The Hustle Exits Netflix: A Comedy of Errors and Exit Strategies
Mark your calendars, folks! Anne Hathaway’s illustrious 2019 buddy comedy, The Hustle, will soon be scampering out of Netflix’s streaming library. Set your alarms for Thursday, March 12, 2026 (thanks to the helpful folks at What’s on Netflix). Why? Because who wouldn’t want to miss their chance to watch Hathaway and Rebel Wilson rip off wealthy men while, ironically, leaving their own wallets empty?
This cinematic masterpiece is a fresh take on the timeless art of deception, also known as life in the modern economy. It’s like the 1988 classic Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, but with a sprinkling of female empowerment — or at least that’s what the filmmakers thought. In this version, two femme fatales, Josephine and Penny, join forces to swindle rich guys in an extravagant challenge of wits compared to a high-stakes poker game, but with more heels and fewer chips.
As fate would have it, Josephine and Penny’s rivalry kicks off when our dear Josephine learns that Penny has managed to lift the wallet of a target she had her eye on. How original! Naturally, she promptly has Penny thrown in the clink, proving once and for all that catty behavior is truly timeless. But not to worry—Josephine later decides to pay Penny’s bail, apparently proving that friendship is indeed more valuable than money, or at least bail money.
The duo ultimately join forces to take down tech billionaire Thomas Westerburg—because who doesn’t want to take a shot at a millionaire with a penchant for investing in apps nobody needs? As they scheme, the charming antics unfold, showcasing their competitive spirit, and we’re left cheering for whichever character’s con works best. Spoiler alert: neither plan includes frugality or saving methods.
Starring dynamic duo Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson, the supporting cast is populated by familiar faces like Dean Norris from Breaking Bad, alongside Alex Sharp, Timothy Simons, and Rob Delaney—each likely wondering what led them into this wild heist of a film. Originally titled “Nasty Women” (which, for some reason, sounds like a failed reality show), the film was rebranded to The Hustle after serious marketing strategy sessions, or so we hope.
Now, let’s talk scores! Spoiler alert: not the kind that wins Oscars. With a resounding 13% on Rotten Tomatoes from a plethora of critics (171, to be exact), this film achieved the kind of acclaim that makes you wonder if it was actually intended to be a parody. Coupled with a Popcornmeter score of 45% from over 2,500 users, this film didn’t pack a box office punch either, amassing around $97 million worldwide on an eyewatering $21 million budget. Who knew scamming could be so unprofitable?
So, as The Hustle prepares to exit stage left from Netflix, perhaps it’s time to consider your own exit strategies—like saving your money for quality entertainment instead. After all, if Anne and Rebel can’t even successfully part a million from those unwise billionaires, should we really expect to find financial wisdom in a movie titled The Hustle? Best to stick to your own wallet and hustle for those money-saving hacks on your way out.
