I like to think I have good taste in movies. However, I'm no stranger to a hot take, and my enjoyment of “Regretting You” definitely puts me in rare company. This 2025 romantic drama was no critical darling (it holds a miserable 29% on Rotten Tomatoes), and I can absolutely see its flaws. But I can’t pretend it’s not a total guilty pleasure watch.
Adapted from the Colleen Hoover movie of the same name (so prepare for “trauma porn”), “Regretting You” is a movie packed with family melodrama, rebellious teens and parents who definitely don’t have life all figured out. It’s cheesy and predictable, but thanks to a strong cast and an ultimate destination that ends on a feel-good high, I can’t hate it.
“Regretting You” just arrived on Prime Video (on Friday, April 24), so if you skipped this romantic drama in theaters and enjoyed previous Hoover adaptations like “It Ends With Us,” here's why I think you should ignore the critics and give it a chance. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
What is ‘Regretting You’ about?
“Regretting You” introduces viewers to the Grant family: mother Morgan (Allison Williams), father Chris (Scott Eastwood), and daughter Clara (Mckenna Grace). Also, Morgan’s sister, Jenny (Willa Fitzergerld), and her partner, Jonah (Dave Franco). It’s a tight-knit, happy unit.
Of course, this is a movie based on a Colleen Hoover novel, so the good vibes don’t last very long. When a devastating car accident reveals an unthinkable betrayal, the remaining family members are left reeling and forced to confront the wreckage of their once-perfect life.
In the devastation, Clara finds solace in the local “bad boy,” Miller Adams (Mason Thames), which creates new drama and additional hurdles for this family in turmoil to navigate together.
Why you should give ‘Regretting You’ a chance on Prime Video
“Regretting You” works because of its cast. Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace and Dave Franco are a very likable trio to build a movie around, and Willa Fitzgerald and Scott Eastwood make for strong support. Even Mason Thames, despite being the weakest link, is charming enough, even if his character, a "bad boy" with a heart of gold, is very generic.
I’d compare the movie to trashy reality TV; the melodramatic twists and turns get pretty ludicrous, and can feel like a little much on occasion. The two young leads (Grace and Thames) treat their budding love like the most important thing in the world, while the grown-ups grapple with their own problems. And some of the dialogue is hugely corny.
I could absolutely poke holes in “Regretting You.” Its major flaws are apparent, and it runs longer than necessary, recycling narrative beats throughout. Despite all this, I found myself getting swept up in the drama and intensity. That’s why it’s a guilty pleasure. I know it’s no masterclass in any department, but I was invested from start to finish.
While the movie does revolve around a lot of unpleasantness in the middle portion — the Grant family is really put through the wringer — it all culminates in a sweet conclusion, with an elaborate prom proposal and plenty of twinkling string lights. It brings needed warmth, and works as a palate cleanser after so much trauma and tearful moments.
As I’ve already noted, critics were not taken with “Regretting You.” In fact, the RT summary is pretty brutal, labeling it “Regrettable all around.” But regular viewers have my back, rating it a strong 84% on the review aggregate site’s Popcornmeter. If you know what you’re getting into, then “Regretting You” will deliver the tears, smiles and charm you want.
But if you’re still not convinced that “Regretting You” is worthy of a spot on your watchlist, here’s a guide to everything new on Prime Video in April 2026. Or check out these movies about to be removed from the streaming service. This is your last chance to watch them.
Watch "Regretting You" on Prime Video now
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