People We Meet on Vacation
Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): January 9, 2026 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
50
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
3
Mixed:
9
Negative:
2

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
Screen RantMolly FreemanJan 8, 2026
Altogether, People We Meet On Vacation is a wildly entertaining and heartwarming romantic comedy that's perfect for fans of the genre, those who've read Henry's original novel and anyone looking for a date night movie as we head into Valentine's Day season. Read full review
90
ColliderCarly LaneJan 8, 2026
Bader and Blyth are an irresistibly charming duo, and the decision to move the story's present-day scenes from Palm Springs to Barcelona results in some of the film's most stunning locations. Not only will you be rooting for Poppy and Alex to make things work, but you'll also probably end up with a little wanderlust yourself. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterAngie HanJan 8, 2026
It’s a romantic comedy, and whatever its flaws elsewhere, it works best where it counts most — in the chemistry between the two leads. Read full review
60
The TelegraphRobbie CollinJan 16, 2026
As a low-stress package tour of will-they-won’t-they romance highlights, it does the trick. Read full review
60
LooperAlistair RyderJan 13, 2026
Yes, Gen Z absolutely deserves better than People We Meet on Vacation as their equivalent to When Harry Met Sally — but until a worthy successor comes along, this will make for a charming substitute. Read full review
60
The TimesKevin MaherJan 8, 2026
With Bader and Blyth on quietly charismatic form throughout, [Haley's] made a film that is eminently slick, consistently palatable and instantly forgettable. The perfect Netflix product. Read full review
60
VarietyGuy LodgeJan 8, 2026
What keeps things diverting, and sometimes even interesting, is the genuine but necessarily tentative chemistry between its stars, one staging an all-out charm offensive and the other projecting a flintier allure. Read full review
50
TheWrapMatt GoldbergJan 8, 2026
For a movie that should provide the comfort of the romance genre, People We Meet on Vacation usually tops out at being blandly pleasant. Read full review
42
The A.V. ClubCaroline SiedeJan 9, 2026
As low-stakes viewing about two blandly likable people, People We Meet On Vacation at least looks better than the cheapest level of streaming rom-coms, and fans of the book will probably find something to like. Ironically, however, its place on Netflix means it’ll miss out on its truest calling as a film you half-watch on a plane. Read full review
40
The Irish TimesTara BradyJan 9, 2026
The chronological leaping around to pop tunes by Taylor Swift, Boygenius and Billie Eilish is the most interesting thing about Brett Haley’s sunny, saccharine film. The rest is flimsy. Read full review
40
The GuardianBenjamin LeeJan 8, 2026
It’s a film about wanderlust and romance that should be a breezy sojourn for those of us who need it right now. Why then does it feel like such a slog? Read full review
40
The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisJan 8, 2026
Occasionally cute and almost instantly forgettable, “People,” tidily directed by Brett Haley, offers less-than-witty dialogue. Read full review
38
Movie NationRoger MooreJan 12, 2026
It all feels and plays recycled and watered-down — the longing, the testy edge that’s supposed to signal “sparks,” the heartache of indecision. Read full review
38
RogerEbert.comMarya E. GatesJan 8, 2026
It’s all just really bizarre, limp copies of better films. Read full review
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