Let’s be real — if you’ve ever dreamed of faking a relationship to impress your crush, then Just Go With It is your cinematic soulmate. Released in 2011, this Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston rom-com gave us lies, laughs, and a Hawaiian holiday we’re still not over.
Despite all the fake rings and hilarious mix-ups, the movie contains numerous little-known facts. Are you prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of trivia and enhance the excitement of your next girls’ night watch-along? Let’s dive in.
1. It’s actually a remake.
Yep, Just Go With It isn’t an original idea. It’s based on a 1969 film called Cactus Flower, which itself was adapted from a Broadway play. The original even won Goldie Hawn an Academy Award. Who knew Sandler was secretly bringing the theatre to Netflix night?
2. Hawaii wasn’t just for the vibes.
While the Hawaiian setting feels like a dream holiday backdrop, filming there wasn’t just about palm trees and pina coladas. It was partly a business move — shooting in Hawaii helped the production snag some handy tax incentives. Yep, even rom-coms crunch numbers.
3. Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston go way back.
Their on-screen chemistry feels effortless because it kind of is. Sandler and Aniston have been friends since the early ’90s, long before Rachel Green met Danny Maccabee. The director often had to remind them to stick to the script because they had so much fun roasting each other between takes.
4. Nicole Kidman almost steals the show.
If you’ve forgotten Nicole Kidman was in this movie, don’t worry — you’re not alone. She pops up as Devlin, Aniston’s glamorous college frenemy, and basically turns every scene into her runway. Fun fact: Kidman said she took the role just for fun, wanting to shake off her serious Oscar-winning image. Mission accomplished.
5. The sheep scene was a total accident.
Remember the hilarious bit where a sheep crashes into the party? That wasn’t originally in the script. During filming, the animal went rogue, but the crew decided to embrace it. What you see on screen is partly improv—and the cast’s genuine surprise.
6. Brooklyn Decker wasn’t the first choice.
The role of Palmer (the young girlfriend Sandler’s character is trying to impress) was nearly played by another Hollywood starlet. Rumour has it a few big names were considered, but model-turned-actress Brooklyn Decker snagged the role after wowing producers with her mix of sweetness and comedic timing.
7. The kids weren’t acting… much.
The child actors playing Aniston’s kids — Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck — were encouraged to improvise their lines to keep the family dynamic natural. That means a lot of the sass, eye-rolls, and dramatic one-liners were actually all them. Respect.
8. Jennifer Aniston’s wardrobe was a fan favourite.
Viewers went wild for Aniston’s breezy resort outfits, and fashion blogs at the time couldn’t stop breaking down where to find similar looks. From the chic maxi dresses to those oversized sunnies, her wardrobe basically set the stage for every “beach chic” Pinterest board.
9. Critics weren’t impressed — but audiences loved it.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Just Go With It has a not-so-flattering critic score. But audiences? Totally different story. The film grossed over $214 million worldwide, proving once again that rom-coms don’t need critical love to become comfort-watch classics.
10. It sparked a mini rom-com revival.
After the film’s success, Hollywood realised audiences were still hungry for goofy, feel-good romcoms. The movie paved the way for a new wave of light-hearted comedies — and even reunited Aniston and Sandler later in Murder Mystery. Basically, Just Go With It reminded everyone that sometimes, lying your way into love is box-office gold.
Wrap-up: why we still love it
More than a decade later, Just Go With It is still the perfect popcorn movie. It’s got the vacation vibes, the fake-dating drama, and the kind of chemistry you just can’t fake. Whether you’re Team Aniston or just here for Sandler’s dad jokes, this rom-com proves that sometimes the messiest stories make the best memories.
So next time you’re rewatching, impress your friends with these behind-the-scenes tidbits. And if someone side-eyes your love for a cheesy rom-com? Just go with it.
