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People We Meet on Vacation

Play trailer 2:24 Poster for People We Meet on Vacation PG-13 2026 1h 57m Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
76% Tomatometer 68 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Free-spirited Poppy (Emily Bader) and routine-loving Alex (Tom Blyth) have been unlikely best friends for a decade, living in different cities but spending every summer vacation together. The careful balance of their friendship is put to the test when they begin to question what has been obvious to everyone else -- could they actually be the perfect romantic match?

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People We Meet on Vacation

People We Meet on Vacation

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Critics Consensus

People We Meet on Vacation is a breezy adaptation that boasts charming leads in Tom Blyth and Emily Bader, delivering a romantic endeavor worth staying for.

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Critics Reviews

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Caroline Siede AV Club Jan 15
C-
While recent winners like All Of You have proven there’s still juice in the classic friends-to-lovers template, watching People We Meet On Vacation feels more like ordering a sparkling tropical cocktail and getting served tap water. Go to Full Review
Randy Myers San Jose Mercury News Jan 14
3/4
A strong supporting cast — Lukas Gage, Molly Shannon, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil and Lucien Laviscount – ups the entertainment value. Since rom-coms have been a bit blah of late, this one will satisfy that itch even if it’s no gamechanger. Go to Full Review
Linda Holmes Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR Podcast) Jan 12
If you put this on, on a weekend afternoon, you will be fine. It is pleasant to watch. But the things that made the book special, I think, are almost impossible to preserve in a two-hour movie. Go to Full Review
Ridge Harripersad CGMagazine 5d
8/10
"I felt like I was vicariously vacationing with Poppy and Alex, and maybe those who watch it on Netflix will feel that too. The cinematography and colour grading edits spectacularly showcased every location to appear in its best way possible." Go to Full Review
Hayley Croke Loud and Clear Reviews Mar 9
3/5
While the film successfully brings Henry’s charming and vibrant world to life, it struggles to make itself memorable beyond its runtime. Go to Full Review
Nuha Hassan Nuha Hassan (Medium) Jan 30
People We Meet on Vacation portrays the feeling of exploring the world with people we love and dealing with the painful part of falling in love. It’s scary, but it’s all worth it in the end. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Katharine B @Catalina68 14h We started watching The People We Meet on Vacation not entirely sure what to expect, but it ended up being a real surprise in the best way. Even in our 50s, we both found ourselves genuinely laughing out loud, something that doesn’t happen often with modern romantic comedies. What stood out most was how original it felt. It avoided a lot of the usual predictable beats and instead leaned into a more natural, easygoing rhythm that made the characters feel grounded and believable. The chemistry between the leads was strong, it carried the film and made even the quieter moments engaging rather than flat. It’s one of those rare movies that manages to be light without feeling shallow. Funny, warm, and surprisingly fresh, it worked for us far better than we expected. See more Blake- N @PBSAniDom 16h A warm and easygoing watch, People We Meet on Vacation works well as a Netflix film for a relaxing movie night. It blends romance and friendship in a way that feels light but still engaging throughout. The chemistry between the leads is the strongest part of the film, carrying many of the emotional and humorous moments. The tone stays consistent, with a soft, travel-inspired atmosphere that keeps it visually appealing. It also touches on relatable ideas like timing, personal growth, and reconnecting with people from your past. While it doesn’t try to be overly complex, it stays enjoyable and easy to follow from start to finish. Overall, it’s a solid romantic watch that delivers what it promises without overdoing it. I would rate it a 7/10 for its charm, performances, and comfort-watch appeal. See more Larry H @LarryI95 2d For a seasoned travel writer zero road skills See more Rachel A. @RT18926129 May 17 At 1st watching the beginning part felt like every cringy teenage girl movie but it got better as it went on. It was kinda unclear how they ended up going to college together and carpooling in the beginning except maybe mutual friends or family said so and so is going there too.? I’m not sure but as they kept going on summer vacations soon after, you could tell there was an unspoken thing between them. I gave this 4/5 because even though I find parts of the beginning too cringey, I think it could have done without the wedding. It felt unnecessary in a way and I know there is more of a push to make at least one character or such gay but I miss just seeing transitional weddings in movies and shows. I know I’m not the only one. I never read the book so I’m not sure if that’s how it also plays out but I feel like they could have easily just ran into each other at the airport for one of her trips or even a reason he comes to New York or her going to Ohio for something. Very typical I know. See more Amelia R @RT15524691 May 13 It was honestly really bad. The plot wasn't interesting and unclear. Acting was very mid. Doesn't make you feel good or bad. Don't waste your time See more Jessica S @RT27550087 May 7 I don't care about cinematography or any of that crap. This movie "spoke to me". Just watch it - the acting was pretty good, too. It really made the book come alive in a way I didn't think it would. Funny, witty, romantic, but so heartfelt. Just watch it! See more Read all reviews
People We Meet on Vacation

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Movie Info

Synopsis Free-spirited Poppy (Emily Bader) and routine-loving Alex (Tom Blyth) have been unlikely best friends for a decade, living in different cities but spending every summer vacation together. The careful balance of their friendship is put to the test when they begin to question what has been obvious to everyone else -- could they actually be the perfect romantic match?
Director
Brett Haley
Producer
Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Isaac Klausner
Screenwriter
Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, Nunzio Randazzo
Distributor
Netflix
Production Co
Sony Pictures Releasing, Temple Hill Entertainment, 3000 Pictures, Netflix Studios
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Romance, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 9, 2026
Runtime
1h 57m
Aspect Ratio
Digital 2.39:1