Are you looking for movie recommendations to watch with your senior family members or friends? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best movies for seniors that are sure to entertain and delight. So kick back, relax, and read on to find out which films made our list!
Casablanca – The 1942 Landmark Romance Starring
Casablanca is a timeless classic that seniors can watch and appreciate. The 1942 romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is a masterpiece directed by Michael Curtiz. It tells the story of a cynical expatriate American cafe owner who struggles to decide whether or not to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco.
The film is a rare feat for a story put to celluloid, drawing out peak romantic sentiment and narrative tension in critical balance, threading together themes of patriotism, love, sacrifice, and hope. This makes it an immensely appealing film for seniors who can relate to the film’s themes of love and sacrifice.
On Golden Pond (1981)
On Golden Pond (1981) is a classic gerontological movie directed by Mark Rydell that was adapted from Ernest Thompson’s 1979 play of the same name. It stars Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn and follows an elderly couple vacationing in their idyllic lakeside house. The couple must come to terms with their aging and their strained relationship with their adult daughter.
The movie also features a young man who is asked to look after the couple while they take care of the daughter’s new boyfriend. This heart-warming film is a great choice for seniors, as it tackles aging and relationships in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Schindler’s List (1993)
The next movie that is a great pick for seniors is Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993). Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes and Caroline Goodall, this movie has become a classic. Based on a true story, the movie tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saves thousands of Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.
It is an emotional and powerful film that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for human life and courage. Along with its powerful message, Schindler’s List also features excellent cinematography, acting performances, and an engaging script. It is truly a must-watch movie for seniors.
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
For those looking for a more light-hearted movie experience, Driving Miss Daisy is a great option. The 1989 drama follows the 25-year relationship between Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy), an elderly Jewish widow living in Atlanta, and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman).
Despite their initial disagreements, the two form a close bond as they travel through the American South in the 1950s. While the story tackles racial tension, it does so in a subtle and gentle way which makes it an enjoyable movie-watching experience for seniors.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) is a delightful comedy-drama directed by John Madden and starring Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Patrick Pearson, and Hugh Dickson. This film tells the story of British retirees who travel to India in search of a low-cost retirement home.
When they arrive at the Marigold Hotel, they find that it’s not quite what they expected. Despite its less than luxurious accommodations, they discover that life in India can be rich and rewarding. With its warm-hearted sense of humor and its positive outlook on aging, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is sure to bring a smile to the faces of senior moviegoers.
Wild (2014)
Wild (2014) is a heart-warming and inspiring adventure movie directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. The film follows Cheryl Strayed’s (Reese Witherspoon) journey along the Pacific Crest Trail as she attempts to shed her troubled past and find redemption.
Along the way, she encounters many obstacles and finds solace in the natural beauty of the wilderness. Wild is an uplifting story that will captivate viewers of all ages and inspire seniors to keep pushing forward with their own life journeys.
Awakenings (1990)
Awakenings (1990) is a 1990 American drama film directed by Penny Marshall. It is written by Steven Zaillian, who based his screenplay on Oliver Sacks’s 1973 memoir. The story of a doctor’s extraordinary work in the Sixties with a group of catatonic patients he finds languishing in a Bronx hospital is an inspiring tale.
Robert De Niro plays the lead role in this movie and it features Robin Williams in a supporting role as another doctor. It has a moment of genuine humor that finds the ward nurses at a Bronx hospital for chronic mental illness engaged in a dance contest to make Leonard not feel so alone.
This movie is not just a tearjerker, but an intelligent examination of a bizarre human condition that affects everyone.
Pay It Forward (2000)
After taking a look at the award-winning, classic romance of Casablanca and the dramatic story of On Golden Pond, we move on to Pay It Forward (2000). This beautiful film is directed by Mimi Leder and stars Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment.
It’s a humanistic, captivating and inspiring story about a young boy who attempts to make the world a better place by performing acts of kindness for three people without expecting anything in return.
Many consider this film to be one of the top 10 of all time, with its emotionally powerful performances and heartwarming message. Despite some criticisms about its ending, Pay It Forward is a must-watch for seniors looking for an inspiring story about selfless acts of kindness.
Me, Myself and Irene (2000)
If you’re looking for a more light-hearted movie, Me, Myself & Irene (2000) is a good choice. Directed by the Farrelly brothers and starring Jim Carrey, it follows a nice-guy cop with Dissociative Identity Disorder who must protect a woman on the run from a corrupt ex-boyfriend and his associates.
Despite the fact that it can be quite labored and sour at times, the movie still manages to create real humor and shows how good-natured the Farrellys are as directors. It’s a great choice for seniors who want to enjoy a light-hearted comedy.
Get Low (2010-Comedy/Drama/Mystery)
The next movie on our list of best movies for seniors is Get Low. This 2010 comedy/drama/mystery is based on the true story of an elderly hermit in 1930’s Tennessee who decided to throw his own rollicking funeral. Starring Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray, and Lucas Black, Get Low is a touching character drama that’s both fun and entertaining.
Directed by Aaron Schneider, Get Low is a lovely, quiet, contemplative independent movie full of heart and humor. It’s definitely worth a watch, especially for seniors who can appreciate the deep themes of love and loss as well as the witty dialogue.
Conclusion
Seniors who are looking for inspiring and uplifting films should definitely check out the movies mentioned in this article. Whether it’s a drama, a romance or a comedy, these films offer something for everyone.
They provide meaningful messages about life, family and friendship as well as plenty of laughs and tears. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best movies with seniors in mind!