Romance & Cigarettes

Right now you can watch Romance & Cigarettes in Australia on Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 164 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. James Gandolfini sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Romance & Cigarettes is worth clearing space for. The jokes in Romance & Cigarettes land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Ironworker Nick lives with his wife, Kitty, and three daughters. When he meets a significantly younger woman, Tula, he starts an affair with her, much to the chagrin of his wife, and his life is thrown into upheaval. Kitty kicks Nick out of the house, and he is forced to make some difficult decisions. James Gandolfini and Susan Sarandon lead a cast with the timing to make it work. It was released in 2005. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Romance & Cigarettes holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Romance & Cigarettes. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. James Gandolfini sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.

Romance & Cigarettes was released in 2005, directed by John Turturro. The full 105-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.