Melissa McCarthy’s 2018 Comedy Life of the Party Is Back on Top as Netflix’s No. 1 Movie

Melissa McCarthy is once again winning over audiences — this time on Netflix. Her 2018 college comedy Life of the Party has unexpectedly soared to the No. 1 spot on the streaming service’s U.S. movie chart, seven years after its theatrical release. The film was added to Netflix on November 1, and within days, it overtook heavy hitters like K-Pop Demon Hunters and the political thriller A House of Dynamite, proving that even a modest box office performer can find fresh success in the streaming era.

Originally released in May 2018, Life of the Party was directed by Ben Falcone — McCarthy’s husband — and co-written by the duo. It stars McCarthy as Deanna Miles, a cheerful, middle-aged mom whose life is turned upside down when her husband abruptly asks for a divorce. Rather than wallow in heartbreak, Deanna decides to return to college to complete the degree she abandoned years earlier — at the same university her daughter Maddie, played by Molly Gordon, attends.

The film’s charm lies in its upbeat premise and McCarthy’s trademark energy. Deanna dives headfirst into campus life — from late-night parties to awkward classroom moments — and quickly becomes a hit among Maddie’s friends, played by Adria Arjona, Jessie Ennis, and Gillian Jacobs. Along the way, she rebuilds her confidence, strengthens her bond with her daughter, and learns that it’s never too late to start over.

Despite its good-natured humor, Life of the Party wasn’t exactly a critical darling upon release. The film earned just $65 million worldwide on a $30 million budget and was met with lukewarm reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave it a 38% score, while audiences weren’t much kinder, settling around 40%. The site’s consensus summed it up neatly: “Life of the Party’s good-natured humor and abundance of onscreen talent aren’t enough to make up for jumbled direction and a script that misses far more often than it hits.”

Still, there’s something to be said for McCarthy’s enduring appeal. The movie’s resurgence at the top of Netflix’s charts highlights how streaming platforms can breathe new life into older titles, especially as viewers crave lighthearted comfort watches during the holiday season. As noted by outlets like CBR and PureWow, audiences seem to be leaning into feel-good comedies this time of year — and McCarthy’s warm, chaotic energy fits the bill perfectly.

Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting it for some easy laughs, Life of the Party is a fun, carefree watch. It may not be the most profound or tightly crafted comedy, but it’s packed with enough charm, nostalgia, and good vibes to make for an enjoyable movie night. And its unexpected rise to Netflix’s top spot shows that audience love sometimes matters more than critic scores.

If you’re in the mood for something light, goofy, and packed with Melissa McCarthy’s unmistakable spark, you can stream Life of the Party on Netflix right now.