Films Like “About a Boy”
“About a Boy” is a charming film that explores themes of personal growth, relationships, and the impact of unconventional friendships. It tells the story of a self-centered man who learns about responsibility and connection through his relationship with a young boy. If you enjoyed “About a Boy,” you might appreciate other films that similarly blend humor and heartfelt moments, often focusing on the dynamics between adults and children or the journey of self-discovery.
Here are some films that resonate with the themes and tone of “About a Boy”:
“Little Miss Sunshine”, 2006
Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
This quirky comedy-drama follows a dysfunctional family on a road trip to a children's beauty pageant. Each family member grapples with their own issues, leading to humorous and touching moments that highlight the importance of support and love.
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Marc Turtletaub, Jill Talley, Brenda Canela, Chuck Loring, Justin Shilton, Gordon Thomson, Steven Christopher Parker, John Walcutt, Paula Newsome, Beth Grant, Wallace Langham, Lauren Shiohama, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jerry Giles, Geoff Meed, Matt Winston, Joan Scheckel, Cassandra Ashe, Mel Rodriguez, Alexandria Alaman, Alissa Anderegg, Brittany Baird, Cambria Baird, Brenae Bandy, Kristen Holaas, Maliah Hudson, Destry Jacobs, Lindsey Jordan, Shane Murphy, Annabelle Roberts, Sydni Stevenson-Love, Nicole Stoehr, Lauren Yee, Erik David Barber, Terry Bolo, Marc De'Antone, Tara Dawn Holland, Ksenia Jarova, Spencer Kayden, Brittany Paige, Alva Loomis;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Little Miss Sunshine” on the website imdb.com
“The Pursuit of Happyness”, 2006
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Based on a true story, this film stars Will Smith as a struggling salesman who becomes homeless while raising his young son. It beautifully portrays the bond between father and son and the determination to overcome life's challenges.
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Takayo Fischer, Kevin West, George Cheung, David Michael Silverman, Domenic Bove, Geoff Callan, Joyful Raven, Scott Klace, Rashida Clendening, Eric Schniewind, Peter Fitzsimmons, Maurice Sherbanee, Zuhair Haddad, Victor Raider-Wexler, Mark Christopher Lawrence, Darryl Fong, George Maguire, Joe Nunez, Adam Del Rio, Rocky LaRochelle, Erin Cahill, Rueben Grundy, Lo Ming, John Kovacevich, Bonnie Akimoto, Stu Klitsner, Esther Scott, Tina D'Elia, Rev. Cecil Williams, David Fine, George Moffatt, Amir Talai, Mike Garibaldi, Jason Frazier, Kevin Crook, David Haines, James Finnerty, Abigail Van Alyn, Bob Greene, Robert Anthony Peters, Terri Orth-Pallavicini, John Robb, Daniel Wilder!;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” on the website imdb.com
“Big Daddy”, 1999
Director: Dennis Dugan
In this comedy, Adam Sandler plays a slacker who adopts a young boy to impress his girlfriend. As he navigates the challenges of parenthood, he learns valuable lessons about responsibility and love.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Josh Mostel, Leslie Mann, Allen Covert, Rob Schneider, Kristy Swanson, Joseph Bologna, Peter Dante, Jonathan Loughran, Steve Buscemi, Edmund Lyndeck, Larkin Malloy, Samantha Brown, Neal Huff, Geoffrey Horne, Greg Haberny, Jackie Sandler, George Hall, Peggy Shay, Alfonso Ramírez, Salvatore Cavaliere, Kelly Dugan, Jared Sandler, Jillian Sandler, Helen Lloyd Breed, Chloé Hult, Carmen De Lavallade, Steven Brill, Glen Trotiner, Jorge Buccio, Cat Jagar, Deborah S. Craig, Nicholas Taylor, Cole Hawkins, Gabriel Jacobs, Michael Arcate, Gaetano Lisi, Michael Giarraputo, Steve Glenn, Al Cerullo, Ethan Aronoff, Diana Berry, Dar Billingham, Brian Canberg, David Seth Cohen;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Big Daddy” on the website imdb.com
“Finding Forrester”, 2000
Director: Gus Van Sant
This film tells the story of a reclusive writer who forms an unlikely friendship with a gifted young student. Their relationship helps both characters grow and confront their fears, emphasizing mentorship and personal growth.
Starring: Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham, Anna Paquin, Busta Rhymes, April Grace, Michael Pitt, Michael Nouri, Richard Easton, Glenn Fitzgerald, Lil» Zane, Stephanie Berry, Fly Williams III, Damany Mathis, Damion Lee, Tom Kearns, Matthew Noah Word, Charles Bernstein, Matt Malloy, Matt Damon, Jimmy Bobbitt, Capital Jay, James T. Williams II, Cassandra Kubinski, Sophia Wu, Gerry Rosenthal, Tim Hall, Tom Mullica, David Madison, Joey Buttafuoco, Jaime McCaig, William Modeste, Daniel Rodriguez, Samuel Tyson, Vince Giordano, Gregory Singer, Dean Pratt, Kerry MacKillop, Harvey Tibbs, Jack Stuckey, Mark Lopeman, Marc Phaneuf, Larry Wade, Conal Fowkes, Matt Munisteri, John Sullivan, Ron Morgan, Alison Folland, Alex Trebek, Chris M. Allport;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Finding Forrester” on the website imdb.com
“The Kid”, 1921
Director: Charles Chaplin
Starring Bruce Willis, this film follows a successful but unhappy man who meets his younger self. Through their interactions, he learns to reconnect with his childhood dreams and values, leading to a heartwarming transformation.
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Jackie Coogan, Carl Miller, Edna Purviance, Albert Austin, Beulah Bains, Nellie Bly Baker, Henry Bergman, Edward Biby, B.F. Blinn, Kitty Bradbury, Frank Campeau, Bliss Chevalier, Frances Cochran, Elsie Codd, Jack Coogan Sr., Estelle Cook, Lillian Crane, Philip D'Oench, Dan Dillon, Robert Dunbar, Florette Faulkner, Gloria Faythe, Rupert Franklin, Sadie Gordon, Lita Grey, Frank Hale, Martha Hall, Jules Hanft, Louise Hathaway, Baby Hathaway, Flora Howard, Ed Hunt, Lulu Jenks, Irene Jennings, Kathleen Kay, Grace Keller, Sarah Kernan, Raymond Lee, Walter Lynch, V. Madison, Clyde McAtee, Michael J. McCarthy, John McKinnon, Ethel O'Neil, Lew Parker, Charles I. Pierce, Laura Pollard, Evans Quirk, Esther Ralston;
Production year: 1921;
Genre: drama, comedy, family;
Age: 0+;
Duration: 53 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
“A Single Man”, 2009
Director: Tom Ford
This poignant drama features Colin Firth as a man grieving the loss of his partner. Through his interactions with a young student and a close friend, he begins to find meaning in life again, exploring themes of love, loss, and renewal.
Starring: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult, Matthew Goode, Jon Kortajarena, Paulette Lamori, Ryan Simpkins, Ginnifer Goodwin, Teddy Sears, Paul Butler, Aaron Sanders, Aline Weber, Keri Lynn Pratt, Jenna Gavigan, Alicia Carr, Lee Pace, Adam Shapiro, Marlene Martinez, Ridge Canipe, Elisabeth Harnois, Erin Daniels, Nicole Steinwedell, Tricia Munford, Don Bachardy, Brad Benedict, Richard Buckley, Brent Gorski, Jon Hamm, Janet Leigh, Patrizia Milano, Arnold Montey, Mimi Page, Elizabeth Reynolds, Frank Ruhl, Melissa Goodwin Shepherd, Bria Sherinian, Gary Sievers, Sarah Smick;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “A Single Man” on the website imdb.com
“The Way Way Back”, 2013
Director: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
This coming-of-age story centers on a shy teenager who finds solace and friendship during a summer vacation at a water park. The film captures the struggles of adolescence and the importance of finding one's place in the world.
Starring: Liam James, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Rob Corddry, Amanda Peet, River Alexander, Zoe Levin, Adam Riegler, Jeremy Weaver, Robert Capron, Rodney Lodge, Devon Werden, Ava Deluca-Verley, Jake Picking, Jeff Ryan, Cjaiilon Andrade, Jennifer Viaud, John Bard, Xavier Drayton, Tiley Strozewski, Zach Weaver, Andria Blackman, Aingea Venuto, Emily Petta, Jason Beckett, Polly Cottam, Aaron Dorsey, Jimmy Flynn, Stacey Forbes, Jamie Ghazarian, London Hall, Erin Katrina Hayes, Jacqueline Levasseur, Gwen MacKay, Angelina Natale, Stew Replogle, Rob Rota, Daniel Shea, Charlie Tacker, Ashley Tramonte;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Way Way Back” on the website imdb.com
“Chef”, 2014
Director: Jon Favreau
A feel-good film about a chef who starts a food truck business after a public altercation with a food critic. Along the way, he reconnects with his young son, highlighting themes of creativity, family, and following one's passion.
Starring: Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, Emjay Anthony, Amy Sedaris, Robert Downey Jr., Russell Peters, Chase Grimm, Will Schutze, Gloria Sandoval, Jose C. Hernandez, Alberto Salas, Alfredo Ortiz, Daniel Palacio, Mauricio Del Monte, Leonardo Da Nilo, Nili Fuller, Charles Lao, Benjamin Jacob, Aaron Franklin, Gary Clark Jr., Rachel Acuna, Paul Aldanée, Andrew Anderson, Chad Bird, Maria F. Blanco, Santos Caraballo, Michael Patrick Carmody, Anthony Carretta, Joseph Randy Causin, Christina Cha, Marly Chaudry, Cody Daniel, Billy Driver, Safi El Masri, Maria Engler, Eduardo M. Freyre, Michael P Gardner, Julian Graham, Joshua Gutierrez, Priyom Haider, Leigh M. Harris, Miguel Izaguirre, Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine, Gayle Drinhaus;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: comedy, drama, family;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
These films share a blend of humor, heart, and the exploration of relationships, making them great companions to “About a Boy.”
“Films like 'About a Boy' capture the essence of human connection and growth in the most heartwarming and relatable ways. With its blend of humor, sincerity, and poignant storytelling, this selection of films explores the complexities of relationships, the power of unexpected friendships, and the transformative nature of parenthood. From the charming performances to the beautifully crafted narratives, these films remind us that life's greatest joys often come from the most unexpected places. Whether it's finding belonging, learning to let go, or embracing change, these movies leave a lasting impression and serve as a reminder of the power of compassion, understanding, and the importance of being there for one another.”
