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That Awkward Moment (2014) movie poster

Timeline

That Awkward Moment (2014) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2014 · 94 min · English
JustWatch #16,981 4
Directed by
Tom Gormican
Starring
Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, Zac Efron
Budget
$8M

Jason and Daniel are devoted bachelors enjoying a carefree lifestyle until their friend Mikey’s divorce forces them to re-evaluate their approach to relationships. They pledge to remain commitment-free, but each finds themselves drawn to someone, leading to awkward encounters and hidden romantic pursuits. Navigating these newfound feelings while trying to maintain their close friendship proves challenging, as secrets and misunderstandings threaten to disrupt their bond and complicate their romantic lives.

Comedy Romance Cast, crew & box office
On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (13)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like That Awkward Moment
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch That Awkward Moment (2014)

Where can you watch That Awkward Moment? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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13 events in order · contains spoilers

That Awkward Moment Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of That Awkward Moment (2014) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Jason's Reflection

    In New York City, Jason reflects on his romantic experiences and the inevitable turning points in relationships. He realizes that the desire for greater commitment often signals the decline of casual encounters, which he values.

    Where
    New York City

  2. Work at the Publishing House

    Jason is shown at his job in a publishing house where he collaborates with his friend Daniel on book cover designs. They also work with their colleague Mikey, who is struggling with a recent divorce request from his college sweetheart, Vera.

  3. Celebration at the Bar

    To celebrate Mikey's unexpected new phase of life post-divorce, the friends gather at a local bar. This outing becomes a pivotal moment as they seek to support each other and distract Mikey from his heartbreak.

    Where
    Local Bar

  4. Meeting Ellie

    At the bar, Jason meets Ellie and experiences an immediate connection. He comically sabotages another suitor, showcasing his playful side and signaling the beginning of a deeper relationship with her.

    Where
    Local Bar

  5. Mikey's Hesitation

    Despite meeting someone new, Mikey continues to grapple with his feelings for Vera, missing a chance at moving on. His focus remains on resolving the complexities of their past relationship rather than pursuing Glasses.

  6. Awkward Retreat

    As Jason's bond with Ellie deepens, he makes an awkward exit from her apartment after misjudging the situation. He mistakenly believes Ellie is a sex worker, causing a rift before their relationship can truly blossom.

    Where
    Ellie's Apartment

  7. Emotional Conflicts

    As Thanksgiving approaches, tensions rise among the friends as they each navigate their feelings. Jason contemplates attending Ellie's father's funeral, while Mikey's dinner with Vera forces him to confront the reality of their dwindling relationship.

    When
    Thanksgiving

  8. Confrontation at Thanksgiving Dinner

    The holiday meal becomes a battleground of unresolved feelings, where Jason's absence from the funeral strains his connection with Ellie. Mikey realizes Vera's feelings have diminished, and Daniel faces the consequences of his actions regarding Chelsea.

    When
    Thanksgiving

  9. Aftermath of the Confrontation

    The fallout from Thanksgiving leads to significant changes in the friends' dynamics. Mikey reaches out to Glasses, while Daniel tries to reconnect with Chelsea; however, Jason finds himself stuck, longing for Ellie, who is now distant.

  10. Support from Friends

    Two months later, Mikey and Daniel team up to help Jason reclaim his connection with Ellie. They encourage him to attend her book readings, where they hope he can express his true feelings and initiate a fresh start.

  11. Heartfelt Reading

    During one of Ellie's readings, Jason seizes an opportune moment to share a heartfelt reading that intertwines their journey together. This bold move is intended to rekindle their romance and signify his willingness to commit.

    Where
    Reading Room

  12. Waiting in Gramercy Park

    As the story comes full circle, Jason waits in Gramercy Park, filled with anticipation for Ellie's arrival. The tranquility of the park surrounds him as he reflects on the journey that led him to this moment.

    Where
    Gramercy Park

  13. A New Beginning

    Finally, Ellie joins Jason on the bench, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. Jason breaks the silence with a casual remark, opening the door for a potentially transformative conversation about their future together.

    Where
    Gramercy Park

Last updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:33

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Timeline questions answered

That Awkward Moment Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of That Awkward Moment (2014): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Jason leave Ellie's apartment thinking she's a sex worker?

Jason misreads the situation when he sees money on Ellie's counter. He assumes she paid him for services rather than understanding it was perhaps rent money or something unrelated, leading him to awkwardly retreat from her apartment in confusion.

  • jason
  • ellie
  • sex worker
  • misunderstanding
  • apartment
Q2

Why doesn't Mikey pursue his date with Glasses after meeting her at the bar?

Mikey is still emotionally entangled with his ex-wife Vera. Despite meeting Glasses and having a promising connection, he can't move past his complicated feelings for Vera and chooses to focus on trying to salvage his marriage instead.

Foreshadowing: Earlier at the bar, Mikey's distraction by Vera's situation is evident when he meets Glasses but fails to follow through.

  • mikey
  • glasses
  • vera
  • divorce
  • hesitation
Q3

Why does Vera tell Mikey her feelings have changed during their Thanksgiving dinner?

Vera has been processing the divorce request she initiated and has come to terms with the fact that her love for Mikey has faded over time. She admits this painful truth to Mikey during their dinner, explaining that she no longer feels the same way about their relationship.

  • vera
  • mikey
  • feelings
  • thanksgiving
  • divorce
Q4

Why does Jason decide not to attend Ellie's father's funeral?

Jason struggles with commitment and uses his fear of settling down as an excuse to avoid the funeral. His reluctance to fully commit to Ellie manifests in his decision to skip such an important, relationship-defining moment, which damages their connection.

Foreshadowing: Jason's earlier voiceover establishes his pattern of pulling away when relationships demand more commitment.

  • jason
  • ellie
  • funeral
  • commitment
  • fear
Q5

What causes the argument at Thanksgiving dinner among the three friends?

The confrontation erupts when secrets about their hidden relationships finally surface. Jason's absence from the funeral, Mikey's realization about Vera's diminished feelings, and Daniel's secret relationship with Chelsea all collide during the meal, causing tensions to boil over and strain their friendships.

  • thanksgiving
  • argument
  • secrets
  • friends
  • confrontation
Q6

How do Mikey and Daniel help Jason win Ellie back after the breakup?

Two months after the fallout, Mikey and Daniel encourage Jason to attend Ellie's book readings. They motivate him to seize the moment and express his feelings publicly, believing a grand romantic gesture is the only way to prove his commitment to her.

  • mikey
  • daniel
  • jason
  • ellie
  • book reading
  • romance
Q7

Why does the movie start and end with Jason waiting in Gramercy Park?

The circular structure emphasizes Jason's character arc and growth. He begins the story reflecting on relationship turning points, and by returning to the same bench, he completes his journey from fearing commitment to being ready to pursue a serious relationship with Ellie.

  • gramercy park
  • ending
  • beginning
  • circular
  • character arc
Q8

What causes Jason and Daniel to make the commitment-free pact with Mikey?

After Mikey receives a divorce request from Vera, Jason and Daniel pledge to stay single and commitment-free to support their friend during his difficult time. This pact becomes the source of tension as they secretly begin pursuing relationships while trying to maintain their agreement.

  • pact
  • commitment
  • mikey
  • jason
  • daniel
  • friendship
Q9

Why does Daniel keep his relationship with Chelsea a secret from the others?

Daniel is torn between his growing feelings for Chelsea and the pact he made with Jason and Mikey to remain single. He chooses to secretly pursue the relationship while hiding it from his friends, leading to betrayal and conflict when the truth eventually comes out.

  • daniel
  • chelsea
  • secret
  • relationship
  • pact
Q10

How do Jason and Ellie meet at the bar?

Jason meets Ellie at the bar while celebrating Mikey's divorce. He initially catches her attention by comically sabotaging another suitor who was trying to flirt with her, which creates an amusing connection that leads to their first real interaction.

  • jason
  • ellie
  • bar
  • meeting
  • first encounter
Q11

What happens during Ellie's book reading that helps Jason and Ellie reunite?

During one of Ellie's book readings, Jason improvises a heartfelt reading that tells their entire story together. This bold, public gesture demonstrates his genuine feelings and willingness to commit, ultimately convincing Ellie to give their relationship another chance.

  • book reading
  • jason
  • ellie
  • reunion
  • confession
Q12

What happens to Mikey and Glasses after the Thanksgiving confrontation?

After the fallout with Vera, Mikey decides to reach out to Glasses and explore a romantic connection with her. This marks his move forward from his failed marriage and willingness to start fresh with someone new.

  • mikey
  • glasses
  • new relationship
  • move on

Movie threads

More Movies Like That Awkward Moment, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes That Awkward Moment tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Bromantic Comedies with Commitment Issues like That Awkward Moment

Stories about male friends navigating the minefield of modern dating together. If you liked the dynamic between the friends in That Awkward Moment, you'll enjoy these similar movies about male camaraderie and the fear of commitment. These films explore modern dating, secret relationships, and the challenge of balancing friendship with romance in a light, comedic way.

  • bromantic
  • witty
  • flirtatious
  • urban
  • hopeful
  • mischievous
  • Tone: light, witty, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, episodic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Movies in this thread follow a group of friends, typically young men, who make a pact to avoid serious relationships. The narrative unfolds through their individual secret romantic pursuits, leading to comedic misunderstandings and eventual confrontations that test their bond, culminating in heartwarming resolutions about love and friendship.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a core focus on male friendship dynamics within a romantic comedy framework. They balance witty, flirtatious humor with genuine moments of vulnerability, all while exploring the relatable anxieties of modern dating and commitment.

Bros Before Hos movie poster

Bros Before Hos

2013
Friends with Benefits movie poster

Friends with Benefits

2011
My Best Friend movie poster

My Best Friend

2007
That Awkward Moment movie poster

That Awkward Moment

2014
My Best Friend's Girl movie poster

My Best Friend's Girl

2008
I Love You, Man movie poster

I Love You, Man

2009
No Strings Attached movie poster

No Strings Attached

2011
I Love You movie poster

I Love You

2007

Urban Romantic Misadventures like That Awkward Moment

Fast-paced comedies about the awkward and hopeful side of city dating. Find more movies like That Awkward Moment that capture the witty, hopeful, and sometimes awkward experience of dating in a big city. These similar romantic comedies feature a steady pace, light emotional weight, and focus on the humorous misadventures of finding love in an urban setting.

  • urban
  • witty
  • awkward
  • hopeful
  • flirtatious
  • modern
  • Tone: light, witty, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, conversational
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves young professionals in a metropolitan setting navigating the complexities of dating apps, casual hookups, and the search for something more meaningful. The story is driven by a series of comedic encounters, misunderstandings, and eventual heartfelt confessions that lead to a satisfying, happy ending.

Why they belong together: These movies share a distinct vibe defined by their urban setting, light tone, and focus on the awkward, funny, and hopeful aspects of modern romance. They provide an entertaining escape into a world of witty banter, romantic pursuits, and the ultimate triumph of love.

When in Rome movie poster

When in Rome

2010
Set It Up movie poster

Set It Up

2018
Broadway Damage movie poster

Broadway Damage

1997
New in Town movie poster

New in Town

2009
Rye Lane movie poster

Rye Lane

2023
L.A. Without a Map movie poster

L.A. Without a Map

1998
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People movie poster

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People

2008
Materialists movie poster

Materialists

2025

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Every angle

That Awkward Moment (2014) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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