Director Will Gluck, known for romantic comedies like Easy A and Anyone But You, is back with a new film that puts a fresh spin on the genre. One Night Only takes place in a world where single people are only allowed to have sex on one specific night each year. The movie follows two strangers who meet on that very night and spend it trying to find each other across New York City. Universal Pictures is distributing the film, and it is set to arrive in theaters worldwide in August 2026.
US and Canada Theatrical Release Date
One Night Only will open in theaters across the United States and Canada on August 7, 2026. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes (102 minutes). It carries an R rating for sexual material, language, and brief nudity. This means viewers under 17 will need an adult to accompany them.
International Release Dates
The movie is rolling out in different countries around the same time. Here are the confirmed release dates for various regions:
- Belgium: August 5, 2026
- Australia: August 5, 2026
- United States and Canada: August 7, 2026
- Taiwan: August 19, 2026
- Ireland: August 28, 2026
- Argentina: September 3, 2026
Some sources also list August 6 and August 27 for certain territories. The official Universal Pictures website confirms August 7 as the primary North American release date.
Where to Watch One Night Only
One Night Only will be available exclusively in movie theaters starting August 7, 2026. Tickets can be purchased through major theater chains like AMC, Cineplex, and Atom Tickets. The film is being distributed by Universal Pictures.
As of now, there is no official streaming release date for One Night Only. The movie will likely become available on digital platforms and streaming services after its theatrical run, but no details have been announced yet. For now, the only way to watch it is on the big screen.
Cast and Characters
The film features a strong cast led by two rising stars. Monica Barbaro (Top Gun: Maverick, A Complete Unknown) plays Allie, a hopeful romantic. Callum Turner (Masters of the Air, Fantastic Beasts) plays Owen, who has just been dumped. The supporting cast includes:
- Maya Hawke (Stranger Things)
- Julia Fox (Uncut Gems)
- King Princess (indie pop singer, Nine Perfect Strangers)
- Ben Marshall (Saturday Night Live)
- Ziwe (Baited with Ziwe)
- Molly Ringwald (Feud: Capote and the Swans)
- LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
- Michelle Hurd as Detective Vanessa Bryan Brown
- Roma Maffia as a Bodega Owner
- Okieriete Onaodowan as Tejan
Molly Ringwald and LeVar Burton joined the cast later, adding veteran presence to the film.
What is One Night Only About?
The movie is set in a slightly fictionalized version of New York City. In this world, there is a strict rule: single people are only allowed to have sex on one night each year. On that night, the city transforms as singles rush to find partners.
Owen (Callum Turner) has just been dumped by his girlfriend right before this special night. Allie (Monica Barbaro) is a hopeful romantic who is also single and looking for something real. The two strangers meet and feel an immediate spark. However, a series of missteps and side quests keep them apart throughout the night. As they race across the city, trying to find each other, they might discover that what they are looking for is closer than they think.
Director Will Gluck described the film as being about “two people who are alone, with no one, trying to figure out what to do on this crazy night”. The movie has drawn comparisons to The Purge because of its unusual premise, but instead of crime, it is about romance and connection.
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Why You Should Watch One Night Only
One Night Only brings together a talented director and a strong cast for a romantic comedy with a unique twist. Will Gluck has a proven track record with modern rom-coms. His previous film Anyone But You was a box office success, and he brings that same energy to this project. The cast also has real chemistry. Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro said they “hit it off immediately” while making the film.
Early reviews have been positive. One critic called it “a feel-good crowd-pleaser” that is “funny, sweet, gorgeous to look at, and impossible not to root for”. Another described it as “a small, humorous movie” with “a huge heart”. The film’s premise is ridiculous, but it seems to win audiences over.
The movie also offers something different from typical romantic comedies. The high-concept setting creates opportunities for comedy and chaos. It is not just about two people falling in love. It is about the obstacles that keep them apart on the one night when anything is possible. For fans of Gluck’s earlier work or anyone looking for a fun, original rom-com, One Night Only is worth watching when it arrives in theaters.
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