What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedGrown Ups
Film · 2010
If you loved Grown Ups, start with Adults (Ben Kronengold, 2025) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Grown Ups across media.
You loved Grown Ups for the way it captures the enduring, comedic power of lifelong friendships navigating midlife transitions together.
Books on the same thread
My Friends
Fredrik Backman · Book · 2025
Shares 2 threads with Grown Ups: Friendship, Nostalgia.
Just as Grown Ups explores the nostalgia of old bonds, this novel mirrors that deep emotional connection, focusing on how shared history shapes the human experience through humor.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald · Book · 2004
Shares a thread with Grown Ups: Nostalgia.
If Grown Ups hit, The Great Gatsby shares the thread.
Bleachers
John Grisham · Book · 2010
Shares a thread with Grown Ups: Nostalgia.
If the nostalgia for past athletic glory in Grown Ups resonated with you, this story offers a similar poignant look at how high school legends reconcile with their past.
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green · Book · 2012
Shares a thread with Grown Ups: Coming-of-Age.
If Grown Ups hit, The Fault in Our Stars shares the thread.
Series on the same thread
Friends
Marta Kauffman · Series · 1994
Shares a thread with Grown Ups: Friendship.
Like the central group in Grown Ups, the characters here rely on their tight-knit circle to navigate the complexities of life, offering comfort through enduring, reliable friendship.
Adults
Ben Kronengold · Series · 2025
Shares a thread with Grown Ups: Friendship.
While Grown Ups looks at midlife, this show captures the same comedic spirit of friends trying to figure out their place in the world, just at a younger age.
Entourage
Doug Ellin · Series · 2004
Shares a thread with Grown Ups: Friendship.
The brotherhood displayed in Grown Ups is the driving force of this series, which highlights how a loyal circle of friends remains constant through personal and professional life changes.
Workaholics
Adam Devine · Series · 2011
Explores: Male Friendship, Post-College Life, Office Antics.
This series captures the same brand of immature, high-energy male bonding found in Grown Ups, focusing on how long-term friends manage to turn mundane daily life into constant chaos.
Podcasts on the same thread
Grownkid
GrownKid · Podcast
Explores: twenties, big city life, self-discovery.
If Grown Ups hit, Grownkid shares the thread.
This Is Important
Podcast
Shares a thread with Grown Ups: friendship.
If the chemistry between the friends in Grown Ups was your favorite part, this podcast provides that same raw, conversational energy from a group of real-life close friends.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What brings the characters together in Grown Ups?
The characters in Grown Ups reunite for a Fourth of July holiday weekend following the passing of their former high school basketball coach. The five friends gather to pay their respects and spend time together during this period.
How many friends reunite in the movie Grown Ups?
Five good friends and former teammates reunite in the movie Grown Ups. They come together to celebrate the holiday weekend after the death of their high school basketball coach.
Is Grown Ups about a high school reunion?
Grown Ups is not about a high school reunion, but rather a reunion of five former teammates. They gather for a Fourth of July holiday weekend specifically because their high school basketball coach passed away.
When does the story take place in Grown Ups?
The story in Grown Ups takes place during a Fourth of July holiday weekend. The five friends decide to reunite at this time to honor their high school basketball coach who recently passed away.