Netflix’s latest romantic offering, The Life List, arrived with the promise of heartwarming charm and uplifting storytelling—but instead of winning over audiences, it has been met with a wave of criticism. The film, which follows a woman who rediscovers herself by completing a bucket list she wrote as a teenager, has been called “predictable,” “uninspired,” and “just another forgettable Netflix romance” by frustrated viewers.
Despite its appealing premise and a talented cast, The Life List appears to have fallen into the same pitfalls as many of Netflix’s recent romantic comedies—relying on tired tropes without bringing anything fresh to the genre.
What Is The Life List About?
The film centers on Brett (played by The Bold Type’s Aisha Dee), a successful but unfulfilled woman who stumbles upon a list of dreams she wrote as a teenager. Determined to reconnect with her younger self, she sets out to complete every item—leading to a journey of self-discovery, unexpected romance, and life lessons.
On paper, it sounds like the perfect feel-good movie. However, many viewers argue that the execution falls flat, leaving the film feeling more like a checklist of clichés than a meaningful story.
Why Are Viewers Disappointed?
1. Predictable Storytelling
One of the biggest complaints is that The Life List follows an overly familiar formula. From the quirky best friend to the inevitable love interest (a charming but underdeveloped character played by Virgin River’s Benjamin Hollingsworth), the film rarely strays from the well-worn path of romantic comedies.
“Within the first 10 minutes, I knew exactly how it would end,” one viewer tweeted. “There were zero surprises, zero risks—just the same old Netflix rom-com template.”
2. Lack of Chemistry
While Aisha Dee delivers a likable performance, many felt that the romantic spark between her and Hollingsworth’s character was lacking. Unlike classic rom-com pairings that make audiences root for the couple, their relationship felt rushed and unconvincing.
“The leads had about as much chemistry as two strangers waiting in line at the DMV,” joked one critic on Reddit.
3. Superficial Emotional Depth
A bucket list premise inherently lends itself to emotional moments, but viewers say The Life List glosses over its deeper themes in favor of light, breezy scenes. Instead of exploring Brett’s personal growth in a meaningful way, the film often resorts to montages and superficial realizations.
“It had the potential to be moving, but it never dug deep enough,” wrote one reviewer. “Everything was resolved too neatly, with no real stakes.”
How Does It Compare to Other Netflix Rom-Coms?
Netflix has had both hits and misses in the romantic comedy genre. While films like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Set It Up were praised for their charm and originality, others—like The Kissing Booth sequels and Tall Girl—have been criticized for their lack of substance.
Unfortunately, The Life List seems to be leaning toward the latter category. Many fans had hoped for a return to the witty, well-written rom-coms that put Netflix on the map, but instead, they got what feels like a recycled version of past flops.
Is There Any Praise for the Film?
Not all feedback has been negative. Some viewers appreciated the film’s lighthearted tone and found it to be an easy, undemanding watch.
“It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s cute and harmless,” one fan wrote. “Sometimes you just want a simple, happy-ending movie, and this delivers that.”
Aisha Dee’s performance has also been highlighted as a bright spot, with many praising her charisma and relatability. If anything, the film proves that she has the potential to lead stronger romantic comedies in the future—if given better material.
What Does This Mean for Netflix’s Romance Genre?
The lukewarm reception of The Life List raises questions about Netflix’s approach to romantic comedies. While the platform continues to churn out new titles at a rapid pace, many feel that quantity is outweighing quality.
“Netflix keeps making the same movie over and over with slightly different actors,” one frustrated subscriber commented. “At this point, it feels like they’re just filling a quota rather than trying to tell good stories.”
If Netflix wants to regain its status as a rom-com leader, it may need to focus less on formulaic plots and more on fresh, well-written scripts that bring something new to the genre.
Final Verdict: Another Miss for Netflix Romance Fans
While The Life List isn’t outright terrible, it’s far from memorable. For viewers craving a romantic comedy with depth, originality, and genuine emotion, this film is unlikely to satisfy. Instead, it joins a growing list of forgettable Netflix romances that blend together in a sea of mediocrity.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that audiences are hungry for better—better writing, better chemistry, and better storytelling. Until Netflix steps up its game, fans may need to keep searching elsewhere for their next great romantic comedy fix.