Partners In Crime: Unforgettable Movie Friendships That Define Friendship Goals

By Sachin P

Walter Winchell said, “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” Indeed, having someone who’ll stick by your side through difficult situations is a blessing. When you have a friend, you have a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and someone to make great memories with.

You may forget your romantic entanglements, but you’ll always remember the person you confided your heartaches to and who comforted you at 1 in the morning. Thus, it’s only proper that we celebrate our friendships, and today, we’re toasting motion pictures’ most endearing ones.

In honor of the most important people in our lives, we give you some of cinema’s best buddies. These characters may be fictional, but they have something many of us can only wish for, companionship, acceptance, and unconditional love.

Romy and Michele – Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion

At the start of this film, Romy and Michele aren’t friendly with each other, but something clicks between the duo. They then discover they have more in common than they initially believe and soon become inseparable.

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During their high school reunion, they pretend to be successful and rich, which is the opposite of what’s happening in their lives. Soon enough, they discover they aren’t the only ones pretending to have made it in life, and their former bullies are just the same.

Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton – The Avengers

Although Natasha and Clint were close to each other, their friendship never turned into romance, which is a good thing for all Marvel fans. At the start of their relationship, Clint had been ordered to terminate Natasha, but he saw her talent and special set of skills.

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So, he went to his superiors and suggested that instead of eliminating Natasha, they should hire her. He lovingly called her “Nat” and even planned on naming his third child after her. However, his wife gave birth to a boy, so they named him Nathaniel.

Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes – The Avengers

Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes are as tight as best friends can be. They go a long way back, and it’s quite obvious that Bucky’s demise in The First Avenger affected Captain America deeply. He was not the same person after the loss of his buddy.

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Steve fought anyone and anything to prove Bucky’s innocence. He didn’t turn his back on him. Nothing could make him believe that his mate committed those crimes willingly and his efforts paid off. Most of us can only wish to have a Steve in our lives.

Mike and Sully – Monsters Inc.

Even monsters need true friends. They say that opposites attract and tend to make the best pairings. That’s how we would describe Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc. They may be different, but they have the utmost respect for each other.

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Mike is intelligent and prefers to be in the background. Sully, on the other hand, is among the best in the business. While Sully is impulsive, Mike thinks about his every move. Their differences are what make them an excellent team. They fit together like pieces in a puzzle.

Miguel and Tulio – The Road to El Dorado

The kinship that exists between scam artists Tulio and Miguel is something that dates back decades. They may banter constantly and argue at times, but they are thick as thieves. The truth is nothing, and no one can ever get between them.

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They may not be related, but they have an enviable brotherly bond. Tulio is rational, while Miguel is impulsive, which makes for a great team-up. One follows his heart while the other follows his head, and what can be a better combination than that?

John Connor and T-800 – Terminator 2: Judgement Day

Who knew that these two would become friends? Our guess is the right kind of person can become close buddies with a cybernetic organism from the future. John Connor was initially quite weary of the T-800 Terminator model, and rightfully so. If you saw the first film, you’ll know what we’re talking about.

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But after being reprogrammed, T-800’s mission was to protect John, who would one day be the leader of the resistance. This unlikely friendship was one of the most memorable cinematic pairings and resulted in one of the most exhilarating movies ever.

Dory and Marlin – Finding Nemo

How many of your friends would go looking for you if you went missing? Would you join a search party for someone you just met? Dory is cut from a different cloth, and although she has just met Marlin at the start of the film, she helps search for Nemo and even risks her life.

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The two become best friends. Dory, even with her short attention span, is always available to assist and encourage Marlin. Considering all their hardships and the time they spend together, Marlin begins to view Dory as an integral part of his family by the movie’s conclusion.

Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz – Wreck-It Ralph

Wreck-It Ralph is a generic bad guy, and Vanellope von Schweetz is an outcast because of a glitch in her system. She has a hard shell, but deep down, she yearns to be accepted. Despite their differences, Wreck-It Ralph makes an effort to befriend her. Misfits should stick together, after all.

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It is not surprising that they developed a strong friendship. They helped each other become their best versions by embracing their flaws and focusing on their strengths. By the end, the two are more like siblings, and Ralph becomes very protective of little Vanellope.

Doc Brown and Marty McFly – Back to the Future

Doc Brown and Marty McFly represent one of the most incredible film friendships. Their pairing is one of the most iconic and most beloved in the sci-fi world. The two journey across time, and through it all, they have always protected each other.

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As the two discover more about time travel throughout the three movies, their friendship is continually tested, and their lives endangered. Although there are plenty of questions about how and when their friendship started, their connection is endearing and relatable.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione – Harry Potter

These three are the epitome of true friendship and are called the golden trio for a reason. Although constantly put in danger’s way because of their friendship with Harry, Hermione and Ron never leave their friend’s side and willingly follow him everywhere.

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We highly doubt that Harry would have survived Hogwarts and Voldemort were it not for these two looking out for him and supporting him through everything. These three embody what it means to stick with your friend through thick and thin, hell and high water.

Timon and Pumbaa – Lion King

Disney has quite a repertoire of creating memorable friendships, and Timon and Pumbaa are one of our favorites. The inseparable duo never fails to impress, from Pumbaa’s flatulence to their decision to take in a potentially hazardous lion cub. They are ready to risk their lives for each other.

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They work through problems together and see them from each other’s perspective, which makes their unlikely friendship work. The duo also gave us one of the most memorable Disney songs that we love to listen to when we’re anxious, Hakuna Matata.

Han Solo and Chewbacca – Star Wars

The friendship between Han Solo, the best pilot with a dominant personality, and Chewbacca, his first mate, transcends galaxies. These two get each other, and whatever crazy plan Han comes up with, he knows that Chewbacca will always be there for him.

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The assurance that someone has his back gives Han all the confidence he needs to survive the day and accomplish the mission. So, now you know how traumatic it was for Chewbacca to see his best friend get murdered by his best friend’s son. Man, that was an emotional scene!

Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins – The Lord of the Rings

Like how Dumbledore entrusted Ron and Hermione to help Harry on his quest, Gandalf chose Samwise for Frodo. Without him, Frodo would not be able to cast the ring into the fires. Sam continuously encouraged Frodo to push on, irrespective of the hurdles that came their way.

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Without Sam literally carrying Frodo, how could the free people of Middle Earth win against Sauron? Sam had one job, and he did it to perfection. He is the kind of devoted friend you need if you have a perilous quest before you.

Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck – The Lord of the Rings

Pippin and Merry are notorious for causing mischief wherever they go. They share one brain and always manage to find themselves in the most challenging situations. But they always find a way out. The duo is ready to help whenever they’re needed and fiercely loyal to friends.

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From defeating Saruman with the help of an army of Ents to coaxing Gondor to call for aid to saving Faramir to the death of the Witch King of Angmar, they have indeed been there and done it all. How many best friends can say the same?

Daniel Ocean and Robert “Rusty” Ryan – Ocean’s Franchise

Danny Ocean and Rusty Ryan are the Morecambe and Wise of the thievery world, according to their tech-savvy friend, Nagel, and we couldn’t agree more. Always impeccably dressed, the two are immensely loyal to each other.

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They are the brains behind all the operations, and even though they fully trust the rest of the team, Danny and Rusty hold each other in higher regard. If Danny has a problem, we imagine the first person he runs to is Rusty.

Mr. Incredible and Frozone – The Incredibles

The Incredibles is a very family-oriented movie that also showcases some beautiful friendships. The bond between Mr. Incredible and Frozone, for example, is one for the books. The film may not show the two spending much time together, but we know they are true friends.

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They are depicted in a way that shows how adult relationships work. You may not see each other every day, but you’re there for each other when it counts the most. Frozone is always there for Mr. Incredible whenever he needs him, even at the risk of danger.

Manny, Sid, and Diego – Ice Age

Despite their differences, Manny, Sid, and Diego have a relationship that many people could only wish for. Neither of the three are very affectionate initially, but they cling to each other later on. The glue that holds them together is the little child they found.

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In a survival situation, looking out for oneself would seem the most sensible thing, but these three discover that they are stronger when they look out for one another. Each of them finds the things they have missed in life in each other’s company.

Alex and Marty – Madagascar

It seems surprising that Alex, a lion and predator, would be close to Marty, a zebra that’s considered prey. It’s like saying that sharks and small fish can live peacefully together. These two should have been enemies, but they are more like brothers in Madagascar.

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Together, they form one of the most memorable friendships in an animated movie by perfectly complementing one another. Though seemingly jumpy, Marty is perfectly equipped to whack Alex back into the real world whenever he gets carried away with all his fantasies.

Maverick and Goose – Top Gun

Top Gun is a film you’d enjoy watching repeatedly because of the strong and enduring bond between Goose and Maverick. Their bromance endures good and bad times and even dumb decisions. And yes, the connection between Cruise and Edwards definitely contributed to their onscreen relationship.

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These best friends fight to survive the Topgun training not as individuals but as a team. They are the central couple of the movie that has an abiding theme of fraternal love. Moviegoers can attest when we say that the chemistry between them is palpable.

Bill and Ted – Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Keanu Reeves may have been in numerous movies, but his role as Ted in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure will always be one of the most memorable. The enduring friendship between Bill and Ted in the movie even crossed over to real life.

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Don’t expect any reconciliation in a masterfully staged sentimental sequence because Bill and Ted never fall out with each other. Nobody could stop them—not even the Devil. We are not sure what else might qualify as an ideal friendship if not that.

Cher and Dionne – Clueless

This list has plenty of bromances, so our hearts are happy that Cher and Dionne have a spot. These two are friends because they both know what it feels like to have others be envious of them thanks to their wealth, popularity, and looks.

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With their killer outfits and one-liners, they navigate the complicated waters of high school. Clueless is a retelling of the classic masterpiece Emma with a charm of its own, but many will agree when we say that it’s the lovable characters that made the movie unforgettable.

Seth and Evan – Superbad

Considered the millennial version of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Superbad is an absolute gem of bromance, heartbreak, and utter madness. It is one of the greatest comedies ever made and centers on a pair of close friends attempting to break their virginity before starting college.

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Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg partially based the movie on their high school adventures. It may not be as popular as other movies, but the actors’ performances and the relatable situations have earned it a place in the hearts of fans.

Dom Toretto and Brian O’Conner – Fast and Furious Franchise

One of the most exhilarating film franchises of the twenty-first century, the Fast & Furious movies initially started as a car racing series. Even though Brian (Paul Walker) sadly passed away, Dom and Brian’s friendship continues to be responsible for the film’s success.

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Initially assigned to stop Dom and his gang, Brian gradually joins the team and develops feelings for Mia, Dom’s sister. The concluding moment of Furious 7—regarded as the most moving in the franchise—shows the two best buddies parting ways forever.

Woody and Buzz Lightyear – Toy Story

Throughout the four Toy Story movies, Buzz and Woody have gone from bitter rivals to best friends. Initially, Buzz capturing Andy’s affection made Woody envious. But ultimately, they put aside their disagreements and learned to respect one another.

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In Toy Story 4, Buzz returns to Bonnie and the remaining toys as Woody departs with Bo Peep. Even though Woody has several other pals, including Jessie, Slink, and of course, Andy, neither of those connections can match his bond with Buzz.

Thelma and Louise

Directed by Ridley Scott, Thelma, and Louise is about two female best friends escaping the police for the crimes they’ve committed. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon brought their energy into the movie, and their characters inspire and free one another from the grasp of controlling men.

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These two realize that you can as quickly experience intimacy and loyalty in friendships. Set amid the sparse backdrop of the southwest desert, Thelma and Louise are eventually dissatisfied with their romantic entanglements because of the roles they are expected to fulfill as women.

Amy and Molly – Booksmart

Molly and Amy are the brightest girls in their high school. They cling to each other, focus on their studies and consistently get As. After eschewing social outings for so long, they decide to join their first and last high school house party.

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To avoid missing out on that most incredible experience, they plan to spend their final evening enjoying an outrageous time. You’ll shed tears and rejoice with them because of their deep friendship. They are pretty thrilled about one other’s successes amid their growing pains.

Harold and Kumar- Harold & Kumar

We hate to play favorites, but this duo has a special place in our hearts. After a long night of wild things, very few options seem better than going to your favorite fast-food chain and ordering six dozen sliders, tons of fries, and a few cherry cokes.

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Although we don’t advise going to White Castle while under the influence of some herbs, we can’t help but laugh at what Harold and Kumar had to go through to get to their favorite burgers. We wish someone was as devoted to us as these two are to their favorite burgers.

Debbie and Lou – Ocean’s 8

These two are the female versions of Danny Ocean and Rusty Ryan. Debbie is obviously Danny with her scheming intelligent mind, good looks, and calm demeanor. Lou resembles Rusty, equally good-looking with impeccable style, and devoted to her best friend, Debbie.

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One of the things that makes the movie enjoyable is the chemistry between the two women. When Debbie exits the prison, the first person she contacts is Lou. They even feed each other in a scene at the film’s beginning.

John and Ted – Ted

Growing up, we often treated our stuffies as human beings with real feelings. It’s pretty common to have a teddy bear to interact and laugh with, and sleep next to. The only time this is not ok is when you’re a 40-something adult male. What if the teddy bear could speak, though?

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John found his best friend in Ted, a teddy bear that can speak and move. They did everything together, even weed, and Ted was the perfect partner in crime for whatever antic John was up to. They had something most of us could only dream of.

Christine and Julie – Lady Bird

Christine, sometimes known as Lady Bird, is a 17-year-old in Greta Gerwig’s coming-of-age story. Christine has rocky relationships with other characters in the movie. She wants to move away from Sacramento and start her life as an adult attending an east coast university.

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But her interactions with her dearest pal, Julie, is what stands out to many. The film’s portrayal of a young female friendship is rife with tragic betrayal, desires, and the complexities of puberty, yet the friendship they share never changes and endures.

Mia Thermopolis and Lilly Moscovitz – The Princess Diaries

The Princess Diaries is not only an ugly duckling turned beautiful swan story; it’s also about the friendship between introverted Mia and her outgoing best friend, Lilly. The two have been close since kindergarten. Lilly Moscovitz is dominant and assertive and can sometimes be caustic.

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Like most close friends, the two know a great deal about one another. However, Mia’s secret affection for Lilly’s brother sometimes leads to friction between them. Lilly, at first, becomes envious of Mia’s transformation into a princess. But they eventually reconcile.

Roberta, Teeny, Samantha, and Chrissy – Now and Then

If you were a child in the 1990s, you probably recall seeing Now and Then when it was released. More than anything, you probably remember wishing you had a close circle of girlfriends like Roberta, Teeny, Samantha, and Chrissy. Or, at least, their treehouse!

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That treehouse is absolutely incredible, and the girls used their summer savings to buy it. Even as adults, the four of them upheld their promise to support each other in times of need and in doing so, look back at one of their happiest summers ever.

Annie, Brenda, and Cynthia – The First Wives Club

A comedy film based on the novel of the same name, The First Wives Club, is about three divorcees who reunite after the death of a college friend. They plot to get back on the men who left them for younger women.

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Who wouldn’t want to have an Annie, Brenda, and Cynthia in their lives? Women may be catty and mean to each other at times, but underneath it all they want to form lasting bonds with other females too. This movie proves that the right people walk into your life at the right time.

Sarah and Shannon – The Heat

Like any other kind of relationship, friendships have their share of challenges. Although you get along, there are times when you disagree. There are also moments when one friend needs to give the other a good kick to get them in the right direction.

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Feig’s The Heat is a story of two ladies with nothing in common. Their paths cross, and despite their differences, they learn to appreciate, admire, and care for one another over time. Together, they take down a notorious mobster in Boston.

Cliff and Rick – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Cliff is a stuntman and driver by profession, but for the flawed Rick, the failed actor, he’s more like a guardian angel. Rick is mostly miserable throughout this film, but Cliff always knows what to say to get his spirits up.

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Cliff puts Rick’s happiness first and his livelihood later, even if Rick dismisses him because he can no longer afford his services. When everyone left Cliff, Rick stuck around. How many friends do you think would do the same for you?

Stony, Cleo, Frankie, and T.T. – Set it Off

The concepts of racial prejudice, injustice, and police brutality, are all relevant today even though Set It Off was released 27 years ago. Frankie, Cleo, Stony, and T.T. are at the core of this movie, which highlights what’s wrong with the system.

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Positive and close connections are essential in life, regardless of your skin color. And sadly, being friends and allies with like-minded women is a privilege not everyone has. It’s something worth dying for. These four ladies stuck together until the end.

Janis and Damien – Mean Girls

We are not lying when we say we envy Janis and Damien’s friendship and wish we had someone like them. A friendship such as theirs is hard to come by. Throughout several memorable scenes, the two are revealed to be a really odd couple.

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They poke fun at each other and are always up to all sorts of no good. Additionally, only Janis has the right to playfully hurl insults at Damien and not offend him. That’s how you know that these two are bosom friends.

Carmen, Tibby, Lena, and Bridget – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Who has not seen this movie? Carmen, Tibby, Lena, and Bridget have been close since birth. When they spend their first summer apart as adults, they alternate wearing a pair of magical jeans that somehow fit each of them perfectly despite their distinct body shapes.

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By mailing each other the jeans during summer, the girls solidify their sisterhood, stay connected, and create a tale that many people find fascinating till today. Their link is strengthened even further due to the somewhat magical piece of apparel.

Nadine and Krista – Edge of Seventeen

Our friends may not be related to us by blood, but sometimes they are the people who understand us most. Nadine and Krista shared a difficult friendship that has survived many hardships. Sometimes Nadine can be harsh when dealing with Krista, but it’s because she’s reeling from her father’s death.

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Even to the very end, these two remained close to one another. The movie’s characters, which propel the plot and make it relatable, are its best feature. It makes you marvel at how people interact with each other and respond differently to events.

Milly and Jess – Miss You Already

As much as we want to avoid difficult times, they always find us. No one wishes to go through a crisis, but sometimes it is necessary to show us who our real friends are. This cancer-related plot was highly challenging for best friends Milly and Jess.

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Their careers take them on different paths as they grow, but Milly reignites her bond with Jess when she learns she has breast cancer. Jess immediately takes on the duty of caring for Milly, and it’s as if they never drifted apart in the first place.

Lorelei and Dorothy – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Considered the ultimate female friendship, Lorelei and Dorothy support and love one another. Although they pursue distinct objectives, they both utilize their wits and charm to get over the limitations imposed on them. And nope, diamonds aren’t a girl’s best friend; it’s your girl.

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Although one is wry and witty while the other is naive and trusting, both women have the same desires and value loyalty and happiness. Irrespective of crafty men or the international showgirl hijinks they get themselves into, they ultimately triumph because they’ve got each other.

Erin, Blair, and Jenny – Someone Great

After Jenny splits from her longtime love and sinks into sadness, Erin and Blair run to her side and attempt to find solutions to their many problems together. There’s nothing like having your best friends help you overcome a broken heart.

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Jenny, Blair, and Erin are sympathetic yet brutally forthcoming. The title of the movie, Someone Great, does not refer to amorous interest in the personal lives of the girls in our minds. Instead, it refers to their desire to improve themselves with the support of their closest friends.

Annie and Lillian – Bridesmaids

Annie experiences several funny challenges and disasters upon being chosen as the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding. The amusing relationship between Annie and Lillian is a perfect example of how tough it is to share your closest friend with someone else.

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It also shows how simple it is to forgive your best friend for all the mistakes she has committed during the lead-up to your big day. The movie stirs up a broad spectrum of human emotions while highlighting female friendships’ complex, frequently upsetting, yet ultimately satisfying nature.

Audrey and Morgan – The Spy Who Dumped Me

What if you discovered your significant other was a spy? Would you break things off or investigate further? Well, maybe you should ask your best buddy for assistance, as Audrey did. The bond between these two is what drives the narrative forward.

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Morgan is wild and unpredictable and is complemented by Audrey, who is analytical and logical. Together they captivate viewers and get everyone thinking about what they would do if they were faced with a similar situation. Would you go to the lengths Audrey and Morgan did?

Ryan, Sasha, Lisa, And Dina – Girl’s Trip

“The Flossy Posse” takes a weekend excursion to New Orleans to indulge in booze and have the ideal girls’ night out. This is the kind of women’s group we wish we had. Although each of them is unique, they have one thing in common; they are ready to assist each other.

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Though this is a comedy, the movie has several life lessons; one is that your female friends will have your back no matter what happens. When you’re struggling with self-doubt, let those who care for you the most remind you of who you are.