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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 Jan 23
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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Pulse Gamers T @Lightingblade28 2d It's not a kissing booth or anything tbh this teen drama romance is not memorable no wonder it got dumped on tubi See more Hanna T @RT16701394 5d I truly loved how Sara waisglass plays in this movie she really made this movie to get that 4 stars because she is such an incredible actor I think the actor who plays chase might need to work on his acting more but overall loved this classic comedy cheesy romance See more Havana and B @RT45293772 Mar 13 Nerdy boyfriend deserved better. Nate was not it. ew See more Tara T. @taraliyah Jan 31 I miss when movies were good See more Chris L. @chriskendrick Jan 29 I really enjoyed myself. See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch Jan 27 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 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