A critically mauled action-comedy from 2015 is experiencing a remarkable second life, becoming one of the most-watched films on Netflix in the UK this weekend. Hot Pursuit, starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofía Vergara, has raced to the number two spot on the platform's charts, a stunning turnaround for a film that holds an abysmal 8% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
From Critical Flop to Streaming Success
As of Saturday, 3rd January 2026, the film sits just behind the true-crime documentary Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story and has even outperformed the high-profile new Knives Out mystery, Wake Up Dead Man. This surge in popularity for the decade-old movie has taken many by surprise, given its disastrous initial reception from professional reviewers.
The plot follows Officer Rose Cooper (Witherspoon), a by-the-book police officer tasked with a perilous mission: escorting the wife of a cartel boss, Daniella Riva (Vergara), across Texas. The pair must dodge a relentless onslaught of corrupt cops and hired criminals determined to stop Daniella from testifying.
Fans Defy Critics with Rave Reviews
While critics savaged the film, a dedicated fanbase has passionately defended it for years. On Rotten Tomatoes, user reviews paint a completely different picture. One five-star reviewer hailed it as "one of the funniest movies ever!!!!!", adding that it gets funnier with every rewatch. Another argued that critics were wrong, stating it was a comedy not meant to be taken too seriously.
The chemistry between the two lead actresses is frequently cited as the film's saving grace. "Reese Witherspoon and Sofía Vergara have fantastic chemistry, and their contrasting personalities make for nonstop entertainment," wrote one supporter, praising the film's high-energy and over-the-top humour.
Comparisons and Unabashed Praise
Some fans have drawn comparisons to classic comedies, with one suggesting it was a female-led version of Midnight Run aimed at a younger audience. On IMDb, enthusiasm reaches even greater heights, with a 10/10 review describing the actresses as "irresistible" and the film as a perfect escape from life's problems.
A common theme among these fan testimonials is a direct rebuttal of the critical consensus. "I read reviews about how terrible this movie was so I went into the cinema not expecting much. I don't think I stopped laughing!" shared one viewer, encouraging others to ignore "snooty critics" and enjoy the lighthearted fun.
The unexpected chart success of Hot Pursuit on Netflix underscores the growing divide between critical opinion and audience taste in the streaming era, proving that a low Rotten Tomatoes score is no barrier to becoming a weekend binge-hit. The film is available to stream on Netflix now.
