20 Must-Watch Movies Similar to ‘The Apartment’

Bell Book and Candle is reminiscent of The Apartment in several ways. Both movies are set in New York City and revolve around unconventional love stories. While The Apartment focuses on the complicated relationships formed in the corporate world, Bell Book and Candle uses the supernatural element of witchcraft to explore the dynamics of love. Additionally, both films have a charming and whimsical tone, with a touch of romance and comedy. However, there are also notable differences between the two. The Apartment has a more cynical and satirical undertone, delving into themes of loneliness and the compromises people make to achieve their desires. On the other hand, Bell Book and Candle is a lighter and more fantastical film, with a focus on the magical powers of the main character and the humorous situations that arise from it. Overall, while The Apartment is a classic and thought-provoking film, Bell Book and Candle offers a delightful and enchanting escape into a world of witchcraft and love.

"Some Like It Hot" is a delightful comedy that will leave you laughing from start to finish. Just like "The Apartment," this film is a testament to Billy Wilder's genius in creating satires that go beyond the surface-level humor. While "The Apartment" explores the lengths people are willing to go to achieve their desires, "Some Like It Hot" takes it a step further by examining the complexities of human nature within the backdrop of prohibition and gang wars. The film cleverly disguises its deeper themes of identity and acceptance in a hilarious story about two musicians on the run from the mob. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon deliver standout performances, with Lemmon's portrayal of a man in a frock being nothing short of perfection. Marilyn Monroe shines in her role, capturing the audience's attention with her beauty and the underlying sadness in her eyes. With its brilliant writing and impeccable comedic timing, "Some Like It Hot" is a must-watch that will leave you wanting more.

"Remember the Night" is a delightful film that shares similarities with "The Apartment". Both movies explore the complexities of relationships in a comedic and romantic way. In "Remember the Night," Fred MacMurray once again charms the audience, this time as an attorney who falls in love with a shoplifter, played by Barbara Stanwyck. Just like "The Apartment," there is a sense of unconventional circumstances bringing two people together. While "The Apartment" focuses on office politics and the compromises people make for success, "Remember the Night" takes place during the Christmas holiday and centers around the themes of family and the impacts of one's environment. The dynamic between the characters is heartwarming, with MacMurray's understanding and supportive family contrasting with Stanwyck's tough exterior. The film alternates between funny and serious moments, giving the audience a well-rounded experience.

Soap Opera, released in 2014, is reminiscent of The Apartment for a few reasons. Both movies revolve around the lives of multiple characters living in the same apartment building, creating a sense of interconnectedness. While The Apartment explores themes of love, loneliness, and ambition, Soap Opera takes a lighter approach with its comedic tone. Despite their differences in genres, both films use the setting of an apartment building during the holiday season to tell their stories. Soap Opera may not have the same critical acclaim or star-studded cast as The Apartment, but it offers a charming and humorous take on the lives of its characters. If you enjoyed the heartfelt exploration of human relationships in The Apartment, you should give Soap Opera a watch for a lighthearted and entertaining experience.

Las amiguitas de los ricos is a delightful movie that shares a few similarities with The Apartment. Both films fall under the Comedy and Drama genres, and they both revolve around the theme of Christmas. However, that's where the similarities end. The Apartment, directed by Billy Wilder, takes us on a journey through the complex world of corporate politics and unrequited love. On the other hand, Las amiguitas de los ricos, directed by José Díaz Morales, tells the story of three kept women who undergo a Christmas miracle that transforms their lives and leads them towards marriage and decency. While The Apartment is known for its witty satire and emotional depth, Las amiguitas de los ricos charms viewers with its lighthearted approach to the holiday season. So, if you're looking for a festive movie that will make you laugh and warm your heart, Las amiguitas de los ricos is the perfect choice.

Christmas in July is a delightful collage of comedy, romance, satire, drama, and nudge nudge observations about the hunger for wealth and the spin-offs that wealth creates. While the film's core plot of frivolity may not be to everyone's taste, it ticks all the boxes for a joyride with more at its heart. The pace of the film is reminiscent of screwball comedies from the great era, and it effortlessly shifts gears for poignant reflection. With hilarity from many quarters, a sparky cast, and the direction of a deity, Christmas in July is a joyous winner that prods you in the ribs and gives a cheeky wink along the way. So, if you enjoyed The Apartment, you should definitely watch Christmas in July for its charm, humor, and clever exploration of human desires and dreams.

The Lady in Question is reminiscent of The Apartment in the sense that both movies explore the complexities of relationships in unconventional settings. While The Apartment focuses on a Manhattan insurance clerk who lets executives use his apartment for trysts, The Lady in Question revolves around a juror who takes pity on an acquitted defendant and invites her to move into his family's home. In both films, the main characters find themselves entangled in unexpected romantic situations that challenge their perceptions of love and loyalty. However, there are notable differences between the two movies. The Apartment, directed by Billy Wilder, delves into themes of loneliness, ambition, and the sacrifices people are willing to make for their desires. On the other hand, The Lady in Question, although featuring an interesting plot twist, falls short of fully exploring its comedic and dramatic elements. While Glenn Ford and Rita Hayworth show promise, the film primarily revolves around Brian Aherne's bumbling shop owner character, providing ample opportunity for his comedic talents to shine.

Single All the Way is reminiscent of The Apartment in its delightful portrayal of unconventional relationships. While The Apartment explores the complexities of love and ambition in a corporate setting, Single All the Way takes a lighthearted approach to the holiday season and the pressure to find love. Both movies capture the essence of the Christmas spirit and the warmth of human connections. The Apartment's Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine are matched by the charming chemistry between Michael Urie and Philemon Chambers in Single All the Way. The films share a common thread of using humor to navigate the intricacies of relationships, whether it's through the unconventional arrangement of lending an apartment or pretending to be in a relationship. While The Apartment delves into deeper emotional depths, Single All the Way offers a feel-good experience with its likeable characters and heartwarming family dynamics.

Hollywood, je t'aime is reminiscent of The Apartment because both movies fall under the genres of Comedy, Drama, and Romance. However, they are set in different time periods, with The Apartment being released in 1960 and Hollywood, je t'aime in 2009. While The Apartment explores the complexities of love and ambition in a Manhattan insurance company, Hollywood, je t'aime follows the journey of a gay Parisian who travels to Hollywood to heal his broken heart. Both films touch on themes of self-discovery and finding a sense of belonging, but with their own unique perspectives and cultural contexts. The Apartment showcases the talent of Billy Wilder, while Hollywood, je t'aime impresses with its authentic depiction of the "real" Hollywood. If you enjoyed the wit and charm of The Apartment, Hollywood, je t'aime offers a fresh take on love and self-discovery in the city of dreams.

The Cheaters: An eccentric wealthy family facing bankruptcy schemes to steal an inheritance, but an alcoholic ex-actor they take in for Christmas charity complicates their plan.
The Cheaters takes us back to a time when families schemed and plotted for their own gain, but in a comedic and heartwarming way. This movie shares the same genre as The Apartment - a mix of comedy, drama, and romance - but with a festive twist. While The Apartment explores the lengths people are willing to go to get what they want, The Cheaters adds a holiday element to the mix, showing us that even during Christmas, greed can take center stage. The eccentricity of the characters in both films is reminiscent, with The Cheaters featuring an alcoholic ex-actor who disrupts the family's plans. Although The Cheaters may not have received as much critical acclaim as The Apartment, it still offers a delightful escape into a world of witty dialogue, clever scheming, and unexpected twists.

The Bishop's Wife is reminiscent of The Apartment in its charming and heartwarming portrayal of characters navigating complex relationships. Both films explore themes of love, sacrifice, and finding happiness in unexpected places. While The Apartment focuses on a lonely insurance clerk who lets executives use his apartment for affairs, The Bishop's Wife follows a debonair angel who comes to Earth to help a bishop and his wife raise money for a new church. Despite their different premises, both movies use comedy and drama to capture the essence of human emotions and desires. The performances in both films are exceptional, with Jack Lemmon and Cary Grant portraying their respective characters with sincerity and wit. In terms of visual storytelling, both directors, Billy Wilder and Henry Koster, excel in creating visually stunning scenes that enhance the narrative. While The Apartment tackles the corporate world and the pursuit of success, The Bishop's Wife delves into faith and the power of miracles.

Holiday Affair is a delightful movie that reminds me of The Apartment. Both films explore the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of the holiday season. While The Apartment focuses on the office politics and romantic entanglements of a Manhattan insurance clerk, Holiday Affair tells the story of a young widow torn between a boring attorney and a romantic ne'er-do-well. What makes these movies reminiscent of each other is the way they capture the bittersweet longing and uncertainty that can accompany love. The characters in both films are searching for something more, whether it's a meaningful connection or a fresh start. While The Apartment has a more cynical edge, Holiday Affair maintains a sense of innocence and hope. Robert Mitchum's effortless performance and Janet Leigh's wistful portrayal of a war widow struggling to move forward make this film a hidden gem.

A Match Made at Christmas, unlike The Apartment, is a recent release that brings a delightful dose of holiday romance. While The Apartment explores the complexities of office politics and relationships, A Match Made at Christmas takes a lighter approach, centering around the unexpected pairing of Holly and Chris. Holly, a romantic small-town girl, and Chris, a career-driven realist, find themselves "matched" by Holly's all-knowing great-aunt, leaving them with little choice but to navigate their newfound connection. Although the film doesn't reach the same critical acclaim as its predecessor, it offers a charming story for those seeking a heartwarming holiday romance. So, gather some mistletoe and settle in for a delightful journey into the magic of Christmas love.

Christmas on the Carousel is a heartwarming film that captures the essence of the holiday season, much like The Apartment did back in 1960. While The Apartment delves into the complexities of office politics and romantic entanglements, Christmas on the Carousel focuses on the bittersweet nostalgia of four friends coming together for their last Christmas at home. Both movies explore themes of love, friendship, and the search for happiness in unexpected places. However, where The Apartment showcases the bustling city life of Manhattan, Christmas on the Carousel transports us to a cozy small town setting, where a carousel becomes the centerpiece of the story. With its delightful blend of comedy, drama, and romance, Christmas on the Carousel is a must-watch for those seeking a heartfelt and relatable tale about the joys and challenges of the holiday season.

The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star takes us on another enchanting adventure with Queen Margaret and Princess Stacy. This time, their quest involves retrieving a stolen priceless relic, and they are joined by Margaret's cousin Fiona and a man from Fiona's past. While The Apartment and The Princess Switch 3 may seem worlds apart, they share a common thread of unexpected encounters and romantic entanglements. Just as Billy Wilder skillfully weaves a love story amidst the backdrop of satire in The Apartment, the team behind The Princess Switch 3 combines romance with a thrilling heist, resulting in a delightful and unexpected switch. While The Apartment is a classic comedy-drama, The Princess Switch 3 infuses its story with the magic of Christmas and the charm of royalty. So, if you're looking for a heartwarming and entertaining film that will transport you to a world of romance and adventure, The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star is the perfect choice.

Country Roads Christmas, released in 2022, is reminiscent of The Apartment. While The Apartment is a classic comedy-drama-romance film from 1960, Country Roads Christmas brings a modern twist to the genre. Both movies share the theme of romance, but they approach it in different ways. The Apartment explores the complexities of relationships and the compromises people make for love, while Country Roads Christmas focuses on the reunion of a daughter with her estranged father and the love she finds along the way. Despite being set during Christmas, The Apartment goes beyond the holiday season, delving into the lives of its characters in a Manhattan apartment. On the other hand, Country Roads Christmas remains true to its Christmas theme, although the festive spirit takes a backseat to the story of the protagonist's journey. While The Apartment is known for its satirical elements and emotional depth, Country Roads Christmas offers a lighter, made-for-TV experience.

Christmas on the Farm is a delightful romantic comedy that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, just like The Apartment did. While the two films may seem worlds apart, they share a common thread of using unconventional settings to explore themes of love and self-discovery. In The Apartment, we find ourselves immersed in the fast-paced corporate world of Manhattan, where an insurance clerk's apartment becomes the backdrop for a captivating love story. Similarly, in Christmas on the Farm, we are transported to a picturesque farm in Australia, where a New York socialite finds herself pretending to be an Australian author. Both movies cleverly use these unique settings to challenge societal norms and showcase the power of unexpected connections. However, where The Apartment delves into the complexities of professional ambition and emotional longing, Christmas on the Farm brings a lighthearted and charming twist to the mix.

A Naija Christmas is reminiscent of The Apartment, but with a Nigerian twist. While The Apartment is set in Manhattan and revolves around an insurance clerk letting executives use his apartment for trysts, A Naija Christmas takes place in Nigeria and centers around a mother's Christmas wish and the competition it sparks between her sons. Both movies fall under the genres of comedy, drama, and romance, but while The Apartment is a critically acclaimed classic from 1960, A Naija Christmas brings a fresh and contemporary perspective to the holiday season. With its funny and quirky dialogue, well-paced storytelling, and perfectly timed jokes, A Naija Christmas offers a great effort at a Christmas-themed Naija movie. So, if you're a fan of Nigerian cinema or looking for a lighthearted holiday film with a local flavor, I would definitely recommend giving A Naija Christmas a watch.

Saving Christmas Spirit reminds me of The Apartment in a charming and delightful way. While the plots may differ, both movies fall under the genres of Comedy, Drama, and Romance and revolve around the theme of finding love and happiness in unexpected places. The Apartment showcases the story of a Manhattan insurance clerk who allows executives to use his apartment for trysts, leading to complications and a blossoming romance. In a similar vein, Saving Christmas Spirit follows an archaeologist who discovers the importance of embracing festive wonder and finds both love and a deeper connection to history. While The Apartment explores the corporate world and the lengths people go to achieve their desires, Saving Christmas Spirit adds a touch of magic and a sprinkle of light snowfall to enhance its heartwarming storyline. With its clever plot twists and endearing characters, Saving Christmas Spirit is a delightful movie that captures the spirit of the holiday season, making it a must-watch for fans of The Apartment.

Home for Christmas is reminiscent of The Apartment in its exploration of relationships and the challenges of finding love. While The Apartment takes place in the corporate world of Manhattan in the 1960s, Home for Christmas brings us to modern-day Norway during the holiday season. Both movies touch upon the theme of loneliness and the lengths people will go to find companionship. In The Apartment, the main character lets his executives use his apartment for romantic trysts in hopes of advancing his career, while in Home for Christmas, Johanne embarks on a 24-day quest to find a partner to bring home for Christmas, driven by societal pressure and her own desire for a perfect family holiday. Despite their different settings and time periods, both movies capture the universal longing for connection and the complexities of human relationships. So, if you enjoyed the heartfelt story and witty satire of The Apartment, you should definitely give Home for Christmas a watch.