Angelina Jolie’s 2002 comedy Life or Something Like It surges on Netflix despite harsh reviews

Angelina Jolie’s 2002 romantic comedy Life or Something Like It has unexpectedly surged into Netflix UK’s top 10 most-watched films, despite being critically panned upon its release.

The film, which stars Jolie as TV reporter Lanie Kerrigan, follows her character’s existential crisis after a street prophet predicts she will die in one week.

Directed by Stephen Herek and co-starring Edward Burns and Tony Shalhoub, the film received overwhelmingly negative reviews during its original run, earning just $16.9 million at the box office against a $40 million budget. It currently holds a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 121 reviews, with critics calling it “predictable” and “a miserable mess.”

Despite this, Life or Something Like It has found new life on Netflix UK since its release on the platform this week. It now ranks fifth in the service’s most-watched movies. Viewer reviews have been more forgiving, calling it “light romantic fare” and “a good movie for a Saturday afternoon.”

Jolie’s performance in the film was even nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for worst actress at the time, though she has since gone on to win multiple prestigious awards, including two Oscars and three Golden Globes.

In past interviews, Jolie shared that she took on the role to challenge herself in a comedic role and to portray a character vastly different from her own personality.

Life or Something Like It is currently streaming on Netflix UK.