4.7
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The Next Best Thing fingerprint
Low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Romantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Romance7
- Pathos7
Humor
Some situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy6
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Cringe Humor4
World
Everyday modern life, family, and society
- Dialogue Centrality7
- World Immersion6
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
- Narrative Structure6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition6
- Music Centrality6
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumRomantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's romantic and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and society
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and society.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction5Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
Best friends make the best mistakes
A comedy-drama about best friends - one a straight woman, Abbie, the other a gay man, Robert - who decide to have a child together. Five years later, Abbie falls in love with a straight man and wants to move away with her and Robert's little boy Sam, and a nasty custody battle ensues.
Custody Battle DramaUnconventional FamilyLGBTQ+ ThemesComplex RelationshipsEmotional ConflictsBittersweetContemporary IssuesCharacter-Driven
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Next Best Thing
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Next Best Thing worth watching?
37
WeakGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 38/100 (IMDb 4.7, Rotten Tomatoes 19%, and Metacritic 25). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Next Best Thing rated?
PG-13Strong languageSexual content
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and sexual content.
How long is The Next Best Thing?
1 h 48 min
The Next Best Thing runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Next Best Thing?
Critics22
Audiences54
Not quite. Audiences rate The Next Best Thing higher (54) than critics (22). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Next Best Thing a box office hit?
Budget$25 million
Box office$24 million
No. It cost about $25 million to make and earned $24 million worldwide, 97% of its budget.
What language is The Next Best Thing in?
EnglishFrench
It was made in English, with some French. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Next Best Thing?
49
+35
+35GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Next Best Thing in 49 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.