The Next Best Thing
2000, English. Directed by John Schlesinger.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
Start now and it ends at ….
Snoozefest
Your time is worth more.
5.2/10 from 207 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Next Best Thing
The Next Best Thing isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 3 March 2000.
No streaming listings yet. Search JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- John SchlesingerDirector
- 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
- Neil Patrick HarrisDavid
- Mark ValleyCardiologist
Details
- Released
- 3 March 2000
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Tom Ropelewski
- Budget
- $25M
- Box office
- $24M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Next Best Thing: quick answers
Is The Next Best Thing worth watching?
Our verdict is Snoozefest: Your time is worth more. It scores 5.2/10 from 207 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Next Best Thing?
The Next Best Thing runs 108 minutes (1h 48m).
Does The Next Best Thing have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Next Best Thing. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Next Best Thing parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Next Best Thing is rated PG-13 in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Next Best Thing on?
The Next Best Thing isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 3 March 2000. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Next Best Thing?
If you liked The Next Best Thing, try Celeste & Jesse Forever, Peace, Love & Misunderstanding, Stepmom.
Who directed The Next Best Thing?
The Next Best Thing (2000) was directed by John Schlesinger and stars Madonna, Rupert Everett, Benjamin Bratt.