Honestly, it’s kinda wild. We’ve had decades of Will Ferrell playing the lovable, loud-mouthed oaf and Reese Witherspoon perfecting the high-strung, type-A overachiever. They are two of the biggest comedy titans of the 2000s. Yet, for some reason, the universe decided to keep them in completely separate lanes until basically right now. If you've been searching for movies with Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, you've probably realized the list is surprisingly short. Like, "one movie" short.
That movie is You’re Cordially Invited.
It hit Prime Video on January 30, 2025, and it finally gave us the collision we didn’t know we were missing. Before this, the closest they came was a 2001 episode of Saturday Night Live when Reese hosted. That’s a 24-year gap. Why? Maybe because Ferrell was busy wrestling bears and Ron Burgundy-ing his way through the aughts while Reese was winning Oscars and building a production empire. Whatever the reason, the drought is over.
What Really Happens in You’re Cordially Invited?
The setup is classic Nicholas Stoller. If you’ve seen Neighbors or Forgetting Sarah Marshall, you know his vibe: R-rated chaos mixed with weirdly sweet emotional stakes.
In this one, Ferrell plays Jim, a widower and "superdad" who is obsessed with his daughter, Jenni (played by Geraldine Viswanathan). He’s the kind of guy who styles his daughter's hair and probably knows her cycle. It's a lot. He books her wedding at this tiny, picturesque inn on Palmetto Island, Georgia—the same place he married his late wife.
Enter Reese Witherspoon as Margot. She’s a high-powered L.A. reality TV producer who is the polar opposite of Jim. She’s planning her sister Neve’s wedding at the same spot.
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The Hook: A clerical error (involving an innkeeper literally dropping dead mid-sentence) means both weddings are booked for the exact same weekend.
Neither is willing to budge. Naturally, they decide to "share" the venue, which lasts about five minutes before they start trying to dismantle each other's lives. It’s a battle of wills between a man who fights like a "chaos monkey" and a woman who uses "insult haikus" to destroy your soul.
The Alligator in the Room
One thing you should know: this isn't a "family-friendly" Reese Witherspoon rom-com. It’s rated R.
There is a scene involving a live alligator in a hotel bed that is peak Will Ferrell. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s slightly nonsensical. Critics have been pretty split on it—some call it "relentlessly vulgar," while others think it’s the funniest Ferrell has been in years.
Personally? It’s just nice to see Reese play someone who isn't a "flawless hero." Her character, Margot, is actually kind of a jerk. She’s acidic and mean, reminiscent of her Election days as Tracy Flick, but with more wine and better hair.
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Why Most People Thought They’d Worked Together Before
It’s easy to get confused. They both have that "Golden Age of Comedy" energy.
- The SNL Connection: As mentioned, they did a few sketches together back in the day.
- Voice Acting: People often misremember them being in the same animated flicks. Reese was in Sing and Monsters vs. Aliens. Will was in Megamind and The Lego Movie. They never crossed paths.
- Production: Both are massive producers. Reese’s Hello Sunshine and Will’s Gloria Sanchez Productions actually co-produced You’re Cordially Invited. They were working together behind the scenes long before the cameras started rolling on this project.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Movie
A lot of people expected a romantic subplot between Ferrell and Witherspoon.
Spoiler alert: That’s not really the point.
The movie focuses more on their individual family traumas. Jim is struggling with letting go of his daughter; Margot is struggling with a judgmental mother (the legendary Celia Weston). While there is a "climactic smooch" that most reviewers found incredibly awkward, the heart of the film is two lonely, intense people realizing they don't have to be so "on" all the time.
It’s less When Harry Met Sally and more Step Brothers meets Father of the Bride.
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The Supporting Cast is Secretly the Best Part
While you’re there for the big names, the "kooky" side characters carry a lot of the weight.
- Jack McBrayer: Plays the ultra-anxious inn manager who is basically Kenneth from 30 Rock but with more gray hair and existential dread.
- Jimmy Tatro: Plays a Chippendales dancer who is marrying Reese’s sister. He is effortlessly funny just by existing.
- Leanne Morgan: The stand-up comedian plays Reese’s sister and brings a very specific, "drunk aunt at the wedding" energy that feels incredibly real if you’ve ever been to a wedding in Georgia.
The Verdict: Is it Worth the Stream?
If you’re looking for a masterpiece, keep moving. You’re Cordially Invited is "reheated comedy leftovers," as some critics put it. But honestly? Sometimes leftovers are exactly what you want on a Tuesday night.
The chemistry between Ferrell and Witherspoon is weirdly effective. He provides the "towering beta energy" and she brings the "tiny alpha" heat. It’s a 109-minute distraction that doesn't ask much of you other than to enjoy watching two pros act like idiots.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Movie Night
- Check the Platform: This is a Prime Video exclusive. Don't go looking for it on Netflix or in theaters; it’s an Amazon MGM Studios production.
- Watch the Credits: There is a sing-along to "Islands in the Stream" that involves the whole cast. It’s cheesy, but it’s the kind of thing that makes you miss the era of big studio comedies.
- Look for the Cameos: Keep an eye out for Nick Jonas as a "singing pastor" and a random Peyton Manning appearance. They don't add much to the plot, but they’re fun to spot.
If you've been waiting for movies with Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, this is your one and only stop for now. Given the chemistry, it’s unlikely to be their last, but for a first outing, it’s a solid, chaotic start.
To get the most out of your viewing, pair it with a re-watch of Election and Talladega Nights to see just how much these two have evolved—or haven't—over the last twenty years.