The primary characters in movies these days range from colorful talking animals to aliens and everything in between. There’s one demographic that is important but often left out of the film industry: seniors!
We’ve found some great movies with older main characters you can relate to. Here are our top 5 favorites:
1. ‘Grumpy Old Men’
There’s nothing quite as funny as John and Max (Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau), a pair of older neighbors. These Midwesterners have been calling each other names and pushing one another’s buttons for 50 years. When an attractive woman moves in down the street, they both fall in love when they spot her shaking her hair out after removing her snowmobiling helmet. It’s the first time they’ve agreed on something, and they spend the rest of the movie competing to see who can woo the object of their affection. This is an excellent movie if you’re homesick for the Midwest or need a little humor.
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2. ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’
Fannie Flagg’s popular book Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe was made into a movie in 1991. In it, a senior woman in an assisted living community, played by Jessica Tandy, befriends a middle-aged woman (Kathy Bates) who is struggling to rekindle her romance and learn how to follow her heart. The older woman shares stories of her youth that help Bates’ character learn to stand up for herself after learning about two brave women and their Whistle Stop Cafe.
3. ‘Something’s Gotta Give’
Jack Nicholson plays a near-senior who prefers much younger women in this 2003 romantic comedy. His character dates a decades younger woman and runs into her mother, played by Dianne Keaton. One day, Nicholson’s character has a medical issue and is treated by a young physician played by Keanu Reeves. The doctor falls for Keaton, which sends Nicholson into a frenzy as he realizes he’s also falling for his girlfriend’s mom, a woman his age. This humorous tale includes some of Hollywood’s best talent and will surely make you smile!
4. ‘Up’
If you’re looking for a flick to watch with your grandkids, look no further than Disney Pixar’s “Up.” This heartwarming animated tale features Carl, voiced by Ed Asner, a senior who has decided to move his house with the help of millions of helium balloons. Russell, a neighborhood kid, believes in Carl’s crazy dream and accompanies Carl and a talking dog on a magical journey to Paradise Falls. The combination of funny characters and beautiful artwork makes “Up” a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.
5. ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’
Robin Williams plays two eccentric characters in this 1993 movie about a divorcing father trying to connect with his kids. Sally Field plays the concerned ex-wife who hires a nanny from the classified ads. Williams puts on full costume makeup to transform into a hard-hitting, hilarious older British nanny named Euphegenia Doubtfire. Madness ensues as Williams spends time with his kids as their father and as their nutty housekeeper. This is another fantastic movie to introduce to your grandchildren or enjoy with friends.
