Another one of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling books has hit the big screen, but was it another blockbuster hit? “Regretting You,” a story that follows a complicated family dynamic, a strained mother-daughter relationship, and first loves, tells a compelling, dramatic story of love, loss, betrayal, and the classic tale of right person, wrong time.

Director Josh Boone takes a twisted tale of complicated relationships and dilutes it with trending songs, light-hearted dialogue, vibrant lighting, and a sense of humor that brings his audience back to the early 2000’s romantic comedies. In fact, 2026 seems to be the year for the genre, with other romantic comedies hitting the big screen alongside it that share the same spirit.

While the movie was a hit on social media with a trending hashtag for the movie on TikTok, critics and audiences had a different opinion of the film. According to Rotten Tomatoes, a premier online movie review source; the movie scored an 85 percent on the Popcornmeter (the consensus made up of audience viewers) while the movie itself from critics got a 29 percent.

Rotten Tomatoes summarized their audience reviews with “As toasty as a well-worn blanket, “Regretting You” is a cute antidote to doom and gloom that wraps viewers in a candy-filled story, rewarding them with laughter and tears.” Their critics score simply stated “Regrettable all around.” The drastic difference poses the question: Was the movie worth the attention and should you go see it?

The film’s straightforward storytelling and lack of emotional performances make it easy for audiences to cope with the tragic storyline and connect with the characters without needing to read deeply between the lines.

Movie critic Monica Castillo said “None of the performances from Williams, McKenna, or Franco feels particularly heartfelt, just good practice for their tear ducts.”

The film, despite the emotional depth it deserves, focuses on reconciliation, growth and second chances, allowing viewers to experience emotional release without the weight of a complex or demanding narrative.

For audiences seeking comfort, familiarity and a good laugh, “Regretting You” delivers a predictable but effective emotional experience. That predictability is not necessarily a weakness, however. For many viewers, especially fans of Colleen Hoover’s novels, the appeal lies in knowing what kind of emotional ride they are signing up for, and “Regretting You” does exactly that. The film does not aim to surprise or
challenge its audience, but instead offers a familiar energy filled with sentimental moments, romance and lighthearted humor that feels comforting rather than disappointing.

There’s still time to celebrate Galentine’s Day, and “Regretting You” is definitely one of the movies to do it with. Grab your popcorn and your friends and cuddle up for this generation’s romantic comedy — one that doesn’t have to make perfect sense or win an Oscar to deliver a heartfelt story.

While it may not impress critics, it succeeds in doing exactly what it sets out to do: entertain, tug at the heartstrings and offer viewers a feel-good escape for a couple of hours.