Unexpected Netflix Hit: Angelina Jolie’s 2002 Movie Tops Streaming Charts

LOS GATOS, Calif. – Netflix‘s top 10 movie list has taken an unexpected turn, as a little-known 2002 film, starring Angelina Jolie, has surged to the number one spot. The romantic comedy, titled “Life or Something Like It,” seems to have captivated viewers despite a generally poor critical reception.

Released when Jolie was just 27 years old, “Life or Something Like It” follows the story of Lanie Kerrigan, a Seattle-based feature reporter who believes she has it all—a stellar career, a glamorous lifestyle, and a charming boyfriend. However, everything changes when a homeless street seer predicts that she will die within a week unless she reevaluates her life. This premise raises questions about fate and self-discovery, making it a watchable film for some viewers.

Reviews reveal a mixed response: the film holds a meager 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 121 critical assessments, and an audience score of just 44% from approximately 25,000 viewers. These figures suggest that while the film is intriguing enough to catch attention, it hasn’t been particularly well-received.

The surprise popularity of this movie has left industry observers puzzled. “I think audiences are drawn to familiar stars in unknown films, perhaps thinking they are newer releases,” said entertainment analyst Tim Roberts. “It’s not unusual for old films to gain traction due to nostalgia or sheer curiosity, especially when they feature prominent actors like Jolie.”

Alongside Jolie, the film features Ed Burns and Tony Shalhoub, with Stockard Channing also making an appearance. The unexpected ascent to the top of Netflix’s rankings demonstrates the unpredictable nature of viewer preferences. It challenges notions about what constitutes a ‘good’ movie, highlighting how nostalgic recognition can sometimes override critical reviews.

Netflix continues to update its top films each week, showcasing a blend of new releases and classic favorites. Critics have noted that sleeper hits like “Life or Something Like It” often pop up unexpectedly, emphasizing a peculiar dynamic in viewer engagement with older content. To see the complete list of currently trending films, Netflix invites its subscribers to explore various genres as well.