While scrolling through Netflix’s slate for October 2025, I was instantly transported back to my youth. When I spotted 1998’s "Sliding Doors" being added to the streaming service’s movie library today (October 27), a long-buried memory of watching the flick during my school days surfaced.
I don’t recall why a classroom of kids was shown a ‘90s romantic comedy-drama during school — it wasn’t exactly relevant to our academic studies — but perhaps our teacher was just in a good mood that day or was a big Gwyneth Paltrow fan. Either way, this flashback reminded me of a movie I’d forgotten, but it’s one I’m delighted to have stumbled upon again.
This Paltrow-fronted movie proves two things: She’s capable of a surprisingly great British accent, and she’s an excellent lead in a charming romantic flick. "Sliding Doors" is also well known for its unique narrative twist, with its story split across two timelines, showing how the smallest actions can completely alter your life. It’s like “The Butterfly Effect” but a lot cozier.
As the colder winter months approach, if you’re looking for a heartwarming movie to watch on Netflix, “Sliding Doors” is certainly worthy of your watchlist. Whether it’s your first time streaming it or it’s an old favorite, I can confirm it definitely holds up very well.
What is ‘Sliding Doors’ about?
Londoner Helen Quilley (Gwyneth Paltrow) is having a pretty bad start to her day. Fired from her PR job, she’s rushing to catch a subway train home to the apartment she shares with her boyfriend, Gerry (John Lynch). But she’s a split second too late and misses the last train just as the doors are closing.
But what if she hadn’t? Maybe in another parallel universe, she did manage to catch the train, and that’s the crux of “Sliding Doors.” This unique romantic comedy-drama follows Helen across two different timelines and explores how the simplest of actions can completely change the trajectory of your life.
Here’s why you should stream ‘Sliding Doors’ on Netflix
The hook of “Sliding Doors," constantly leaping between its two distinct timelines, could have been a gimmick, but it’s very well handled here. On a basic level, writer/director Peter Howitt ensures that viewers are never confused about which version of Helen’s life they’re viewing (Paltrow gets a shorter haircut in one timeline, which helps), but the setup is also used for some great dramatic irony and clever “close calls” as events play out in different ways.
Helen is a likable character, helped by Platrow’s ‘90s era charm (this movie was released before Goop), and considering Helen has a pretty rough time of it in both timelines, but for very different reasons, it’s pretty easy to sympathize with her. Of course, like any good romantic movie, there also has to be a suitably charming love interest. And that comes in the form of John Hannah’s James, a warm and friendly figure, with a silly joke for all occasions.
For the nostalgic types, “Sliding Doors” is also likely to have you reflecting on your own life, musing on how your pathway could have altered if something had played out differently, even something that seems very insignificant. Though, as the overall message of the movie advises, the universe has a funny way of putting you on the correct path you’re supposed to walk.
Overall, “Sliding Doors” is an easy-going watch, but its unique "what if?" setup helps it stand out from the many girl-meets-boy rivals of its time. Paltrow is charming in the lead role and has great chemistry with John Hannah’s James. That’s pretty much everything you need for a pleasant comedy-drama, so if you’re on the hunt for one on Netflix, your search is over.
Meanwhile, as it’s Halloween week, if you’re looking for something a little more spooky, here’s a guide to the best scary movies on Netflix. Or check out our full guide to everything new on Netflix in October 2025.
Watch "Sliding Doors" on Netflix now
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