Like In The Movies

Synopsis

Like In The Movies (original title: Gaya sa Pelikula) is a 2020 Filipino romantic drama series led by Ian Pangilinan. The series explores the tentative, hopeful rhythms of young love as its protagonist navigates unexpected emotional turns, family expectations, and the pull of cinematic fantasies versus real-life intimacy. Through a mix of tender everyday moments and nostalgic references to films, the show focuses on character-driven scenes, intimate conversations, and the small gestures that define modern relationships. Rather than relying on melodrama, Like In The Movies emphasizes realism and warmth—showcasing how two people try to understand each other, reconcile differences, and grow together. Its short-run format and clear focus make it an approachable watch for audiences looking for a quiet, heartfelt romantic story that prioritizes performance, chemistry, and the emotional truth of its characters without major plot twists or soap-opera excesses.

Cast

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  Ian Pangilinan

  Vlad Austria

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  Paolo Pangilinan

  Karl Almasen

Reviews

Overall reception for Like In The Movies has leaned positive among viewers, with particular praise for Ian Pangilinan’s understated lead performance and the series’ intimate, low-key tone. On IMDb the series holds a rating of 8.2/10, reflecting a strong audience appreciation on that platform. Major aggregator sites such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic do not list a critic score for the series, and there is limited coverage in international mainstream outlets, so much of the measurable response comes from audience reviews and Philippine entertainment press. Viewers and local reviewers have repeatedly highlighted the show’s strengths: naturalistic acting, believable chemistry between leads, and a gentle, unhurried approach to romance that many found refreshingly sincere compared with more bombastic entries in the genre. Critics and commentators who covered the show noted its modest production scale and deliberate pacing—elements that work for audiences seeking realism but may feel slow to those expecting heightened drama. Some reviews pointed out predictable beats and a short runtime that limits deeper subplot development, arguing that certain supporting characters and backstory threads could have used more space to breathe. On balance, the consensus among viewers is that Like In The Movies succeeds as a tender, character-focused romantic drama: it won audience goodwill for its performances, warm tone, and relatable emotional moments, while attracting occasional critique for narrative brevity and conventional plotting. If you favor quiet romances anchored by strong chemistry and authentic-feeling moments, the series is likely to appeal; if you prefer high-stakes twists or broad ensemble storytelling, it may feel limited.

See also

Stranger Things

Hawkeye

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Pokémon