The Lucky One (2012) | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

20% Tomatometer 148 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings

U.S. Marine Sgt. Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) returns home from his third tour of duty in Iraq with the one thing he believes kept him alive: a photograph of a woman he doesn't even know. He learns the woman's name is Beth (Taylor Schilling) and goes to meet her, eventually taking a job at her family-run kennel. Though Beth is full of mistrust and leads a complicated life, a romance blooms, giving Logan hope that Beth could become more than just his good-luck charm.

Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

Where to Watch

The Lucky One

The Lucky One

What to Know

Critics Consensus

While it provides the requisite amount of escapist melodrama, The Lucky One ultimately relies on too many schmaltzy clichés to appeal to anyone not already familiar with the Nicholas Sparks formula.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View All (148) Critics Reviews
The Lucky One (2012) | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard After this performance no further evidence is needed of Efron's ability to do vulnerability and puppy love - we're ready now to see whether he can show any bite. Rated: 3/5 May 4, 2012 Full Review The Lucky One (2012) | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Peter Bradshaw Guardian A tsunami of syrup and a Niagara of nonsense here in this mind-blowingly ridiculous romdram... Rated: 1/5 May 3, 2012 Full Review The Lucky One (2012) | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Robbie Collin Daily Telegraph (UK) [Efron] sells it almost single-handedly through sheer force of scrumminess. Rated: 3/5 May 3, 2012 Full Review The Lucky One (2012) | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Efron is subdued to a fault and he is constantly shot as if posing for Tiger Beat. Schilling is the opposite. Her performance is a bit manic, constantly shifting between her spunky independence and hypnotic lusty gazing. Rated: 1.5/5 Aug 23, 2022 Full Review The Lucky One (2012) | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) More gloopy romantic slush from the piffling pen of author Nicholas Sparks. Rated: 1.5/5 Oct 1, 2020 Full Review The Lucky One (2012) | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com It's doubtful that it will elicit a strong response either from its defenders or its detractors. Rated: 2.5/4.0 Sep 15, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews

Lily F A lovely romance. I really enjoyed it. I thought Zac Efron was really good and you feel his characters energy as a soldier of war. A nice film to watch that entertains and you feel happy at the end. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/03/24 Full Review Lanfranco C The pursuit of happiness following a photo Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 10/23/23 Full Review peter S I am a sucker for Zac Efron, what can I say. Action, good looking people, humour and romace at its best. Loved it. Don't be put off by the low ratings from critics. Their job description says no fun and light romantic movie shall rate high. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/08/23 Full Review Michael T The critics were right on this one. A weak script and slow moving story drove this one into the ground. The climax was particularly preposterous. The performances were OK, but the actors didn't have much to work with. Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/07/23 Full Review Kimshe B it dont want to play Rated 3/5 Stars • Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/26/23 Full Review Henrik S It is a visually stunning and well-made romance film that explores themes of destiny, second chances, and love. The emotional complexities of the characters create a profound sense of empathy and investment in their journeys. With exceptional performances and an enchanting setting, the film delivers a heartfelt story. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/11/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Lucky One

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

Scott Hicks Director Zac Efron Logan Thibault Taylor Schilling Beth Blythe Danner Ellie Riley Thomas Stewart Ben Jay R. Ferguson Keith Clayton
Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew

More Like This

View All Best Movies to Stream at Home

Nights in Rodanthe 30% 52% Nights in Rodanthe Watchlist If I Stay 36% 61% If I Stay Watchlist The Best of Me 12% 59% The Best of Me Watchlist TRAILER for The Best of Me Tyler Perry's Good Deeds 36% 76% Tyler Perry's Good Deeds Watchlist The Vow 32% 63% The Vow Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Related Movie News

View All Related Movie News
Critics Consensus: The Lucky One Can’t Catch a Break

Photos

View All The Lucky One photos

The Lucky One

View more photos

Synopsis U.S. Marine Sgt. Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) returns home from his third tour of duty in Iraq with the one thing he believes kept him alive: a photograph of a woman he doesn't even know. He learns the woman's name is Beth (Taylor Schilling) and goes to meet her, eventually taking a job at her family-run kennel. Though Beth is full of mistrust and leads a complicated life, a romance blooms, giving Logan hope that Beth could become more than just his good-luck charm.

Director
Scott Hicks

Producer
Denise Di Novi, Kevin McCormick

Screenwriter
Will Fetters, Nicholas Sparks

Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures

Production Co
DiNovi Pictures

Rating
PG-13 (Violence|Some Sexuality)

Genre
Drama, Romance

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 20, 2012, Wide

Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 1, 2015

Box Office (Gross USA)
$60.4M

Runtime
1h 41m

Sound Mix
Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital
Most Popular at Home Now
The Lucky One (2012) | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Last Updated:

Views: 5937

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Birthday: 1993-03-26

Address: 917 Hyun Views, Rogahnmouth, KY 91013-8827

Phone: +5938540192553

Job: Administration Developer

Hobby: Embroidery, Horseback riding, Juggling, Urban exploration, Skiing, Cycling, Handball

Introduction: My name is Fr. Dewey Fisher, I am a powerful, open, faithful, combative, spotless, faithful, fair person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.