The Best Movies About Neighbors

Ranker Film
Updated April 11, 2024 78 items
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493 votes
109 voters
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Vote up your favorite films about being neighbors.
Latest additions: Love, Divided
Most divisive: The Stepford Wives
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies About Neighbors

Neighbors can be a fascinating subject to explore in film, as they often serve as microcosms of larger societal themes and dynamics. The best movies about neighbors captivate audiences through gripping, groundbreaking, and original stories which showcase the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of diverse neighborhoods. By delving into the depths of human connections and addressing themes such as trust, friendship, and rivalry, these films introduce fresh ideas that leave lasting impressions on both pop culture and the film industry as a whole. 

Among the numerous movies about neighbors, the best of them have gained critical acclaim and captivated audiences with their ability to revolutionize the way we view the world just down from our doorstep. These films draw us into their unique universes by showcasing compelling characters, immersive narratives, and thought-provoking ideologies that revolve around the theme of neighbors. 

For those seeking to immerse themselves in movies about neighbors, several standout films intrigue with their nuanced portrayals of neighborhood dynamics. Notable examples of exceptional neighbors movies include The Voyeurs, an engrossing thriller that unravels the dark secrets hidden behind closed doors; And So It Goes, an endearing dramedy exploring the complexities of intergenerational relationships within a community; and As Good as It Gets, a heartfelt exploration of love and acceptance set against the backdrop of a bustling city apartment building. Each of these films transcends the boundaries of their respective genres and introduces innovative perspectives about neighbors and their interactions. 

The finest neighbor movies remind us of the powerful web of connections that bind us all together, regardless of our geographical proximity or social standing. By tapping into universal themes and presenting authentic portrayals of diverse communities, these films not only entertain but also provoke thought and reflection on the nature of human relationships. 

  • The 'Burbs
    1

    The 'Burbs

    Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher
    30 votes

    Tom Hanks leads an ensemble cast in Joe Dante's cult classic dark comedy The 'Burbs, which explores suburban paranoia hilariously spiraling out of control. When mysterious new neighbors move into their quiet cul-de-sac, Ray Peterson (Hanks) becomes increasingly suspicious about their intentions leading to outrageous antics from him and his friends. This underrated gem offers clever commentary on conformity while delivering memorable performances from its talented cast.

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  • Neighbors
    2

    Neighbors

    John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Cathy Moriarty
    18 votes

    John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd star as feuding neighbors in this offbeat 1981 black comedy. Their intense rivalry leads them down an increasingly bizarre path that is both humorous and dark at times. Despite mixed reviews upon release, Neighbors has gained cult status over time thanks to its unique blend of satire and surrealism.

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  • Rear Window
    3

    Rear Window

    James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey
    22 votes

    Alfred Hitchcock's masterful suspense thriller Rear Window stars James Stewart as a wheelchair-bound photographer who becomes obsessed with spying on his neighbors through his apartment window. With Grace Kelly co-starring as his stylish partner-in-crime, the film explores themes of voyeurism while keeping audiences on edge throughout its tense narrative. Rear Window remains an iconic piece of cinema history, praised for its innovative storytelling and unforgettable performances.

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  • Rosemary's Baby
    4

    Rosemary's Baby

    Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon
    9 votes

    Roman Polanski's psychological horror masterpiece Rosemary's Baby stars Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse, a pregnant woman who begins to suspect her eccentric neighbors are involved in a terrifying conspiracy. This chilling film expertly builds suspense with its slow-burn narrative, anchored by Farrow's vulnerable yet determined performance. A groundbreaking entry into the horror genre, Rosemary's Baby remains influential for its brilliant storytelling, unsettling atmosphere, and haunting performances.

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  • Coherence
    5

    Coherence

    Nicholas Brendon, Elizabeth Gracen, Lorene Scafaria
    9 votes

    Coherence is a mind-bending, low-budget sci-fi thriller released in 2013 that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie revolves around a group of friends who gather for a dinner party on the night a comet passes overhead, leading to strange occurrences and reality-bending events involving their neighbors. Praised for its excellent ensemble cast, clever plot twists, and thought-provoking themes, Coherence showcases an impressive level of storytelling skill that transcends its limited production resources.

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  • As Good as It Gets
    6

    As Good as It Gets

    Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear
    14 votes

    Jack Nicholson delivers an Oscar-winning performance as an obsessive-compulsive writer Melvin Udall in James L. Brooks' As Good as It Gets. The romantic comedy-drama focuses on a trio of neighbors - Melvin, single mom Carol (Helen Hunt), and gay artist Simon (Greg Kinnear) - who form an unlikely bond despite their challenges. With sharp dialogue, unforgettable characters, and heartfelt storytelling, this film remains a classic must-see.

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  • Duplex
    7

    Duplex

    Ben Stiller, Drew Barrymore, Eileen Essell
    20 votes

    Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore face off against their nightmare neighbor, played devilishly by Eileen Essell, in the 2003 black comedy Duplex. The film showcases director Danny DeVito's trademark dark humor while providing a hilarious, escalating battle between a young couple trying to evict their elderly tenant to claim their dream home. It's a riotous romp that will leave viewers both cringing and laughing at its absurdly relatable premise.

  • Love & Basketball
    8

    Love & Basketball

    Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard
    7 votes

    Love & Basketball tells the poignant story of Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), childhood friends-turned-neighbors who share a passion for basketball that both bonds them together and drives them apart at times. Beautifully crafted by director Gina Prince-Bythewood, this romantic drama explores themes of ambition, love, rivalry, and growth through authentic performances from its leads. Love & Basketball remains a beloved classic that resonates with audiences for its heartfelt storytelling.

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  • The Voyeurs
    9

    The Voyeurs

    Sydney Sweeney, Justice Jesse Smith, Ben Hardy
    12 votes

    Sydney Sweeney and Justice Smith star in this titillating thriller about a young couple who becomes increasingly obsessed with spying on their neighbors across their apartment complex. The Voyeurs delves into themes of voyeurism, privacy, desire, morality, while providing ample twists that keep viewers at the edge of their seats. With impressive cinematography and captivating performances from its leads, this movie creates an intoxicating blend of eroticism and suspense.

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  • Fright Night
    10

    Fright Night

    Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant
    9 votes

    The 2011 remake of Fright Night brings new life to Tom Holland's 1985 classic horror-comedy with updated visual effects and a fresh cast. Anton Yelchin stars as Charley Brewster, who must contend with his enigmatic neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Colin Farrell) when he discovers that Jerry is indeed a vampire. The film offers a satisfying mix of scares, humor, and engaging performances from its talented cast.

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  • The Lovely Bones
    11

    The Lovely Bones

    Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon
    9 votes

    The Lovely Bones, directed by Peter Jackson and based on the novel by Alice Sebold, is a haunting and visually stunning tale of a murdered teenage girl who watches over her family and her killer from the afterlife. Saoirse Ronan delivers an emotionally powerful performance, while Stanley Tucci's portrayal of the sinister neighbor earned him an Academy Award nomination. The film's unique blend of fantasy, drama, and suspense offers an unforgettable cinematic experience.

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  • Drive
    12

    Drive

    Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston
    6 votes

    Nicolas Winding Refn's stylish neo-noir thriller Drive stars Ryan Gosling as a stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. As he develops feelings for his neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), he becomes embroiled in dangerous situations that test his morality and loyalty. The film received widespread praise for its atmospheric visuals, pulsating soundtrack by Cliff Martinez, and intense performances from Gosling, Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, and Ron Perlman.

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  • St. Vincent
    13

    St. Vincent

    Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts
    6 votes

    Bill Murray shines as Vincent MacKenna in St. Vincent, a heartwarming comedy-drama about the unlikely friendship between a curmudgeonly war veteran and his young neighbor Oliver (Jaeden Martell). Melissa McCarthy co-stars as Oliver's struggling single mother, adding depth to this tale of redemption and compassion. The film received widespread praise for its performances, particularly from Murray, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role.

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  • Summer of 84
    14

    Summer of 84

    Graham Verchere, Judah Lewis, Caleb Emery
    6 votes

    Summer of 84 is an atmospheric thriller set in the titular decade, following four friends who suspect their police officer neighbor might be a serial killer targeting children in their community. Directed by RKSS (Anouk Whissell, François Simard, and Yoann-Karl Whissell), this nostalgic film captures the essence of 1980s pop culture while delivering a suspenseful narrative. Despite dark themes, Summer of 84 maintains an engaging and entertaining tone that resonates with audiences.

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  • Spiral
    15

    Spiral

    Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Ari Cohen, Lochlyn Munro
    6 votes

    In the tense horror-thriller Spiral, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman stars as Malik, who moves to a seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood with his partner and daughter only to uncover a chilling conspiracy. The LGBTQ-focused storyline adds depth to the typical horror tropes while providing thought-provoking social commentary on prejudice and community dynamics. Compelling performances from the cast elevate this film into an engaging exploration of fear, paranoia, and isolation.

  • And So It Goes
    16

    And So It Goes

    Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton, Sterling Jerins
    6 votes

    Michael Douglas shines as Oren Little; alongside Diane Keaton's Leah in And So It Goes, they form an endearing duo traversing life's hurdles while discovering love at any age is possible. Directed by Rob Reiner, this charming romantic comedy is filled with laughter and warmth as the titular grumpy realtor learns the importance of family and neighborly compassion. Its delightful mix of heart and humor has won over audiences and critics alike.

  • Game Night
    17

    Game Night

    Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler
    11 votes

    Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams light up the screen as a competitive couple who find themselves embroiled in a dangerous mystery in this darkly comedic thriller. Game Night excels at balancing humor and suspense, featuring a talented ensemble cast that keeps audiences engaged throughout the twist-filled plot. Critics praised it for its clever script and well-executed action sequences, making it a standout film within its genre.

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  • Edward Scissorhands
    18

    Edward Scissorhands

    Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest
    13 votes

    In Tim Burton's enchanting gothic fairy tale Edward Scissorhands, Johnny Depp delivers a poignant portrayal of the titular character - an artificial man equipped with scissors for hands - who is taken in by a kindly suburban family. The film explores themes of isolation and acceptance as Edward forms connections with his new neighbors while facing judgment from others due to his unusual appearance. With a memorable score by Danny Elfman and standout performances from Depp and Winona Ryder, Edward Scissorhands endures as an iconic piece of cinema.

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  • The Good Neighbor
    19

    The Good Neighbor

    James Caan, Logan Miller, Keir Gilchrist
    8 votes

    In The Good Neighbor, James Caan stars as Harold Grainey, an elderly man targeted by two teenage neighbors (Logan Miller and Keir Gilchrist) who attempt to drive him insane with elaborate pranks. What starts as a lighthearted premise soon turns into a suspenseful thriller with unexpected twists and strong performances from its cast. The movie explores themes of surveillance, morality, and empathy within its gripping narrative.

  • Pacific Heights
    20

    Pacific Heights

    Melanie Griffith, Matthew Modine, Michael Keaton
    10 votes

    Pacific Heights is a tense thriller starring Melanie Griffith and Matthew Modine as a young couple who purchase their dream home in San Francisco, only to have their lives turned upside-down by their devious tenant (Michael Keaton). Keaton's chilling performance keeps viewers on edge as his character relentlessly terrorizes his landlords. This film expertly captures the anxiety and helplessness that can arise from neighborly disputes.

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  • Moving
    21

    Moving

    Richard Pryor, Beverly Todd, Dave Thomas
    10 votes

    Richard Pryor stars as Arlo Pear in the 1988 comedy Moving, where his family's relocation to a new suburban neighborhood encounters a series of hilarious mishaps. With Dana Carvey providing additional comedic relief as their eccentric neighbor, this film provides light-hearted entertainment while poking fun at suburban life tropes. Moving stands out as a hidden gem within Pryor's filmography.

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  • Head over Heels
    22

    Head over Heels

    Monica Potter, Freddie Prinze, Shalom Harlow
    5 votes

    Headlined by Monica Potter and Freddie Prinze Jr., Head Over Heels is a quirky romantic comedy centered around Amanda Pierce (Potter), an art restorer who suspects her handsome neighbor Jim Winston (Prinze) may be involved in criminal activity. With slapstick humor and eccentric supporting characters, this film offers light-hearted entertainment while exploring themes of trust and love in a chaotic urban environment. Head Over Heels is a delightful rom-com that delivers both laughs and romance.

  • National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
    23

    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

    Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid
    14 votes

    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation features Chevy Chase reprising his role as Clark Griswold in this beloved holiday classic. The film hilariously captures the chaos and mayhem of family gatherings, exacerbated by the arrival of boisterous Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), while also showcasing the comedic tension between the Griswolds and their snobbish neighbors, Todd and Margo. Its blend of slapstick humor, heartfelt moments, and relatable holiday struggles has made this movie a perennial favorite during the festive season.

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  • Fright Night
    24

    Fright Night

    Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall
    7 votes

    Tom Holland's 1985 cult classic Fright Night offers an exhilarating blend of horror and comedy as teenage protagonist Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale) becomes convinced that his charming new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Chris Sarandon) is actually a vampire. Alongside Roddy McDowall's scene-stealing turn as TV horror host Peter Vincent, the film delivers a thrilling mix of suspense, humor, and nostalgia for old-school horror movies. Fright Night remains beloved by horror fans for its engaging plot, memorable characters, and satisfying blend of scares and laughs.

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  • Gran Torino
    25

    Gran Torino

    Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang
    11 votes

    Clint Eastwood delivers a powerful, award-winning performance as a curmudgeonly Korean War veteran named Walt Kowalski in the critically acclaimed film. The gritty, compelling story of his evolving relationship with his Hmong neighbors tackles thought-provoking themes of cultural boundaries and redemption. Gran Torino has become an iconic piece of cinema due to its poignant narrative and memorable performances.

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  • American Beauty
    26

    American Beauty

    Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch
    13 votes

    American Beauty, winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture, paints an evocative portrait of suburban life through the lens of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a man undergoing a midlife crisis. Directed by Sam Mendes, this darkly comedic drama explores themes of beauty, conformity, and desire while presenting memorable performances from Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, and Mena Suvari. The film remains iconic for its nuanced examination of American suburbia and its complex characters.

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  • Adam
    27

    Adam

    Rose Byrne, Hugh Dancy, Amy Irving
    4 votes

    Adam, directed by Max Mayer, is an uplifting romantic drama featuring Hugh Dancy as Adam Raki, a man living with Asperger's Syndrome who forms a relationship with his kind-hearted neighbor Beth (Rose Byrne). The film delicately portrays the challenges faced by both characters as they navigate love and understanding. Audiences applauded Dancy's sensitive performance and the heartfelt storytelling in this bittersweet tale of connection.

  • The Apartment
    28

    The Apartment

    Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray
    4 votes

    Billy Wilder's 1960 classic The Apartment showcases Jack Lemmon's captivating performance as C.C. Baxter who allows his bosses to use his apartment for extramarital affairs only to find himself falling for one boss's mistress Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine). This darkly comedic yet poignant film explores themes of love, loneliness, and integrity through its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and outstanding performances. The Apartment remains a timeless masterpiece in cinema history.

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  • Sliver
    29

    Sliver

    Sharon Stone, William Baldwin, Tom Berenger
    4 votes

    Sliver, starring Sharon Stone as Carly Norris and William Baldwin as Zeke Hawkins, is an erotic thriller set in a luxurious apartment building where Carly becomes involved with her mysterious neighbor Zeke. As she uncovers secrets about him and the building, she finds herself in danger. This steamy movie keeps viewers engaged through its suspenseful twists, seductive atmosphere, and captivating performances from Stone and Baldwin.

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  • The Boy Next Door
    30

    The Boy Next Door

    Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Guzman, John Corbett
    7 votes

    The Boy Next Door, starring Jennifer Lopez as Claire Peterson, is a steamy thriller following a high school teacher who becomes dangerously entangled with her younger neighbor Noah (Ryan Guzman) after a brief affair. Filled with suspenseful twists, the movie explores the consequences of obsession while providing viewers with captivating performances from its leads. The Boy Next Door succeeds in crafting an enticing roller coaster ride for fans of the thriller genre.

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