Year: 1991
Runtime: 99 min
Language: English
Director: Frank Oz
A successful but neurotic psychiatrist's attempt at a relaxing family vacation is hilariously derailed when one of his patients, Bob Wiley, follows him to his Vermont retreat. Bob's clinginess and constant need for attention quickly disrupt the carefully planned getaway, forcing the doctor and his family to confront their own anxieties while trying to manage the increasingly chaotic situation. The psychiatrist's professional composure deteriorates as he struggles to regain control, leading to a series of comical mishaps and unexpected bonds.
Get a spoiler-free look at What About Bob? (1991) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the tranquil setting of a lakeside Vermont retreat, a celebrated psychiatrist hopes to unwind with his family, leaving behind the pressures of his high‑profile practice. The vacation promises serene woods, crisp mountain air, and a chance for the doctor’s own anxieties to melt away. Yet the idyllic backdrop is poised to become a playground for chaotic comedy, as the very notion of “peaceful getaway” collides with the unpredictable nature of human connection.
Enter Bob Wiley, a lovable yet over‑dependent patient whose life has been defined by the confines of his New York apartment and a relentless need for reassurance. Fresh from a series of therapy sessions, Bob’s yearning for stability and belonging drives him to an impulsive decision that lands him at the same resort. His boundless optimism and earnest curiosity contrast sharply with the psychiatrist’s meticulously planned itinerary, setting the stage for an escalating series of amusing disruptions.
Dr. Leo Marvin—a self‑assured author of the bestseller “Baby Steps”—finds his professional composure tested as Bob’s presence infiltrates the family’s private moments. While the doctor strives to maintain the veneer of control, his wife Fay balances hospitality with a growing awareness that the guest’s charm is reshaping the dynamics of the household. The tension between Leo’s desire for order and Bob’s instinctive need for attention fuels a light‑hearted battle of wills.
The film’s tone blends dry, neurotic wit with warm, character‑driven humor, inviting viewers to watch the delicate dance between a meticulous professional and an exuberant patient. As personalities clash and blend against the scenic New England landscape, the story explores how unexpected visitors can expose hidden insecurities, spark genuine connections, and turn a simple vacation into a memorable lesson in humility and joy.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:36
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.
Stories where a perfectly planned situation is hilariously upended by an unexpected visitor.If you enjoyed the comedic disaster brought by Bob Wiley in What About Bob?, you'll love these movies. This section features similar stories where a perfectly planned getaway or orderly life is hilariously upended by an unexpected, chaotic visitor, creating a fast-paced and lighthearted farce.
The narrative typically follows a stable protagonist whose life is invaded by a force of chaos. The plot escalates through a series of comedic set pieces as the host tries to evict or contain the guest, only for their efforts to backfire spectacularly. The journey often ends with the host learning a lesson in spontaneity or the guest finding an unexpected place to belong.
These movies are grouped together because they share a core comedic premise built on interpersonal friction and escalating chaos. They deliver a consistent experience of lighthearted frustration and cathartic humor, with a fast pace that keeps the laughs coming as control slips away.
Hilarious stories of professionals losing their cool when clients invade their personal lives.Fans of the dynamic between Dr. Leo Marvin and Bob Wiley will enjoy these films. Discover similar comedies about professionals, like therapists or teachers, whose carefully maintained boundaries are comically crossed, forcing them out of their comfort zone and into chaotic, personal relationships with their clients.
These stories often begin with a highly competent but perhaps stuffy professional. Their expertise is challenged not in the workplace, but in their private life, by someone they are supposed to help or manage. The narrative arc involves the professional's gradual unraveling as their composure is stripped away, often resulting in their own personal growth or humbling, framed within a comedic context.
Movies in this thread share a specific character dynamic and source of conflict. The humor stems from the role reversal and the spectacle of an authority figure being driven to the brink, creating a unifying theme of controlled personalities succumbing to uncontrollable situations with a light, farcical tone.
Don't stop at just watching — explore What About Bob? 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 What About Bob? is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of What About Bob?, 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.
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Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape What About Bob?. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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