Based on the novel by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians is a big, enthusiastic, and engaging wedding dramedy that became the most charming surprise of summer 2018. Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is a New York professor who finds herself falling for the handsome Nick Young (Henry Golding) and follows him back home for his best friend’s wedding. In this case, home means Singapore and it’s the perfect opportunity for Rachel to both meet Nick’s family and catch up with her old college friend of Peik Lin (Awkwafina). But Rachel may find herself not being accepted into Nick’s incredibly wealthy and strict family when they’re so bound by cultural tradition.
Directed by Jon M. Chu (Now You See Me 2), this romantic comedy gave a jolt of representation and glitz to the genre involving weddings. Singapore was portrayed as a gorgeous location of decadence and the all-Asian cast gave astoundingly exciting performances. The allure of such a picture has garnered sequels based on the continuing novel series. But if you just can’t wait for those films to come about, there’s a number of films with similar sensations that can replicate such an experience. Check out these 10 films similar to Crazy Rich Asians.
The Farewell
If you just couldn’t get enough of Awkwafina, check her out taking the lead role in 2019’s underrated gem of The Farewell. Awkwafina plays a down-on-her-luck woman who learns that her family has received the bad news that the family matriarch in China is dying from cancer. Seeking to make her last days special, the family plan to stage a fake wedding to gather everyone. Grandma will believe it is a happy occasion for newly-wed couples when in reality the rest of the family are using this as a bittersweet event to give her one last great gathering. But how long can the family keep lying to such a cherished family member when it has become so much a part of their culture? Directed by Lulu Wang (Posthumous), this mix of comedy and tragedy additionally stars Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, and Zhao Shu-zhen.
La La Land
For those seeking a more dreamlike approach to love present in Crazy Rich Asian, there’s wonder and charm to spare in the musical whimsy of La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle (Whiplash). Set in a colorful vision of Los Angeles, two different people with great ambition strive to achieve their dreams. Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is holding out hope to become a famous jazz pianist by embracing the classics and striving to achieve just the right song that’ll make him more than just the hired piano man for small-time gigs. Mia (Emma Stone) works in a coffee shop but is hoping to hit it big as an actress, also seeking inspiration from tradition by adoring classic Hollywood. They meet and fall in love in a very musical fashion but may find themselves conflicted with how they want to pursue their futures where romance may not be in the cards.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
If Crazy Rich Asians has got you in the mood for films about big weddings, why not pursue the biggest, fattest, Greekest of wedding movies. The film follows the exploits of the Portokalos family and their growing concerns about Toula. She has yet to be married and is already in her 30s, making the family sweat and fret for her future. But after visiting her aunt’s travel agency, Toula starts falling for the teacher of Ian Miller. The only problem is that Ian isn’t Greek, which will not please her family upon their more open declaration of love. Directed by Joel Zwick (Second Sight), the film’s ensemble cast includes Nia Vardalos (also the writer), John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Gia Carides, Louis Mandylor, Andrea Martin, and Joey Fatone.
Coming To America
For both a culture clash and unlikely romances, Coming To America remains one of the most notable comedies of the 1980s. Prince Akeem Joffer seems to have a sweet life residing in the African kingdom of Zamunda. For living such a lavish existence, he has been used to having everything handed to him on a silver platter, including a bride. The prince seeks more out of life and decides to travel to America to find a bride of his own; one that will be independent with a mind of her own. But finding such a bride may be harder than he thinks when searching the streets of Queens and learning the ways of America. Directed by John Landis (National Lampoon’s Animal House), this hilarious comedy features Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall in multiple roles along with supporting roles by James Earl Jones, John Amos, Madge Sinclair, and Shari Headley.
Destination Wedding
Frank and Lindsay are two strangers who find themselves headed for the same wedding. Consider the black sheep of their families, they find themselves hating everything about the event. That despisement forms a bond where their commonality for sneering at weddings may just make them the perfect couple. And since the wedding continuously finds them thrust together, they may just find themselves falling in love amid all their cynical conversations. Directed by Victor Levin, the film stars Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves in the lead roles.
Table 19
Sometimes it’s not love that can be found at a wedding but friendship. That’s exactly what’s being served up for Table 19. The film takes place during a wedding where the lesser folks of the event find themselves connecting when it seems like the rest of the family has left them behind. Though being placed so far back, they start talking and connecting, trying to find some kindness amid a time that seems so lonely for the table 19 occupants. As a bittersweet comedy directed by Jeffrey Blitz (Spellbound), the ensemble casting includes Anna Kendrick, Craig Robinson, June Squibb, Lisa Kudrow, Stephen Merchant, Tony Revolori, Wyatt Russell, and Amanda Crew.
Mamma Mia
Based on the popular jukebox musical by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia brings all the toe-tapping joy of the ABBA songs into a theatrical film. Donna is preparing everything to be perfect on her island for her daughter’s wedding. With the aid of her friends, she’s able to put on the biggest bash. What she doesn’t count on is that her daughter will be bringing the unexpected guests of three men who may have been the father of her children. But who could he be? Directed by Phyllida Lloyd (The Iron Lady), the film’s all-star ensemble cast includes Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, and Christine Baranski. The story would continue in the sequel of 2018’s Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Bridesmaids
With her life a mess, Annie is a single woman seeking something she just can’t grasp. However, she’s still there for her friend Lillian who is getting married and asking for Annie to be her maid of honor. But Annie isn’t quite equipped for the job and finds herself jumping through a lot of hoops that she often stumbles through. Her road to the wedding continues amid the other bridesmaids with all sorts of wild detours. Directed by Paul Feig (The Heat, Spy), this ensemble wedding comedy stars Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, and Chris O’Dowd.
Palm Springs
Sarah Wilder is not looking forward to the wedding of her sister in Palm Springs. She’s single and feeling low, seeking anything to make the event a less miserable experience. It’s only when she follows the easy-going partier of Nyles away from the party where she gets pulled into a time loop. Now stuck reliving the same day over and over again with Nyles, Sarah panics as she tries to find a way out of going through the same depressing day. When even death can’t save her from the repetition, the two of them seek a way out of the time loop while also maybe finding love in the process. Directed by Max Barbakow, this sci-fi romantic comedy stars Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, Peter Gallagher, and J. K. Simmons.
An American in Paris
If you’re seeking something far more classical yet still vibrant, consider the timeless appeal of An American in Paris. The American ex-GI of Jerry Mulligan has remained in Paris to fulfill his dreams of becoming a painter. As he continues to push his art around the city, he soon falls for the charming Lise Bouvier. But he also gained the eye of Milo Roberts, an American heiress who fancies far more than just paintings from the handsome artist. It’s up to Jerry to decide what will lie in his future for this decadent and eccentric picture of people seeking to follow their creative and fanciful dreams. Directed by musical legend Vincente Minnelli (Meet Me in St. Louis), this romantic comedy is loaded with astounding song and dance with a cast that includes Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guétary, and Nina Foch.
