Verdict:How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Comedy, Romance, Drama genre.
Answer: Yes, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 2008, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Sidney Young is a down-on-his-luck journalist. Under the direction of Robert B. Weide, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Simon Pegg. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Fandango At Home roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of How to Lose Friends & Alienate People centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. Sidney Young is a down-on-his-luck journalist. Thanks to a stint involving a pig and a glitzy awards ceremony, Sidney turns his fortunes around, attracting the attention of Clayton Harding, editor of New York-based glossy magazine 'Sharps', and landing the holy grail of journalism jobs. The Brit jets off to the Big Apple and moves from one blunder to the next. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2008 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of How to Lose Friends & Alienate People has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a How to Lose Friends & Alienate People sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (2008): with an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Comedy, Romance, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $28,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $17,286,299 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The estimated production budget for How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is $28,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Fandango At HomeFandango At HomeAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is a Comedy, Romance, Drama movie that follows: Sidney Young is a down-on-his-luck journalist. Thanks to a stint involving a pig and a glitzy awards ceremony, Sidney turns his fortunes around, attracting the attention of Clayton Harding, editor of ...
Yes, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Comedy, Romance, Drama movie.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Sidney Young is a down-on-his-luck journalist. Thanks to a stint involving a pig and a glitzy awards ceremony, Sidney turns his fortunes around, attracting the attention of Clayton Harding, editor of New York-based glossy magazine 'Sharps', and landing the holy grail of journalism jobs. The Brit jets off to the Big Apple and moves from one blunder to the next.
I think Simon Pegg is probably better served as a comedic actor in his native British movies, he's proven himself in that field time and time again, but when it comes to things like _How to Lose Friends & Alienate People_ he is never given the opportunity to shine, and it's the lacklustre, derivative movies themselves (like this one) that are to blame. Also, he starts this movie already alienated and he doesn't have any friends, so the title is like??? _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
