What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedWhat Men Want
Adam Shankman · Film · 2019
If you loved What Men Want, start with What Women Want (Nancy Meyers, 2000) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to What Men Want across media.
If you loved the supernatural insight into hidden perspectives in What Men Want, you will appreciate these stories of communication and ambition.
Start with the source
The source
What Women Want
Nancy Meyers · Film · 2000
Books on the same thread
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
John Gray · Book · 1992
Explores: Gender Differences, Communication in Relationships, Relationship Improvement.
Like the premise of What Men Want, this book explores the fundamental disconnect between genders, offering a framework to navigate the communication breakdowns that drive the movie's central conflict.
Men Explain Things to Me
Rebecca Solnit · Book · 2014
Explores: Gender Inequality, Patriarchy, Misogyny.
The frustrations with workplace patriarchy that fuel the protagonist's journey in What Men Want are dissected here, providing a real-world look at the gender dynamics the film satirizes.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
Sheryl Sandberg · Book · 2013
Explores: Gender equality, Workplace dynamics, Female empowerment.
If the professional ambition in What Men Want resonated with you, this manifesto offers a practical guide for women seeking to lead and overcome systemic barriers in the workplace.
Think Again
Adam Grant · Book · 2021
Explores: intellectual humility, growth mindset, critical thinking.
The movie What Men Want relies on the protagonist unlearning her biases about men; this book provides the psychological tools to challenge your own assumptions and think more critically.
Series on the same thread
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist
Austin Winsberg · Series · 2020
Shares a thread with What Men Want: Fantasy Comedy.
This series mirrors the supernatural hook of What Men Want by forcing the lead character to navigate the internal thoughts and secrets of those around her through a unique lens.
Wonder Man
Andrew Guest · Series · 2026
Explores: struggling actors, fame and ambition, career rivalry.
Just as What Men Want explores the cutthroat world of sports agencies, this show dives into the high-stakes ambition and rivalry defining the professional lives of its characters.
Running Point
Mindy Kaling · Series · 2025
Shares a thread with What Men Want: Workplace Comedy.
The female empowerment theme in What Men Want shines through as this protagonist steps into a male-dominated sports environment, proving her worth in a high-pressure business setting.
Coffee Prince
Series · 2007
Shares a thread with What Men Want: Romantic Comedy.
This series shares the gender-bending comedy found in What Men Want, focusing on a woman navigating professional and romantic spheres while hiding her true identity from male colleagues.
Podcasts on the same thread
Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam · Podcast · 2026
Explores: cognitive bias, human behavior, interpersonal dynamics.
The desire to understand what others are thinking drives the plot of What Men Want, and this podcast offers scientific insights into the human mind and interpersonal dynamics.
Boys Gone Wild
Horatio Gould · Podcast
Explores: Male Friendship, Masculinity, Dating Advice.
If the comedic exploration of the male psyche in What Men Want kept you laughing, this podcast provides an unfiltered look at masculinity and dating from a humorous perspective.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is What Men Want a remake of What Women Want?
Yes, What Men Want is a 2019 film that serves as a gender-swapped reimagining of the 2000 movie What Women Want. Both films center on a protagonist who gains the supernatural ability to hear the private thoughts of the opposite gender to gain a professional advantage.
What order should I watch What Men Want and What Women Want?
You can watch these films in any order because they are independent stories. What Men Want was released in 2019, while the original film, What Women Want, was released in 2000. Neither film is a direct sequel, so the viewing sequence does not affect the plot.
How does the premise of What Men Want compare to What Women Want?
Both films feature a protagonist who develops the ability to hear the thoughts of others. In What Men Want, a sports agent uses this power to navigate a male-dominated workplace, whereas the 2000 film What Women Want focuses on a man gaining insight into the minds of women.
Should I watch What Women Want if I enjoyed What Men Want?
If you enjoyed the comedic premise of What Men Want, watching What Women Want is a logical choice. The 2000 film provides the original context for the magical ability to hear others' thoughts, allowing you to compare how each movie explores the concept of gender dynamics.