Netflix's New November Comedy Movie Has an Almost Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score
If you've been hunting for a sure-thing crowd-pleaser on Netflix this month, here it is: Paddington 2 just landed, and it's sitting at a near-perfect 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. That number rarely happens, and honestly, it tracks - this movie makes rooms quieter, then noticeably happier.
Quick heads-up: this story includes three videos related to Paddington 2. They'll appear automatically below.
So, what's the big deal?
Paddington - yes, the polite little bear (movies and tv series) with a thing for marmalade - has settled in with the Browns in London. He's all about making people's days a bit better. Then a birthday errand for Aunt Lucy goes sideways, he's framed for a theft, and suddenly the world's kindest bear is in prison while his family races to clear his name.
Here's why it works: the film treats kids like they're smart and adults like they still have hearts. The jokes land without talking down to anyone, and the story is built with care from top to bottom - characters, pacing, the look of it all. It's sweet without being syrupy, and it never winks at you like it's too cool for its own message.
Comedy that actually plays for everyone
Paddington 2 threads that tricky needle - silly enough for kids, sharp enough for grown-ups. There's slapstick and visual bits that just work, plus sly lines you'll catch on a rewatch.
And Hugh Grant (movies and tv series)? He's a riot as Phoenix Buchanan, a preening, scarf-loving has-been who's as ridiculous as he is cunning. He basically steals every scene he's in, leaning into his charm and twisting it into something deliciously villainous. You can feel the crew having fun around him.
The kindness hits different right now
"If we're kind and polite, the world will be right," Paddington says. It's simple, almost disarming - and it lands. Maybe it's timing, but the film's belief in small, everyday goodness feels like a deep breath.
Hugh Bonneville (movies and tv series), Samuel Joslin (movies and tv series), Sally Hawkins (movies and tv series), Julie Walters (movies and tv series), Madeleine Harris (movies and tv series) in Paddington 2
Look, a movie won't fix the tougher headlines. But this one makes the air a little lighter. It reminds you that decency is a choice, and it's contagious.
Worth your time - and the hype
A 99% on Rotten Tomatoes isn't just a brag; it's a sign that critics and audiences are basically on the same page here. If you're programming a family movie night, want a comfort watch, or you're tracking Netflix's November slate, this one's an easy add.
- Rotten Tomatoes score: See the 99% rating
- Streaming: Watch Paddington 2 on Netflix
And if you like a little continuity, you can queue up the first Paddington before hitting play. It makes the laughs warmer and the payoffs sweeter.
Here's what this could mean, especially for comedy watchers: sincerity still sells. Heart, craft, and a few perfect gags can travel across generations - even in a crowded November lineup.
Paddington 2 is streaming now. Bring snacks. Maybe marmalade.
