James Franco and Bryan Cranston's 2016 comedy Why Him? has found fresh popularity on streaming, despite its lowly Rotten Tomatoes score. Directed and co-written by Me Time's John Hamburg, the movie tells the story of a father who tries to stop his daughter's immature millionaire boyfriend from proposing to her. Featuring a cast that also includes Megan Mullally, Zoey Deutch, Griffin Gluck, and Keegan-Michael Key, the movie was a box office success, grossing almost $120 million against a production budget of $52 million, despite largely negative critical reviews.
Now, despite the movie's low Rotten Tomatoes score, and negative critical reception, it is enjoying new-found success on the streaming platform, Hulu. The site has Why Him? ranked at the No. 1 spot on its list of Top 15 Movies Today, for Friday, November 8, though which it achieved by beating out the rest of the top five, which includes successful movies such as the original Madagascar movie at No. 2, Grown Ups at No. 3, Poolman at No. 4, and Grown Ups 2 at No. 5.
Though it has since taken a slight dip in its rankings, Why Him? is still situated within the first five of th Top 15 Movies Today, with Poolman and Madagascar rising above it to bump it down to the No. 3 spot. Additionally, with its third spot, the Franco and Cranston-led comedy is seated ahead of three Adam Sandler comedies, Grown Ups at No. 4, Grown Ups 2 at No. 5 and Happy Gilmore at No. 6.
What This Means For The Streaming Future Of Why Him?
The Movie's Success Could Be Down To Its Simple Formula
In many ways, Why Him? was a movie harking back to a simpler time in filmmaking, where all that was really required to achieve box office success was to hire attractive stars for mid-budget rom-coms, throw in a peppering of profanity, and audiences would flock in their droves. These days, it feels like people want a little bit more from their theater trips, but this means movies like Why Him? can find their niche on streaming, where people can enjoy them from the comfort of home.
The movie might be formulaic, as evidenced by Why Him?'s poor reviews, but that is sometimes exactly what people are looking for, and streaming services allow audiences to enjoy easy-to-watch films that they don't always have to think too hard about. This, combined with a strong cast, and a few laugh-out-loud moments will doubtless have helped the movie to rise to the top of the charts, and whilst there is no way of knowing how long the movie will continue to excel on Hulu, for now it has clearly struck a chord with viewers.
Bryan Cranston has a long reputation for great films, mainly due to the strict criteria he follows for accepting roles, and Paul Rudd ruined this.
Why Him?'s streaming success also falls in line with many other similarly undemanding comedies released as Hulu Originals in recent years, which have found an array of success. Some of the more notable include that of the John Cena-led Vacation Friends movies and Awkwafina and Sandra Oh's Quiz Lady, the latter of which went on to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.
Our Take On What Why Him?'s Streaming Success Means
Franco Has Made A Creative Pivot To Independent Film Since His Personal Controversies
Franco has been plagued by personal controversies in recent years that have kept him out of the spotlight, but the star settled his lawsuit in 2021, and will no doubt be looking to make a comeback. Whilst his day's of starring in big-budget studio projects could be over, Franco has several independent projects currently in the works, including the superhero movie Bunny-Man, and Why Him?'s success on streaming appears to have come at a good time for the controversial star, as he looks to get his career back on track.
Source: Hulu
Why Him? is a comedy film directed by John Hamburg, starring James Franco as an eccentric Silicon Valley billionaire who tries to win the approval of his girlfriend’s father, played by Bryan Cranston. The movie explores the chaotic and humorous interactions between the overprotective father and the free-spirited boyfriend, leading to a series of comedic events.
Director John Hamburg
Release Date December 23, 2016
Writers Ian Helfer , John Hamburg
Cast Keegan-Michael Key , Andrew Rannells , Zoey Deutch , Casey Wilson , James Franco , Griffin Gluck , Adam Devine , Bob Stephenson , Bryan Cranston , Megan Mullally
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English (US) ·