Keeping Up with the Joneses

Year: 2016

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Greg Mottola

Budget: $40M

ActionComedy

A suburban mother, Pam, finds herself at odds with her rebellious teenage child and seeks help from her unusual neighbor, Sheldon. Simultaneously, Robin's investigation into a dishonest boat owner reveals a shocking secret that disrupts both of their lives and plunges them into unexpected turmoil.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Keeping Up with the Joneses yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Marrakesh, cul-de-sac, MBI HQ

The story unfolds in a peaceful cul-de-sac where the Gaffney family resides, characterized by its seemingly serene environment and eccentric neighbors. The narrative also traverses to MBI HQ, the corporate center where intrigue and espionage reach their peak. Finally, the bustling cafe in Marrakesh serves as a backdrop for both reflection and unexpected danger, showcasing the global aspect of the characters' lives.

🏠 Neighborhood 🌍 International ☕ Cafe

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:46

Main Characters – Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016)

Meet the key characters of Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeff Gaffney (Zach Galifianakis)

Jeff Gaffney is a devoted father and HR employee who epitomizes the ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. His character evolves from a complacent suburbanite to an active participant in a web of espionage, showcasing his courage and adaptability. Jeff's determination to protect his family pushes him to confront danger, proving to be more resourceful than initially perceived.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Man 🎒 Ordinary Life 🌪️ Thrill-Seeker

Karen (Isla Fisher)

Karen is Jeff's supportive wife, who initially embodies the archetype of a typical suburban mom. However, her character reveals depth through her curiosity and bravery, especially when she follows Natalie to gain insight into the mysterious new neighbors. Karen's quick thinking during a high-stakes moment showcases her inner strength and resourcefulness, revealing her as a pivotal character in the story.

👩‍👦‍👦 Supportive Spouse 💃 Adventurous ⚡ Quick-Witted

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:46

Major Themes – Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016)

Explore the central themes of Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:46

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Spy next door comedies like Keeping Up with the Joneses

Ordinary suburban life gets hilariously upended by secret agents living next door.If you enjoyed the mix of suburban humor and spy action in Keeping Up with the Joneses, you'll love these movies. This thread gathers action-comedies where ordinary couples or families stumble into international espionage thanks to their suspiciously perfect neighbors, blending lighthearted fun with energetic misadventures.

action-packedcomicallightheartedsuspensefulplayfulenergeticmisadventure

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows an average protagonist who grows suspicious of their new neighbors, leading to a discovery of a secret identity. This revelation pulls them into a world of espionage they are hilariously unprepared for, involving chases, gadget mishaps, and a final confrontation that proves their mettle while maintaining a comedic tone.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core premise of 'spies among us' and their consistent tone which balances action with comedy. They share a fast pace, medium intensity where danger is undercut by humor, and a light emotional weight that makes the escapades fun rather than frightening.

Fish out of water action comedies like Keeping Up with the Joneses

Inept amateurs bumble their way through a dangerous professional world.Fans of Keeping Up with the Joneses will enjoy these movies where regular people are forced to play spy. These stories focus on the comedy of errors that occurs when unprepared amateurs try to navigate a world of professionals, resulting in fast-paced, laugh-filled adventures with a straightforward plot.

comicalaction-packedlightheartedchaoticplayfulenergeticmisadventurebumbling

Narrative Summary

The story begins with a character's normal life being interrupted by an external threat or discovery. They must quickly adapt, relying on their wits rather than training, leading to a series of escalating and humorous failures and narrow escapes. The journey culminates in them using their unique 'ordinary' perspective to solve the problem in an unexpected way.

Why These Movies?

Movies here share a specific vibe: the comedy of incompetence meets action. The pacing is consistently fast to maintain energy, the tone is light to ensure the danger feels manageable, and the emotional journey is about gaining confidence rather than facing trauma, making them highly entertaining and low-stakes.

Unlock the Full Story of Keeping Up with the Joneses

Don't stop at just watching — explore Keeping Up with the Joneses in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Keeping Up with the Joneses is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Keeping Up with the Joneses Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Keeping Up with the Joneses, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Keeping Up with the Joneses Timeline

Track the full timeline of Keeping Up with the Joneses with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Keeping Up with the Joneses Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Keeping Up with the Joneses that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Keeping Up with the Joneses

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Keeping Up with the Joneses: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Keeping Up with the Joneses

Discover movies like Keeping Up with the Joneses that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.