Without a doubt, comedy extravaganza Bridesmaids is etched in the perils of cinematic history as one of the funniest movies ever crafted. With jaw-dropping scenarios — such as Melissa McCarthy’s character stealing a van-load of puppies — to groundbreaking performances from Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, Paul Feig’s 2011 comedy flick is swarming with unforgettable moments that are burned in our brains for eternity — which is certainly not a bad thing.
But as fantastic as Bridesmaids truly is, with rumors of a sequel even looming, there comes a time when film buffs and movie enthusiasts want to venture out and explore similar territory. Much like Bridesmaids, most of its similar projects are enriched in strong, female leads and gut-busting sequences which remind us all exactly why we adore comedy. So, let’s dive in and explore the 10 best movies like Bridesmaids.
Identity Thief
If you thought McCarthy’s presence in Bridesmaids was hysterical, then it’s about time to dissect her face-melting performance in Identity Thief. Unlike some other films on this list, the 2013 comedy doesn’t feature a main female lead — with Jason Bateman starring alongside McCarthy. And yet, the chemistry between both performers is definitely off the charts, and a hilariously engaging movie was soon born.
Sex and the City
By now, it’s common knowledge that the entire Sex and the City franchise is an iconic piece of art. Taking place right after where we left off in the widely popular television series, the 2008 comedy flick centers around our favorite group of women exploring Carrie’s major wedding day, with the majority of the group having already tied the knot in the past. It’s chock-full of laugh-out-loud moments that will remind you exactly of Bridesmaids.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
As one of the most underrated features on this list, the gut-busting flick centers around Toula — a Greek woman who is pressured by her family to find a Greek man and get married. However, her family experiences a major shock when Toula falls in love with a man who is absolutely not Greek. Not only is the film undoubtedly funny, but it’s jam-packed with a variety of memorable quotes that will leave you repeating them all night long.
Wine Country
Another purely female-driven venture on this list revolves around a group of friends who all travel to Napa together to celebrate a friend’s 50th birthday. Etched in history as Amy Poehler’s feature directorial debut, the gifted comedian recycles the trope of a pack of girlfriends traveling together in Wine Country, all while facing obstacles and bizarre adventures in the process. Honestly, this is pretty much Bridesmaids — just with fewer weddings and way more wine.
Wedding Crashers
When it comes to movies like Bridesmaids, which focus heavily on the aspect of weddings, it feels extremely necessary to place 2005’s Wedding Crashers on this list. Focusing on two friends who specifically crash random weddings to meet girls and enjoy free cake, the Owen Wilson vehicle harbors a plethora of similarities that match the chaos and teeth-gritting nature of Bridesmaids. And while it might feel way more raunchy at times, it’s still a gut-busting classic.
Girls Trip
As one of the most sought-after and favored films on this list, it would be an absolute travesty to not include Girls Trip — an out-of-this-world comedy extravaganza that focuses on a group of four friends who reunite and travel to New Orleans for a special getaway. And while comedy is the main culprit here, that’s not to say that the movie doesn’t feature a few tear-jerking moments that add a dramatic feel. Either way, it’s an unforgettable movie full of dazzling performances.
Mean Girls
To hail Mean Girls as one of the most iconic features of all time would be a complete understatement. Piggybacking on the awe-inspiring performances from Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan, the unequivocally funny project certainly holds more similarities to Bridesmaids than one would expect. Much like Lohan’s character, Wiig’s character is desperately trying to fit in with a crowd that is outright rude and at times, unapologetically shady. That reason alone makes the 2004 flick worth a watch or two — or ten.
The Hangover
Arguably the most similar on this list, it would go down as an absolute sin if The Hangover wasn’t included near the top. In fact, Bridesmaids has often been regarded by fans as the “female Hangover.” As iconic as it gets, the buddy-comedy flick centers around a group of friends preparing to set out on an epic bachelor party before their friend Doug gets married. But after being drugged and faced with a variety of troubles, the movie takes a wild turn as the friends rush to discover the missing Doug before the wedding.
Bad Moms
We certainly couldn’t compose a list of the best movies like Bridesmaids without including Bad Moms. Released in 2016, the chaotic cinematic experience features three friends — all of which are moms — who decide to abandon a “nice mom” persona and start living solely for themselves. Amidst these plans, PTA battles are drawn and lines are crossed as all three moms find themselves in interesting predicaments — much to the same tune as the chaos in Bridesmaids.
Sisters
There is arguably no better choice for a movie just like Bridesmaids than 2015’s Sisters. Starring comedic talents Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, the lifelong friends certainly pack plenty of comedy and disarray as sisters Kate and Maura who, after discovering that their parents are unfortunately selling their childhood home, decide to throw one last final, outrageous party with old friends. Of course, the hysterical premise is further supported by the incomparable dynamic between Poehler and Fey — which is equally as echoed by Bridesmaids’ stars.
