Move over, Demogorgon. Gaten Matarazzo, beloved for his role as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, is conquering a new realm: the stoner comedy. His latest project, the aptly named Pizza Movie, has quickly ascended to become the most-watched film on Hulu, proving the young actor's star power extends far beyond the Upside Down.
As the cast of Netflix's iconic series continues to forge new paths post-Hawkins, Matarazzo's choice is a hilarious departure. In Pizza Movie, he plays Jack, a college student whose simple quest for a late-night slice spirals into a full-blown, drug-induced odyssey. The film taps directly into the comedic timing fans loved in Dustin, repurposing it for a raucous, R-rated adventure.
From Hawkins to Hulu: A Streaming Smash
According to streaming analytics from FlixPatrol, Pizza Movie has claimed the #1 spot on Hulu just days after its debut. This surge in popularity highlights a strong viewer-driven success story, especially notable as it goes up against established hits like Jason Statham's The Beekeeper, which is also climbing the platform's charts.
The film comes from the creative minds of Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher and follows a familiar yet beloved stoner-comedy blueprint. Matarazzo is joined by The Goldbergs alum Sean Giambrone as Montgomery, his equally hapless friend. What begins as a mission to navigate two flights of stairs turns into a surreal night involving a colorful ensemble including Lulu Wilson, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Marcus Scribner, and Sarah Sherman.
Is This Late-Night Adventure Worth Your Time?
Critics have given Pizza Movie a warm, if not rapturous, reception, with a 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus? It's a charming, unserious blast perfect for turning off your brain. Don't expect a cinematic revolution, but do expect broad laughs.
In his review for Collider, Ross Bonaime praised the film after its SXSW 2026 premiere, calling it "a charming throwback to the stoner comedies that inspired it" that successfully turns a simple premise into "something broad, wild, and expansive." He notes that while the concept might stretch thin by the finale, the film delivers clever fun and fills a gap for uncomplicated comedies.
This success story mirrors other surprise streaming hits that find their audience outside the traditional spotlight. Much like how Ridley Scott's 'Alien: Covenant' Became a Late-Night Streaming Hit on HBO Max, Pizza Movie demonstrates the power of a specific genre finding its perfect, relaxed viewing window. It's a different kind of thrill than the high-stakes drama found in shows like Netflix's chart-dominating 'Bloodhounds', but it clearly satisfies a major audience craving.
For fans of Matarazzo or anyone seeking a no-fuss comedy, the recipe is simple. Pizza Movie is now streaming exclusively on Hulu, serving up 92 minutes of chaotic, collegiate fun. It's a tasty reminder that sometimes, all you need for a hit is a familiar face, a relatable craving, and a seriously weird trip.
