How to Be Single
"Welcome to the party"
New York City hums with possibility and complication as a circle of single people tests what dating means today. Alice Kepley, cautious yet hopeful, navigates a string of misfires while deciding what she wants from a relationship. Robin is fearless and blunt, chasing romance and independence... Read more
Watch NowNot Currently Available On (8 platforms)
Streaming availability last verified: February 24, 2026
About How to Be Single
New York City hums with possibility and complication as a circle of single people tests what dating means today. Alice Kepley, cautious yet hopeful, navigates a string of misfires while deciding what she wants from a relationship. Robin is fearless and blunt, chasing romance and independence without apology. Lucy brings warmth and pragmatism, turning casual encounters into lessons in self respect. Meg balances friendship and desire with sharp humor and a motherly streak. Tom and David orbit the same social scene, hoping to find something real without losing their sense of self. Across the busy streets, their stories intersect through witty banter, awkward moments and honest conversations about love, freedom, and the evolving rules of modern dating and timing, too.
Directed by Christian Ditter, How to Be Single draws on an original screenplay by Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein and Dana Fox. The film pairs a stylish New York setting with an ensemble that leans into comic chemistry and witty energy.
How to Be Single earned about 112,343,513 worldwide against a 38 million budget, making it a solid performer for a mid budget romantic comedy. Its box office reflects broad middle tier appeal and performed well internationally for a romantic comedy.
Rebel Wilson's quick one liners and Dakota Johnson's earnest charm helped shape the film's playful vibe, making the title a go-to pick for friends nights out and date night comedies and casual dating stories. That mix of sass and warmth resonates with viewers who want laughs and sense of empowerment.
Audiences hoping for light romance will likely leave satisfied, while those seeking sharper satire may wish for bolder twists. Still the film's everyday humor and strong ensemble provide a relatable snapshot of dating in a big city. Its message about independence without cynicism resonates beyond the date night vibe today.
Details
- Release Date
- February 08, 2016
- Runtime
- 1h 50m
- Rating
- R
- User Ratings
- 3,317 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Comedy, Romance
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- New Line Cinema +2 more
- Budget
- $38,000,000
- Box Office
- $112,343,513
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Dakota Johnson
Alice Kepley
Rebel Wilson
Robin
Leslie Mann
Meg
Alison Brie
Lucy
Damon Wayans Jr.
David
Anders Holm
Tom
Nicholas Braun
Josh
Jake Lacy
Ken
Jason Mantzoukas
George
Colin Jost
Paul
Director: Christian Ditter
Written by: Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein, Dana Fox