People We Meet on Vacation

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2:24

People We Meet on Vacation

PG-13

2026

1h 57m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

68 Reviews

68%

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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Denise Zubizarreta

LatinaMedia.Co

Jul 7

C+

What unfolds is a layered timeline of summers past and present, of glances held too long, of almosts and maybes.

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Ridge Harripersad

CGMagazine

May 20

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."

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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.

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Daniel O

@Olshansk 15h

A romcom that hits the spot. It’s silly, it’s warm, it’s romantic, it’s easy. Great, good-looking actors, with a real connection that lets you just sit back, enjoy, and maybe reflect on what you have or what you’re missing. The biggest takeaway is that the people you meet on vacation are important, but the people you go with are the ones you create memories with.

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Jerry K

@JKern1963 Aug 7

This is a formulaic clunker.... there were a few laughs, but there was so much predictable schlock and poor timing that my eyes almost rolled out of my head. There are scenes in this movie that have intentions to be happy that are actually depressing.

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Grace B

@Gracy757 Aug 5

It’s not a perfect movie and some moments are predictable, but it has so much charm and warmth that it’s easy to forgive. Exactly the kind of cozy romance I needed.

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Ian M

@Imacpherson Aug 2

Very solid Netflix entry. Enjoyable story and leads.

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Steven C

@RT36233350 Jul 30

I very much enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters and very happy about the ending.

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Harish N

@harish_napa Jul 27

The 2026 romantic comedy adaptation is a solid, charming endeavor that offers a warm and relaxing getaway. It focuses on two longtime best friends with opposite personalities who attempt one final summer trip together to fix their past rift, proving that a lighthearted romance can be genuinely uplifting when it embraces quiet, wholesome moments. It stands as a comforting, feel good watch that brings a pleasant and easygoing energy throughout. The writing keeps the emotional beats light and endearing, ensuring the picturesque travel locations and warm production design give the film a visually appealing presence. While the story relies on familiar tropes and predictable narrative beats, the soothing atmosphere and delightful lead performances make it an enjoyable experience. It works as a cozy, sweet watch for anyone seeking a light story about love and friendship.

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Brett Haley

Director

Emily Bader

Poppy

Tom Blyth

Alex

Sarah Catherine Hook

Sarah

Lucien Laviscount

Trey

Miles Heizer

David

Meg Ryan is THE Rom-Com Leading Lady

0:44

Recreating the Cover of People We Meet on Vacation

1:03

The Stars of ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ on Filming on a Nude Beach

15:25

People We Meet on Vacation: Trailer 1

2:24

People We Meet on Vacation: Teaser Trailer

1:11

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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

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