Movie

The Next Best Thing

“Best friends make the best mistakes”

★ 5.2(200)20001h 48m

The Next Best Thing isn't available to stream, rent or buy in Ireland right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 21 July 2026.

Where to watch The Next Best Thing

🇮🇪 Ireland

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Streaming in other regions

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Good to know

Director: John Schlesinger
Release date: 2000-03-03
Runtime: 1h 48m
Language: English
Box office: $24,362,772
Budget: $25,000,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Paramount Pictures

The Next Best Thing — trailer

About The Next Best Thing

The Next Best Thing is a 2000 movie in the Comedy, Drama and Romance genres, directed by John Schlesinger, starring Madonna, Rupert Everett and Benjamin Bratt. It has a runtime of 1 hour 48 minutes. It holds an average rating of 5.2/10 from 200 viewers. Below you can see where to watch The Next Best Thing in Ireland — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

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.

Cast

Madonna

Abbie Reynolds

Rupert Everett

Robert Whittaker

Benjamin Bratt

Ben Cooper

Malcolm Stumpf

Sam

Josef Sommer

Richard Whittaker

Suzanne Krull

Annabel

Linda Larkin

Kelly

Illeana Douglas

Elizabeth Ryder

Michael Vartan

Kevin Lasater

Lynn Redgrave

Helen Whittaker

Neil Patrick Harris

David

Mark Valley

Cardiologist

Themes & keywords

parent child relationshipcustody battleflushyogasinglebest friendlos angeles, californiasingle fatherco-parenting

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The Next Best Thing in Ireland?+

The Next Best Thing is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in Ireland. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is The Next Best Thing on Netflix?+

The Next Best Thing is not on Netflix in Ireland right now.

How long is The Next Best Thing?+

The Next Best Thing has a runtime of 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).

Who stars in The Next Best Thing?+

The Next Best Thing stars Madonna, Rupert Everett, Benjamin Bratt, Malcolm Stumpf and Josef Sommer.

When did The Next Best Thing come out?+

The Next Best Thing is a 2000 movie directed by John Schlesinger.

What genre is The Next Best Thing?+

The Next Best Thing is Comedy, Drama and Romance film.

Who directed The Next Best Thing?+

The Next Best Thing was directed by John Schlesinger.