The film starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt is climbing Netflix UK charts, with some fans admitting they like to watch it at Christmas time.
Hannah McGreevy, Assistant Editor for Screen Time Assistant Editor
16:00, 16 Dec 2025
The movie has a unique concept(Image: Paramount Pictures/Icon Productions)
A romantic comedy from the year 2000 featuring Hollywood star Mel Gibson is making its way up the Netflix UK charts.
The film, titled What Women Want, presents an unconventional premise for a romcom, with lead character Nick Marshall (played by Gibson) unexpectedly acquiring the ability to read women’s minds.
The synopsis for the film on Rotten Tomatoes reads: “Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) gets a whole new outlook on life when a fluke accident gives him the ability to read women’s minds.
“At first, this ‘gift’ provides Nick with way too much information, but he begins to realize that he can use it to good effect, especially when it comes to outwitting his new boss, Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt).”
Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt star(Image: Paramount Pictures/Icon Productions)
What Women Want is directed by Nancy Meyers, a renowned figure in the realm of romantic comedies. The film also features performances from Marisa Tomei, Alan Alda and Ashley Johnson, reports the Express.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film has evidently struck a chord with romcom enthusiasts, with some confessing their fondness for re-watching it during the festive season.
One fan shared on IMDb: “This film – about a man suddenly endowed with hearing women’s thoughts – is a favourite rerun at Christmas, and I still watch it (ok not in full, I have a life too) instead of changing channels because it’s still funny.
“Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt are really good there, they just coined it and you wish there were more unpretentious (but with a tiny bit of depth and message) comedies like this around.”
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Over on Rotten Tomatoes, one fan confessed that the film has become a Christmas tradition, stating: “Not a Christmas movie but one I like to watch at Christmas time because I first saw it in the theatre Christmas 2000. Stars Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt who have great chemistry together.”
Other fans lauded the film for its unique concept, with one remarking: “A VERY clever take on the romance we express versus what we truly feel on the inside.”
The romcom has become a Christmas favourite for some people(Image: Paramount Pictures/Icon Productions)
“Enjoyed it, love the moral on viewing things from other people’s perspectives and being mindful of others,” another concurred, while someone else reflected: “It’s an underrated film that people must watch a second time to realise it’s funny, clever, and interesting.”
Another viewer agreed: “A great concept, handled in a light and funny way. Gibson is great as an assholish but lovable man’s man who slowly but predictably learns to respect women. His acting really carries the whole thing, but the sappy storyline and overall positive vibes make this a comedy worth watching.”
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The film received nothing but accolades from other fans, with one gushing: “This is, without a doubt, one of the best romantic comedies I’ve ever seen! Full of memorable scenes, it truly lives in my heart.”
Another added: “I absolutely love this entire movie! My favourite part will forever be the montage of Alex (Ashley Johnson) trying on prom dresses to What a Girl Wants by Christina Aguilera.”
However, as indicated by its 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film didn’t win over everyone. One disgruntled viewer grumbled: “It’s nothing much, other than being stupid.”
“Bah! it’s funny in places but otherwise dire brought to the boil!” another viewer exclaimed, while a third succinctly stated: “Silly – a waste of Gibson’s talent.”
What Women Want is currently streaming on Netflix.
