15 Best Movies Like Grown Ups – Indian Rupee Forecast

In the initial phase of Adam Sandler’s film journey spanning a decade, he was often the main focus, a key element so prominent that several films bore titles identical to his character names. While these movies featured a variety of supporting actors, they seldom showcased genuine ensemble performances. Instead, they served as platforms for Sandler and his newly minted characters. Additionally, it’s worth noting that beautiful actresses were regularly cast alongside him in every Adam Sandler film.

2010’s “Grown Ups,” a comedy by Sandler, was one of his initial films with a large cast where each character received significant screen time. The story revolves around a band of old friends who reunite as adults for various reasons. They aim to rekindle their friendships, foster connections between their spouses and children, and encourage city-dwelling kids to leave their screens behind and enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor play, reminiscent of what their fathers once did.

Fortunately for enthusiasts of “Grown Ups,” there’s a wealth of films that share some common themes to explore. Some are like family vacation movies, others depict adults going on trips together, while a few delve into the theme of nostalgia about childhood days. Additionally, a couple of them are Adam Sandler productions with a comparable atmosphere.

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors,” a timeless comedy, holds a significant place in many ‘best-of’ lists – from top summer movies, buddy comedies, vacation films, and more. However, its influence on the genre is particularly noteworthy. Comedies like “Grown Ups” might never have been made if “The Great Outdoors” hadn’t paved the way for stories about urbanites comically struggling in a natural, rural environment.

As a fan, I can’t help but notice the striking contrast between Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd) and his brother-in-law, Chet Ripley (John Candy). While Roman lives a life of lavish luxury, Chet prefers a more down-to-earth, working-class lifestyle. When we find ourselves sharing the same cabin for the summer with our wives and kids, that cultural divide quickly becomes a source of tension. However, it’s nothing compared to the perils that the woods present – thunderstorms, deserted mines, and bears, oh my!

Blended

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore have become a beloved duo in romantic comedies. In fact, when Looper readers chose Adam Sandler’s best movie through a social media poll, several votes were cast for “anything with Drew Barrymore in it.” While their more famous collaborations like “50 First Dates” and “The Wedding Singer” generally receive higher praise, the movie “Blended” is worth mentioning here as it revolves around a chaotic vacation involving multiple families.

In a humorous turn of events, Sandler and Barrymore portray Jim Friedman and Lauren Reynolds, two single parents who find themselves in an awkward situation after a disastrous blind date. Despite their best efforts, they keep running into each other at their shared resort, which had mistakenly booked both families together under the guise of a combined vacation. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this is leading towards something more significant, but “Blended” offers plenty of laughs along the way as it navigates through the mishaps of this blended family vacation before reaching its predictable conclusion.

RV

In the realm of comedies that revolve around unconventional families during vacations, “RV” stands out. This film stars Robin Williams, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Daniels, Kristin Chenoweth, Will Arnett, and Josh Hutcherson in a young role. The plot unfolds as Bob Munro (Williams), originally planning a family getaway, is forced to attend work when his supervisor (Arnett) insists. Instead of informing his wife (Hines) and children (Hutcherson and musician JoJo), Bob decides to bring them along, disguising the trip as a holiday rather than revealing it’s actually a business event.

Alongside the typical hiccups encountered during road trips – shoddy accommodations, vehicle troubles, among others – there’s the recurring encounters with the Gornicke family (portrayed by Daniels and Chenoweth). Though they mean no harm, their eagerness to bond with Bob and his spouse, and their push for separate family vacations to merge into one, doesn’t sit right with Bob. This unwanted friendship and the additional complications it brings only serve to make things tougher for his deception. In less capable hands, “RV” could have been a humorless retelling of a flat tire. However, this specific cast truly enhances the script, demonstrating great camaraderie among them.

Now and Then

In the film “Grown Ups,” there are two significant themes: looking back on past childhood escapades and understanding the intricate relationships between kids and grown-ups. The movie “Now and Then,” penned by I. Marlene King, who later created “Pretty Little Liars,” uses these themes in a unique manner. The story alternates between four adult friends, Roberta (played by Rosie O’Donnell), Tina (Melanie Griffith), Samantha (Demi Moore), and Chrissy (Rita Wilson), as they reminisce about a summer they spent together as pre-teens, and then shows that very same summer.

In this movie titled “Now and Then,” Christina Ricci plays Roberta, Thora Birch portrays Tina (once called Teeny), Gaby Hoffman embodies Samantha, and Ashleigh Aston Moore depicts Chrissy. Notably, the casting choices between the adult and child counterparts are spot-on, with O’Donnell and Ricci making a particularly strong impression. This film serves as a heartwarming snapshot of childhood in the late 60s, and looking back from three decades later, it also provides an intriguing glimpse into what it meant to be a woman in her mid-90s during that era.

Couples Retreat

If you decide to watch the movie “Grown Ups” together with your children, consider putting them to bed or letting them play Fortnite if you’d prefer an adults-only viewing experience later on. In the film “Couples Retreat,” written by Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn, the adult characters do have kids, but they left them at home for a raucous, romantic vacation with their friends at a luxury resort. However, things didn’t go as planned.

Turns out, the workshops and therapy sessions for struggling couples at this resort aren’t really optional – they’re pretty much the main attraction here! The couples who seem the most confident about not needing help are often the ones who benefit from it the most. If you’re intrigued by the stunning location where “Couples Retreat” was filmed, you’ll be glad to know it’s a real place, nestled in the beautiful islands of French Polynesia. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a couples therapy retreat, or something in between, that choice is all yours!

National Lampoon’s Vacation

A notable film for those seeking comedy during their vacation time is “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” However, it’s important to note that while the movie centers around a family with children, it definitely lives up to its R rating, so be aware of this before watching. Similar to many ’80s comedies rated R, one might argue that it didn’t necessitate an R rating and could have been PG-13 without significant alterations. Nevertheless, the film remains as it was created.

In their first adventure, the Griswold family – composed of Clark (Chevy Chase) and Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), along with their kids Rusty (Anthony Michael Hall) and Audrey (Dana Barron) – set off on a disastrous road trip to Walley World amusement park. A series of mishaps and calamities occur, some even beyond the ordinary. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes praise it as one of the most reliable and memorably funny screwball comedies from the 1980s, a testament to its quality given the many iconic films produced in that genre during that period. The sequel “Vacation” movies generally lacked the same appeal, but “Christmas Vacation” stands out as an enduring holiday classic.

Tommy Boy

One striking similarity between the movies “Grown Ups” and “Tommy Boy” lies in the fact that they are comedies centered around vacations or road trips, and both feature cast members from “Saturday Night Live.” Additionally, it’s unfortunate to note that during the early stages of planning for “Grown Ups,” Adam Sandler initially wanted Chris Farley to be part of the cast. However, his untimely death ultimately prevented those plans from coming to fruition.

Speaking of “Tommy Boy,” it’s a beloved road trip film featuring Chris Farley as the son of an auto parts factory owner. After his father passes away, he embarks on the planned business trip instead. David Spade, the father’s trusted assistant, is unwillingly drafted to join him on this journey. Their friendship had been tenuous at best prior to this, and their disagreements often escalate during long car rides and hotel stays together.

On many occasions when Farley caused mischief on set, it took place during both his tenure on “Saturday Night Live” as well as while producing “Tommy Boy.” Farley thrived on camaraderie, and he would have relished the opportunity to collaborate with Sandler and Spade in a remake of “Grown Ups.

Captain Ron

Despite his exceptional talent as a comedian on stage, Martin Short has faced significant challenges in his film career. Ironically, some of his most enduring works belong to the cult classics category, where he often takes on the more subdued role, acting as a straight man while another character plays the over-the-top funny person. For instance, in “Captain Ron,” it is Kurt Russell who steals the show as the title character, Captain Ron, leaving Martin to portray a conventional father figure, often at a loss for how to handle things.

Martin Harvey, the father, discovers from his uncle’s will that he inherits a boat. Since he doesn’t want to own a boat, he decides to sell it by taking a family trip to where the boat is moored. Unfortunately, the boat turns out to be worthless, but their journey leads them to encounter Captain Ron, a questionable character. This marks the beginning of an unforgettable adventure filled with pirates, guerillas, international smuggling, and even prison time for the Harveys.

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Adam Sandler’s initial venture into animated films, “Eight Crazy Nights,” aimed high by providing Jewish families with an enjoyable Hanukkah movie for annual viewing, however, it didn’t quite hit the mark. A whole decade passed before he starred in another animated project, but this time his selection proved successful as “Hotel Transylvania” turned out to be a fun-filled experience.

Notably, each movie in the original trilogy surpassed its predecessor in terms of critical acclaim, with “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” garnering the highest praise yet and being the first to secure a fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it’s not just its exceptional reviews that warrant its placement on this list. It’s also the unique focus on a family vacation, which makes it resemble “Grown Ups” the most.

The central theme of the series revolves around the dynamic between Count Dracula (Sandler) and his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez). In “Summer Vacation,” we find Dracula, a solo parent, discovering love for the first time. However, the identity of this potential love interest may not be as straightforward as it seems, and Mavis must unravel the truth before it’s too late to prevent any harm.

The Big Chill

Although classified as a comedy-drama, “The Big Chill” stands out as the least humorous film on this list, and it differs greatly in tone from “Grown Ups.” However, fans of “Grown Ups” might find appeal in “The Big Chill,” as both movies revolve around a group of old friends who have grown apart and reunite for a sort of getaway. Interestingly, much like “Grown Ups,” the central event in “The Big Chill” is also a reunion prompted by a funeral.

In “The Big Chill,” you’ll find an exceptional cast consisting of Jeff Goldblum, Glenn Close, William Hurt, Tom Berenger, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, and JoBeth Williams. This talented group makes even a conversation-heavy film captivating to watch. Goldblum attributes the isolation during production to fostering camaraderie among the actors, and it shows as they genuinely feel like longtime friends who understand each other deeply. The acting alone is worth watching, but the iconic soundtrack featuring popular R&B songs from the 1960s is another reason to stay tuned in.

What About Bob?

In recent times, the tumultuous events that unfolded during the filming of “What About Bob?” may have eclipsped the movie’s own reputation. Despite the severe tension that flared up between co-stars Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss, it ultimately contributed to creating an enduring classic. Remarkably, “What About Bob?” emerged as a sympathetic portrayal of mental illness, shedding light on how patients can slip through the cracks in a system that is inherently flawed.

The movie is equally funny and revolves around Dr. Leo Marvin (Dreyfuss), a psychotherapist with high tension, who plans a tranquil family vacation. However, his peaceful retreat is disrupted when one of his patients, Bob (Murray), unexpectedly shows up. Instead of ruining his plans, Bob charms Leo’s family, infuriating Leo as he believes they are being tricked into liking an unsavory character. As Leo’s family grows fond of Bob, Leo becomes increasingly agitated – leading the audience to wonder who among them is really the “crazy” one in a less PC term.

The Sandlot

In place of “Grown Ups,” where the men’s summertime sports provided continuous amusement and fellowship, albeit briefly at the start, imagine a film centered around children from an earlier era who spent their summers forging bonds through sports and wild outdoor activities. “The Sandlot” is not just one such movie – it stands out as one of the finest examples of this genre.

The story unfolds during the scorching summer of 1962 in a new city, where a young lad named Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry) finds himself. Encouraged by his mother to socialize and make friends, he stumbles upon a lively bunch engaged in baseball. The group warmly accepts him, albeit with some good-natured teasing, leading them all into an unforgettable summer that people often recall fondly throughout their lives. Although there’s a brief glimpse of two characters as adults towards the end of the film, it’s not the focus; instead, “The Sandlot” is about the simple joys and adventures of childhood.

Just Go With It

In many Adam Sandler films, his characters often devise intricate plans to meet women without the burden of commitment. For instance, in “Just Go With It,” Danny (Sandler) wears a wedding ring and pretends to be unhappily married to a dreadful wife in bars. When he shares his supposed marital woes with sympathetic young ladies, they empathize and spend the night with him. However, being already ‘married’ provides a convenient excuse for keeping things casual and preventing any deeper relationship from developing.

In a tricky situation indeed, but things take a turn for Danny when he encounters Palmer, a woman whom he grows fond of. Unable to reveal his lie about being married, Danny concocts a convoluted scheme. His assistant Katherine steps in as his supposed wife, and even their kids are made to pretend they’re his and hers. The link to the “Grown Ups” series comes when Danny, Katherine, the kids, and Palmer embark on a trip together filled with misadventures and hilarity.

Cheaper By the Dozen 2

The 2003 movie titled “Cheaper By the Dozen,” which was a remake from the 1950 film, turned out to be a huge success. Consequently, it led to another sequel being released only two years after its debut. Although “Cheaper By the Dozen 2” may have appeared as a swiftly produced sequel, it remained a heartwarming family film about the Baker parents (played by Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt) attempting the challenging task of taking 12 kids on a vacation to a lake.

In a humorous twist reminiscent of “Grown Ups”, another family joins the vacation trip, and surprisingly, the Murtaughs, much like the Bakers, have a rather large brood. Unsurprisingly, the dynamics between these two families are far from harmonious, leading to an unusually large cast for this genre of film.

Grown Ups 2

For fans of a particular film, suggesting they watch its sequel might seem predictable, but sometimes the sequel offers an enjoyable viewing experience that goes beyond mere obligation. For instance, “Grown Ups 2” may not reach the heights of its original, yet it continues to provide laughter with just enough distinct elements to avoid feeling like a carbon copy. Notably, Rob Schneider is absent from this installment, which some viewers might appreciate.

This time around, the group has returned to their normal routines, yet they remain connected and socializing. However, just because they’re settled doesn’t mean there aren’t hurdles to overcome, escapades to embark on, and humorous moments centered around everyday life. It might not have the same freshness as the first installment, but “Grown Ups 2” feels like catching up with old acquaintances once more.

2025-07-19 13:32