The romantic comedy "Anyone But You," released in December 2023, has emerged as a significant success story in Hollywood, defying initial critical backlash to become a global box office hit and a popular streaming title. Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, the film captivated audiences despite a lukewarm critical reception, showcasing the immense draw of its leading duo.

Directed by Will Gluck and co-written by Gluck and Ilana Wolpert, "Anyone But You" is a modern take on a Shakespeare play, bringing a fresh perspective to the romantic comedy genre. The plot centers on Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell), who, after a promising first date, experience an incident that turns their fiery attraction ice cold. Fate intervenes when they are unexpectedly brought together at a destination wedding in Australia, leading them to pretend to be a couple, setting the stage for an "edgy comedy." The film also features Alexandra Shipp and Dermot Mulroney in supporting roles.

Upon its release, "Anyone But You" faced a divided reception. Critics, as reflected by a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, noted its "slick direction" and "tremendously watchable stars" but often found the story "less than scintillating." However, audiences responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, giving the film an impressive 87% audience rating on the same review aggregator. This stark contrast perfectly illustrates how the movie resonated directly with viewers, carving out its own success path.

Financially, "Anyone But You" proved to be an enormous triumph. Produced on a modest budget of $25 million, it garnered a global box office haul of $220 million. This impressive performance allowed the film to maintain a strong theatrical run from December 2023 through April 2024. Its commercial success places it among the 30 highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time globally. Furthermore, the film achieved a unique milestone, becoming the highest-grossing live-action Shakespeare adaptation ever, an impressive niche record.

The film's popularity has endured beyond its theatrical run. Even recently, "Anyone But You" was listed as one of the ten most-streamed titles on Hulu in the U.S., demonstrating its continued appeal to a broad audience. With a runtime of 103 minutes, this R-rated romantic comedy continues to find new viewers and solidify its status as a notable entry in the resurgence of the genre.