What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThere's Something About Mary
Peter Farrelly · Film · 1998
If you loved There's Something About Mary, start with How I Met Your Mother (Carter Bays, 2005) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to There's Something About Mary across media.
If you enjoyed the chaotic blend of cringe-worthy romantic obsession and unpredictable slapstick in There's Something About Mary, dive into these.
Books on the same thread
Misery
Stephen King · Book · 1987
Explores: Obsession, Captivity, Isolation.
While There's Something About Mary plays stalking for laughs, this book turns that same uncomfortable obsession into a terrifying reality, highlighting the dark side of fixation and captivity.
Get Shorty
Elmore Leonard · Book · 1990
Explores: Fish-out-of-water, Hollywood satire, Mobster in Hollywood.
Just as There's Something About Mary features a sleazy detective caught in a web of romantic pursuit, this story captures that same cynical, fast-paced humor and fish-out-of-water energy.
The Princess Bride
William Goldman · Book · 1999
Explores: True Love, Good vs Evil, Revenge.
The relentless quest for a lost love that drives There's Something About Mary finds a more heroic, fairy-tale counterpart here, balancing true romance with a sense of pure adventure.
Problematic Summer Romance
Ali Hazelwood · Book
Shares a thread with There's Something About Mary: Romantic comedy.
This book mirrors the awkward professional dynamics and romantic complications found in There's Something About Mary, focusing on how high-stakes environments amplify the messy reality of pursuing a crush.
Series on the same thread
How I Met Your Mother
Carter Bays · Series · 2005
Shares a thread with There's Something About Mary: Romantic Comedy.
The long-term romantic pursuit and focus on tight-knit friend groups present in There's Something About Mary are central to this sitcom, which tracks the messy journey of finding love.
Mr. Bean
Richard Curtis · Series · 1990
Shares a thread with There's Something About Mary: Slapstick Comedy.
The physical comedy and social incompetence that make There's Something About Mary so memorable are distilled into pure form here, where everyday tasks inevitably spiral into total, hilarious chaos.
South Park
Trey Parker · Series · 1997
Explores: Social Commentary, Political Satire, Child Protagonists.
If you appreciated the irreverent and boundary-pushing humor of There's Something About Mary, you will recognize that same satirical bite and commitment to absurdity within this iconic animated series.
Freaks and Geeks
Paul Feig · Series · 1999
Explores: Social Outcasts, High School Angst, Identity Crisis.
The agonizing social hierarchy and awkwardness of youth depicted in There's Something About Mary are expanded here, offering a grounded look at the highs and lows of high school.
Podcasts on the same thread
Something About Cari
Podcast
Shares a thread with There's Something About Mary: Stalking.
This podcast explores the dark, real-world consequences of stalking and obsessive behavior, serving as a chilling, non-fiction reflection of the themes played for laughs in There's Something About Mary.
Small Town Murder
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: provincial life, tragic irony, forensic breakdown.
This show bridges the gap between tragedy and comedy, mirroring how There's Something About Mary uses humor to navigate uncomfortable situations by finding levity in the most unexpected, dark places.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is There's Something About Mary based on a true story?
There's Something About Mary is not based on a true story. It is a 1998 film directed by Peter Farrelly that follows the story of Ted, who attempts to reconnect with his prom date thirteen years later while competing against other suitors for her affection.
What is the premise of There's Something About Mary?
The premise of There's Something About Mary centers on Ted, who experiences a disastrous prom night. Thirteen years later, he seeks out his former date but faces complications from other men, including a sleazy private investigator he hired to locate her.
Who directed There's Something About Mary?
There's Something About Mary was directed by Peter Farrelly. The 1998 film depicts the journey of a man named Ted who tries to win over his high school prom date over a decade after a series of unfortunate events ruined their original prom night.
How long after his prom night does Ted seek out his date in There's Something About Mary?
In There's Something About Mary, Ted attempts to reconnect with his old prom date thirteen years after the night of their prom. During this second chance, he must navigate obstacles created by other suitors and the sleazy detective he hired to find her.