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How to Lose a Popularity Contest

Play trailer Poster for How to Lose a Popularity Contest 2026 1h 43m Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 3 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Overachiever Ellie teams with slacker Nate to sabotage her ex in the class election, but unexpected sparks threaten her meticulously laid plans.

Critics Reviews

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John Stark Mac the Movie Guy 4d
64/100
How to Lose A Popularity Contest is perhaps the most formulaic film of the year, but I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing. Go to Full Review
Josh Bell Crooked Marquee Jan 20
C
TikTok star Hudson puts the bare minimum effort into his movie debut, and Waisglass matches him with rote perkiness. Go to Full Review
Jennifer Green Common Sense Media Jan 20
2/5
TikTok star Hudson is sure to draw viewers to this high school romcom that otherwise has little to set it apart in the crowded field of the genre. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch 1d How to Lose a Popularity Contest is a corny and cheesy film that’s watchable in the moment but ultimately forgettable. It isn’t bad, and there are a few mildly enjoyable moments, but it never becomes engaging enough to leave a lasting impression or warrant a rewatch. The film relies heavily on back-and-forth dialogue and exaggerated character moments, often trying too hard to make certain personalities stand out. Unfortunately, several casting choices feel off, which disrupts the flow of the story and makes it harder to stay immersed in what’s happening. The screenplay struggles with momentum. Key moments feel underdeveloped, while other scenes drag on longer than necessary. The pacing is uneven, causing the story to feel flat instead of connected, and there are times when the narrative feels either confusing or overstretched. As a result, the viewing experience can feel frustrating rather than fun. While it’s fine as a casual watch, it lacks charm, energy, and emotional payoff. See more Katrina L @Trina280 Jan 19 Tbh I was surprised watching this movie it was amazing the type of movie you would think Netflix would produce the storyline was great and acting chefs kiss you picked right people I think for certain age demographic you got it spot on good job. I’ll keep recommending it to people to watch. See more Charlotte D @baddiecharchar67 Jan 18 Watching How to Lose a Popularity Competition feels like falling in love when you least expect it and realizing too late that your heart was never safe to begin with. This movie doesn’t simply tell a story; it whispers to you, laughs with you, and then gently takes your hand and refuses to let go. Every scene sparkles with the ache of wanting to be seen, to be chosen, to matter, and somehow it makes those feelings feel beautiful instead of embarrassing. The humor flutters like a first crush, light and giddy, while the emotional moments land softly, the way a meaningful glance does across a crowded room. See more Natalie M @Navi2030 Jan 18 Good to watch if you need something cringe to laugh at with friends or noise to fill the room while you do anything else but vaguely pay attention to the terrible plot. Sara Waisglass is a great actress for this kind of romcom/young adult movie. She's funny and quirky and brings life to her character-- though the bad writing of the script and entire movie makes her character an *sshole and completely unlikable. Chase Hudson, on the other hand, is probably the most "F tier" choice that anybody could've chosen for the role. He ruins every single scene with his weak delivery of lines and shows absolutely no range at all. It's like he's not even playing a character. I don't hate tiktok casting but I also do have some bias against it as these roles in movies can easily be given to real young aspiring actors instead of privileged influencers. Sidelined wasn't amazing but it was so much more watchable and it was clear Noah Beck had significantly more coaching (or was just better). See more Nitzan E @Nate900592 Jan 18 What an a amazing acting by Sara Waisglass!! She needs to be in the biggest rules See more Andia @whisperpicklesinthevoid Jan 17 chaseeee :( smile okay??? See more Read all reviews
How to Lose a Popularity Contest

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Movie Info

Synopsis Overachiever Ellie teams with slacker Nate to sabotage her ex in the class election, but unexpected sparks threaten her meticulously laid plans.
Director
Stephen S. Campanelli
Distributor
Tubi
Production Co
Great Pacific Media
Genre
Romance, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 16, 2026
Runtime
1h 43m