12 movies about retirement worth watching
These movies reveal characters who are tough and resilient despite the hurdles life throws at them upon entering retirement. Tackling themes of mortality, relationships, health and purpose, these films are a must-watch if you’re heading into the next stage of your life soon.
1. On Golden Pound, 1981
Katherine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda star in this film that follows a retired college professor who is grappling with mortality and family relationships.
2. Harry and Tonto, 1974
A retired New Yorker goes on a journey across America after his apartment is burned down.
3. Tender Mercies, 1983
A middle-aged country musician tries to turn his life and work around.
4. Cocoon, 1985
This comedy follows a group of seniors who swim in a pool containing alien cocoons resulting in them receiving youthful energy.
5. Lost in America, 1985
A married couple in their 30s decide to quit their jobs and drive around America.
6. About Schmidt, 2002
A recent retiree goes on a journey to his daughter’s wedding and gets a lot more than what he bargained for.
7. Unforgiven, 1992
Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this film follows a retired Old West gunslinger who takes up one last job.
8. Up, 2009
Disney Pixar’s Up follows a 78-year-old man who sets out to fulfil the childhood dream he shared with his late wife.
9. Crazy Heart, 2009
Jeff Bridges stars as a musician who is forced to assess his life.
10. The Lost Valentine, 2011
Betty White stars as a grandmother who returns every year to a station to wait for her husband who embarked for war on their first wedding anniversary.
11. Nebraska, 2013
Bruce Dern plays an aging man who travels from Montana to Nebraska to claim a million-dollar sweepstakes.
12. Still Alice, 2014
This film won an Oscar for Julianne Moore’s performance as a professor who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
What is your favourite movie about retirement? Let us know in the comments below.