The Next Best Thing
The Next Best Thing Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Next Best Thing
| Movie | The Next Best Thing |
| Release Year | 2000 |
| Director | John Schlesinger |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama / Romance |
| Runtime | 108 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Next Best Thing (2000) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Next Best Thing are led by Madonna . The supporting cast, including Rupert Everett and Benjamin Bratt , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Next Best Thing does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Next Best Thing has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Next Best Thing
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2000, The Next Best Thing is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film directed by John Schlesinger. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Madonna.
Ending Explained: The Next Best Thing
The Next Best Thing Ending Explained: Directed by John Schlesinger, The Next Best Thing attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Madonna. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Next Best Thing reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Next Best Thing?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Next Best Thing
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $24.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Next Best Thing Budget
The estimated production budget for The Next Best Thing is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Next Best Thing
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Next Best Thing Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
MovistarTVThe Next Best Thing Parents Guide & Age Rating
2000 AdvisoryWondering about The Next Best Thing age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Next Best Thing is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Next Best Thing is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2000 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Next Best Thing worth watching?
The Next Best Thing is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.2/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Next Best Thing parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Next Best Thing identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Next Best Thing?
The total duration of The Next Best Thing is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
