Film

Think Like a Man

Name: Think Like a Man
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Released: 2012
Cast: Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart

Comedy
Romantic comedy
Light-hearted

A romantic comedy built on the premise that women have cracked the men's code by reading Steve Harvey's bestseller. Four couples navigate relationship warfare as both sides weaponize the playbook. It's a crowd-pleaser: breezily paced, ensemble-driven, built for laughs and warm chemistry rather than emotional depth or originality.

TMDb rating

3.4

Should you watch it?

Watch it if you enjoy ensemble romantic comedies where the battle of the sexes plays out as a running game of bluff and counter-bluff, with banter sharp enough to earn its loud moments.

Skip it if the jokes lean on loud, broad performances and a sitcom rhythm, and if you find the romance thin beneath the bickering, the cheerful padding will wear on you.

What it asks of you: Roughly two hours of cross-cutting between four couples, so you must track several love lives at once and accept a brisk, chatty pace rather than quiet.

Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.

If you liked this

Crazy, Stupid, Love.2011

A romantic ensemble that balances comedy with genuine heart. Multiple perspectives on relationships—marriage, singlehood, second chances—give it surprising depth while remaining utterly charming and funny.

But Takes itself more seriously at moments, which can feel tonal whiplash if you're just here for laughs. Some plot threads resolve with convenient ease.

Girls Trip2017

The spiritual successor: four women, New Orleans, a weekend that spirals. Taraji P. Henson reunites with this sensibility, and the ensemble energy is even rowdier. Genuinely funny and unexpectedly touching.

But Raunchier than Think Like a Man—sex and profanity fly freely. If you prefer your comedy gentler, this pushes further.

The Best Man Holiday2013

A reunion comedy that reunites an ensemble cast with real affection for each other. Balances humor with actual dramatic stakes and character growth. The warmth is palpable.

But Runs nearly two and a half hours and can feel scattered. Some jokes land harder than others, and the pacing sags mid-section.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Think Like a Man

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Topsy-Turvy1999

Both use ensemble casts to explore how people negotiate power and desire through art or games—but this one is a historical epic built entirely on interpersonal sparring, suggesting that all of human life is a bit of theater we stage for each other. Far more philosophical underneath the charm.

A period comedy about Gilbert and Sullivan creating their operetta, full of ensemble dynamics, relationship tension, and comedy rooted in genuine creative collaboration. Utterly charming and visually stunning in ways that feel indulgent.

But Two hours forty minutes of Gilbert & Sullivan tangents and historical detail. If you're not interested in Victorian theater politics, this will feel like a detour into someone else's museum.

About a Boy2002

A romantic comedy that's genuinely smart about why people do and say things. Tender and funny without being saccharine, with a protagonist who has to actually grow.

But Quieter and more character-focused than ensemble comedies. Won't give you the same rapid-fire gag energy.

Hitch2005

Will Smith as a relationship coach; the premise is in a similar vein, and the chemistry between leads actually crackles. Well-structured, consistently funny, and genuinely romantic without being mawkish.

But Hinges on Smith's star power and charm. If you're not feeling him, the film doesn't have much backup.

The Wedding Ringer2015

Two men, one elaborate scheme, genuine friendship under the comedy. Kevin Hart again (and great) alongside Josh Gad. Surprisingly heartfelt about male friendships and acceptance.

But The setup is thin and the plot meanders. Leans heavily on Hart's energy; if that exhausts you, this won't help.

Set It Up2018

A by-the-numbers romantic comedy with such infectious charm and pace that you don't care. Two protagonists trying to set up their bosses, chemistry, banter, the works.

But Entirely formula—there's not a beat you won't see coming. If predictability bothers you, this won't win you over.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall2008

An ensemble romantic comedy that earns its laughs through character and timing rather than just premise. Warm, genuinely funny, and full of small kindnesses between people.

But Slower in places, more interested in mood than momentum. The humor is character-driven rather than punchline-dense.

Two Can Play That Game2001

A spiritual predecessor: Vivica A. Fox and Morris Chestnut in a relationship game-playing comedy with genuine stakes and warmth beneath the scheme. Equally accessible, equally fun.

But Shows its age in ways that can feel dated. The energy is slightly more uneven than Think Like a Man's slickness.