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For more than 25 years, the Meet the Parents movies have entertained audiences with awkward family encounters and disastrous misunderstandings.
At the heart of the franchise is Gaylord “Greg” Focker (Ben Stiller), whose efforts to win over his intimidating father-in-law, Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), rarely go according to plan.
Now, 16 years after the last installment, the franchise is returning with Focker-in-Law, scheduled to arrive in theaters Nov. 25.
The fourth movie reunites Stiller and De Niro with familiar faces including Teri Polo, Blythe Danner and Owen Wilson. Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman, who played Greg’s parents in the second and third films, have not been confirmed to return.
Newcomers to the cast include Wicked star Ariana Grande as Oliperman actor Skyler Gisondo. Booksmart’s Beanie Feldstein plays Henry’s twin sister, Samantha
Here’s what to remember before the Fockers return. Spoilers follow for the first three movies.
‘Meet the Parents’ (2000)
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Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score: 85%
The first movie follows Greg (Stiller), a Chicago nurse who plans to propose to his girlfriend, Pam Byrnes (Polo). But first, he must survive a visit to her parents’ home ahead of her sister’s wedding.
Pam’s father, Jack (De Niro), is a retired CIA operative who’s fiercely protective of his daughter and deeply suspicious of Greg.
Greg’s attempts to make a good impression repeatedly backfire. He accidentally breaks an urn containing Jack’s mother’s ashes, starts a fire and loses the family’s beloved cat, Mr. Jinx.
Adding to the tension is Kevin Rawley (Wilson), Pam’s wealthy former fiancé, who already has Jack’s approval.
After a disastrous weekend, Greg prepares to leave, believing his relationship with Pam is over. But Jack eventually recognizes Greg’s genuine love for his daughter, and the couple reconciles.
‘Meet the Fockers’ (2004)
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Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score: 38%
In the sequel, Greg and Pam are preparing to get married. But there’s one major hurdle left: Their parents have never met.
Jack and his wife, Dina (Danner), travel with the engaged couple to Florida to meet Greg’s parents, Bernie (Dustin Hoffman) and Roz Focker (Barbra Streisand).
Bernie is a laid-back former lawyer who gave up his career to raise Greg, while Roz is an outspoken sex therapist. Their free-spirited lifestyle clashes with Jack’s strict rules and reserved personality.
During the visit, Jack meets Jorge (Ray Santiago), the teenage son of the Fockers’ former housekeeper, Isabel (Alanna Ubach). After learning that Greg lost his virginity to Isabel, Jack becomes convinced that Jorge is secretly Greg’s son.
Jack arranges a DNA test behind Greg’s back, only to discover that his suspicions are unfounded.
Amid the chaos, Pam reveals she’s pregnant, and the couple ties the knot in a ceremony officiated by Kevin.
‘Little Fockers’ (2010)
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Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score: 9%
Following a health scare, Jack decides Greg should succeed him as head of the extended family, giving him the title of “Godfocker.”
Greg takes on additional work with a pharmaceutical company, bringing him into contact with sales representative Andi Garcia (Jessica Alba). Jack becomes convinced Greg is having an affair with her, reigniting the mistrust that has plagued their relationship for years.
Tensions come to a head during the twins’ birthday celebrations, but Jack and Greg eventually reconcile, with Jack recognizing Greg’s devotion to Pam and their children.
‘Focker-in-Law’ (2026)
Now you’re caught up on the Focker family — but their story isn’t over.
The fourth movie picks up years later, with Greg and Pam’s children now grown up and a new relationship threatening to stir up familiar tensions.
Greg and Pam’s son Henry (Gisondo) is preparing to propose to his girlfriend, Oli, a former FBI hostage negotiator
But in a reversal of the original family dynamic, Greg is the one questioning his child’s choice of partner, while Jack seems happy to welcome Oli
