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Hustlers

Hustlers

2019110 minRMidcredits score: 58th percentile of all films
Director
Lorene Scafaria
Starring
Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer

A crew of savvy former strip club employees band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Hustlers?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Hustlers streaming on Hulu and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Hustlers?

Hustlers earns 6 badges, led by Standout acting and Box Office Hit.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Hustlers worth watching?

Hustlers' Midcredits score is the 58th percentile of all films, from 451K ratings across 6 sources. 48% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

58th percentile

Better received than 58% of films

66th percentile among Comedy58th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)66th
Approval (how many liked it)49th

66 /100

66th percentile of all films

75th percentile among Comedy66th percentile among 2010s

Critics 79 · Audience 65

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

48% liked it

49th percentile of all films

55th percentile among Comedy49th percentile among 2010s
48% rated it 7–1052% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 65%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 24 wins / 73 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

87th percentile

451K ratings across platforms

86th percentile among Comedy88th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$20M
Opening weekend$33M
Domestic gross$105M
Worldwide gross$158M

Returned 7.9× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a stylish, female-driven crime drama about strippers conning Wall Street men, driven by Jennifer Lopez's magnetic presence.

Fans praised

  • Jennifer Lopez's career-best, commanding performance
  • strong central friendship between Wu and Lopez
  • energetic, stylish direction with Scorsese-like verve

Detractors panned

  • thin, repetitive plot with little narrative depth
  • underdeveloped characters, especially supporting cast
  • glamorizes unethical, criminal behavior without real consequence

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu praised for chemistry and commitment; detractors call Lopez's performance overhyped or just playing herself

Sound and musicDivisive75

energetic soundtrack of late-2000s hits; some found score too loud or disconnected

AtmosphereDivisive75

immersive recreation of strip-club world and post-recession New York

OriginalityDivisive60

fresh female-perspective twist on familiar rise-and-fall crime story; detractors call it derivative of Goodfellas

Emotional impactDivisive55

genuine poignancy in Wu's family struggles; detractors found it hollow and manipulative

Plot and storyDivisive45

engaging true-story premise but repetitive heist sequences and weak third act

CharactersDivisive45

believable friendship between leads but many side characters are shallow and forgettable

PacingDivisive40

dragging middle section and overlong runtime; fans find it energetic initially

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 9 points apart
  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Hustlers like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you want something light and affecting.

It has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Exuberant · 2% of films: Bursting with energy and joy in its own filmmaking.Playful
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its material with a playful, energetic energy, never fully ironic but winking at the audience while remaining sincere towards its characters.
The rideThe mood shifts between the flashy highs of the scheme and the tense, somber lows of the crime and its fallout, sustaining a moderate pressure throughout.
StructureThe story is told through a present-day interview framing device, with the main narrative unfolding chronologically in flashback.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you reflecting on the moral compromises of survival and the bond that broke, with a hint of hope for reconciliation.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rags
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% (this title) · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Rise and fall: Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).

3% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeDestiny and Ramona, strippers hit by the 2008 financial crisis, devise a con to drug and rob Wall Street clients, leading to a rise and eventual fall.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Friendship · 9% of filmsAmbition · 7% of filmsSurvival
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the intense friendship between Destiny and Ramona, tested by ambition and the need to survive after the 2008 financial crisis.
StanceThe film observes the friendship and its collapse without overt judgment, presenting both the appeal and the costs of the criminal life.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
PopSupportive music · hybrid
SettingNew York City strip clubs and surrounding streets around the 2007-2008 financial crisis
MusicThe soundtrack features pop and hip-hop tracks that underscore the club atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Hustlers okay for kids?

R

Hustlers is rated R: “Rated R for pervasive sexual material, drug content, language and nudity” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (32/100), sexual content at intense (72/100), language at intense (76/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (81/100) and frightening material at mild (28/100). Overall it is heavier than 61% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland16
  • New Zealand16
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil16
  • Belgium18
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary16
  • LTN-16
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • RO18
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18 (edited)
  • SK15
  • Spain18
  • Sweden11
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 77% of all filmsHeavier than 61% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 13%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 90%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 66%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 93%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 14%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is drug and alcohol content, language, and sexual content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Hustlers have?

MovieCove's classifier found 4 depicted content warnings in Hustlers: Domestic violence (moderate), Drug overdose (moderate), Addiction or relapse (mild), Gore or body horror (mild). 2 more are mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Sexual harassment or grooming, Sexual violence. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateDomestic violenceDrug overdose
MildAddiction or relapseGore or body horror
MentionedSexual harassment or groomingSexual violence

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Hustlers?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Constance Wu
as Destiny
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jennifer Lopez
as Ramona
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Julia Stiles
as Elizabeth
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Keke Palmer
as Mercedes
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Lili Reinhart
as Annabelle
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Mercedes Ruehl
as Mom
Cardi B
as Diamond
Mette Narrative
as Justice
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Madeline Brewer
as Dawn
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Trace Lysette
as Tracey
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Hustlers?

Movies like Hustlers include Two for the Money (2005), Molly's Game (2017) and Truth (2015). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set on Wall Street, and several are films with a frame story.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its character type: mentor and protégé. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Hustlers?

2.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: true crime. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.