Verdict:What to Expect When You're Expecting is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Romance, Comedy, Drama genre.
Answer: Yes, What to Expect When You're Expecting is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 2012, What to Expect When You're Expecting enters the Romance genre with a narrative focused on Challenges of impending parenthood turn the lives of five couples upside down. Under the direction of Kirk Jones, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Jennifer Lopez, Chace Crawford, Anna Kendrick. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, What to Expect When You're Expecting offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, What to Expect When You're Expecting resonates with current cultural themes in the Romance space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of January 2026, What to Expect When You're Expecting is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of What to Expect When You're Expecting centers on a unique premise within the Romance landscape. Challenges of impending parenthood turn the lives of five couples upside down. Two celebrities are unprepared for the surprise demands of pregnancy; hormones wreak havoc on a baby-crazy author, while her husband tries not to be outdone by his father, who's expecting twins with his young trophy wife; a photographer's husband isn't sure about his wife's adoption plans; a one-time hook-up results in a surprise pregnancy for rival food-truck owners. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2012 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of What to Expect When You're Expecting has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a What to Expect When You're Expecting sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012): with an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Romance, Comedy, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $79,700,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The estimated production budget for What to Expect When You're Expecting is $40,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, What to Expect When You're Expecting stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
What to Expect When You're Expecting has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
What to Expect When You're Expecting is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What to Expect When You're Expecting is a Romance, Comedy, Drama movie that Challenges of impending parenthood turn the lives of five couples upside down. Two celebrities are unprepared for the surprise demands of pregnancy; h...
What to Expect When You're Expecting has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
What to Expect When You're Expecting is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What to Expect When You're Expecting is a Romance, Comedy, Drama movie that Challenges of impending parenthood turn the lives of five couples upside down. Two celebrities are unprepared for the surprise demands of pregnancy; h...
Yes, What to Expect When You're Expecting is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Romance, Comedy, Drama genre.
You can find streaming options and availability for What to Expect When You're Expecting on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
What to Expect When You're Expecting features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of What to Expect When You're Expecting are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Decent watch, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend unless you're pregnant (or part of a couple with pregnancy). It's one of those movies where it is 4-5 stories that barely (if at all) overlap, but have some thematic connection to one another. I honestly think it's a great way to use celebrities to comprehensively cover the contents of the book of the same name. This is (clearly) targeted at pregnant women and expecting parents, and I think it does a good job of that. I don't think it does as great a job creating a decent narrative for general audiences.
