The Next Best Thing poster
Where to stream

The Next Best Thing

5.220001h 48mPG-13MovieComedyDramaRomance

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.

DirectorJohn Schlesinger
WriterTom Ropelewski
ProducersLeslie Dixon·Linne Radmin

Where to watch

Not available in Canada
Streaming in 48 other countries

The Next Best Thing isn't on any streaming service in Canada right now, but it's available in Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Belize and 44 more. Streaming rights are licensed per country.

Cast · Directed by John Schlesinger

MMadonna
Madonna
Abbie Reynolds
RERupert Everett
Rupert Everett
Robert Whittaker
BBBenjamin Bratt
Benjamin Bratt
Ben Cooper
MSMalcolm Stumpf
Malcolm Stumpf
Sam
JSJosef Sommer
Josef Sommer
Richard Whittaker
SKSuzanne Krull
Suzanne Krull
Annabel
LLLinda Larkin
Linda Larkin
Kelly
IDIlleana Douglas
Illeana Douglas
Elizabeth Ryder
MVMichael Vartan
Michael Vartan
Kevin Lasater
LRLynn Redgrave
Lynn Redgrave
Helen Whittaker
NHNeil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris
David
MVMark Valley
Mark Valley
Cardiologist

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The Next Best Thing — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The Next Best Thing?

The Next Best Thing isn't on any streaming service in Canada yet, but it's available in Argentina, Austria and Bolivia and other countries. Streaming rights differ by country — switch your country in the header to see where.

Is The Next Best Thing on Netflix?

No, The Next Best Thing is not on Netflix in Canada as of November 2026.

Is The Next Best Thing on Amazon Prime Video?

No, The Next Best Thing isn't on Amazon Prime Video in Canada right now.

Where can I watch The Next Best Thing for free?

The Next Best Thing isn't streaming in Canada yet, so there's no way to watch it free at the moment.