Best Movies Starring Senior Citizens

“And So It Goes” is a comedy-drama directed by Rob Reiner, starring Douglas as Oren Little, a self-absorbed realtor who is left to care for a granddaughter he never knew existed. Keaton co-stars as Leah, Oren’s neighbor and an aspiring singer, who helps Oren navigate his new role.

This spoof of Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” and its well-known adaptations, directed by Brooks as well as featuring him as Dr. Van Helsing, follows the classic Dracula narrative, with a comedic twist. Despite its rich visual style and production values, reminiscent of Hammer Horror film versions of the vampire tale, it was a commercial failure.

A sports comedy directed by Peter Segal, “Grudge Match” stars De Niro and Stallone as aging boxers and longtime rivals stepping into the ring for one last fight. (Both actors are known for their roles in renowned boxing films – “Raging Bull” and the Rocky franchise, respectively.) Alan Arkin plays Stallone’s ailing former trainer, and Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield appear as themselves in cameos.

This sequel to the 1993 romantic comedy “Grumpy Old Men” finds the formerly feuding neighbors John Gustafson (Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Matthau) evolved into good friends, with their offspring engaged to be married and John happily betrothed to Ariel – formerly a source of rivalry between the two. All is going well until an Italian woman (Sophia Loren) arrives with plans to turn the men’s beloved bait shop into a fancy restaurant. The men try to sabotage the project, their children call off the engagement, and John and Max resume their feud – but all ends well.

“Stand Up Guys” is a black comedy crime film featuring Walken, Pacino, and Arkin as old buddies reunited after one’s release from prison. Directed by Fisher Stevens, it explores the dynamics of loyalty and friendship under the threat of a crime boss’ srevenge. The film takes the audience on a journey of social and crime escapades through a single night, intensifying the emotional struggle of a friend pressured to kill his buddy.

“The Odd Couple II” is a 1998 sequel to the original 1968 “Odd Couple,” reuniting Lemmon and Matthau as Oscar Madison and Felix Ungar, respectively. The comedy sees the iconic characters meeting up again after 17 years for the unexpected wedding of Felix’s daughter to Oscar’s son. The excitement of the two former apartment-mates’ reunion is brief, and soon they get lost, kidnapped, arrested, and more – before finally making it to the wedding and eventually ending up living together again.

“Out to Sea” is a romantic comedy directed by Martha Coolidge, featuring the penultimate appearances of frequent co-stars Lemmon and Matthau (and the last film roles for Hollywood veterans O’Connor and DeHaven). The plot revolves around compulsive gambler Charlie Gordon (Matthau) and his widower brother-in-law Herb Sullivan (Lemmon), who embark on a Mexican cruise where they’re required to work as dance hosts. Amidst comedic chaos, both encounter love interests. Charlie woos an heiress, while Herb becomes smitten with a widow. The film concludes with the duo going to great lengths to reunite with their new loves.

“5 Flights Up” features Freeman and Keaton as Alex and Ruth Carver, an aged couple seeking to move from their five-story walk-up apartment. The plot intertwines their search for a new home, their old dog’s health crisis, and a supposed terrorist threat near their apartment. The film, based on the novel “Heroic Measures” by Jill Ciment, offers a touching story of love and determination.

“A Walk in the Woods” is a biographical comedy-drama based on Bill Bryson’s 1998 book of the same name. The story follows the author (played by Redford), who, after living in the U.K. for ten years, returns to his hometown in New Hampshire and decides to hike the Appalachian Trail with his old friend Stephen Katz (Nolte). Despite challenges and dangers, their journey is filled with memorable moments.

“McQ” is a neo-noir crime action film directed by John Sturges. The plot revolves around a detective lieutenant, McQ (Wayne), who investigates the murder of his longtime partner and other police officers. Despite resistance from his superiors, McQ delves into a world of narcotics dealing and police corruption. With a backdrop of Seattle, the film showcases Wayne in a different light from his usual Western roles.

“I’m Not Rappaport” is a dramedy written and directed by Herb Gardner, based on his play of the same name. It stars Matthau as Nat Moyer and Davis as Midge Carter, two elderly men in New York City who spend their days in Central Park, where Nat shares tall tales. The film deals themes of aging, the societal treatment of the senior citizens, and urban dangers.

In this romantic comedy directed by Bill Holderman, Steenburgen, Fonda, Keaton, and Bergen appear as four friends who begin to reassess their personal relationships after reading “Fifty Shades of Grey” in their book club. This leads to a variety of comedic and poignant experiences. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, earning over $104 million worldwide. A sequel, “Book Club: The Next Chapter,” was released in 2023.

“Ricki and the Flash” is a comedy-drama that features Streep as Ricki, a woman who left her family to become a rock star but later gets a chance to make amends. Kline plays her ex-husband. The film, which marks the third collaboration between Streep and Kline, explores Ricki’s attempt to reconcile with her estranged family, while dealing with her struggling music career.

The Hong Kong martial arts film “Game of Death” began filming in 1972, with Bruce Lee as star, writer, producer, and director. Lee died of a cerebral edema in 1973 while the project was ongoing, and much of the footage was lost. In 1978, the remaining footage was cut into a new film with the same title and a new plot – a revenge story involving mafia antagonists – with several Hollywood veteran actors (and Kareen Abdul-Jabbar) in the cast. Despite a mixed critical reception, it achieved commercial success, grossing an estimated $50 million worldwide.

A remake of the 1979 heist comedy of the same name, this version stars Caine, Arkin, and Ann-Margret. The plot revolves around three senior citizens who decide to break their monotony by planning and executing a bank robbery. Despite their age and lack of criminal experience, they manage to pull off the heist, leading to unexpected consequences.

In the comedy “Last Vegas,” De Niro, Douglas and Freeman play three retirees who take to Las Vegas to throw a bachelor party for their last single friend. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and aging, wrapped in the vibrant setting of Las Vegas.

“Escape Plan” is a prison action thriller starring Stallone and Schwarzenegger, directed by Mikael HÃ¥fström. In this, the first of a three-film series, Stallone’s character, Ray Breslin, a lawyer turned prison security expert, gets incarcerated in a secure prison. He teams up with inmate Emil Rottmayer, played by Schwarzenegger, to escape. The film, which grossed $137 million worldwide, marked the first of four times Stallone and Schwarzenegger worked together (though Schwarzenegger wasn’t in the two “Escape Plan” sequels)..

Burt Lancaster (73)

“Tough Guys” is an action-comedy featuring a star-studded cast led by Lancaster and Douglas. The film humorously chronicles the lives of two gangsters, Harry Doyle and Archie Long, as they grapple with societal changes after being released from 30-year prison terms. Their adventures include foiling a bank robbery, attempting to reassemble their old gang, and facing an old nemesis.

In “My Fellow Americans,” a comedic political film directed by Peter Segal, Lemmon and Garner are featured as feuding ex-presidents embroiled in a scandal involving a series of bribes. As they endure a series of misadventures, they reflect on the impacts of their terms in office and seek redemption for their past choices. The film’s title refers to the traditional opening of presidential addresses.

“Absolute Power” is a political action thriller starring Eastwood, who also produced and directed the film. Eastwood portrays a master jewel thief who witnesses a murder by Secret Service agents, involving the president of the United States. The screenplay, based on David Baldacci’s 1996 novel of the same name, also features Gene Hackman, Ed Harris, and Laura Linney.

“Time Out of Mind” is a drama starring Gere as George, a homeless man – who refuses to admit that he’s homeless – struggling to survive in New York City. Filmed in a gritty cinema verité style, the movie offers a look at the harsh realities of life on the streets. The movie highlights the humanity and fragility lying beneath George’s ragged exterior through Gere’s nuanced portrayal of a man stripped of everything but his will to survive.

“The Sense of an Ending” is a mystery drama adapted from Julian Barnes’ 2011 novel of the same name, the film explores the fallibility of memory through the eyes of Tony Webster (Broadbent), an elderly divorcee who inherits a diary that forces him to reassess past relationships and events. Lauded at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, it delves into the complex nature of personal history and objective truth.

A Western featuring screen icons Wayne and Hepburn, this is a sequel to the 1969 film “True Grit.” Wayne reprises his role as Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn, an aging one-eyed lawman whose badge was suspended. When a group of bank robbers hijack a nitroglycerin shipment, Cogburn gets a chance to redeem himself. He is aided by a spinster, played by Hepburn, whose father was killed by the criminals.

A biographical romantic drama showcasing the relationship between Alfred Hitchcock (Hopkins) and his wife, Alma Reville (Mirren), during the making of “Psycho” in 1959, this film reveals the struggles, artistic challenges, and personal hardships Hitchcock faced while trying to reclaim the spirit of his youth. The film gives a unique insight into the life and creative process of one of cinema’s most iconic directors.

“The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a comedy-drama sequel directed by John Madden and starring Dench, Smith, and Nighy, among others, in a heartwarming narrative set in India. It follows the characters’ lives as they navigate love and loss, culminating in a colorful wedding. The film explores themes of age, responsibility, and the complex dynamics of human relationships, all set against the vibrant backdrop of India’s rich culture.

“*batteries not included” is a sci-fi comedy film featuring Cronyn and Tandy as an elderly couple who manage an apartment complex under threat from developers – who hire gangsters to intimidate the residents and damage the place. The story takes a turn when small extraterrestrial living spaceships start repairing the vandalized property, earning the name “The Fix-Its.”

In “The Bucket List,” a comedy-drama directed by Rob Reiner, Nicholson and Freeman star as two terminally ill men who embark on a journey, checking off items from their wish list of experiences before they die. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box office triumph, grossing $175.4 million worldwide and ranking among the top ten films of 2007 by the National Board of Review.

This action horror film, directed by Joe Begos, revolves around a group of veterans defending their V.F.W. outpost from a psychotic gang leader. A high-octane narrative ensues, filled with visceral combat and relentless horror, making this a compelling watch for fans of the genre.

Screen legends Davis and Gish star as two elderly sisters reflecting on their lives during their annual summer sojourn in Maine. The film also features Sothern as their friend and Price as a peripheral member of the former Russian aristocracy. Based on a play of the same title by David Berry, “The Whales of August” explores themes of time, bitterness, jealousy, and understanding. It earned Sothern a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 60th Academy Awards.

Tomlin, Fonda, Moreno, and Field play lifelong friends who are die-hard New England Patriots fans in this sports comedy, based on a true story about their journey to witness Tom Brady and his team play in Super Bowl LI. Directed by Kyle Marvin, the story centers around friendship, fandom, and the unexpected adventures they encounter on their quest.

“Grumpy Old Men” is a romantic comedy directed by Donald Petrie. The plot unfolds in Wabasha, Minnesota, where feuding retirees – John Gustafson (Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Matthau) – compete for the affections of Ariel Truax (Ann-Margret), a free-spirited professor who moves in across the street. Their rivalry, filled with insults and practical jokes, reveals a deep-seated resentment rooted in their past, and the film humorously explores their attempts at reconciliation.

In this crime thriller, based on Nicholas Searle’s 2015 novel of the same name and directed by Bill Condon, McKellen stars as a seasoned con artist who targets a wealthy widow (Mirren), intending to swindle her fortune. However, his scheme backfires spectacularly as dark secrets about his past – and the widow’s – emerge. The film is based on Nicholas Searle’s 2015 novel of the same title.

“A Family Thing” is a drama telling the story of Earl Pilcher (Duvall), who discovers his biological mother was an African-American maid who was raped by his white father. He travels to Chicago to meet his half-brother, Raymond (Jones), a police officer. Initially, their relationship is strained due to racial tension and past family history, but they slowly bond, overcoming their differences. Billy Bob Thornton is one of the three screenwriters credited.

Based on Kent Haruf’s novel of the same name, this film stars Redford and Fonda as widower Louis Waters and widow Addie Moore, who have been neighbors for decades. The film explores their late-life relationship, initiated by Addie to combat their loneliness. The film, premiering at the Venice Film Festival and released on Netflix, marked the fourth collaboration between Fonda and Redford. It was praised for its performances and adaptation.

Glenn Close is Joan, the wife of celebrated author Joe Castleman (Pryce). When Joe wins the Nobel Prize for Literature for a novel actually written by Joan, cracks emerge in their seemingly happy marriage as long-buried secrets and resentments come to light. The film explores gender roles and the compromises women make for the success of their husbands. Close won a Golden Globe for Best Actress and was nominated for an Oscar for her role.

“The World’s Fastest Indian” is a 2005 biographical sports drama starring Hopkinsas Burt Munro, a speed bike racer from Invercargill, New Zealand. The real-life Munro set numerous land speed records with his modified 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during the late 1950s and 1960s.

“Away from Her” is a 2006 Canadian drama directed by Sarah Polley, adapted from Alice Munro’s short story “The Bear Came Over the Mountain.” The film explores the challenges to a marriage when the wife develops Alzheimer’s and moves into a nursing home, forgetting her husband and developing a bond with another resident. The movie garnered critical acclaim and won seven Genie Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Oscars), including Best Motion Picture. It also received two Academy Award nominations.

“Lucky” stars Stanton in one of his rare leading roles – and his penultimate film appearance – as an aging atheist searching for meaning in his small desert town. When Lucky finds himself facing his own mortality, he begins questioning his isolation and seeking connection. The film marks the directorial debut of actor John Carroll Lynch (“Fargo,” “The Drew Carey Show”), and director David Lynch – no relation – has a featured role as a barfly who has lost his pet tortoise.

This cherished family drama, directed by Mark Rydell, features Hepburn and Fonda in their twilight years. The movie is about an aging couple whose estranged daughter leaves her fiancé’s son under their care for a summer at Golden Pond, somewhere in New England, leading to unexpected relationships. Lauded for its screenplay and stellar performances, the film was a commercial and critical success, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 1981 and winning three Academy Awards out of 10 nominations.

Based on real people and drawn from Charles Brandt’s nonfiction book “I Heard You Paint Houses,” “The Irishman” tells the story of Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a truck driver – the subject of Brandt’s book – who becomes a hitman for mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and his crime family, including Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). The film, which marks the ninth collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro, received widespread critical acclaim.