There are so many movies about roommates and the narrative is usually the same; they are best friends until something comes between them, which is oftentimes a woman. However, the best movies about roommates usually go against the grain.
Movies about roommates have been popular for decades, but the comedy subgenre properly started with the brilliant 1968 movie The Odd Couple. But since then, the highest-rated roommate movies tend to be clever or creative in some way, whether it's an animated stuffed bear or a roommate so perfect he can only be imaginary.
Ted (2012) - 6.9
In what is one of the most ridiculously high concepts for a movie about roommates, Ted sees a Flash Gordon-loving stoner live with his childhood teddy bear, who has come to life. What makes it so funny is that the two characters have so much in common, despite one of them being a human being and the other being a stuffed toy.
If anybody could design the perfect roommate, that person/thing would turn out a lot like Ted. The movie has that typical Seth McFarlane, Family Guy-like humor, meaning that it isn't for everybody, but it's hugely entertaining.
Knocked Up (2007) - 6.9
Knocked Up is one of the few movies that's about not just two roommates but a whole group of them. It's almost as if Ben leads a pack of people just like him but not as smart as him, as they are all sardonic, lazy, and slobbish. Though the apartment is so low-energy, they might be the best roommates possible.
There's no bad blood, they never have any arguments, and they're all on the same wavelength, but that might be because they're all too high to argue. The biggest fight any of them had was when Jonah accused Jay of leaving pubic hairs on the toilet seat.
Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (2004) - 7.0
Harold and Kumar have a great friendship, and though they do have some odd couple-like traits, as Harold is obviously more hardworking than Kumar, they are stable and make each other stronger. Audiences don't see them man the fort all that much, as Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle is more of a road trip movie than anything.
The movie is a stoner comedy and niche viewing, as not everybody would want to watch the two potheads go on an adventure to eat burgers. However, it's hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming, as they learn a lot about themselves and each other along the way, and it's one of Kal Penn's best movies.
School Of Rock (2003) - 7.1
School of Rock is an exciting comedy that sees Jack Black's Dewey Finn put together a rock group made up of the class of school children he should be teaching. But the reason he reaches that point in his life is because the slob lives with his best friend and best friend's girlfriend, who orders him to pay for rent and amenities.
However, the whole roommate situation is the least interesting part of the movie. But what's fascinating about the movie is that the girlfriend character, Patty, is portrayed as being a horrible person for wanting Dewey to pull his weight and pay his fair share between the three of them. Though, in reality, she's the only one acting like an adult.
Dumb And Dumber (1994) - 7.3
Though they're best friends, Harry and Lloyd are horrible to each other. They are relentlessly playing pranks on each other and setting each other up to fail. As Dumb and Dumber is ultimately a road trip movie, audiences don't exactly get to see what the two are like when they live together, but it can only be much, much worse in a confined space.
And, just like Chasing Amy, and as is the case with so many movies about roommates, the two fall out over a woman. But it's one of the best movies to use this trope, and while the silly dumb fun might not have gone over well at the time, but it's a classic amongst general audiences.
Withnail & I (1987) - 7.6
Though Withnail & I is about two out-of-work actors who share a flat in London, the movie sees them escaping the city for a little break at the Lake District. It's still an odd couple-type movie, as the two bicker about housekeeping at the beginning.
The trip to the cottage is one disaster after the next too, as it's cold and wet, there's no food or running water, and the local community wants them gone. But what makes the film unique in the comedy subgenre is that it's also deeply philosophical as the two ruminate about the mistakes they've made in their careers. It's a cult movie that's only really popular in the UK, but it should have crossed over to the US.
The Odd Couple (1968) - 7.7
The Odd Couple features an all too believable narrative in which two best friends end up resenting each other after moving in together. One of them is obsessed with cleaning and having everything in its right case, whereas the other is a slob and has absolutely no desire to clean up after himself.
The living situation leads to a complete breakdown in the relationship, something that many viewers can surely relate to. However, the movie isn't just easy to relate to, but it's one of the funniest movies of the 60s, and one of Jack Lemmon's greatest comedic performances too.
What We Do In The Shadows (2014) - 7.7
A television adaptation of this movie is the best mockumentary TV show currently running, and it started with 2014's What We Do In The Shadows from the genius mind of Taika Waititi. What's interesting about the movie is that it's not just about one roommate, but several, and what's even more interesting is that those roommates are vampires.
It follows the life in the day (or night) of the vampires, including finding virgins to suck the blood of, getting into feuds with vampires, and finally settling down for their slumbers. The film has slowly built up momentum and become more popular ever since Waititi has become a megastar.
Shaun Of The Dead (2004) - 7.9
Shaun of the Dead is a brilliant horror-comedy, and there are tons of classic horror movies Edgar Wright references in the film, but its biggest appeal is the relationship between Shaun and Ed. The two roommates are complete slobs, but when they're not defending themselves from the undead, they seem to enjoy each other's company more than any others.
Even when they are approaching the zombie apocalypse head-on, they bond by throwing old vinyl records at zombies' heads and smashing their heads in with cricket bats. They'll even bring each other treats back from the store in the form of Cornettos too. It's a joke that has become a running gag, as it continued for another two films in the spiritual sequels Hot Fuzz and The World's End.
Fight Club (1999) - 8.8
One of them might be a figment of the other's imagination, but Tyler Durden and the narrator are very much roommates, and for the most part, they got along like a house and fire. Their relationship is part of what makes Fight Club so great, as their chemistry is completely unique.
One could say they are the most screwed-up movie roommates cinema has ever seen, but they got along better than anyone else, as they both knew their place and both did their fair share of chores. On top of that, they literally did everything together, from making soap to gardening to scheming terrorist plots.