10 Movies and Shows Like There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Description: This coming-of-age comedy shares 'There's Something About Mary's' blend of raunchy humor and sweet romantic elements. Both films feature memorable, cringe-worthy sexual mishaps while ultimately celebrating the awkwardness of pursuing love and connection.

Fact: The infamous pie scene was inspired by a real high school rumor. The film launched several successful sequels and spin-offs. The cast had to sign contracts promising not to reveal the plot before release.

Description: While more absurdist than 'There's Something About Mary', 'Zoolander' shares its penchant for physical comedy and memorable one-liners. Both films feature dim-witted but lovable protagonists navigating worlds they don't fully understand, with humor derived from their innocence and incompetence.

Fact: Ben Stiller based Derek Zoolander on real models he met. David Bowie's cameo was unscripted. The film initially underperformed but became a cult classic.

Description: Like 'There's Something About Mary', 'Anchorman' features a self-absorbed protagonist who must grow emotionally, with humor derived from his cluelessness. Both films blend quotable one-liners with physical comedy and unexpected moments of heart.

Fact: Many iconic lines were improvised. The fight scene between news teams was originally much longer. Will Ferrell stayed in character as Ron Burgundy throughout filming.

Description: Similar to 'There's Something About Mary', this film combines outrageous comedy with romantic elements, featuring protagonists who use questionable methods to pursue love. Both films balance raunchy humor with genuine romantic chemistry and character growth.

Fact: Will Ferrell's cameo was filmed in just one day. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn improvised many of their scenes together. The film's success revived the R-rated comedy genre in Hollywood.

Description: Like 'There's Something About Mary', 'Knocked Up' combines crude humor with a surprisingly sweet romantic core. Both films feature unlikely romantic pairings and explore themes of personal growth amidst comedic chaos. The films share a similar balance of outrageous comedy and genuine emotional moments.

Fact: Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl reportedly did not get along during filming. Many scenes were improvised, particularly those involving Seth Rogen and his friends. The film was shot in just 55 days, a relatively short schedule for a major studio production.

Description: Similar to 'There's Something About Mary' in its blend of raunchy humor and heartfelt romance, 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' explores the awkwardness of breakups and the pursuit of new love. Both films feature protagonists who are lovable yet flawed, navigating embarrassing and comedic situations while ultimately seeking genuine connection.

Fact: The film was written by and stars Jason Segel, who famously performed a full-frontal nude scene. The Dracula puppet musical within the movie was entirely Segel's idea. Mila Kunis was initially hesitant to take the role of Rachel but was convinced by the script's quality.

Description: While more focused on teenage friendship than romance, 'Superbad' shares 'There's Something About Mary's' signature blend of raunchy humor and heart. Both films feature protagonists navigating embarrassing sexual situations while ultimately revealing their vulnerable, more sensitive sides.

Fact: Jonah Hill and Michael Cera's characters were named after the film's writers, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The script was written when Rogen and Goldberg were just 13 years old. McLovin's fake ID was auctioned for charity after the film's release.

Description: This film shares 'There's Something About Mary's' blend of juvenile humor and unexpected emotional depth. Both feature protagonists who must mature emotionally, using outrageous comedy to explore themes of personal growth and family dynamics.

Fact: Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly improvised most of their dialogue. The bunk bed scene was completely unscripted. The film's ridiculous premise was inspired by real cases of adult children living with parents.

Description: Like 'There's Something About Mary', 'The Hangover' features ordinary guys caught in increasingly outrageous situations, with humor derived from their escalating misfortunes. Both films balance crude comedy with genuine camaraderie and unexpected heart.

Fact: Mike Tyson's appearance was uncredited in the original release. The film was shot in just 15 days in Las Vegas. Bradley Cooper was initially considered too handsome for the role of Phil.

Description: This female-led comedy shares 'There's Something About Mary's' formula of combining gross-out humor with genuine emotional depth. Both films feature protagonists struggling with self-worth in romantic contexts, using outrageous comedy to explore deeper themes of insecurity and personal growth.

Fact: The infamous food poisoning scene was inspired by a real incident in writer-star Kristen Wiig's life. Melissa McCarthy's performance earned her an Oscar nomination, rare for a comedy. The dress fitting scene was largely improvised.