Entertainment

12 Movies To Watch If You Love 'Master Of None'

by Kayleigh Hughes
Netflix

Aziz Ansari's acclaimed comedy-romance series Master of None returns to Netflix on May 12, and it's one of the most anticipated second seasons on TV this year. The first season knocked it out of the park, fusing deep sincerity, sharp societal and cultural observations, and a keen sense of how people interact. If you love the show, you might be looking for more movies that are up your alley and reflect some of the show's qualities, and fortunately I've compiled for you an excellent list of movies to watch if you love Master of None.

Master of None has an incredibly strong and unique style, tone, rhythm, and perspective about the world. That makes it a great television show to inspire an interest in movies that might share some of those qualities. A lot of the films on this list are set in New York, and follow people from all different types of backgrounds as they make their way through the city and try to figure out what they want from life. Some share the great improvisational dialogue that helps drive Master of None's comedic sensibilities, while others share the show's warm but ultimately realistic view of love. They all offer something unique and voice-driven.

1'500 Days Of Summer'

One of the things I love about Master of None is how it's aware of romantic comedy tropes and adores romance, but is also very clear-eyed and realistic about the challenges and complexities of relationships. So a non-traditional romantic comedy like 500 Days of Summer, which is equal parts sentimental and cutting, but ultimately very bittersweet, is a great companion.

Stream 500 Days of Summer here.

2'Chef'

Dev in Master of None is a total foodie, which is a word I don't like but that I'm sure he has called himself. There are some great pasta monologues and mouthwatering food footage on the show, and Chef matches that. Chef also matches Master of None's wry moments, strong use of setting, and self-discovery themes.

Stream Chef here

3'50/50'

This dramatic comedy about going through cancer treatment, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anna Kendrick, is one of my favorite movies of all time. I love films that, like Master of None, feel true to life, with realistic and deeply emotional character moments, high stakes, and also warm comedy elements.

Stream 50/50 here.

4'The Incredible Jessica James'

Netflix

Noël Wells, who does an amazing job as Rachel on Master of None, is in this brand new indie comedy (coming soon as a Netflix original) starring Jessica Williams as an aspiring playwright in New York who is getting over a breakup. Williams leads the film just as powerfully as Ansari leads his show, and the movie's sense of New York City is as strong as Master of None's.

5'Funny People'

Ansari has a small part in this dramedy about what it's really like to be a comedian. I remember being impressed and surprised when I saw Funny People because of how great and real the cast was and how well the movie balanced comedy and human drama. Adam Sandler is the lead, and he's really pretty good, but the movie shines because of the cast as a whole.

Stream Funny People here.

6'2 Days In Paris'

The authentic portrayal of a lived-in relationship and the unique framing of a two-day trip to Paris makes this movie starring Julie Delphy and Adam Goldberg a perfect fit for those who loved Dev and Rachel's trip to Nashville just as much as the stunning episode "Mornings," which is a snapshot of the couple's mornings over the course of several months.

Stream 2 Days in Paris here.

7'Frances Ha'

Master of None is, in part, about figuring out what you want out of your art, your career, and your life while living in one of the most stimulating cities in the world, New York City. Mumblecore classic Frances Ha tackles many of those exact same questions.

Stream Frances Ha here.

8'The Comedy'

Eric Wareheim, who plays Dev's friend Arnold and also directed five episodes of Master of None's first season, has an incredibly strong and original aesthetic, and he stars alongside his comedy partner Tim Heidecker in the off-kilter New York-set indie film The Comedy about a man avoiding harder questions and whiling away his time with friends.

Stream The Comedy here.

9'She's Gotta Have It'

She's Gotta Have It is acclaimed auteur Spike Lee's first feature-length film, and it's about a vibrant young woman in New York City who in unsure of what she wants and dates three men at the same time. The comedy-drama has a strong cinematic voice, with both its characters and its directorial style, just like Master of None.

10'Obvious Child'

An off-kilter romantic comedy set in New York City that's about abortion and stand-up, Obviously Child is a natural companion for Master of None, which as you might remember, boasts as its very first scene a journey to get Plan B after a condom breaks.

Stream Obvious Child here.

11'This Is The End'

This truly bananas apocalypse comedy has Ansari playing a version of himself, alongside dozens of other comedians and actors playing themselves, sort of. It may not share Master of None's sincere tone or realism, but if you love Ansari and twisted comedy, you'll want to watch it.

Stream This is the End here.

12'Nights And Weekends'

Another mumblecore movie starring Greta Gerwig, Nights and Weekends is about a couple dealing with a long-distance relationship where one is in Chicago and the other is in New York. So, basically exactly what Rachel and Dev might have been doing if the finale of Master of None's first season had ended differently.

Stream Nights and Weekends here.

Once you're done marathoning Master of None Season 2, get a start on watching these movies.

Editor's Note: On Jan. 13, Ansari was accused of sexual misconduct by a woman who went on a date with him. Ansari has since responded to the claims, saying:

"In September of last year, I met a woman at a party. We exchanged numbers. We texted back and forth and eventually went on a date. We went out to dinner, and afterwards we ended up engaging in sexual activity, which by all indications was completely consensual.

The next day, I got a text from her saying that although 'it may have seemed okay,' upon further reflection, she felt uncomfortable. It was true that everything did seem okay to me, so when I heard that it was not the case for her, I was surprised and concerned. I took her words to heart and responded privately after taking the time to process what she had said.

I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue."