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How to Be Single
How to Be Single
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How to Be Single
Theatrical release poster
Directed byChristian Ditter
Screenplay by
Story by
  • Abby Kohn
  • Marc Silverstein
Based onHow to Be Single
by Liz Tuccillo
Produced by
  • John Rickard
  • Dana Fox
Starring
CinematographyChristian Rein
Edited byTia Nolan
Music byFil Eisler
Production
companies
Distributed byWarner Bros. Pictures
Release dates
  • February 9, 2016 (2016-02-09) (London)
  • February 12, 2016 (2016-02-12) (United States)
Running time
110 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$38 million[2][3]
Box office$112.3 million[2]

How to Be Single is a 2016 American romantic comedy film directed by Christian Ditter and written by Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein and Dana Fox, based on the novel of the same name by Liz Tuccillo. It stars Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Damon Wayans Jr., Anders Holm, Alison Brie, Nicholas Braun, Jake Lacy, Jason Mantzoukas, and Leslie Mann, and follows a group of women in New York City who have different approaches on how to be single.

The film was theatrically released in the United States on February 12, 2016, by Warner Bros. Pictures. It grossed $112 million worldwide and received mixed reviews from critics.

Plot

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Alice temporarily dumps her college boyfriend Josh. She then moves to New York City to be a paralegal and live with her sister, Meg, an OB/GYN who has no interest in having a baby of her own or being in a relationship. Alice befriends wild Australian co-worker Robin, who enjoys partying and one-night stands, and local bartender Tom, who embraces the bachelor lifestyle and hooks up with several women, including Alice. Tom meets Lucy at his bar when she uses his Internet for free; she explains she is looking for "the one" using various dating sites.

Alice meets with Josh, ready to reconcile. He explains he is seeing someone else, which distresses her. Meg has a change of heart while watching over a baby, deciding to have a child of her own via a sperm donor.

Shortly after she becomes pregnant, Meg unexpectedly hooks up with a younger man, Ken, after meeting him at Alice's office Christmas party. He, the law office receptionist, is smitten with her. She tries to break it off, but he continues to pursue her. Thinking Ken is too young for her to have a future with, Meg hides the pregnancy from him.

Back at Tom's bar, Lucy has a string of horrible dates, at which point he realizes he has feelings for her. In an attempt to put herself out there, Alice attends a networking event, where she hits it off with a man named David.

Lucy has been in a relationship for three weeks with Paul, who reveals he has been seeing other people, thinking she was doing the same, and breaks up with her. Lucy breaks down at her volunteer job reading to children at a bookstore. George, who works there, soothes her, and they begin a relationship.

Alice and Robin attend Josh's holiday party; Alice finds she cannot watch Josh with his new girlfriend. She runs into David, who shows her a private view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, dazzling her, and they begin a relationship. Three months later, as she is singing with David's daughter Phoebe, he becomes upset with her, reminding her that she is not Phoebe's mother. His wife died two years earlier and David believes it is too soon for Phoebe to have a stepmother. They break up as a result.

Tom becomes upset with Lucy's relationship with George and invites Alice to get drunk. They talk about their frustrations with their feelings for Josh and Lucy and sleep together to distract themselves. Ken discovers Meg is pregnant but is eager to help raise her child. She, fearing that he is not truly committed, ends the relationship.

At Alice's birthday party, Robin invites Tom, David, and Josh without Alice's knowledge, as she thought it would be funny. Shaken by the presence of all three men, Alice confronts Robin. Tom confesses his feelings to Lucy, but she announces she is engaged to George. Josh approaches Alice, and they make out but stop when she discovers he is now engaged and is merely looking for closure with her.

Invigorated by a desire to find herself, Alice leaves to go home. Her cab hits Robin, who was trying to stop the cab for Meg, who is in labor. They rush to the hospital, where Meg gives birth to a baby girl. Ken convinces her to resume their relationship, while Alice rekindles her friendship with Robin.

Alice reflects on her time living alone and being single. Meg and Ken are together, while Robin continues her old habits. Tom opens up to the possibilities of non-casual relationships. Lucy marries George, and David talks to his daughter about her mother. Alice explores the Grand Canyon by herself to witness the sunrise on New Year's Day: a dream she had always had.

Cast

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Production

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Development and casting

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The film rights for the Liz Tuccillo novel were purchased in 2008, the same year as the book's publication.[4] Drew Barrymore was initially attached to direct[5] however she was replaced in 2013 with Christian Ditter.[4]

Lily Collins was in early talks on February 24, 2014, to join the cast of the film.[6] Alison Brie was in talks to join the film on June 19, 2014.[7] Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, and Leslie Mann were all cast in the film on January 29, 2015.[8] Damon Wayans Jr. was added to the cast on March 6, 2015.[9] Jason Mantzoukas and Nicholas Braun were also cast, on April 14, 2015; Braun played the love interest of Johnson's character, while Mantzoukas played the love interest of Brie's. Anders Holm was cast as Tom, and Saturday Night Live performer Colin Jost was also cast in a supporting role.[10] Dan Stevens was also cast, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts in favour of Beauty and The Beast.

Filming

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Principal photography began on April 20, 2015, in New York City,[11][12] and ended on June 25, 2015.[13]

Reception

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Box office

[edit]

How to Be Single grossed $46.8 million in the United States and Canada and $65.5 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $112.3 million, against a production budget of $38 million.[2]

In the United States and Canada, the film opened alongside Deadpool and Zoolander 2 and over its four-day President's Day opening weekend was projected to gross $20–25 million from 3,343 theaters.[14] The film made $700,000 from its Thursday night previews and $5.3 million on its first day.[15] It went on to gross $17.9 million in its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office behind Deadpool ($132.8 million) and Kung Fu Panda 3 ($19.8 million).[16] In its second weekend the film grossed $8.2 million (a 54% drop), finishing fifth.[17]

Critical response

[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds an approval rating of 45% based on 155 reviews, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "How to Be Single boasts the rough outline of a feminist rom-com, but too willingly indulges in the genre conventions it wants to subvert."[18] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 51 out of 100 based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[19] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale.[16]

Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film three-and-a-half out of four stars, praising the film's supporting cast and script.[20] Alonso Duralde of the TheWrap wrote:

The script offers enough laughs to keep the movie from feeling completely disposable... and it outshines many of its genre peers through little touches like not punishing its female characters for enjoying sex and casting Damon Wayans Jr. (as a romantic interest for Alice) in a role in which his race is thoroughly irrelevant.[21]

The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw gave it 1/5 stars, writing, "Wilson has one or two good lines, but this film looks like it’s been put together by one of Brie's dodgy algorithms."[22] Linda Barnard of the Toronto Star gave it 1.5/4 stars, writing, "Unsure what kind of movie it wants to be, How To Be Single is a messy mix of everything, burying the final, genuinely felt 20 minutes that could have saved this intermittently amusing, sloppily made rom-com."[23]

Accolades

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People's Choice Awards nominated How to Be Single as Favorite Comedic Movie, but it lost to Bad Moms.[24]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
How to Be Single is a American film directed by and written by Abby Kohn, , and , loosely based on the 2008 novel of the same name by . The film stars as Alice, a young woman who moves to after ending a long-term relationship, where she explores single life alongside her free-spirited coworker Robin (), her older sister Meg (), and other friends seeking love and independence. Released on February 12, , by , it grossed $112.5 million worldwide against a $38 million budget, marking a moderate commercial success. The story centers on Alice's journey of self-discovery in Manhattan, as she works as a paralegal and encounters various romantic entanglements, including a flirtation with bar owner Tom (Anders Holm) and an attempt to find a sperm donor for Meg, who struggles with fertility. Supporting characters like the commitment-phobic Lucy (Alison Brie) and the heartbroken David (Damon Wayans Jr.) highlight diverse approaches to singledom, emphasizing themes of empowerment, friendship, and personal growth amid the city's vibrant nightlife. Critically, the film received mixed reviews, with a 45% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 155 reviews, praised for its ensemble cast and humorous take on modern dating but criticized for relying on rom-com clichés and uneven pacing. Rebel Wilson's comedic performance was a standout, contributing to the film's lighthearted yet relatable portrayal of post-college independence.

Background

Source material

How to Be Single is a written by and published on June 10, 2008, by Atria Books, an imprint of . The book spans 357 pages and explores contemporary women's experiences with relationships through a blend of humor and introspection. , an American author, television writer, and producer, is best known for her role as an executive story editor on the series , where she contributed to episodes during its final seasons, and for co-authoring the bestselling relationship advice book He's Just Not That Into You with . Born in , New York, Tuccillo drew from her own travels and observations to craft the novel, marking her debut in fiction. The story centers on Julie Jenson, a 38-year-old single book publicist in , who, disillusioned after her best friend's marriage falls apart, quits her job to embark on a year-long global journey exploring how women in various cultures experience single life, relationships, and self-discovery. Interwoven with Julie's adventures in destinations like , Rio de Janeiro, , and are vignettes of her friends' romantic entanglements back home, highlighting themes of independence, the diverse global perspectives on singledom, and personal growth through travel and reflection. The narrative emphasizes female amid societal pressures to couple up, using humor to examine the complexities of modern and the joys of self-reliance. Upon release, the novel received mixed reviews. Kirkus Reviews commended Tuccillo's insights into cultural contrasts in relationships but critiqued the characters as somewhat shallow, likening the tone to Sex and the City. The book inspired a loose adaptation in the 2016 film of the same name.

Development

The film rights to Liz Tuccillo's novel How to Be Single were acquired by New Line Cinema in 2008, the same year the book was published, with the project set up in association with Flower Films. In 2011, Drew Barrymore attached herself to direct the adaptation, which at that stage featured an initial screenplay by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, known for their work on He's Just Not That Into You. Barrymore later departed the project, leading to a directorial change in 2013 when Christian Ditter was hired to helm the film, with Dana Fox contributing additional screenplay revisions. The production was overseen by producers John Rickard and , with a established at approximately $38 million. Key cast members, including and , were announced in early 2015 as approached. In adapting the , which centers on a protagonist's global travels to explore single life across various cultures, the screenplay shifted the narrative to a setting, emphasizing the experiences of single women navigating local dating scenes, nightlife, and personal relationships within an urban environment.

Synopsis and cast

Plot

Alice Kepley ends her long-term relationship with her college boyfriend and moves to to start a new job as a at a , eager to discover what it means to be independent and single. Upon arriving, she moves in with her older sister , a successful obstetrician-gynecologist who has sworn off relationships to focus on her career, and quickly befriends her outgoing coworker Robin, who revels in the freedoms of single life through and adventures. Alice's initial forays into dating introduce her to Tom, the charming but commitment-phobic owner of a trendy bar, leading to a fleeting romantic encounter that highlights the city's vibrant but unpredictable social scene. As Alice navigates her new reality, her friendships deepen amid various subplots: Robin embarks on a series of wild, no-strings-attached escapades, encouraging Alice to let loose, while Meg, facing her biological clock, decides to pursue motherhood through fertility treatments and anonymous one-night stands, resulting in an unexpected pregnancy. Alice also forms a more serious connection with David, a kind-hearted doctor and single father, but their budding romance is complicated by his lingering grief over his late wife. Meanwhile, Lucy, a serial monogamist and acquaintance through Tom, experiments with modern dating apps in search of her soulmate, only to find herself drawn into Tom's orbit despite his playboy ways. Through breakups, heart-to-hearts, and humorous mishaps—like Robin's disastrous attempts at romance and Meg's evolving views on partnership—Alice grapples with self-doubt, learning to prioritize her own growth over romantic validation. The group's dynamics reach a turning point as Meg gives birth to a healthy baby girl with the support of her friends, and Lucy unexpectedly finds love outside her algorithmic pursuits. Alice, reflecting on her entanglements with Tom and , experiences a painful with the latter but emerges empowered, choosing to embark on a solo road trip to the Grand Canyon. In the film's resolution, Alice stands alone at the canyon's edge to witness the sunrise on , realizing that true fulfillment comes from within, not from coupling up, as her friends pursue their own paths in varying states of singledom and partnership.

Cast

The film features a ensemble cast led by as Alice Kepley, the protagonist navigating post-breakup single life in . portrays Robin, Alice's outgoing coworker who embraces casual hookups and a carefree lifestyle. plays Meg Kepley, Alice's career-focused older sister and a successful obstetrician seeking motherhood on her own terms. stars as Lucy, an optimistic romantic determined to find lasting love and start a family. In supporting roles, Damon Wayans Jr. appears as David, a charming and widowed doctor at Meg's fertility clinic. Anders Holm is cast as Tom, the charismatic bar owner who embodies a relaxed approach to dating. Nicholas Braun plays Josh, Alice's devoted but now ex-boyfriend from her college days. Additional cast members include Jake Lacy as Ken, a potential romantic interest; Jason Mantzoukas as Wallace, Robin's witty and supportive best friend; and Brent Morin as Lucy's date. Rebel Wilson's performance as Robin draws from her established comedic persona as a bold, unapologetic , building on roles in films like . For Dakota Johnson, the lead role marked a shift to lighter following her dramatic turn in , allowing her to showcase a more relatable and humorous side.

Production

Casting

The casting process for How to Be Single began in early 2014, with initial attachments forming during the film's development phase as the script was finalized under director . In February 2014, entered early talks for a lead role, though she ultimately did not join the production. By June 2014, was in negotiations to star in the ensemble , marking one of the first major commitments. The bulk of the principal cast was assembled in early 2015, with announcing on January 29 that had been attached as the lead Alice, while , , and were in advanced talks to join the project. This announcement highlighted the film's focus on an ensemble dynamic to deliver its comedic exploration of modern relationships. In March 2015, entered negotiations for a key supporting role, adding to the group's chemistry. By April 2015, was in talks to join, alongside supporting actors and , with roles like Jake Lacy's finalized around the same period to round out the ensemble. No major replacements occurred after these initial attachments, allowing the production to proceed with the selected group emphasizing comedic interplay.

Filming

Principal photography for How to Be Single commenced on April 20, 2015, in and concluded on June 25, 2015, spanning approximately ten weeks. The production was directed by , with cinematography handled by Christian Rein, a longtime collaborator from Ditter's days who employed handheld techniques to capture intimate close-ups amid the city's dynamic environments. The film was shot entirely on location in , utilizing various real-world sites to evoke the bustling energy of . Key sequences took place on streets, in bars such as at 55 Gansevoort Street (doubling as the fictional bar where character Tom works), offices, apartments, and fertility clinics to depict the characters' professional and personal lives. Additional exterior shots for the film's ending were captured separately at in . Production faced logistical hurdles typical of urban ensemble filming, including the need for flexibility during improvised scenes—particularly those involving Rebel Wilson—and coordinating complex setups in crowded nightlife venues to authentically portray New York City's vibrant social scene. One early challenge arose on Leslie Mann's first day, where a fertility clinic scene with infants required multiple takes due to the babies' unpredictable reactions, demanding patience from the cast and crew. These elements contributed to the film's grounded, cinematic depiction of single life in the metropolis.

Music

Score

The original score for the 2016 romantic comedy film How to Be Single was composed by Fil Eisler, a Czech-born, English-raised composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his diverse work across film and television, including the survival thriller Arctic (2018) and series such as Revenge (2011–2015) and Empire (2015–2020). Eisler's score incorporates upbeat, romantic orchestral and electronic elements to underscore the film's comedic and emotional beats, with key cues such as "Alice's Theme" highlighting the protagonist Alice's arc of personal growth and independence. Other notable tracks include "David Broke Up With Alice" and "Lost In The Dicksand," which blend humor with heartfelt undertones to match the narrative's tone. The score is integrated into transitional scenes, character montages, and the Grand Canyon finale, where Alice hikes alone to witness the New Year's sunrise, evoking the film's themes of freedom and self-discovery. These original compositions contribute substantially to the 110-minute runtime, complementing the licensed songs by providing tailored musical support for the story's intimate and exuberant moments.

Soundtrack

The film How to Be Single features over 40 licensed songs spanning pop, indie, and electronic genres, enhancing its portrayal of urban through energetic and playful sequences. Notable tracks include Taylor Swift's "Welcome to New York," which plays during the as characters like Robin party in the city and reflects on relationships. and GTA's "Intoxicated" underscores party scenes, such as Alice arriving in New York by cab and Robin waking up after a night out. Spoon's "Don't You Evah" accompanies montages, including conversations at Tom's bar between and Tom. The ' "" energizes bar scenes where Alice and Robin navigate social interactions and Tom demonstrates flirtation dynamics. Of these, 14 songs appear on the official . The How to Be Single (Original Motion Picture ) is a released digitally on February 5, 2016, by , curated to capture the film's vibrant, carefree single-life atmosphere with a mix of contemporary pop, , and electronic tracks. It includes standout songs like Travis Mills's "Young & Stupid," which highlights themes of youthful recklessness (though not included on the ), and K7's "," evoking nostalgic club energy. Other highlights feature Fifth Harmony's "Worth It" (feat. ) and Nick Waterhouse's "This Is a Game," blending upbeat rhythms suitable for the movie's social escapades. The did not achieve significant chart positions but remains available on streaming platforms including and .

Release

Theatrical release

The film had its New York premiere on February 3, 2016, at the NYU Skirball Center. distributed How to Be Single for a wide theatrical release in the United States on February 12, 2016, opening in 3,343 theaters domestically. The international rollout began earlier, with releases in select markets including on February 8 and on February 10. The Motion Picture Association of America rated the film R for sexual content and strong language throughout, with a runtime of 110 minutes. Promotional campaigns, including official trailers, highlighted themes of female empowerment and the experiences of single life in .

Home media and streaming

The release of How to Be Single occurred on May 24, 2016, when Home Entertainment issued the film on DVD and Blu-ray formats. The Blu-ray edition, pressed on a single BD-50 disc, featured in a 2.40:1 with , while the DVD offered standard-definition presentation. Both formats included special features such as the "The Pros and Cons of How to Be Single" (5:10), in which the cast discusses their characters; "Rebel Rabble: A Look at " (3:52); "Dakota's Dating Diary" (2:48); "The Making of How to Be Single" (10:20); a gag reel (4:04); and deleted scenes (7:40, with optional director commentary). Special editions bundled the with a via , redeemable until December 31, 2019. Digital distribution began earlier, with availability for , purchase, and rental on platforms including , Amazon Video, , and Vudu starting May 3, 2016. These options provided high-definition streaming or in formats compatible with most devices, enabling ahead of the physical discs. As of November 2025, How to Be Single streams ad-free on in select regions, including the . It was previously available on Max, with confirmed streaming periods including June 2021 and February 2022. Rental and purchase options remain accessible on Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), , and Apple TV, typically at $3.79 for a 48-hour rental in HD. Although it streamed on through March 2024, it is not currently available there on a regular basis. No significant re-releases or remastered editions have been announced since 2020.

Reception

Box office

How to Be Single was produced on a budget of $38 million. The film grossed $46.8 million in the United States and , $65.7 million in other territories, and $112.5 million worldwide. It earned $17.9 million in its domestic opening weekend from 3,343 theaters, finishing third at the behind and . The film remained in for nine weeks domestically, with its international performance showing stronger appeal in key markets such as , where it grossed $24.1 million, and , with $7.9 million. Its profitability was supported by the modest production and sustained global demand for romantic comedies, ultimately earning approximately three times its cost. Compared to similar romantic comedies like Trainwreck, which earned $110.2 million domestically on a $35 million budget, How to Be Single underperformed in but exceeded initial international projections, contributing to its overall financial success as a mid-tier release.

Critical response

How to Be Single received mixed reviews from critics. On , the film holds a 45% approval rating based on 155 reviews, with an average score of 5.2/10. The site's consensus states that the film "boasts the rough outline of a feminist rom-com, but too willingly indulges in the genre conventions it wants to subvert." On , it has a weighted average score of 51 out of 100 based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. Critics frequently praised Rebel Wilson's comedic performance as the raunchy and rowdy Robin, noting that she "generates a number of heartfelt laughs" amid the film's ensemble. The movie's lighthearted exploration of female friendship and single empowerment was also highlighted positively, with some reviewers appreciating its "very human story" about women navigating independence in New York City. Additionally, the vibrant depiction of New York City as a backdrop for romantic escapades received occasional acclaim for its energetic, candy-coated charm. However, common criticisms centered on the film's reliance on formulaic romantic comedy tropes, which many felt undermined its subversive intentions. Reviewers described it as featuring "warmed-over subplots from Sex and the City," leading to comparisons of the movie as a "half-hearted Sex and the City remake." Uneven pacing and underdeveloped subplots were also frequent complaints, with the narrative often called a "mixed-up patchwork" that wears out its welcome through silly but disjointed antics. Audience reception was more favorable than critical, as evidenced by a B grade from polls conducted on opening night. Themes of independence and female solidarity resonated with some viewers, particularly younger women, though others found the portrayal of superficial and clichéd. Reviews noted no significant cultural legacy or lasting impact for the film.

Accolades

How to Be Single received limited recognition from awards bodies, primarily in comedic and music categories, with no major wins at prestigious ceremonies such as the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Awards, or MTV Movie & TV Awards. At the 43rd People's Choice Awards in 2017, the film was nominated for Favorite Comedic Movie alongside entries like Bad Moms, Central Intelligence, Deadpool, Ghostbusters, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and Zootopia, but ultimately lost to Bad Moms. In the music domain, the film's soundtrack album, featuring various artists and released by , earned a nomination at the 2016 for Best Soundtrack Album. The Film Critics Society included How to Be Single among its 2016 nominations for Worst Film of the Year (the Golden Pineapple Award), nominated alongside , , , and . Rebel Wilson, who played a supporting role as Robin, received no specific nominations in Teen Choice Awards categories for her performance in the film. The movie was absent from major film festivals and did not garner significant technical awards for its score by John Newman and Mike Higham, editing by Priscilla Nedd-Friendly, or cinematography by Tim Suhrstedt. Overall, these sparse accolades underscore the film's mixed reception, with no enduring legacy honors recorded as of 2025.

References

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