle Dockery, Charlotte Rampling, and Harriet Walter.
91. How About You (2007)
This dramatic comedy, directed by Anthony Byrne with a cast that includes Hayley Atwell, Orla Brady, Joss Ackland, and Kevin Flood, chronicles the trials and tribulations of a young British woman who spends the Christmas holidays watching over the extremely demanding residents of a retirement home.
92. Cloudburst (2011)
This LGBTQ-friendly film features an elderly lesbian couple escaping from the nursing home they live in and heading north to Canada so they can get married. On the way, they end up picking up a young man who is hitchhiking. Directed by Thom Fitzgerald, Kristin Booth, Olympia Dukakis, Brenda Fricker, and Michael McPhee round out the cast.
93. The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)
Directed by Roger Donaldson, and starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Tessa Mitchell, Diane Ladd, and Iain Rea, this film is all about a New Zealander named Burt Munro (Hopkins) who spends years in the endeavor to rebuild his 1920 Indian motorcycle. It was on that same bike that he set the 1967 land speed world record at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
94. The Last Word (2017)
This comedy, directed by Mark Pellington, stars Shirley MacLaine, Thomas Sadoski, and Amanda Seyfried. It chronicles how a retired businesswoman named Harriet keeps trying to control everything that goes on around her. She decides to start writing her own obituary, but a young journalist decides to find out the truth about her life and that results in a life-altering friendship.
95. The Time of Their Lives (2017)
Another good comedy film from the same year, directed by Roger Goldby, this one stars both Joan and Pauline Collins, Franco Nero, and Ronald Pickup in the story of a former Hollywood star enlisting a new friend’s help in traveling from London to France to attend her ex-lover’s funeral.
96. 5 Flights Up (2014)
This is a touching comedy/drama that tells the story of a couple (Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton) who’ve been married for a long time. They’ve spent their lives residing in the same New York apartment and are completely overwhelmed when they decide to move away.
97. The Leisure Seeker (2017)
Everything from adventure to comedy and drama abound in this film starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland that involves a runaway couple going on an what turns out to be an unforgettable journey in their vintage RV called “The Leisure Seeker”.
98. Hampstead (2017)
This British comedy/romance/drama with a cast that includes Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson, tells the story of a widow unexpectedly finding love with a gentleman who’s literally living in the wild on Hampstead Heath. Together, the pair take on some developers who are planning on destroying his home.
99. Golden Years (2016)
Action, comedy, and crime come together to make this British film quite entertaining. Directed by John Miller, it features British actors, Alun Armstrong, Simon Callow (not to be confused with Simon Cowell of American Idol fame), Bernard Hill, and Mark Williams.
The story involves a retired couple, Arthur and Martha Goode, who turn to a life of crime in response to a crippling pension crisis and their staunch refusal to ever start accepting the injustice of old age.
100. Wild Strawberries (1957)
This 50s-era Swedish drama is often considered to be the finest film ever directed by Ingmar Bergman. It chronicles an aging professor (Victor Sjostrom) and his entire life as he contemplates his very existence prior to accepting an honorary degree. It’s interspersed with scenes throughout the film that include memories of his youth as well as his daydreams as he struggles to make some kind of sense of the man that he’s become.