I'm thinking of sticking with a new group of friends because I think I might be able to change some of them
Why would you try to change them?
Some of them have shitty beliefs that needs dismantling.
It seems like you might have some ulterior motives here. You should not spend time with people if you are just hoping to change them completely. Let people be themselves.
Everyone deserves a chance to change. If someone is willing to change, I'll be able to turn them into a better person.
You are acting arrogant here thinking it is your duty to change people to how you think they should be. You should spend time with people because you like being with them, not because you want to change them.