Scarlett Johansson's Comedy Resurfaces on HBO Max as Global Streaming Hit

Published on April 17, 2026, at 3:29 PM EDT, Adam Bentz—senior news writer at ScreenRant with nearly 5,000 published pieces—delves into the latest entertainment buzz. His journey began with studies in creative writing and screenwriting at Southern New Hampshire University, complemented by an internship at The Borgen Project, dedicated to combating global poverty. Among his notable contributions is the editorial work on a Leonardo DiCaprio compilation that garnered over 150,000 views, alongside his personal forays as an amateur film critic featured on his blog.

In a separate spotlight, Johansson’s latest comedic project has reignited interest across streaming platforms. Celebrated across genres, she portrayed nine Avengers characters as Black Widow before joining a new blockbuster franchise. Her recent accolades include two Oscar nominations for Best Actress for her performances in "Marriage Story" and "Jojo Rabbit," marking her among the select few achieving such recognition. Yet, it’s her bold, irreverent comedy that now dominates streaming charts.

The film, originally released nine years prior, has seen a remarkable revival on HBO Max. Directed by Lucia Aniello—who co-wrote the script alongside Paul W. Downs, creators of "Hacks"—the 2016 romantic comedy centers around Johansson’s character facing unexpected peril during a bridal retreat in Miami. Today, it claims the top spot globally, surpassing several international releases and holding strong in Latin America and the Caribbean. Although unavailable in the U.S., it remains accessible via rental or purchase on platforms like Prime Video starting at $3.99.

The ensemble cast features Emmy nominees and winners including Jillian Bell, Kate McKinnon, Ilana Glazer, Zoë Kravitz, Paul W. Downs, Demi Moore, Ty Burrell, Bo Burnham, Eric André, and Hasan Minhaj, contributing to both critical acclaim and audience appeal. Despite a 45% Rotten Tomatoes rating, with praise for comedic talent overshadowed by uneven execution, audiences responded even more negatively, awarding it 29%. Financially, the movie grossed $47 million worldwide against a $26 million budget, hinting at modest profitability. Nine years later, "Rough Night" endures as an unexpected streaming phenomenon on HBO Max.

Visually, the film boasts high production values, highlighted by striking cinematography and dynamic performances, reflected in its 7.0/10 rating. Its release date was June 15, 2017, with a runtime of 101 minutes under director Lucia Aniello. The cast’s charisma shines through memorable scenes, particularly Johansson’s spirited delivery during key moments, capturing both humor and heart. For viewers eager to experience the revival, the film is available for immediate enjoyment, offering a blend of nostalgia and contemporary edge that continues to captivate fans worldwide.

Where to watch: Available for rent or purchase on multiple major streaming services. Writers: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs. Expand | Collapse | Like | Follow.