12 Movies Like The Intern You Must See

Directed by Nancy Meyers, ‘The Intern’ tells the story of Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro), a 70-year-old widower who gets bored with retirement. To escape the lonely stasis, he joins an online fashion retail company as the titular intern. Dressed in suits and armed with old-school charm, Ben quickly gains popularity among his much younger co-workers. He also becomes a favorite of the company’s founder and CEO, Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). Aided by the divide in age and experience between them, Ben takes on the role of a personal and professional mentor for Jules.

The 2015 film is a timeless comedy-drama that exemplifies the workplace bond formed between individuals from two different times. It drives home the idea that challenges become easier to face when one is not alone. When the experience of old age works hand in hand with the enthusiasm and innovations of youth, troubles do not seem too far-fetched to overcome. If the narrative has managed to capture your hearts, here is a list of movies similar to ‘The Intern’ you can consider for your next watch.

12. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

Based on the eponymous novel by Richard C. Morais, ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’ explores the battle between two restaurateurs whose establishments are situated across the road from each other in a village in France. Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren) is the proprietor of the Michelin-star restaurant Saule Pleureur. When a family of Indian immigrants headed by the patriarch Abbu Kadam (Om Puri) opens Maison Mumbai next door, Mallory is infuriated. However, she takes a liking to Abbu’s son Hassan (Manish Dayal) after discovering his culinary talent and decides to nurture his potential. As in ‘The Intern,’ Mallory and Hassan working together turns into a pleasurable learning experience for them both in the Lasse Hallstrom directorial.

11. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

‘Something’s Gotta Give’ by Nancy Meyers follows Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson), an aging womanizer who goes on holiday to the Hamptons with his much younger girlfriend, Marin Klein (Amanda Peet). While staying at the latter’s beach house, they are stunned by the sudden arrival of Marin’s mother, dramatist Erica Barry (Diane Keaton), and her sister Zoe (Frances McDormand). Harry initially scandalizes Erica, but he finds himself slowly falling for her after he suffers a health scare and is ordered to stay at home. The enthusiastic approach that he has to life and new experiences is reminiscent of Ben Whittaker in the director’s other film, ‘The Intern.’

10. Larry Crowne (2011)

Tom Hanks stars in the titular role in ‘Larry Crowne,’ which he also directed. His character is a middle-aged man who suddenly finds himself unemployed as a result of corporate downsizing. Unsure of his way forward, he enrolls in college and becomes friends with a bunch of younger misfits. One of his classes is taught by Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts), who has lost interest in both her personal and professional lives. Fate brings her and Larry closer together, and a mutual attraction seemingly blooms. Larry’s enthusiasm for reinventing himself demonstrates he shares the spirit of Ben Whittaker.

9. Julie & Julia (2009)

‘Julie & Julia’ chronicles the real-life experiences of Julie Powell (Amy Adams), a young New Yorker who finds herself stuck with a job she hates. To challenge herself, she decides to cook 524 recipes in Julia Child’s (Meryl Streep) cookbook in 365 days and write a blog on the subject. The tale of her quest is interspersed with glimpses at the early life of celebrated chef Julia Child, during her days as a young American in Paris, France. Directed by Nora Ephron, the film is based on the eponymous internet blog and ‘My Life in France’ written by Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme. Julia acts as a guide, in spirit, to Julie during a troubled time in her life, much like how Ben Whittaker helps Jules Ostin in ‘The Intern.’

8. A Man Called Otto (2023)

Based on the novel ‘A Man Called Ove’ by Fredrik Backman, Marc Forster’s film ‘A Man Called Otto’ revolves around Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a 63-year-old widower living in suburban Pittsburgh. Despite his grumpy nature and tendency to stay aloof, he forms an unexpected friendship with the family that moves in next door, especially with Marisol (Mariana Treviño). After meeting Marisol and her spirited family, Otto’s life takes on a different trajectory. The relationship that he shares with the young woman brings to mind what ‘The Intern’ Ben Whittaker shares with Jules Ostin.

7. The Rebound (2009)

Helmed by Bart Freundlich, ‘The Rebound’ centers around Sandy (Catherine Zeta-Jones), wife and mother of two, who discovers her husband has been cheating on her. Following a quick divorce, she relocates with her children to New York City, where she hires 25-year-old Aram Finklestein (Justin Bartha) to babysit her children. However, they start to develop feelings for each other, and officially start dating after sharing a passionate night together. While their age difference or the nature of their relationship is not comparable to the leading pair in ‘The Intern,’ Sandy and Aram do capture the heart and wholesome approach to life that fuels both films.

6. Chef (2014)

Written, produced, directed by, and starring Jon Favreau in the titular role, ‘Chef’ is about Carl Casper, head chef of a high-end restaurant in Los Angeles. After clashing with the owner who refuses to give him creative freedom over the menu, Carl leaves his job and opens up a food truck. He is supported in his endeavor by his ex-wife, Inez, son Percy, and best friend and former line cook, Martin. The film showcases reigniting one’s passion for work and going back to the basics, which is what Ben Whittaker helps Jules Ostin achieve in ‘The Intern.’

5. Morning Glory (2010)

‘Morning Glory’ by Roger Michell revolves around Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams), a newly hired producer on a national morning news program. Seeing the low ratings of the show, she decides to breathe fresh life into it by hiring television legend Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford). However, the latter has his own quirks and refuses to do puff pieces like celebrity gossip and fashion, while also clashing with his co-host Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton). Desperate to save the show as well as her job, Becky is forced to rein him in. The dynamic between the lead pair in ‘The Intern’ is reflected in parts between Becky and Mike in ‘Morning Glory.’

4. Second Act (2018)

Peter Segal’s directorial ‘Second Act’ stars Jennifer Lopez as Maya DaVilla, a Value Shop assistant manager with a flair for customer service. Despite her stellar track record, she loses her job with the arrival of her 43rd birthday to a much younger college graduate. An enraged Maya sets out to prove that street smarts is just as important as book smarts, and has her friend’s son create a fake resume and credentials for her. With it, she bags a top job at a large cosmetics company, giving her career a fresh, unexpected boost much like ‘The Intern.’

3. The Internship (2013)

‘The Internship’ by Shawn Levy centers around old-school salesmen Billy McMahon (Vince Vaughn) and Nick Campbell (Owen Wilson), who find themselves out of jobs after their company gets downsized. Desperate for work, Billy signs them both up for an internship at Google for which they qualify despite their complete lack of technical knowledge. After reaching the Silicon Valley, the duo finds themselves in the middle of far-younger fellow interns. Teaming up with other misfit “nooglers,” they decide to give their best shot at winning various competitions that could ultimately land them a job in the company. Like Ben Whittaker in ‘The Intern,’ Billy and Nick take up the internship for a fresh start at work that they know nothing about.

2. In Good Company (2004)

Helmed by Paul Weitz, ‘In Good Company’ follows Dan Foreman (Dennis Quaid), a 51-year-old ad executive and Head of Sales for a leading sports magazine. After a large corporation buys out the publication, he is forced to lay off many of his colleagues, as well as face demotion himself. Carter Duryea (Topher Grace) takes charge of the company as a 26-year-old business school prodigy and becomes Dan’s boss. Despite his polite and respectful behavior, Dan initially finds it difficult to adjust to the new dynamic. Things get further complicated when Carter starts dating his daughter, Alex (Scarlett Johansson). The younger boss-older employee trope of ‘The Intern’ is further developed in this film, with far-reaching consequences.

1. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Directed by David Frankel, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ tells the story of Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), an aspiring journalist who gets hired as a junior personal assistant to the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). One of the foremost leaders in the world of fashion, Miranda’s eccentric and borderline demeanor is tolerated by all her subordinates, including Andy. However, the latter soon begins to doubt if she is even cut out for the role.

In a complete reversal from ‘The Intern,’ Anne Hathaway plays the role of the young subordinate who gets to learn the craft from the much senior character of Meryl Streep. The relationship between the two is filled with less warmth than the previous film. Nevertheless, their impact on each other’s lives does not lessen in the slightest. Both films showcase the drive for professional excellence while balancing a complex personal life, with the dynamic between the non-romantic leads leading the narrative forward.