Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- breezy
- witty
- warm
- date night
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics broadly found the script formulaic, predictable, and bland, while viewing Jennifer Lopez’s performance and parts of the supporting cast more favorably.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Zoe chooses artificial insemination before meeting Stan, making pregnancy the central condition of their developing romance.
Zoe decides to become a mother without having a partner, challenging the expectation that romance must precede family formation.
The film foregrounds pregnancy-related discomfort and comic set pieces, including an orgasm gag and a water birth.
Zoe habitually pushes people away when they get close and expects Stan to leave after learning about the pregnancy.
Films like The Back-Up Plan, and why
Baby Mama
Shares a pregnancy-centered romantic comedy premise, female self-determination, and broad physical humor.
The Switch
Shares an unexpected romance complicated by pregnancy, commitment fears, and a polished mainstream rom-com tone.
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Shares contemporary relationship conflict, comedic discomfort, and a protagonist negotiating romance alongside an unconventional path to parenthood.
The Ugly Truth
Shares a breezy romantic comedy structure centered on emotional guardedness, dating complications, and the prospect of starting a family.
Movie Details
- Director
- Alan Poul
- Release Date
- 2010-04-23
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (1514)
Cast
- Jennifer Lopez
- Alex O'Loughlin
- Michaela Watkins
- Eric Christian Olsen
- Anthony Anderson
- Noureen DeWulf
- Melissa McCarthy
- Tom Bosley
- Maribeth Monroe
- Danneel Ackles
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, Starz Amazon Channel, Starz, Starz Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Back-Up Plan about?
- A guarded woman’s carefully planned solo path to motherhood becomes an unpredictable romance when she meets a man willing to stay.
- What is The Back-Up Plan like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Back-Up Plan as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is The Back-Up Plan violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Back-Up Plan.
- What did critics think of The Back-Up Plan?
- Critics broadly found the script formulaic, predictable, and bland, while viewing Jennifer Lopez’s performance and parts of the supporting cast more favorably.
- Which films are like The Back-Up Plan?
- Films with a similar feel include Baby Mama, The Switch, What to Expect When You're Expecting, and The Ugly Truth.
- How long is The Back-Up Plan?
- The Back-Up Plan runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Back-Up Plan?
- In United States, The Back-Up Plan streams on Philo, Starz Amazon Channel, Starz, Starz Apple TV channel.
