Hollywood often seems obsessed with youth and sex appeal, but some of the best performances come from actors who’ve seen it all and then some — in other words, older performers.
AARP’s Movies for Grownups recently highlighted this fact with a listicle of its own featuring some of the world’s best actors.
The Watch With Us team loves the idea — so we’re doing our part for seniors by shining a light on these performances by actors “of a certain age,” including Angela Bassett, Michael Keaton, Daniel Day-Lewis and more. Learn more below.
How Many Movies for Grownups Are There?
AARP’s Movies for Grownups has highlighted 25 fantastic films that star actors who were over 60 when they made the movie. A few favorites from the list are Erin Brockovich (starring a 63-year-old Albert Finney as Ed, Erin’s boss), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (starring Angela Bassett, 67, as Shuri and T’Challa’s mother, Ramonda) and Spotlight (starring a 63-year-old Michael Keaton as the head of the Boston Globe’s Spotlight team).
The list includes recent films like The Substance with Demi Moore, but it goes as far back as 1969 with John Wayne in True Grit. And it’s not all prestige dramas — the guide also features comedies like Best in Show, where Fred Willard delivers one of the funniest, most scenery-chewing performances we’ve ever seen in a mockumentary.
Where Can You Watch AARP’s Movies for Grownups Selections?
The films on AARP’s Movies for Grownups list are streaming across multiple platforms or available for rent. Whether you subscribe to Disney+, Netflix or Hulu — or none at all and just want to rent a film on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+— there’s going to be something for you to watch.
If you’re tired of watching 35-year-olds play teenagers in high school dramas, check out performances by actors who are aging gracefully — and telling stories that reflect the wisdom of their years.
Check out AARP’s Movies for Grownups full list here.
