Movies Like Something Short of Paradise

If you liked Something Short of Paradise (1979), a drama and comedy movie directed by David Helpern, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
200 Cigarettes (1999)
★ 5.8/10Also comedy and drama
In 1981 New York City, a collection of twentysomethings try to cope with relationships, loneliness, desire and their individual neuroses on New Years Eve.
2
Materialists (2025)
★ 6.3/10Also romance and drama
A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.
3
Café Society (2016)
★ 6.4/10Also comedy and drama
The story of a young man who arrives in Hollywood during the 1930s hoping to work in the film industry, falls in love, and finds himself swept up in the vibrant café society that defined the spirit of the age.
4
Before We Go (2014)
★ 6.7/10Also romance and drama
A chance encounter between two strangers in Grand Central Terminal sparks a life-changing, nighttime sojourn through New York City. They grow into each other's most trusted confidants when an evening of unexpected…
5
Last Night (2010)
★ 6.1/10Also drama and romance
Michael and Joanna are a young and successful married couple who appear to have it all. But when Michael finds himself alone on a business trip with an attractive new colleague and Joanna encounters the other great…
6
The Apartment (1960)
★ 8.2/10Also comedy and drama
Bud Baxter is a minor clerk in a huge New York insurance company, until he discovers a quick way to climb the corporate ladder. He lends out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. Although…
7
Shortcomings (2023)
★ 6.1/10Also comedy and drama
When his girlfriend leaves for New York City on a 3-month-long internship, a strongly opinionated Berkeley arthouse movie theater manager begins exploring life as a bachelor.
8
Is This Thing On? (2025)
★ 6.6/10Also comedy and drama
As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their family—forcing them to…
9
New York, I Love You (2008)
★ 6/10Also comedy and drama
New York, I Love You delves into the intimate lives of New Yorkers as they grapple with, delight in and search for love. Journey from the Diamond District in the heart of Manhattan, through Chinatown and the Upper East…
10
Dot the I (2003)
★ 6/10Also romance and drama
A fiery Spanish woman is about to marry a kind British man when she meets a Brazilian actor who ignites in her a flame of lust she can't ignore.
11
Something Borrowed (2011)
★ 6.2/10Also comedy and drama
Though Rachel is a successful attorney and a loyal, generous friend, she is still single. After one drink too many at her 30th-birthday celebration, Rachel unexpectedly falls into bed with her longtime crush, Dex…
12
Rock of Ages (2012)
★ 6.2/10Also comedy and drama
A small town girl and a city boy meet on the Sunset Strip, while pursuing their Hollywood dreams.
13
She's Funny That Way (2015)
★ 5.9/10Also comedy and romance
On the set of a playwright's new project, a love triangle forms between his wife, her ex-lover, and the call girl-turned-actress cast in the production.
14
It Ends with Us (2024)
★ 6.9/10Also drama and romance
When a woman's first love suddenly reenters her life, her relationship with a charming, but abusive neurosurgeon is upended, and she realizes she must learn to rely on her own strength to make an impossible choice for…
15
Everyone Says I Love You (1996)
★ 6.4/10Also comedy and romance
A New York girl sets her father up with a beautiful woman in a shaky marriage while her half sister gets engaged.
16
Little Manhattan (2005)
★ 7.2/10Also comedy and romance
Ten-year-old Gabe Burton is just an average kid growing up in Manhattan until Rosemary Telesco walks into his karate class. But before Gabe can tell Rosemary how he feels, she reveals that she won't be going to public…
17
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
★ 6.6/10Also drama and comedy
When perpetually single, aging music industry exec Harry Sanborn, and his latest trophy girlfriend, Marin, arrive at her mother's beach house in the Hamptons, they find that her mother, playwright Erica Barry, also…
18
Not Easily Broken (2009)
★ 6.3/10Also drama and romance
A car accident and shifting affections test the bond between a married couple.
19
Author! Author! (1982)
★ 6/10Also comedy and drama
While facing the stress of his original play being produced on Broadway, playwright Ivan Travalian deals with having to raise his son, his stepdaughters, and his stepsons.
20
Lost in Translation (2003)
★ 7.4/10Also drama and comedy
Two lost souls visiting Tokyo -- the young, neglected wife of a photographer and a washed-up movie star shooting a TV commercial -- find an odd solace and pensive freedom to be real in each other's company, away from…