Nearly 35 years after its original release, Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman has climbed into Hulu’s top five most-streamed movies in the United States as of August 3, 2025. This resurgence coincides with rising anticipation for Roberts’ upcoming film After the Hunt, directed by Luca Guadagnino and co-starring Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri, which is set for release this October. The renewed interest in Pretty Woman highlights the lasting appeal of Roberts’ career-defining role.
Pretty Woman’s Current Standing Among Popular Streaming Titles
Currently ranked fourth on Hulu’s most-streamed list, Pretty Woman is surrounded by a variety of popular films including The Devil Wears Prada at number three and the recent horror release Locked at number two. Other notable entries are Rio at number five and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre at number six. This diverse lineup underscores the broad appeal of Pretty Woman, even decades after its debut alongside stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
Exploring the Financial and Cultural Impact of Pretty Woman
Originally produced with a modest budget of $14 million, Pretty Woman went on to deliver outstanding box office returns, grossing $432 million worldwide. The film earned $178.4 million domestically and $254.1 million internationally. This strong performance positions it as the second highest-grossing romantic comedy in history, only trailing behind China’s 2016 film, The Mermaid, which earned $500 million globally. The film’s success helped define a wave of romantic comedies throughout the 1990s and remains influential in the genre today.
Critical Reception: Early Skepticism vs. Lasting Appreciation
Despite a somewhat mixed critical response at the time, with a 65% critics’ score and 68% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Pretty Woman has gained recognition as a beloved classic from the year 1990. Many viewers consider it underrated compared to its enduring popularity. Renowned critic Roger Ebert praised the film for its warmth and charm, stating,
“the sweetest and most openhearted love fable since The Princess Bride,”
adding,
“Here is a movie that could have marched us down mean streets into the sinks of iniquity, and it glows with romance.”
—Roger Ebert, Film Critic
The Lasting Legacy of Julia Roberts and Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman remains available for streaming on Hulu, where new audiences continue to discover it. Julia Roberts’ ongoing success, including her highly anticipated role in After the Hunt, reinforces her status as a significant figure in Hollywood’s romantic drama and comedy genres. This streaming surge reflects how iconic films can experience renewed relevance years after their debut, connected both to present-day cultural moments and the lasting appeal of established stars like Roberts and Gere.
