Whether it is one you are born into or one you encounter along the way, community is an integral aspect of the human experience. Serving as a mirror of society, film holds the power to foster an intersection—one in which community is not only depicted, but also cultivated through shared viewing experience. Whilst the contents of a movie may differ in circumstance, one constant remains: the profound importance of finding belonging—and through that: one’s self. With all this in mind, take a look at some films that have masterfully depicted the power of community.
School of Rock (2003)
Dewey Finn, a fervent guitarist, is ousted from his bar band and needs a job. Despite lacking teaching qualifications, he begins work at an elite school, facing uninspired students. Over time, he discovers their musical talents and secretly cultivates them. Without the school’s knowledge, he forms a rock band with the kids, helping them find joy through musical expression. Given an opportunity, they enter The Battle of the Bands, a thrilling experience for the students and a chance at redemption for Finn.
School of Rock thrives on contrast. The setting is a strict institution where rules and regulations are enforced rigidly, yet rock music continuously provides a catharsis. Previously disengaged kids gain optimism and belonging through a shared goal. And at its core, Dewey—a lost man—finds purpose in leadership. It is a story of joy, autonomy, and self- discovery in restrictive conditions— and above all, a humorous, light-hearted tale about rock’s power.
Sing Sing (2023)
Based on the true story set in the Sing Sing maximum-security prison, Divine G is serving time for a crime he did not commit. Seeking reprieve, he co-founds RTA—Rehabilitation Through the Arts—to stage theatrical productions with fellow inmates. What begins as an escape from isolation becomes something larger—a space for solace, purpose, and self-discovery.
What makes this film so extraordinary is its authenticity. Filled with an acting ensemble of real members of the RTA program, Sing Sing is a testament to all the hard work conducted within the program. It is a moving story about finding redemption in conditions where isolation and darkness loom over the heads of inmates. Furthermore, it’s a stunning illustration of how a sense of community can provide a space for vulnerability and introspection— sparking personal growth through engaging in art.
Nomadland (2020)
Facing the devastation of the Great Recession, Fern, a woman in her sixties, leaves everything behind at her old home and sets out on a van. Traveling across the United States, she works several jobs and encounters many individuals—some of whom follow her same lifestyle. With no fixed destination and a complete upheaval of conventionality, she carries out her life on the road as a modern-day nomad.
Despite the presumed solitude associated with a nomadic lifestyle, Fern consistently finds support among those she meets. Nomads create an unconventional community, where despite the transient nature of their lives, support remains persistent. Through crossing paths with strangers, guidance, companionship, or practical help may spring. It is a poignant tale about how home may not necessarily be a physical location, but rather the people we surround ourselves with.
Though these films depict community in varying ways—what remains true is the human experience. The varying emotions, dilemmas that we face, and encounters that can shape us are very deeply influenced by the communities that we identify with. The people around us amplify our joys, ease our burdens, and challenge us to grow as individuals. Thus, as we navigate through life, challenges will undoubtedly arise, but it is the connections we forge that help us find solace, belonging, and a sense of ourselves.
