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"Anyone But You" Soars on Netflix After Slow Theatrical Run

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 7:15 GMT by Daily Express
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES

Sunday, February 8th, 2026 - In a remarkable turnaround, the romantic comedy Anyone But You, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, has become a global phenomenon on Netflix, topping charts in an astonishing 93 countries, according to data from FlixPatrol. This success comes after a relatively quiet theatrical run, prompting a discussion about the evolving landscape of film distribution and audience preferences.

The film, which follows Bea (Sweeney) and Ben (Powell) as they feign a relationship following an awkward initial encounter, appears to have found its audience after its cinema release. Initially, Anyone But You received lukewarm reactions from critics, with many pointing to its adherence to familiar romantic comedy tropes. Reviews ranged from "pleasant but forgettable" to assessments labeling it a "glorified rom-com with not much to offer." However, these criticisms haven't deterred viewers, who are evidently embracing its lightheartedness and the undeniable chemistry between its leads.

This success story begs the question: what factors contributed to Anyone But You's resurgence on Netflix? Several elements seem to be at play. Firstly, the sheer power of the streaming giant's reach cannot be understated. Netflix boasts over 238 million subscribers worldwide, providing a vastly larger potential audience than even a wide theatrical release. Secondly, the film's marketing strategy seems to have benefited from a delayed, organic growth fueled by social media. While initial marketing centered around the stars' established fanbases, the film's popularity has continued to swell through TikTok and other platforms, with viewers sharing positive reactions and clips.

The shift in viewing habits is also significant. In 2026, the traditional dominance of cinema is increasingly being challenged. Viewers are no longer necessarily rushing to see films on opening weekend, often preferring the convenience and affordability of streaming. This trend, accelerated by the pandemic, has resulted in shorter theatrical windows and a greater emphasis on streaming revenue. Films that may not have performed well in crowded cinemas can find a dedicated audience in the comfort of viewers' homes.

Furthermore, the appeal of the "comfort movie" genre is on the rise. In a world grappling with uncertainty, audiences are increasingly seeking out films that offer escapism and a guaranteed emotional payoff. Anyone But You clearly caters to this desire, delivering a predictable but enjoyable narrative with appealing leads. It's not attempting to reinvent the wheel; instead, it offers a reliably charming experience. This stands in contrast to the often complex and demanding narratives favored by many critics, demonstrating a disconnect between critical assessment and popular appeal.

The case of Anyone But You echoes the recent success of other rom-coms on streaming platforms. Films like Set It Up and To All the Boys I've Loved Before initially gained traction on Netflix before becoming cultural touchstones. These successes suggest that the romantic comedy genre is far from dead; it's merely evolving, and finding new life through streaming services.

Industry analysts are already predicting that this trend will continue. Smaller-budget romantic comedies, and even dramas, may increasingly bypass traditional theatrical releases altogether, heading straight to streaming platforms. This could lead to a democratization of filmmaking, allowing a wider range of voices and stories to reach audiences. However, it also raises concerns about the future of the cinema experience and the potential for homogenization of film content.

As Anyone But You continues its reign atop the Netflix charts, it serves as a powerful reminder that audience appetite is not always aligned with critical opinion. It also demonstrates the immense power of streaming services to revive and redefine a film's fate, proving that a "flop" in cinemas doesn't necessarily mean failure in the modern entertainment landscape.