Logo What's After the Movie

What to Expect When You're Expecting 2012

Five couples confront the challenges and joys of pregnancy and impending parenthood. Jules and Evan grapple with the disruption of their celebrity lifestyle, while Wendy's strict parenting ideals are challenged by the realities of pregnancy. Meanwhile, Gary finds himself in a competitive situation with his wife Skyler as they prepare for their new family dynamic. Each couple experiences unique and relatable moments as they navigate this transformative journey.

Five couples confront the challenges and joys of pregnancy and impending parenthood. Jules and Evan grapple with the disruption of their celebrity lifestyle, while Wendy's strict parenting ideals are challenged by the realities of pregnancy. Meanwhile, Gary finds himself in a competitive situation with his wife Skyler as they prepare for their new family dynamic. Each couple experiences unique and relatable moments as they navigate this transformative journey.

Does What to Expect When You're Expecting have end credit scenes?

Yes!

What to Expect When You're Expecting does have end credit scenes. Stay until the very end!

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of What to Expect When You're Expecting

Explore the complete cast of What to Expect When You're Expecting, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for What to Expect When You're Expecting

See how What to Expect When You're Expecting is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where What to Expect When You're Expecting stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

41

Metascore

5.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

23%

TOMATOMETER

review

47%

User Score

IMDb

5.7 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

60

%

User Score

Letterboxd

2.7

From 100 fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.55/5

From 29 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate What to Expect When You're Expecting Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of What to Expect When You're Expecting with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


What to Expect When You're Expecting Quiz: Test your knowledge on the relationships, challenges, and humorous moments of parenthood depicted in the movie.

What is the profession of Wendy Cooper in the movie?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for What to Expect When You're Expecting

See more

Read the complete plot summary of What to Expect When You're Expecting, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


We are introduced to Wendy Cooper (Elizabeth Banks) and her husband, Gary (Ben Falcone), as they navigate their lives amidst the chaos of impending parenthood. Wendy, who manages the Breast Choice Boutique, is seen enthusiastically reading a children’s book on breastfeeding to a group of kids and their parents. Just as things seem to flow smoothly, a child disrupts the reading by shouting an obscenity, prompting Gary to chase after him while Wendy reminds her audience to express gratitude to their mothers for breastfeeding. The day takes a turn when Wendy’s phone alerts her that she is ovulating, leading to a brief romantic interlude with Gary.

Meanwhile, we meet Holly (Jennifer Lopez), who is busy at a photo shoot. After a chaotic moment with a baby, Holly is encouraged by a mother to consider having a child of her own, which aligns with her aspirations. The narrative then shifts back to Wendy and Gary as they attend an outdoor screening of “Dirty Dancing.” Over drinks, Wendy suggests they take a break from trying to conceive, which leads to unexpected complications and laughter later in the night.

Enter Marco (Chace Crawford) and Rosie (Anna Kendrick), who have an unresolved history of their own. While they compete in a food-selling challenge at the festival, old sparks reignite, culminating in an intimate moment under the stars after a playful back and forth. Jules Baxter (Cameron Diaz) and her husband, Evan (Matthew Morrison), are also introduced; they are expecting a child, but Evan’s anxiety about the whole process is palpable as he navigates the changes coming his way.

Holly’s journey takes a twist when her husband, Alex (Rodrigo Santoro), expresses concerns about their ability to adopt due to his hesitations, making things tense between them. In another subplot, Wendy discovers she might be pregnant, asynchronously leaving Rosie feeling turmoil about her own unexpected news, which leads to a significant conflict with Marco.

The complexity of their lives deepens as they all face the realities of new parenthood combined with the hilarity and challenges that arise. The scenes address everything from hectic hospital visits to uncomfortable family gatherings, particularly a workout session that spills into concerns about parenting from Ramsey (Dennis Quaid), Gary’s estranged father, who comically brags about his own imminent grandfatherhood.

Tensions come to a head in a series of humorous yet heartfelt exchanges as each couple navigates their distinct path towards parenthood. There are ups and downs, from joyous moments of connection and laughter to arguments reflecting deeper issues. The film artfully balances the stresses of relationships, the essence of friendship, and the unpredictability of family dynamics.

As the plot unfolds, viewers witness life-altering decisions being made, culminating in all the couples facing their biggest challenge yet—labor and delivery. The chaos intensifies at the hospital with each character’s unique birth experience, each filled with laughter and tears, highlighting the unpredictability of welcoming new life into this world.

In the end, despite their separate struggles, all the couples find a common ground as they embrace their newborns, suggesting that while the journey to parenthood can be messy and complicated, the rewards of family and love are immeasurable, culminating in a heartwarming conclusion where everyone finds joy in their new roles as parents.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for What to Expect When You're Expecting

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from What to Expect When You're Expecting. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer 1

Official Trailer 2 'Dudes Group'

Official Trailer 3

Cars Featured in What to Expect When You're Expecting

See 22 more

Explore all cars featured in What to Expect When You're Expecting, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Aston

2004

Martin DB9

Blue

Bird All American

BMW

2004

525i E60

Chevrolet

2005

Cobalt

Chevrolet

1969

Corvette Stingray C3

Chevrolet

Step-Van

Chevrolet

2000

Tahoe

Dodge

1986

Ram Van

E-Z-Go

TXT

Ford

2003

Crown Victoria

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


pregnancyexpecting twinschick flickmiscarriagepregnant wifepregnant womanrepetition in titleromantic comedyphotographerbabyf ratedwatching a video on a computerunderwater sceneswimming pooltattoovomitinggiving birthchildbirthbirthmale female relationshipexpectant fatherexpectant motheradoptionbased on bookhawaiian shirtopen air cinematitle same as book

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.