Since its debut in 2019, The Hustle struggled to win favor with critics and audiences alike, scoring just 13% on Rotten Tomatoes and 44% from viewers. Despite this poor reception, the film has found renewed success, ranking in Prime Video’s Top 10 most-watched movies in the United States as of July 2025. This resurgence highlights a surprising shift in viewer interest around the Anne Hathaway The Hustle streaming phenomenon. Set on the stunning French Riviera, the story follows two con artists, Josephine Chesterfield (Anne Hathaway) and Penny Rust (Rebel Wilson), as they embark on clever cons against wealthy targets.
Although its initial release was met with considerable disappointment, the film’s recent popularity demonstrates how streaming platforms can breathe new life into movies previously dismissed in theatrical runs. Many viewers appear drawn to its light-hearted tone and playful story, setting it apart from the heavier dramas that dominate streaming libraries today.
How Streaming Patterns Position The Hustle as a Viewer Favorite
The Hustle’s unexpected placement in Prime Video’s Top 10 is driven partly by algorithmic recommendations and consistent viewer interest. Despite its critical failure, the film’s breezy humor and star appeal encourage viewers to watch repeatedly or discover it anew. The combination of Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson acts as a major draw, with both actresses known for their comedic timing.
Set against a sunlit French Riviera backdrop, the film offers an accessible form of escapism. Its relatively short runtime of 94 minutes makes it an attractive option for viewers seeking a quick, entertaining break. This compact length appeals to those who prefer lighter content without the emotional weight of long dramas, aiding its streaming retention points.
Prime Video’s platform benefits from such titles that provide comfort viewing—The Hustle fits perfectly into this category, offering a mix of comedy, charm, and visual appeal that keeps audiences engaged.
What Appeals to Audiences About The Hustle Despite Negative Reviews?
The film’s presence on streaming charts proves that many viewers have found enjoyment beyond the critical consensus. While the Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score is dismal, audience reactions show more complexity, with laughter and comfort noted frequently by viewers. The dynamic between Hathaway’s elegant con artist Josephine and Wilson’s unpredictable Penny creates a playful interplay that resonates with many.
“While I will not say it is not the best comedy of the year, the comedic prowess of Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway is top notch, and it is a film that both men and women will enjoy.”
—Sarah Ksiazek, Critic
Some appreciate the film as a light diversion, valuing its simplicity in contrast to the often intense and dramatic streaming fare currently popular. It offers a form of entertainment that is deliberately uncomplicated and cheerful, making it easy for viewers to unwind.
The Hustle’s plot mirrors classic con-artist films but with a twist that focuses on a female partnership, blending elegance and street smarts. This yin-yang dynamic offers something refreshing and entertaining, even when some jokes miss their mark.
The film embodies the guilty pleasure appeal. In a time when many streaming hits pride themselves on dark, complex storytelling, The Hustle’s upbeat and colorful energy recalls an era of lighter comedy, reminding audiences that enjoying “fluff” is valid and worthwhile.
Could The Hustle’s Flaws Contribute to Its Streaming Popularity?
Some films develop cult followings precisely because of their shortcomings, creating shared experiences around enjoyment of so-bad-it’s-good cinema. The Hustle appears to have found a place in this niche, where its awkward dialogue and cheesy cons provide entertainment through second-hand embarrassment and communal viewing.
This effect encourages viewers to engage with the film on social media platforms, sharing clips that capture its offbeat humor and cringe-worthy moments, fueling curiosity and additional streams.
The bright visuals and lively pace contrast with the often cringe-inducing script, producing a strangely addictive viewing experience. Audiences arrive expecting slick, clever cons and end up entertained by the spectacle, flaws and all.
As streaming continues to diversify the kinds of movies that find success, The Hustle exemplifies how conventional critical measures may no longer predict popularity. Although it ranks as one of Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson’s less critically acclaimed works, the film’s streaming climb suggests that enjoyment comes from more than just critical merit.
Why The Hustle’s Streaming Trend Matters for Entertainment Consumption
The continued interest in The Hustle on Prime Video challenges traditional notions of success in film. It highlights how star power, escapist settings, and a mood-lightening vibe can outweigh poor reviews in driving viewership. This suggests that audiences seek balance in their media diets, favoring movies that offer relief from heavier thematic fare.
For entertainment writers and industry observers, The Hustle’s resurgence is a reminder to consider audience motivations beyond critic scores. Its popularity underscores the importance of algorithm-driven discovery and the evolving ways viewers choose content in the streaming era.
The film‘s availability on Prime Video ensures it remains accessible to a broad audience, allowing new viewers to judge it for themselves and contributing to its ongoing relevance in the digital marketplace.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Anne Hathaway’s syndrome?
A. Anne Hathaway Syndrome is when you follow all the rules, but people still dislike you for it.
Q. What is Anne Hathaway’s religion?
A. Hathaway grew up as a Roman Catholic and feels she was taught strong values. As a child, she wanted to be a nun, but acting was always very important to her.
Q. Why does Anne Hathaway’s face look different?
A. A plastic surgeon hinted that Anne Hathaway might have had surgery. The surgeon noted signs of a nose job. They also mentioned her face looks like it’s losing baby fat naturally, but it seems more controlled or maintained.
