7 Movies Like Jerry and Marge Go Large You Must See

David Frankel’s directorial ‘Jerry and Marge Go Large’ is a biographical drama with a comedic tint. When the titular couple discovers a mathematical loophole, they use it to win the WinFall lottery in Massachusetts. However, that is just part of the narrative because Jerry and Marge then spend their significant winnings on bettering their hometown in Michigan.

Based on a 2018 report by Jason Fagone, the film brings an uplifting story with relative accuracy to the screen. The real-life Jerry and Marge are depicted in the film by Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening. If you enjoyed this dramatic take and are looking for some more light-hearted biographies to sink into, we’ve got some worthy recommendations! You can find most of these movies similar to ‘Jerry and Marge Go Large’ on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

7. 24 Hour Party People (2002)

Directed by Michael Winterbottom, ’24 Hour Party People’ starts misleadingly small but becomes the story of a musical revolution. The biographical comedy-drama follows journalist and record label owner Tony Wilson in the 1970s as he sets up Factory Records and signs fledgling bands that become icons. Despite how big he eventually becomes, the film focuses on Tony’s earlier days as he creates schemes to popularize the bands he manages. Much like ‘Jerry & Marge Go Large,’ this biography doesn’t take itself too seriously and throws in ample comedic bits.

6. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ is a drama film that focuses on one of television’s most recognizable personalities — Fred Rogers (better known as Mr. Rogers). The Marielle Heller directorial follows Rogers’ friendship with journalist Llyod Vogel (loosely based on the renowned journalist Tom Junod) and also features a cameo by the real Mrs. Rogers.

The film is based on Tom Junod’s 1998 Esquire profile on Fred Rogers, titled “Can You Say … Hero?.” Much like ‘Jerry & Marge Go Large,’ this film focuses on a cross-section of the protagonist’s life and introduces audiences to one particular aspect of it. Like Jerry and Marge’s story, Roger and Lloyd’s equation will leave you feeling uplifted.

5. The Big Short (2015)

Based on Michael Lewis’ 2010 book ‘The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine,’ this biographical comedy-drama film by Adam McKay brings together a stellar cast to dramatize the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis. The story, set in 2007, centers around a handful of individuals who realize that there is going to be a calamitous financial crash, and thus, they do whatever it takes to minimize their losses.

What makes ‘The Big Short’ especially intriguing is the detailed personal perspectives of the central characters that it offers. Much like ‘Jerry & Marge Go Large,’ this film also prioritizes the personal stories at the center of the larger financial narrative. Moreover, viewers will find a healthy dose of sharp wit here.

4. Pride (2014)

Another biographical tale about a relatively lesser-known event, ‘Pride,’ is a historical comedy-drama that follows the unlikely alliance between U.K.’s LGBTQ+ community and its coal miners in the 1980s. The film showcases how the two groups decide to join forces when intimidated by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her Conservative Party. For fans of feel-good biographies, Matthew Warchus’ ‘Pride’ is as good a watch as ‘Jerry & Marge Go Large.’

3. CODA (2021)

Though not biographical, Sian Heder’s directorial ‘CODA‘ is as touching as any true story. High schooler Ruby Rossi comes from a family of deaf adults and has a passion for music. However, Ruby is put in a tough spot when she has to choose between studying music at Berklee College of Music and helping with the family business. If you enjoyed the small-town drama and feel-good narrative of ‘Jerry and Marge Go Large,’ the coming-of-age comedy ‘CODA’ will be right up your alley.

2. Moneyball (2011)

Based on the 2002 Oakland Athletics baseball team, which used statistical data to pick players, Bennett Miller’s ‘Moneyball‘ follows a remarkable underdog story. The team’s management, limited by salary constraints, uses an interesting new strategy to select their player purchases. By following the numbers, they are able to make a formidable team that wins against all odds, making them legends. Fans of ‘Jerry and Marge Go Large’ will relish this sports drama film for its mathematical quirks that push the story forward and lead to surprising results.

1. BlacKkKlansman (2018)

The Spike Lee film follows an African American detective named Ron Stallworth, who infiltrates the Colorado Springs branch of the Ku Klux Klan in the late 1970s. Despite the weighty subject matter, the story of ‘BlacKkKlansman’ is intriguing and emotional, with a decent helping of Lee’s characteristic ironic tone. Stallworth’s Jewish colleague Phillip Zimmerman accompanies him as he conducts interviews with the Grand Wizard.

The biographical crime movie, based on the real Stallworth’s 2014 memoir ‘Black Klansman,’ touches on the idea of communities, though slightly different than seen in ‘Jerry and Marge Go Large.’ Nonetheless, both movies are great examples of biographies that feature stories almost stranger than fiction.

Read More: Where Was Jerry and Marge Go Large Filmed?

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