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Why Him? (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 111 min · English
JustWatch #1,291 14
Directed by
John Hamburg
Budget
$38M

A concerned but reserved father, Ned, finds his anxieties pushed to the limit when he meets his daughter’s boyfriend, Laird, a young and eccentric Silicon Valley billionaire. As Ned is plunged into Laird's extravagant world, he struggles to connect with his daughter’s choice and worries about losing her to this unconventional lifestyle. The experience tests his protective nature and forces him to confront his own insecurities in a hilarious clash of cultures.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Why Him?
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Why Him? (2016)

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

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Why Him? Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Why Him? (2016) 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. Facetime Invitation

    The movie begins with Laird Mayhew engaging in a Facetime conversation with his girlfriend, Stephanie Fleming. Excited about a possible romantic evening, Stephanie invites him over for a 'Netflix and chill' session, setting the tone for their playful relationship.

  2. The Birthday Slideshow

    Meanwhile, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Stephanie's brother, Scotty, is preparing a slideshow for their father Ned's 55th birthday at an Applebee's. Unbeknownst to him, a live webcam feed accidentally connects to Stephanie, leading to an embarrassing reveal when Laird barges into her room unexpectedly.

    Where
    Applebee's, Grand Rapids
  3. Ned's Reaction

    After the accidental exposure of Laird, Ned, visibly upset, grabs the laptop and smashes it just as the restaurant staff begins to sing 'Happy Birthday.' This incident creates tension before Ned can even enjoy the celebration with family and coworkers.

    Where
    Applebee's, Grand Rapids
  4. The Introduction of Laird

    Ned learns about Laird during a conversation with his coworker, Lou Dunne. He finds out that Stephanie wants her family to meet her California boyfriend, which adds a layer of complexity to their upcoming visit.

  5. Meeting Laird's Family

    When the Fleming family arrives in California, they meet Laird, who exuberantly greets them in his unconventional style. Laird's eccentric home is filled with oddities, including a moose tank and a mural that creates an awkward atmosphere for the Flemings.

    Where
    Laird's Home, California
  6. Dinner Antics

    During a dinner at Laird's house, he shares explicit stories about his romance with Stephanie, shocking Ned and Barb. Laird tries to lighten the mood but ends up creating more tension, prompting Stephanie to intervene.

    Where
    Laird's Home, California
  7. Bathroom Incident

    An embarrassing incident occurs when Ned faces a mishap with Laird's automated toilet due to a 'paper-free' policy. This adds to the humor and discomfort of the family gathering, showcasing Laird's chaotic lifestyle.

    Where
    Laird's Home, California
  8. Ned's Investigation

    Feeling concerned about Laird's suitability for his daughter, Ned begins to investigate Laird's background for potential dirt. However, his attempts lead to complications and a failed hacking effort that leaves both men agitated.

  9. Christmas Eve Party

    Laird throws a wild Christmas Eve party, inviting his business associates amidst the chaos of family dynamics. The event causes more friction between Laird and Ned as secrets about Laird's financial difficulties start to surface.

    Where
    Laird's Home, California
  10. The Company Purchase

    In an unexpected twist, Laird decides to buy Ned's struggling printing company as a gesture to help with the family's financial woes. This act leads to a chaotic confrontation between Laird and Ned, complicating their relationship further.

  11. Flemings Leave in Anger

    Following the tumultuous events at the Christmas party, the Flemings leave in frustration, returning to Michigan. This marks a significant low point in the relationship between Ned and Laird as they struggle to understand each other.

  12. Laird's Apology

    As the holiday approaches, Laird attempts to rectify the situation by arriving via helicopter to reconnect with the Flemings. However, he faces a cold reception from both Stephanie and Ned, further complicating his efforts to win them over.

  13. Understanding Between Laird and Stephanie

    Amidst misunderstandings and miscommunications regarding marriage proposals, Laird finally receives a heartfelt response from Stephanie. While she expresses her feelings towards him, she also indicates that she isn't ready for marriage yet, adding emotional depth to their relationship.

  14. New Business Venture

    In a surprising twist, Ned and Scotty join forces with Laird to embark on a new business venture based on their shared experiences. This partnership signifies a new beginning for the fragmented family dynamics.

  15. Celebrating Acceptance

    The film concludes with the Flemings embracing Laird, who is now affectionately referred to as 'son' by Ned. The holiday festivities culminate in a joyous dance, representing their acceptance of Laird into the family.

Last updated: October 31, 2024 at 14:55

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Timeline questions answered

Why Him? Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Why Him? (2016): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Ned smash the laptop at his birthday dinner?

Ned smashes the laptop because he accidentally sees his daughter Stephanie's boyfriend Laird naked during a Facetime call. Scotty accidentally connected a live webcam feed to Stephanie while she was in her dorm room, and when Laird unexpectedly entered, he was exposed. The entire Applebee's restaurant, including Ned's coworkers, witnessed this embarrassing moment right as the staff began singing 'Happy Birthday,' causing Ned to react violently in shock and humiliation.

  • naked Facetime
  • embarrassing moment
  • Applebee's birthday
Q2

Why does Laird buy Ned's printing company?

Laird purchases Ned's struggling printing company as a strategic gesture to help the Fleming family financially and win Ned's approval. When Ned reveals during the Christmas Eve party that the company is drowning in debt, Laird sees an opportunity to prove his worth and commitment to Stephanie by solving her father's biggest problem. This extravagant purchase leads to a physical confrontation with Ned, who feels insulted by the gesture.

  • buy company
  • financial help
  • printing business debt
Q3

Why does Stephanie turn down Laird's marriage proposal?

Stephanie rejects Laird's proposal because she's not yet ready for marriage, despite loving him deeply. Throughout the film, she's caught between her relationship with Laird and her loyalty to her father, who strongly disapproves of her boyfriend. When Laird finally proposes (after multiple comedic misunderstandings with doves and signs), Stephanie chooses honesty over rushing into marriage, expressing her desire to continue their relationship without taking that final step yet.

  • marriage proposal
  • not ready
  • relationship future
Q4

Why is Ned so against Laird at first?

Ned's intense disapproval of Laird stems from multiple factors: the traumatic naked Facetime incident that humiliated him in front of his coworkers, Laird's extremely vulgar and eccentric personality that clashes with Ned's traditional values, and most importantly, Ned's deep fear of losing his daughter to an unfamiliar lifestyle. Additionally, Ned is struggling financially with his debt-riddled printing company, making him anxious about Stephanie's future security with an unpredictable billionaire.

  • father disapproval
  • fear losing daughter
  • financial anxiety
Q5

What triggers the fight with the moose tank?

The moose tank confrontation erupts after Laird impulsively buys Ned's failing company, which Ned interprets as a condescending attempt to buy his approval and daughter's affection. The argument escalates physically between Laird and Ned, and in the chaos, they crash into the moose tank, a decorative aquarium containing Laird's urine sample, causing it to burst and create a massive mess. This repulsive incident horrifies both Stephanie and Barb, who had been trying to enjoy the party.

  • moose tank
  • fight
  • urine
  • company purchase argument
Q6

Why does Ned try to dig up dirt on Laird?

Ned investigates Laird because he's desperately searching for a legitimate reason to convince Stephanie to break up with him. Concerned about his daughter's relationship with an eccentric, crude billionaire, Ned hopes to find scandalous information, like financial troubles or illegal activities, that would justify his disapproval to Stephanie. His investigation includes attempting to hack Laird's computer, but the plan fails comically when he accidentally sends an embarrassing email to Laird himself.

  • investigation
  • hacking
  • dirt
  • find reason break up
Q7

How do Ned and Laird end up in business together?

Ned and Laird launch a new business venture together after their tumultuous holiday experience forces them to understand each other better. Despite their conflicts, including the company purchase disaster and the moose tank fight, they discover shared interests and complementary skills. By the film's end, Ned and Scotty partner with Laird, transforming their negative experiences into a positive professional collaboration that solidifies Laird's place in the family.

  • partnership
  • business venture
  • new company
  • accept son-in-law
Q8

What causes the chaos with Justine the voice assistant?

Justine, Laird's high-tech voice assistant, causes chaos because she misinterprets guest requests while trying to excessively pamper the Flemings. Laird introduces Justine to Ned and Barb hoping to impress them with his smart home technology, but the overeager assistant takes commands too literally, playing inappropriate music, adjusting temperatures dramatically, and generally creating more problems than solutions. This adds to the mounting tension between Laird's well-intentioned efforts and his guests' discomfort.

  • Justine
  • voice assistant
  • smart home
  • technology chaos
Q9

Why does Ned finally accept Laird into the family?

Ned accepts Laird after witnessing his genuine efforts to connect with the family despite repeated failures and misunderstandings. Key moments that change Ned's mind include Laird's willingness to help the family financially (even if awkwardly), his persistent attempts to apologize and make amends, and ultimately his humble response to Stephanie's rejection of the proposal. By the end, Ned sees past Laird's eccentricities to recognize his good heart and genuine love for Stephanie.

  • accept son-in-law
  • family acceptance
  • change heart
  • love

Movie threads

More Movies Like Why Him?, by Mood & Story

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

Hilarious culture clash comedies like Why Him?

Chaotic and awkward encounters between worlds that spark relentless humor. If you liked the chaotic humor of Why Him?, you'll enjoy these other movies where wildly different worlds collide. These comedies focus on the awkward, hysterical situations that arise from generational gaps, social class divides, or cultural misunderstandings, all delivered with a lighthearted and fast-paced energy.

  • awkward
  • hysterical
  • chaotic
  • lighthearted
  • exuberant
  • embarrassing
  • Tone: light, whimsical, warmhearted
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern centers on a high-concept premise that pits two opposing forces—often a traditional, conservative character against a free-spirited, eccentric one. The plot unfolds through a series of escalating comedic set-pieces designed to highlight the clash, with initial hostility gradually giving way to mutual understanding or acceptance by the end.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a core comedic engine driven by awkward social friction. They prioritize fast-paced, situational humor over complex plotting and maintain a light, warmhearted tone even as characters are thrown into embarrassing or chaotic scenarios, resulting in a highly entertaining and undemanding viewing experience.

Movies about meeting the parents like Why Him?

The terrifyingly funny ritual of meeting a significant other's wildly inappropriate family. Fans of Why Him?'s premise will love these other comedies about the dreaded meet-the-parents ritual. These films focus on the hilarious tension and awkward moments when a boyfriend or girlfriend is thrown into a whirlwind of eccentric family dynamics, testing relationships and providing non-stop comedic situations.

  • awkward
  • embarrassing
  • chaotic
  • warmhearted
  • silly
  • family-oriented
  • Tone: light, awkward, warmhearted
  • Pacing: fast, steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The journey follows a protagonist—often the romantic partner or a protective parent—as they are introduced to an eccentric or intimidating family. The story is structured around a string of comedic trials and social faux pas, pushing the protagonist to their limit before a climax that forces a resolution, ultimately strengthening the central relationships through shared chaos.

Why they belong together: This grouping is defined by a shared narrative hook and comedic focus. The movies all explore the universal fear of judgment and acceptance within a family context, but amplify it for humor through exaggerated characters and situations. They deliver a specific type of social anxiety comedy that is both relatable and outrageously funny.

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Every angle

Why Him? (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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