Angelina Jolie, acclaimed as one of the finest actresses of her generation, has recently stepped away from leading roles in blockbuster films. Her remarkable journey began in 1999 with her award-winning portrayal in Girl, Interrupted, where she played a young girl grappling with mental health challenges, earning her the coveted Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Jolie swiftly transitioned to action stardom with her iconic role in the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, a role she reprised in the 2003 sequel, The Cradle of Life. This led to ongoing success with films such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Wanted, and Salt.
Her talent once again shone through in critically acclaimed films like A Mighty Heart and Clint Eastwood’s Changeling, the latter of which garnered her another Academy Award nomination for her lead role as a distressed mother. Most recently, in 2024, she starred in Netflix’s Maria, portraying the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, which, despite positive reviews, did not secure her a nomination for an Academy Award. Yet, it is another film that has captured audiences’ attention on Netflix.
A Surprise Hit: Life Or Something Like It
Ranking 3rd This Week
Surprisingly, Life or Something Like It has resurfaced as a success on Netflix. Directed by Stephen Herek, renowned for his work on Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, this 2002 romantic dramedy features Jolie as an ambitious television reporter. After an intriguing encounter with a psychic who reveals she has just seven days to live, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reevaluating her perceived meaninglessness in life. The film includes a talented cast, with co-stars such as Edward Burns, Tony Shalhoub, and Stockard Channing.
As of April 16-22, 2024, Life or Something Like It has remarkably ascended to rank third on Netflix’s Global Top 10 movies list, accumulating 5.5 million views and 9.6 million hours of watch time. It currently follows The Life List and Meet the Khumalos while surpassing popular titles like Rise of the Guardians and Despicable Me 4. This resurgence has placed the film within Netflix’s Top 10 in 24 countries, including major markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Our Perspective on Life Or Something Like It’s Streaming Phenomenon
What Contributed to Its Recent Popularity?
The trends in Netflix viewership can often be unpredictable, and the unexpected success of Life or Something Like It exemplifies this phenomenon. Initially released to mixed reviews and criticism—holding a mere 28% freshness on Rotten Tomatoes—it was often viewed as too cliché and lacking depth to effectively relay its messages about appreciating life’s moments. Financially, it struggled at the box office, grossing $16 million against a production budget of $40 million. Despite its rocky start, the film’s newfound acclaim may simply reflect Angelina Jolie’s lasting appeal as a star.
Source: Netflix