Is The Next Best Thing Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Next Best Thing is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Next Best Thing Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2000, The Next Best Thing emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A comedy-drama about best friends - one a straight woman, Abbie, the other a gay man, Robert - who decide to have a child together. Unlike standard genre fare, The Next Best Thing attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Next Best Thing features a noteworthy lineup led by Madonna . Supported by the likes of Rupert Everett and Benjamin Bratt , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Next Best Thing (2000) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Next Best Thing Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Next Best Thing is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Next Best Thing Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Next Best Thing attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Next Best Thing reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
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
The Next Best Thing Box Office Collection
| 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Next Best Thing
- Madonna – Abbie Reynolds
- Rupert Everett – Robert Whittaker
- Benjamin Bratt – Ben Cooper
- Malcolm Stumpf – Sam
- Josef Sommer – Richard Whittaker
Top Highlights
MadonnaAbbie Reynolds
Rupert EverettRobert Whittaker
Benjamin BrattBen Cooper
Malcolm StumpfSam
Josef SommerRichard Whittaker
Suzanne KrullAnnabel
Linda LarkinKelly
Illeana DouglasElizabeth Ryder
Michael VartanKevin Lasater
Lynn RedgraveHelen Whittaker
Where to Watch The Next Best Thing Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
MovistarTVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Next Best Thing is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Next Best Thing stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2000 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Next Best Thing movie hit or flop?
The Next Best Thing has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Next Best Thing worth watching?
The Next Best Thing is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Next Best Thing online?
The Next Best Thing is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, MovistarTV depending on your region.
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How The Next Best Thing Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Next Best Thing
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
