Materialists, a new romantic comedy starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, is attempting to revive the rom-com. The new movie from director Celine Song features updated themes about class differences and modern dating (plus a delicious love triangle, of course) that feel relevant to 2025.
If you loved Materialists (or are eagerly anticipating it), Watch With Us recommends these three romantic comedies that tackle some of the same concepts. Starring actors like Meryl Streep, Michelle Yeoh and John Corbett, these movies will slake your thirst for more Materialists-esque fun!
‘It’s Complicated’ (2009)
A love triangle for a slightly older audience, It’s Complicated follows a divorced couple who rekindle their connection as their youngest child prepares to leave for college. Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) find themselves concealing their affair from his second wife (Lake Bell) while Jane also begins dating a sweet new architect (Steve Martin).
It’s classic Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, Father of the Bride) fare, featuring attractive middle-aged people and even more attractive kitchens. The comedic miscommunications and chemistry amongst the cast make it a ridiculously enjoyable fantasy of a film.
It’s Complicated also features John Krasinski, Zoe Kazan and Hunter Parrish in the ensemble cast. The chemistry between all the actors makes for a lovable, warm-hearted movie that will certainly make it onto your “re-watchable” list.
You can rent It’s Complicated on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+.
‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)
Social class is certainly a factor in American rom-coms like Materialists, but the difference in social standing in that film feels microscopic when you compare it to the stratospheric wealth depicted in Crazy Rich Asians. In this groundbreaking movie, Chinese-American economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is stunned when she learns that her adorable boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) is the heir to one of the richest families in Singapore.
Nick’s mother, Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh), is determined to drive a wedge between the couple at any cost, so it’s up to Rachel to stand her ground and fight for love. As her best friend Peik Lin (Awkwafina) says, when you play chicken, you’ve gotta say “Bawk bawk, b***!” Crazy Rich Asians is a stunning, romantic movie about love overcoming social barriers.
You can rent Crazy Rich Asians on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+.
‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ (2002)
While My Big Fat Greek Wedding is more about cultural differences than class ones, it still belongs on this list because—like Materialists—it’s a romantic comedy about love overcoming deeply ingrained social pressures. Much like Celine Song’s previous film, Past Lives, this indie hit explores what it means to forge your own path in love while honoring where you come from.
Tula (Nia Vardalos), a shy woman who feels swallowed up by her loud Greek family, finds her voice when she begins dating the WASP-y, non-Greek Ian Miller (John Corbett). Tula and Ian endeavor to make their love work throughout comical obstacles, including an ill-received bundt cake, a zit treated with Windex and a ridiculously puffy wedding dress.
There are so many memorable lines in this movie that after one or two viewings, you may find that you have it half-memorized. Don’t worry, you’ll be happy to have this wildly entertaining movie taking up space in your brain.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding is available to stream on Max.
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