The Next Best Thing is a romantic comedy-drama that explores the complexities of relationships and family dynamics. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll love these 12 movies that capture similar themes of love, friendship, and life’s unexpected turns. Check out these recommendations to find your next favorite film!
1. The Kids Are All Right
This heartfelt dramedy follows a lesbian couple whose teenage children seek out their biological father. Starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo, the film delves into modern family dynamics and the challenges of parenthood.
2. Friends with Kids
A group of friends navigates the ups and downs of having children, but two friends decide to have a baby together while keeping their relationship platonic. Featuring Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, and Megan Fox, this film explores unconventional family arrangements.
3. The Object of My Affection
Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd star in this romantic comedy about a pregnant woman who falls in love with her gay best friend. Their relationship challenges societal norms and personal expectations, making for a touching and humorous story.
4. Three Men and a Baby
This classic comedy features Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson as three bachelors who suddenly find themselves caring for an infant. The film highlights the transformative power of unexpected parenthood and the bonds of friendship.
5. Baby Boom
Diane Keaton stars as a high-powered executive who inherits a baby and must adjust to her new life as a mother. This comedy-drama explores the balance between career ambitions and personal life, with plenty of laughs along the way.
6. Raising Helen
Kate Hudson plays a young woman who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her sister’s three children. As she navigates her new responsibilities, she learns valuable lessons about love and family. Joan Cusack and John Corbett also star.
7. Life as We Know It
Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel star as two single adults who become the guardians of their best friends’ baby after a tragic accident. The film follows their journey from reluctant caregivers to a loving family unit.
8. Stepmom
Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon lead this emotional drama about a terminally ill mother who must accept her ex-husband’s new partner as a co-parent to her children. The film explores themes of acceptance, love, and blended families.
9. Little Miss Sunshine
This indie dramedy follows a dysfunctional family’s road trip to support their young daughter in a beauty pageant. Starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, and Abigail Breslin, the film highlights the importance of family unity and individual quirks.
10. The Family Stone
A Christmas gathering turns chaotic when a man brings his uptight girlfriend home to meet his eccentric family. With an ensemble cast including Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, and Luke Wilson, this film is a heartwarming exploration of family dynamics.
11. Parenthood
This ensemble dramedy, directed by Ron Howard, stars Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, and Dianne Wiest. It follows various family members as they navigate the challenges and joys of parenthood, offering a humorous and touching look at family life.
12. The Switch
Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman star in this romantic comedy about a woman who decides to have a baby via artificial insemination, only to discover years later that her best friend switched the donor sample. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and unexpected parenthood.
