8 Great Fictional Friendships Between Women of a Certain Age
Taking stock of some of pop culture’s most iconic female friendships, from the Donna and the Dynamos to the housewives of Monterey Bay
“Friendships between women are often the deepest and most profound love stories,” writes Emily Rapp in The Rumpus, “but they are often discussed as if they are ancillary, ‘bonus’ relationships to the truly important ones.” Whether in real life or in pop culture, that statement rings true: friendships between women can often be so powerful, outlasting marriages and other relationships.
In the gallery below, we’ve rounded up a few female friendships that do exactly that!
Great Friendships Between Women
Great Friendships Between Women
Madeline, Celeste, Renata, Bonnie, and Jane of Big Little Lies
While Bonnie and Jane aren’t middle-aged, women coming together to save the life of one of their own will still always make us emotional, and what happened in Big Little Lies is no exception. The housewives of Monterey Bay may not have been the most tightly-knit group of friends in the start, but a pivotal moment brought them all together, solidifying their friendship.
M’Lynn, Truvy, Ouiser, and Clairee of Steel Magnolias
The women of a small town in Louisiana turn to each other for strength and guidance, and are there for each other whenever one of their own needs it the most. Steel Magnolias emphasizes the importance of having a community and a strong support system behind you—especially one that is made up of strong and compassionate women.
Donna, Tanya, and Rosie of Mamma Mia!
Donna and the Dynamos have been friends since college (and, according to film canon, even keeping the same hairstyle since) and there’s no bigger reminder of that than their strong bond even after Donna’s passing in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. They’re incredibly close with Donna’s daughter, Sophie, and as shown in the movies, are supportive of Donna’s choices, never setting her back.
Melanie, Victoria, Joy, and Elka of Hot in Cleveland
After an emergency landing in the midwest, three best friends decide to make Cleveland, Ohio their home, moving into a house that’s being taken care of by Elka (the great Betty White), and getting into the wackiest shenanigans any group of middle-aged ladies can. Their bond is a testament, again, to the fact that female friendship can outlast almost anything—even intense fights.
Susan, Gaby, Lynette, and Bree of Desperate Housewives
The lasting friendship between the housewives of Wisteria Lane is always iconic, and despite what happened off-camera between the actress of the show, at least their fictional counterparts will go above and beyond to look out for each other (maybe even bury a body for them!).
Jules and Ellie of Cougar Town
Jules and Ellie are long-time besties, and we absolutely love how strong their friendship stayed throughout the course of the show. They’re not afraid to be a tad too touchy with each other, and both of them even fantasize about running away together, showing how comfortable they are in their friendship and sexuality.
Grace and Frankie of Grace and Frankie
Grace and Frankie are the ultimate example of the importance of female friendship, especially those that come to you later in life. They might not have been the best of friends from the get-go, it’s still very much clear that they’re each other’s soulmates.
Jen and Judy of Dead to Me
We’ve always felt that Jen and Judy share a lot of similarities with Grace and Frankie, but even if they didn’t, their friendship is still one that we look up to. Judy opened Jen’s heart and Jen always made sure Judy was protected, even if she had to protect Judy from herself. Their friendship is lasting, and we hope that these follow through in the final season!
Photos from IMdB
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