Stumbling upon a childhood bucket list, riding unicorns, achieving fame, and indulging in a cake for dinner could potentially transform your entire existence. This captivating premise anchors The Life List
, Netflix’s buzzworthy feel-good movie that has captured viewers’ hearts worldwide. Masterfully blending heartwarming moments with humor and delicious nostalgia, the film whisks audiences away on an unforgettable adventure exploring dreams forgotten, regrets harbored, and second chances gloriously seized when least expected. With its deeply relatable themes and realistic storytelling, it feels almost too real. So, what is the truth?
Netflix is serving up another heartstring-tugger, but is The Life List
a true story or just movie magic? Fact or fiction? Truth or tale? This one has everyone guessing. It is time to separate the dreams from reality, because the answer might just surprise you.
Dreams, destiny, and a to-do list: The Life List keeps everyone guessing
Netflix’s The Life List
springs from imagination rather than reality
, adapting Lori Nelson Spielman’s beloved 2013 novel.
Viewers follow Sofia Carson’s Alex Rose
embarking on an extraordinary quest to complete teenage aspirations listed years ago, unlocking her inheritance following her mother’s passing. Though purely fictional
, the narrative strikes universal chords through its exploration of self-discovery journeys and personal evolution. Old dreams, new beginnings, The Life List
weaves a story that hits right in the feels, making every twist feel like a page out of our own lives.
The Life List, starring Sofia Carson, premieres in 12 HOURS.
A woman is left her own childhood bucket list in her mother’s will. Each task she completes will unlock a message from her mom — and shake up her life. pic.twitter.com/36KtmdW0dW
— Netflix (@netflix) March 27, 2025
Lori Nelson Spielman’s creative spark ignited when she unearthed her own teenage manifesto, 27 ambitious life goals penned at fourteen
. This serendipitous discovery prompted profound contemplation about life’s alternate pathways and untaken roads, ultimately crystallizing into the novel’s central premise. While not documenting actual events, the story brilliantly captures humanity’s collective experience of confronting youthful aspirations with adult realities. The narrative weaves together, touching reflections on finding purpose in life’s unexpected corners.
Read More: ‘An Honest Life’ on Netflix: Plot, Cast, Release Date, and Everything You Need to Know
A teenage wishlist, a life-altering quest, and a city that never sleeps, The Life List
turns wild dreams into reality. With a stellar cast and NYC’s unstoppable energy, this one is pure movie magic.
Adam Brooks transforms The Life List with a star-studded cast and NYC’s charm
Director Adam Brooks translates this enchanting fiction to the screen with a stellar ensemble, including Kyle Allen portraying Brad, Sebastian de Souza embodying Garrett, and Connie Britton bringing Elizabeth, Alex’s mother
, vividly to life.
Released March 28, 2025, the production transformed New York City into its canvas, capturing Manhattan’s bustling energy and Brooklyn’s distinctive character. These authentic urban landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for Alex’s transformation, which Sofia Carson herself describes as a “beautiful rainbow mess
“
, the city itself becoming an unspoken character witnessing her evolution.
NYC, we got your Friday night plans set! 🎬
Check out the new #MadeinNY movie “The Life List” starring @SofiaCarson on @netflix now. pic.twitter.com/GMQtjmNKvu
— NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment (@MadeinNY) March 28, 2025
Critical reception resembled a pendulum swinging between admiration and skepticism upon release. Enthusiastic reviewers celebrated Sofia Carson’s nuanced performance and the film’s tender handling of grief alongside personal growth. Detractors pointed to formulaic storytelling elements and emotional shallowness in certain scenes. Regardless of critical division, the film has catalyzed meaningful viewer discussions about abandoned childhood aspirations and life’s crossroads. Its true impact lies in prompting audiences to reconsider their own unfinished lists.
Read More: The 10 Most Iconic Netflix Original Films to Stream Now
Fact or fiction? What is your take on The Life List
? Let us know in the comments below.
