So, here's the thing about a Jennifer Aniston vacation movie. Whenever she hops on a plane for a role, half the internet starts searching for "that one Hawaii movie" or "the one with the yacht." Honestly, it's kinda become her own sub-genre at this point. People aren't just looking for a plot; they’re looking for that specific vibe—sun-drenched beaches, a slightly stressed but gorgeous wardrobe, and usually, Adam Sandler hovering somewhere in the background.
But if you’re trying to pin down exactly which movie fits the "Jennifer Aniston vacation movie" label, you’ve actually got a few distinct choices. It’s not just one film. Depending on who you ask, they might be thinking of the 2011 classic Just Go With It, the more recent Murder Mystery franchise on Netflix, or even her commune-living stint in Wanderlust.
Why Just Go With It Is the Quintessential Jennifer Aniston Vacation Movie
Most people, when they type "Jennifer Aniston vacation movie" into Google, are thinking of Just Go With It. You know the one. Adam Sandler plays a plastic surgeon who lies about being married to avoid commitment, then has to convince his assistant (Aniston) to pose as his soon-to-be-ex-wife on a trip to Hawaii.
It's pure escapism.
The movie was filmed primarily on Maui and Kauai. You've got the Grand Wailea resort serving as the backdrop for most of the "vacation" antics. The chemistry between Aniston and Sandler is basically the only reason the movie works, because, let’s be real, the plot is absolutely unhinged. Who takes their assistant and her kids to Hawaii to cover up a lie to a math teacher? Only in a 2011 rom-com.
✨ Don't miss: Whitney Houston Wedding Dress: Why This 1992 Look Still Matters
Despite the critics absolutely shredding it at the time—it’s sitting at a pretty rough 19% on Rotten Tomatoes—audiences didn't care. It made over $214 million. Why? Because watching Jen Aniston navigate a hula dance competition while looking like she just stepped out of a Smartwater ad is exactly what people want from a vacation movie.
The Netflix Era: Murder Mystery 1 and 2
Then you have the pivot to Netflix. If you aren't thinking of the Hawaii movie, you're definitely thinking of the "European vacation turned crime scene" movies.
In 2019, Murder Mystery dropped, and it felt like a spiritual successor to Just Go With It. This time, Aniston and Sandler are a married couple—Nick and Audrey Spitz—finally taking their long-delayed honeymoon to Europe. They end up on a billionaire’s yacht. Naturally, someone dies.
- Location: The first movie mostly takes place in Italy, specifically around Lake Como.
- The Vibe: It’s a whodunit, but with more bickering and Aperol Spritzes.
- The Sequel: Murder Mystery 2 (2023) turned the dial up. They went to a private island and then to Paris.
What’s interesting is that these films have basically cemented the "Sandler-Aniston vacation" brand. Sandler famously admitted to Jimmy Kimmel that he often picks movie projects based on where he wants to go on vacation. It’s a genius move, really. He gets a paid trip to the Amalfi Coast, and we get to watch Jen Aniston try to solve a murder in a wedding dress.
🔗 Read more: Finding the Perfect Donny Osmond Birthday Card: What Fans Often Get Wrong
The One People Forget: Wanderlust
There is a third option that often gets lost in the mix. If you’re looking for a "vacation movie" that’s a bit more... unconventional, you’re looking for Wanderlust.
Released in 2012, it stars Aniston and Paul Rudd as a stressed-out New York couple who lose their jobs and end up staying at a hippie commune in Georgia called Elysium. It’s not a "vacation" in the traditional sense, but it’s a "getaway" movie through and through.
It’s way weirder than the Sandler stuff. There’s a lot of improvised comedy, some light nudity (from the supporting cast), and Jen Aniston trying to embrace "free love" while looking increasingly terrified. It didn't have the massive box office success of her other travel-heavy films, but it’s arguably the funniest one of the bunch if you like David Wain’s specific brand of humor.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Films
The biggest misconception is that these are just "fluff." While they aren't winning Oscars, there is a reason Jennifer Aniston keeps making them. She’s the master of the "relatable woman in an aspirational setting."
💡 You might also like: Martha Stewart Young Modeling: What Most People Get Wrong
You aren't just watching a movie; you're window-shopping for a life where you can afford a $1,000 sunhat and still be funny when your husband accidentally gets framed for murder by Interpol.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Watch Party
If you're planning a Jennifer Aniston vacation movie marathon, don't just pick one at random. Match the movie to the mood:
- For the "I need a beach" vibe: Go with Just Go With It. The Hawaii cinematography is legitimately beautiful, and the subplot with Nicole Kidman as Aniston’s college rival is gold.
- For the "I want a mystery" vibe: Queue up Murder Mystery 1 and 2 on Netflix. They are fast-paced, easy to watch, and the banter is top-tier.
- For the "I want something weird" vibe: Watch Wanderlust. It’s a cult classic for a reason, and Paul Rudd’s mirror monologue is worth the price of admission alone.
Check your streaming platforms because these titles move around a lot. As of early 2026, the Murder Mystery films are permanent Netflix staples, while Just Go With It often cycles between Netflix and Prime Video. If you're looking for the newest thing, Aniston recently lent her voice to the Disney+ film Out of My Mind, but for that true "vacation" feel, the Sandler collaborations remain the undisputed heavyweights of her filmography.