Whatever Works (2009)
Kernel Score: 80% · 1,824 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Comedy, Romance
Released: 2009-06-19
Runtime: 92 minutes
Where to watch Whatever Works
- Stream: Prime Video
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Whatever Works explores the relationship between a crotchety misanthrope, Boris and a naïve, impressionable young runaway from the south, Melody. When Melody's uptight parents arrive in New York to rescue her, they are quickly drawn into wildly unexpected romantic entanglements. Everyone discovers that finding love is just a combination of lucky chance and appreciating the value of "whatever works."
Whatever Works parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Whatever Works is a PG-13 romantic comedy with adult relationship themes and an age-gap romance.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Whatever Works
If you liked Whatever Works, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Barefoot in the Park (1967) — 78%
- Little Manhattan (2005) — 81%
- It Happened One Night (1934) — 87%
- To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018) — 86%
- Juliet of the Spirits (1965) — 81%
- Benny & Joon (1993) — 79%
- The Things of Life (1970) — 77%
- The Case for Christ (2017) — 74%
Director
Cast
- Larry David as Boris Yellnikoff
- Evan Rachel Wood as Melodie St. Ann Celestine
- Michael McKean as Joe - Boris' Friend #3
- Conleth Hill as Leo Brockman
- Patricia Clarkson as Marietta
- Ed Begley Jr. as John
- Carolyn McCormick as Jessica
- Henry Cavill as Randy James
- John Gallagher Jr. as Perry
- Christopher Evan Welch as Howard
Whatever Works FAQ
Is Whatever Works good?
Whatever Works has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,824 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Whatever Works?
In the US you can stream Whatever Works on Prime Video and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Whatever Works OK for kids?
Whatever Works is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Whatever Works is a PG-13 romantic comedy with adult relationship themes and an age-gap romance.
What movies are like Whatever Works?
If you liked Whatever Works, try Barefoot in the Park, Little Manhattan, It Happened One Night and To All the Boys I've Loved Before.