Serendipity

Although already in relationships, two strangers realize they have genuine chemistry after a chance encounter – but part company soon after. Years later, they each yearn to reunite, despite being destined for the altar. But to give true love a chance, they have to find one another again.

Serendipity landed in mixed territory with critics, who found its romantic-comedy charm undercut by an over-reliance on coincidence and contrivance. Audiences responded more warmly than reviewers, suggesting the film's appeal runs more on feel-good fantasy than on craft. The gap between critic skepticism and popular affection is essentially the whole story here.