Is The Hating Game Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Hating Game is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 102 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Hating Game Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2021, The Hating Game emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Comedy, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Resolving to achieve professional success without compromising her ethics, Lucy embarks on a ruthless game of one-upmanship against cold and efficient nemesis Joshua, a rivalry that is complicated by her growing attraction to him. Unlike standard genre fare, The Hating Game attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Hating Game features a noteworthy lineup led by Lucy Hale . Supported by the likes of Austin Stowell and Corbin Bernsen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Hating Game (2021) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Hating Game Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Hating Game is a Drama, Comedy, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Resolving to achieve professional success without compromising her ethics, Lucy embarks on a ruthless game of one-upmanship against cold and efficient nemesis Joshua, a rivalry that is complicated by her growing attraction to him. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
The Hating Game Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Hating Game resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Hating Game reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Hating Game?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of The Hating Game
- Lucy Hale – Lucy Hutton
- Austin Stowell – Joshua Templeman
- Corbin Bernsen – Bexley
- Sakina Jaffrey – Helen
- Damon Daunno – Danny
Top Highlights
Lucy HaleLucy Hutton
Austin StowellJoshua Templeman
Corbin BernsenBexley
Sakina JaffreyHelen
Damon DaunnoDanny
Yasha JacksonJulie
Shona TuckerJeanette
Kathryn BoswellMindy
Sean CullenAnthony Templeman
Nance WilliamsonElaine Templeman
Where to Watch The Hating Game Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsParents Guide & Age Rating
The Hating Game is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Hating Game stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2021 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hating Game movie hit or flop?
The Hating Game is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Comedy, Romance movies.
Is The Hating Game worth watching?
Yes, The Hating Game is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Comedy, Romance cinema.
Where can I watch The Hating Game online?
The Hating Game is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Hating Game
How The Hating Game Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Hating Game
For about five minutes there's an amusing degree of toxicity between rivals "Lucy" (Lucy Hale) and "Josh" (Austin Stowell) who are both vying for the new job as managing director at their firm. They share an office and a very thinly veiled attraction to each other and after a few snide comments the smart-mouthery goes the way of the dodo and off we go on a predictable rom-com that surprisingly enough manages to string itself out for almost one hundred whole minutes of precisely no jeopardy, very little comedy and writing that is the stuff of a pubescent fantasy. How can a couple, called "Lucy" and "Josh" not hit it off? It's not like they are called Geoffrey and Gladys! Add to this rather watery mix poor old "Danny" (Damon Daunno) who is keen on her but ends up being her emotional pin-cushion, and her warring bosses "Helen" (Sakina Jeffrey) and a clearly down on his luck Corbin Bernsen ("Bexley") and we have the makings of an instantly forgettable, cheesy and predicable yarn that even the dulcet tones of Nina Simone cant really breathe life into. Daytime telly fodder - nah!
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Lucy Hale
Pretty Little Liars: A-List Wrap Party
Disney Parks Presents a Disney Channel Holiday Celebration
Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration